May 2016

First up – our transport for the next few weeks.

We picked up our red Fiat in Trieste.  The process was a little stressful but amusing nonetheless.

There was much confusion plus a rather nerve wracking departure from the Avis car park as it took some time to work out the gears.  This steep learning curve was not made easier as it was accompanied with lots of Italian hand waving and words we couldn’t understand, but could feel the contemptuous meaning, from the Avis employee.  Oh dear.

At last we set off on our most adventurous road trip so far, gingerly turning onto the main road while frantically checking the left instead of the right as in Australia.  It felt weird.

After GPS confusion because of roadworks and getting used to driving on the other side of the road, and giving way to the left, not the right, we crossed into Slovenia only a few kms from Triesta.  Our first border crossing by car.

Jeff had planned well, and our first stop at Piran for coffee was just what we needed.

Piran is a hilly seaside holiday town that’s popular for Slovenians.  Luckily it wasn’t quite holiday season so was fairly quiet.  Built long before the need for accommodating cars, there is quite a walk from the car park at the top of the hill – about a kilometer.

We love to walk so the prospect of incidental exercise was well received.  Easy on the way down, steep on the way back, so something to be aware of if you’re not so inclined.

The village square – the centre of community for villages, towns and cities everywhere.  Here is Tartini Square in Piran, flanked by the Gothic red Venetian House and Tartini House, the birthplace of violinist Giuseppe Tartini.

Not only is Piran known as a resort destination for Slovenians, but also for its long pier.

A brief but enjoyable visit.

Jeff and Catherine x