16976

Austria: The Premiere of Skrivnostna formula

Nada and I headed to Sele to watch the play Skrivnostna formula ("The Mysterious Formula"). The young cast delivered an excellent performance, full of energy, humour, and unexpected twists. The story revolved around a mysterious formula that sparked curiosity, adventures, and a series of amusing situations, keeping the audience entertained from beginning to end.

The actors did a fantastic job, proving once again that enthusiasm and dedication can create a truly enjoyable theatre experience. After the final applause, the evening continued with refreshments in the parish hall, where the performance had taken place.

 

Professors Julius and Edvin are convinced they have discovered a drink that can make people more intelligent. Since they already consider themselves above-average in intelligence, they decide to test it first on Edvin's sister, Hedvika. The experiment appears to work, but in an unexpected way: Hedvika transforms from a grumpy housewife into an exceptionally obedient person. The change is quickly noticed by both of the professors' secretaries, and especially by the nieces and nephews who come to visit. As everyone tries to figure out what has happened to Hedvika, the theatre suddenly loses power and the performance takes an unexpected turn, turning into... a quiz show!

Young actors of Mladinska skupina Gledališke šole KPD Planina Sele.

Great job.

Skrivnostna formula

#play

16974

Slovenia: Full Moon

The full moon has long been blamed for all sorts of things: sleepless nights, strange decisions, and the occasional person struggling to find their way home. Science may not fully support these stories, but the fascination with a glowing full moon remains as strong as ever.

While hiking with Bronco, our eyes kept drifting skyward.

#hiking #CatahoulaLeopardDog

16970

Croatia / Slovenia: Bizeljsko

After lighting candles in Pregrada on All Saints' Day, we crossed the nearby border and headed to Bizeljsko. We parked in the village and set off on a hike to Bizeljsko Castle, following the marked trail through the peaceful autumn countryside.

Although we stayed on the official route at first, we somehow managed to take a wrong turn and found ourselves wandering through the hills longer than expected. What was supposed to be a straightforward walk turned into a slightly longer adventure, but eventually we reached the castle. The extra distance was soon forgotten as we explored the historic building and had the chance to look inside its rooms and corridors.

For the return journey, we chose a better-marked route and made our way back to the starting point without any further detours - Garmin Connect.

The Parish Church of St. Lawrence rises above the vineyards and rolling hills of Bizeljsko.

The ascent had just begun, and Bronco was eager to explore every step of the trail.

The picturesque landscapes of Bizeljsko, known for its vineyards and traditional wine cellars.

Lost on the way... or maybe not. We weren't entirely sure.

As we continued our journey, Bizeljsko Castle appeared on the horizon.

 

As we approached the castle, we had no idea whether it would be open or what to expect. In the end, we were welcomed by the castle's caretaker, who showed us around the interior and shared a few stories, especially about the state's relationship with the castle over the years. Of course, no visit would have been complete without stopping by the wine cellar as well.

 

We were able to visit the residential section and the Baroque chapel, dedicated to Saint Jerome, but large parts of the castle remain closed because the aging structure is considered unsafe.

A glimpse into the past: an old TV and several books dedicated to Josip Broz Tito.

The inner courtyard of the manor.

Adam Wisell also took us on a tour of the wine cellar.

Underground.

 

The return journey went smoothly, and the reward was a tasty pleskavica grilled in the fireplace at home.

Geocache found:

- Bizeljske poti: grad Bizeljsko, GC3WKK5, that received a visit by trackable items "Second Angel of peace", TBA8B55 and "Twin Star", TB33TN8

#hiking #geocaching #CatahoulaLeopardDog

16969

Croatia: Exploring Hrvatsko Zagorje and Medvednica

For the Reformation Day and All Saints' Day long weekend, Nada, Bronco, and I headed to the Croatian Zagorje region. While Nada spent Reformation Day relaxing at the Tuhelj Thermal Spa, Bronco and I set out on a long walk to Tuheljske Toplice - Garmin Connect.

