Slovenia

We were missing greenery, so Slovenia was heavenly!  Funny how living in the desert changes your vacation preferences.  My criteria now includes somewhere with nature where I can show my knees and shoulders.

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We spent one night at Lake Bled and two nights near Kobarid (see orange stars below) and took a gillion photos.  Prepare yourself to be bombarded with pictures.  They are all too lovely not to share.  

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Our Slovenia adventure started at Lake Bled:

Then we crossed through the Julian Alps and enjoyed some hiking:

We were just blown away by the clarity of the water.

 Then all of Jonathon's dreams came true and we pretended to be mountain goats to visit the source of a river.

While in the Kobarid area, we stayed at a wonderful sheep ranch that had a beautiful garden with delicious produce.

Since we must conquer all tall things, we climbed this mountain.  It was difficult and glorious.

 These mountains were influential during WWI and we discovered many reminders during our hike.  You are still able to walk through the trenches.

 
We got so high that we climbed into a cloud.

And if Slovenia isn't neat enough, it has huge caves!

After Slovenia our crusade continued to a Croatian castle, but I can't write about it now because looking at these pictures made me depressed that we left all that beauty.

Minimalist Packer

I am proud of my exceptional packing skills.  With all our traveling, I have learned how to conquer suitcases.  I'm not embarrassed when I have to shuffle dirty clothes around in bags at the airport check-in counter because a bag is too heavy.  I'm not paying that baggage fee.  

I have learned what is a necessities and what is silly to bring along on a trip.  (Necessities = running shoes. (PERIOD.))  You are thinking about pack a hair dryer.  You make me laugh.  You are bring those heels 'just in case'.  If you are playing the what-if game ("What-if I need to wear a fancy dress") just stop.  You don't need to pack it unless you are positive that you will wear it.  Now, always break this rule for a swimsuit.  My mom taught me that you always pack a swimsuit and I have never been sorry.  Never.

Get your head in the game early.  Packing begins the last time you do laundry before your trip.  Don't you dare wear those clothes again before the trip.  I don't care if you look frumpy or are uncomfortable the week before your trip.  You aren't posing for photos that week or needing to be super relaxed.  That comes during the vacation.  

So if you haven't guessed, all this tough packing love is because we are traveling again.  We are nearing the end of Ramadan and Eid vacation is approaching.  Do you see all those tank tops and shorts.  These shoulders and knees are about to pop into the world with a matching smile.  This is what two weeks looks like.  I have only brought things that I know I will wear.  

The goals is to bring a suitcase slightly larger than a carry-on.  Let the games begin.  And yes, a camelback is required when we travel.

Happy birthday Christopher.  We hope it is a good one.  Happy anniversary Nate and Megan.