I intend to catch up in the next few days! Then move on to Albania comments and photos... Here are past posts that I finally have the opportunity to share...Will

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Today we managed to cycle in three different countries, with two
separate entries into one of the three. We started out from Ptuj,
after a substantial breakfast, and cycled through Slovenian territory
to Ljutomer, another Slovenian town. While this town is listed as a
tourist destination, it was almost deserted on this Sunday morning.
After a coffee there, we cycled into Croatia. As part of the EU, there
were no particular border restrictions, and the road we chose was the
straightest route to our destination for the day. I did not see a great
change as we moved from one country to another, except it did seem to
be a bit poorer in sme ways.
After only about ten miles in Croatia, we passed back into Slovenia
for ten miles, then crossed the border into Hungary. Our goal for the
day was Lenti, a small town 40 miles from Lake Balaton, the largest
lake in Europe. I was surprised to find separate designated cycle
paths along much of our route, and look forward to finding more as our
journey in Hungary continues. I was also surprised at the few people
we saw and the few cars that passed us today.
Lenti, the town we are spending the night in, is more like what I have
seen of former Soviet Union areas than the other countries we have
visited. The housing in the town is primarily large, seemingly not
well made, apartments. The stores are small and old. We will see
whether or not this is what we find in the days ahead.



SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Today was a repeat of yesterday--about 60 miles cycling through
forests, small towns, and fields. Several pretty substantial hills to
climb, then coast down. Perfect weather.
The surprise and highlight of the day took place not long before we
reached our destination, Ptuj the oldest city in Slovenia. As we
cycled along we came across a group of 12-15 people of various ages,
standing in someone's yard and singing hymns in Slovenian. I stopped
and took out my camera, and the group, although somewhat
self-consciously, finished their song. At its conclusion I motioned to
continue, and they obliged me with beautiful harmony and words which,
although I could not understand them, were words of praise.
When their song was finished one of the produced a bottle of light
wine and two glasses--one for me and one for Brian. Another of the
group came forward and, in good English, interpreted us to them and
they to us. They were a choir from the local church, practicing for
Sunday--and for a local special performance that they were about to be
late for! We said our good-byes and parted, each with memories that
only happen when God brings people from different worlds, but one in
Him, together.



In Ptuj an annual folk festival was going on, so Brian and I wandered
the riverfront listening to music and watching people. Another special
event, a serendipity of travel.
Our hotel in Ptuj. (pronounced just like it is spelled...)


FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
The sun is out, the breakfast of boiled egg, cereal, bread, juice,
coffee, ham, cheese, yogurt and banana was excellent (that is a
typical offering in Slovenia, and rooms always come with breakfast
included). So off we went. Small roads, little traffic, small
villages, short but steep hills, and a river (the Krka) by our side
much of the way. A stop at 35 miles for ice cream and coffee in a
picturesque and historic town called Novo Mesto, then on. The fields
produce corn and hay, and people are out working them, using
everything from modern equipment to hand hoes. The hay is hung on
large drying racks and the corn stacked in bins, waiting to be fed to
the animals.


After 60 miles cycling the day ended in Brezice at a hotel attached to
an Irish pub. Dinner consisted of a typical Slovenian dish of two
dumplings with a meat stew/goulash to put over it--plus a salad. Good
for energy for the day ahead!

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