After reaching the spa, we picked up the car and spent the rest of the day exploring Hrvatsko Zagorje and the Medvednica area, with geocaching providing the perfect excuse to discover interesting places along the way. Our route took us to Dvorac Gjalski and the remains of Dvorac Donje Oroslavje, two historic castles that offer a glimpse into the region's rich past.

Continuing our journey, we drove up Medvednica to Planinarski dom Puntijarka, a popular mountain hut and a favourite destination for hikers and nature lovers. Along the way, we enjoyed the peaceful autumn scenery, colourful forests, and several successful geocache finds.

In the afternoon, we returned to Tuheljske Toplice to pick up Nada, and together we continued back to our weekend house in Prigorje.

St. Anne's Church in Gornja Plemenščina, watching over the surrounding vineyards and hills of Zagorje.

Autumn at its finest in the rolling hills of Zagorje.

Dvorac Bežanec, a reminder of the region's rich cultural heritage.

 

A peaceful walk through the colourful forests.

Bronco.

A bench with a view, surrounded by the gentle hills.

Dvorac Gjalski, the former home of Croatian writer Ksaver Šandor Gjalski.

Time has taken its toll, but the old manor still tells its story - Dvorac Oroslavje Donje.

A view of Hrvatsko Zagorje from the slopes of Medvednica.

Around 12 to 13 million years ago, the area of present-day Zagreb was covered by the Pannonian Sea, while Medvednica stood as an island. In the 19th century, fossil remains of a young whale about six metres long were discovered in Podsused. Since it belonged to a previously unknown species, the Belgian paleontologist named it Mesocetus agrami, after Agram, the historic German name for Zagreb.

 

After a long day exploring, Bronco was ready to call it a day.

Geocaches found (all received a visit by trackable items "Second Angel of peace", TBA8B55 and "Twin Star", TB33TN8):

- Dvorac Gjalski, GC43864

- DVD Pavlovec cache, GCATRZ9

- Dvorac Oroslavje Donje, GC59HX7

- Pored potoka, GC7CYF0

- Malo odmorište, GC95MQJ

- Lovački dom-geocache, GCA1HYZ

#hiking #geocaching #CatahoulaLeopardDog

16963

Austria: Rjavca

Bronco and I spent the day hiking to Rjautza. The morning was cold, and a light dusting of snow covered parts of the summit area, but the sun soon took over and turned it into a beautiful autumn mountain day. Clear skies, fresh air, and great views made for another enjoyable outing in the Karawanks - Garmin Connect.

The sun had yet to reach the shaded side of the Karawanks when we hit the road.

Fresh snow and no tracks ahead. It looked like we were the first on the move that morning.

The first rays of sunshine finally appeared.

  

The higher we climbed, the whiter the landscape became.

Golden larches glowing beneath a fresh blanket of snow.

 

Finally on the summit of Rjautza, 1789 m.

From Rjautza, the view opens towards the main Karawanks ridge and the prominent peak of Vrtača.

Looking east towards the ridge known as Na Možeh.

The summit cross, the mountain breeze, and endless views.

Looking towards Košuta, the longest ridge in the Karawanks.

Bronco and Tuši.

Descending from the summit, our eyes were drawn to the Žingarica ridge.

#hiking #mountains #Karawanks #CatahoulaLeopardDog

16961

Slovenia: Grenlandija #2

Some performances are worth seeing more than once. After first watching Grenlandija in May 2025 (16801), I returned to see it again in Križe today. The second viewing was every bit as entertaining as the first, with plenty of laughs, great energy from the cast, and enough depth behind the comedy to keep the audience thinking long after the final curtain. 

Written by Slovenian playwright Vinko Möderndorfer, Grenlandija is a comedy that combines sharp humor with social satire. The story follows a wealthy businessman who, fearing financial loss, transfers his assets to his elderly grandmother. What seems like a clever plan quickly takes an unexpected turn when the grandmother decides to take control of her newfound wealth and live life on her own terms.

An outstanding performance by the cast of KUD Podljubelj.

Another memorable performance by 3. vrsta, 5. sedež. Looking forward to seeing what they bring to the stage next.

#KUDPodljubelj #stage