In the beginning
As in the past, this trip begins with a stressful drive through Atlanta from our home to the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. This time, traveling with Jim and Julie, we depended on Lyft to get us there. We met a most likeable young driver, Josh. He actually lived not far from us so we could discuss Marietta politics and Marietta gossip on the ride down.
Our first experience with Turkish Airlines was a good one. The old trick, taught to me by Julie, worked this time. We booked an aisle and a window seat so the middle seat was left empty. Thus, we flew across the pond with a little extra room. As advertised, the food, too, was better than the average airline fare. (Delta, take note!)
Our layover in Istanbul was uneventful and we resisted the urge to shop! Jet lag had set in by our last leg of the flight so I hardly remember it at all. We landed in Ljublujana, Slovenia at about 4:00 pm local time (six hours ahead from ATL). Checking into the country, in front of us in line, were two young 20+ something aged men. They took a long time at the window and were eventually escorted off by 2 police officers. Just a little nervous, we approached the desk. We handed our passports to the agent. She flipped through our passports, asked not one questions, and motioned us through the gate. Not even one word! I wonder what that was all about.
Task #1 was picking up the rental car from Enterprise. We found the airport in the capital city of Slovenia to be surprisingly small, and the walk to the rental car facility was super easy. Very patient and kind car attendants helped us with paperwork, directions, and for me, most importantly, technology. We had our GPS working properly upon departure. It seems that Jim and George impressed the attendant so much that he withdrew the additional fee for ‘overage’ drivers. Geez, that brought our true age home. For this trip, though, we each saved Euros 40. Our next challenge was to buy gas and a toll pass from a service station. Interestingly, cars here are not returned FULL. Our car had 3/8 tank of petrol, and they said it is perfectly fine to return it as low as an 1/4. That’s new to us. Anyway, as in all countries we have driven, our first stop at a gas pump must be quite entertaining for the people there. I approached an unsuspecting lady and asked her how to proceed. Again, she was patient, kind, and probably laughing inwardly at my questions. You just pump first, and then go in and tell the clerk the pump number, and then pay for the gas. It’s much like we did in the 1990’s.
OK! Now we are off to Lake Bled!
