We leave on Wed. and cannot wait. It will be our 21st trip to Europe, but this time we get to spend a week in magical Venezia. You know I have done my homework, but will appreciate any last minute gems from the Venice lovers. We will also spend 6 nites in the best kept secret in Europe--Slovenia. Any tips for here will also be great. Of course, you can expect a trip report after I return and recover.

Have a wondeful holiday Bob and be sure to tell us about it.

Bob<BR><BR>Can you tell me what's the best kept secret about Slovenia? I'm tentatively planning a Balkans tour and would like any info on Slovenia that's out there... Have a great trip by the way!

It's a small world - while you are in Venice/Slovenia, I will be in Ecuador.

Envious of your journey to those two destinations. It's been several years since visiting Ljubljana, but I remember seeing a wonderful bronze door on a prominent church near the downtown market area. (Can't remember the name of the church.) It's done in high relief and depicts several popes emerging out from the background in a row, the most forward one being the current Pope John Paul. It was commissioned as part of his (then upcoming) visit, I believe. If you haven't seen it, and you like art, it might be worth a long look. And, since the church is so centrally located you might find yourself walking right past it. I thought it was very well made. <BR>Like others, look forward to reading your trip report.

Jimbo, I was originally attracted to Slovenia by Don & Linda Freedman at their site www.thetravelzine.com. I then did some homework and got brochures from www.sloveniatravel.com. We will spend 5 nites there and see the capitol city of Ljubljana, said to be a mini-Prague, the Julian Alps and Lake Bled, and the Adriatic coastal villages. The more you read the better it sounds--I will report more later.

Bob, Where are you staying in Venice??<BR>They all seem so expensive---help !!

BOB,<BR>Will you be staying at the Hotel Slon in Ljubljana?

In Venice we have an apt.--rented from the same people that own the Locanda Barbarigo. It would have been my hotel choice for value and location. In Ljubljana, the Slon was our first choice but was full so we are at the Hotel Turist. We have not reserved for the coast and will free lance.

We look forward to your trip report.<BR>Having made 10 six week trips to Europe since 1988, we are always looking for new adventure opportunities

Buon viaggio Bob !!!