The Trip to Bovec

'Finally arrived in Bovec after 7 hours on buses, which was the long way round, but the views over the Vrsic pass and in the Soca valley were spectacular (see the photos).  Bovec is in the north west of the country, on the Soca river, and at the foot of the southern Julian Alps. The border with Italy is not too far away. Hence, the number of Italian tourists in town. I'll do day walks from my hotel base in the centre of town: rivers, waterfalls and mountains.

As usual it was an eventful trip. From Ljubljana we had a nice new bus with wooden floor tiling. I've not seen that in a bus before. It was unique. I wonder whether they got it cheap as left overs from a building job. The bus driver was also new, or at least to the route, as he was unsure of the stops. But it was OK because he had his young son assisting on the GPS and keeping a check on the timetable timings. But a couple of the passengers seemed a bit concerned and started giving him directions. 

We went through Lake Bled and we were inundated with people trying to get on the bus wanting to go to Ljubljana - we were headed in the opposite direction. They clearly couldn't read the sign on the front of the bus. How do these people cope with day to day life?

When we were on the freeway we passed a truck driver with his feet on the dashboard. I don't know whether that's legal let alone safe, even if technically possible.

At one stop one older woman got on complaining she has been waiting and waiting for the bus. We were three minutes early according to the published timetable. She must have another timetable - in her head.

Half way up to the Vrsic pass we stopped to pick up some walkers (not at a bus stop - and the driver let them know it) who appeared to have run out of puff and time  to get to the pass (it was about 6pm). They should be embarrassed - they were probably in their early 20s at most with small backpacks. Instead they were giggling all the time. Start earlier next time! We picked up quite a number of people not at bus stops  in the valley after the pass - and the bus driver certainly made his thoughts known to the people getting on and anyone else in earshot. Only one slight problem - there were no signs indicating where these mysterious stops were. I guess you just have to know.

Now to the hotel. For some reason they decided to locate the reception in the basement under the restaurant, so it was a challenge to find, as was my room as there are hallways running everywhere. Now the room - I know why it was so cheap. It's very basic and compact. The TV is one of those tiny, portable types. My eyes took some time to adjust to the size. Nice view of had mountains though. As I write this, they have decided to have a international music concert below my hotel window - or so it sounds. The Russian group was a bit depressing but the Mexican group was quite lively.. The Indonesian group was a bit of a concern, they asked the audience to keep away from the front of the stage as broken porcelain may be involved. Didn't hear anything. Thankfully finished at 11.20.

Anyway, some pictures from the bus (with the iPhone)...