Ljubljana to Ptuj -- Sunday

We took the train to Ptuj today -- well, most of the way.  Vladimir, our host in Ptuj had assured us (by email) the train would take us all the way to Ptuj, even though it's Sunday and most trains and buses don't run on Sunday (!) .  The woman at the train station sold us train tickets all the way to Ptuj.  So, we're sitting on the train feeling all smug and happy.  Then the conductor comes by and said (I think) we have to transfer to a bus at Krtzsfghjklmnp--or something like that (they have a shortage of vowels here).  "BUS!" I yell at him.  He says "Bus." again. And I complain we were told the train went all the way.  He ignored me and left me sputtering.  The rest of the train car seemed to find our situation amusing, but G asked around and found someone who spoke a bit of English and she said. "Ya, bus."  But how would we know where this unpronounceable town was and how would we find the bus?  We worried , but it turned out ok.  A cute little old man (who spoke not a word of English) took us under his wing and guided us off at the right time and down through an underpass and to the bus--which took off immediately after we got on.  Paul and Chris--do you empathize?  Paul, I needed you here.  Do you speak Pidgin Slovene?

Our room at Silak Rooms is wonderful.  Vladimir and Valentina are our hosts and I feel like part of their family.  Vlad showed us photos of this 800 year old building before they started to restore it.  He said the Communists had almost ruined it and were going to tear it down.  We have our own balcony overlooking the patio and a real shower!

We had supper at the restaurant Gostlina Ribic--we give it 5 stars.  best meal in Slovenia so far.  I had lobster and shrimp--but it was the sauces that made it really special.  Again., like in iceland and Scotland, we marvel at the great chefs working their art in these small towns.  Supper took us 2 and a half hours!  So it was dark and I took no photos.  I'll give you one from Ljubljana of a little Slavic boy on the main square in Ljubljana and one of G walking down to town from the castle.