The Slovenian Coast – Strunjan to Piran

So far my experience with people here is that pretty much everyone is extremely friendly and helpful. This includes Slovenians and other foreigners from all different countries. At the couchsurfing meeting i went to this week I met Anne. Originally from France, Anne has lived in Ljubljana for the past 6 months by way of Brussels. She moved here to work and so will be staying for a few years if not permanently. We met for coffee one morning and had a great conversation that led into politics at some point. Not usually my favorite topic but it was very interesting to hear the point of view of a non-American. Anne was kind enough to invite me for coffee at her place Saturday morning and a ride along to the coastal towns of Strunjan and Piran.

I rode a bike over to her place in the morning and it was fun to see an actual residence since my apartment is more of a temporary living space and decorated pretty sparsely. Her apartment (or should I say flat?) was really comfortable and stylish. Lots of bright pops of color everywhere and nice furnishings. She had a sunny patio where we had some tea and coffee while we waited for her friend Majca to join us. Majca is Slovene and so we had a great tour guide for the trip. She also proved to be just as friendly as everyone else I’ve encountered. I have been completely amazed at the fluency in which both Anne and Majca speak English and it makes me really regretful that I never mastered another language. I really wish it was something that was stressed in education in the US.

Anyway, let’s get to the point… the beach! By car the coast is about 90 minutes although it seemed much faster to me. We arrived and parked in a village called Strunjan and first walked over to the Salt Flats. They don’t produce much salt here anymore because its not the most efficient way. But it was interesting to look at and I’m told they still produce some although its expensive to purchase.

From there we walked/hiked along the hilly coastline toward Piran.

I saw quite a few houses that I wouldn't mind living in!

Majca knew about a shortcut which was a much nicer walk than along the road.

It took us down a sunny dirt path lined by a stone wall that must have been there for hundreds of years.

I can't believe how green it is here!

Every once in awhile the path would wind toward the ocean and we'd get a glimpse of the emerald-turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea.

Eventually we came to a road overlooking Piran and the Adriatic Sea.

Slovenia is full of bright bursts of color around every corner.

Majca and Anne stop for a photo as we find our way through the cobblestone streets to the town center.

Some of the alleyways were so narrow that you felt like you were indoors until you looked up and saw the sky.

We made it through the maze of streets and walkways, down the hill to the town center.

After surveying the menus of the numerous waterfront seafood restaurants we chose one and quickly ordered this local grapefruit beer. Very refreshing and not too sweet.

I was so hungry and excited to eat that I forgot to take a photo beforehand. We had mussels in a delicous butter-wine sauce, pomme frites for dipping and a seafood salad with squid and shrimp. Everything was fresh and very tasty!

I think I look like I'm enjoying myself in this photo. 😉