Travel the World - Week 28

This is the 28th week in my Travel the World personal challenge. Each week I am randomly choosing one country (there are 195 countries in the world) and doing a little research on that country. I then select one tidbit of information about the country as inspiration for the card I make.

This week's country is...

Slovenia

Slovenia is a small country, covering less than 0.004% of the earth's surface. It has a tiny coastline; only 30 miles long.

It is bordered by four countries: Austria, Italy, Croatia, and Hungary.

Slovenia is a country dotted with picturesque natural wonders. It has the highest number of caves (more than 10,000) in the world and more than half of the country is covered with forests.

A remarkable 53.6 per cent of Slovenia is protected land, a higher percentage than any nation on Earth except Venezuela. 

According to some research experts, the country's greatest single attribute is the Slovenes themselves: quietly conservative, deeply self-confident, remarkably broad-minded, especially tolerant and very, very hospitable.

The Solkan Bridge is the World's longest stone-arch bridge railway.It was built between years of 1900 and 1906 and features 4533 stone blocks that stretch a little over 700 feet.

Slovenia's Triglav National Park is one of the oldest parks in Europe.

The Old Vine in Maribor, Slovenia is at least 400 years old and it is believed to be the oldest vine in the world.

There are more than 10,000 caves in Slovenia. The most famous cave is known as Postonja cave.

Slovenia has many food festivals like the Salt Makers Festival, Cabbage Festival, Chestnut Sunday, and Bean Day.

With a total of 2 million people, it’s quite fascinating that about 90.000 Slovenes are beekeepers.

Lake Bled is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and a popular place for both tourists and locals. Mild thermal springs warm the water of this impossibly beautiful cobalt-blue lake to 26°C, making it a great place for a dip well into autumn: there are swimming areas on the northern and western shores. But what makes it even more special is the tiny, tear-shaped island toward the western side of the lake. On it you can visit a small museum and the lovely Church of the Assumption with some 14th-century fresco fragments and a gold baroque altar. If you need a special favour, ring the ‘wishing bell’ in the 15th-century church belfry and it will be granted.

If couples marry at the church on Bled Island, the groom must carry the bride up the 99 steps.

The world's largest ski jump is found in Slovenia.

The first married couple to reach the Mount Everest summit were Slovenians

You can pay to stay in a prison cell in Slovenia. The Hostel Celica in Ljubljana is a converted prison. 

I decided to let this Slovenia fact be the inspiration for this week's card... It is estimated that 500 brown bears roam in the forests of Slovenia.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamp: Whipper Snapper Pony Express stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Papers: Recollections Black and 110# White and SU Real Red CS and DP from my scrap file

Embellishments: Brads from unknown vendors