Day 3 - Slovenia!
Auf Wiedersehen Austria, zdravo Slovenia!!
Today’s Gleeified cities (in order): Klagenfurt -> Bled -> Ljublijana
After another delightful breakfast in the Seepark hotel, we em-bussed (as one of our couriers would insist) to leave to Lake Bled. Our gracious President Sloan Huebner ‘23 wore two hats on the group 2 bus, also becoming our tour guide with the go-to chime over thin microphone: “Mountains on the left” (always true, and always beautiful)
Delighting in the ease of border crossings in the EU, the most exciting part of the bus ride was the 5 mile tunnel immediately after entering Slovenia— though, despite all being singers, none of us could hold our breath *that* long to make it the entire tunnel in one breath (as some of us unsuccessfully tried).
Once arriving at Lake Bled, we were met with a fateful decision: do we go to Blejski grad (a legendary castle on a hill) or head down to the lake? Of course, where Gabriel goes, we follow. So, the vast majority of us took in the gorgeous views from the castle grounds, looking out onto the Lake and onto the only island in Slovenia.
After strolling down the hill, many a Glee Clubber discovered hidden animal whispering skills, hanging out with the ducks that lined the lakeside. Sasha Villefrenche ‘26 even befriended an affectionate and amiable gray cat.
Some even ventured by boat to the only island in the country at the middle of the lake, which houses Cerkev Marijinega Vnebovzetja (Assumption of Maria Church). While it is said that any wish you make will come true after ringing the bell on this quaint island, it cost ~8€ per person to ring the fateful bell. So, these resourceful folks tossed pebbles into the mirror-like water to have their wishes fulfilled.
While we went our own various ways for lunch, there was a universal zeal to try the acclaimed jiggly wondrousness that is a Bled cake (especially heavy on the custard). Some dashed into side shops to acquire a taste of this scrumptious treat, while others opted for a robot server to wheel them their cakes.
From Lake Bled, we traveled to the capital city of Ljublijana and arrived at our twelve story hotel, Exe Lev. From there, we walked en masse to rehearse at the Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity in Kogresni Trg where we sang a wide range from Piispa Ja Pakana (The Bishop and the Pagan ) by Tormis to The Word was God by Powell.
We concluded our day with a collective dinner at Gostilna Šestica Slovenska cesta 40, feasting on pork roast, potatoes, and polenta.
Stay tuned for more of our adventures!
~ Braiden Aaronson ‘25
