From Texas to Beyond

Local, Near and Far: Our journey of exploring the world.

Category: Outdoors (Page 2 of 5)

Riverside Market - Fresh Cut Flowers at the Riverside Market

The Riverside Market of Ljubljana

April 7, 2016 / / 2 Comments

Whether in the States or overseas, one of my favorite thing in the world is going to markets!  It doesn’t matter what kind of market, Christmas, food, flower, or arts and crafts markets, count me in.  I love viewing beautiful art made by local craftsmen, tasting food from chefs and buying fresh produce from local farmers.  I just love it!  This is one of the best ways to experience a local culture, which is why we loved the Riverside Market!

Riverside Market - Fresh Produce at the Riverside Market

Fresh Produce at the Riverside Market

David and I knew there was an extensive produce/flower market in Ljubljana from a Rick Steves show.  However, when our taxi driver took us from the bus station to our beautiful hotel, he told us about a food festival on Fridays called Open Kitchen.  Restaurants from all over town set up booths in the market area.  Thankfully, our stay included a Friday, so I could not imagine a better scenario!

Riverside Market - Crowds Enjoying the Friday Food Festival in Ljubljana's Riverside Market

Crowds Enjoying Open Kitchen in Ljubljana

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Ljubljana Castle - A Dragon Guards the Entrance to Ljubljana Castle
Dragon Guarding the Entrance to Ljubljana Castle

View of the City from Ljubljana Castle

December 3, 2015 / / 0 Comments

In the center of Ljubljana, on a hill which serves as its pedestal, stands Ljubljana Castle. This symbol of the city can be seen from almost everywhere in the Old and New Towns.

Ljubljana Castle - Unobstructed View of Ljubljana Castle from the Skyscraper

Unobstructed View of Ljubljana Castle from the Skyscraper

In many ways across the city, Ljubljana’s touristic appeal is growing. The funicular to Ljubljana Castle is a perfect example of this progress. Built in 2006, the funicular climbs Castle Hill within 60 seconds, saving you a steep climb on one of two paths to the top. While I normally opt for the adventure-filled route, Rebekah and I chose the funicular to save some energy for seeing the sights in the castle complex (Rebekah was 6 months pregnant after all). This is a perfect example of how modern improvements are opening up the complex to more visitors, from elderly tourists to locals dressed for fine dining at the castle’s restaurants.

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Plečnik Bridges of Ljubljana - Plečnik's Triple Bridge and the Banks of the Ljubljanica River
Plečnik's Triple Bridge and the Banks of the Ljubljanica River

Plečnik’s Bridges of Ljubljana

November 24, 2015 / / 0 Comments

When visiting Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia, it is likely you will encounter two national heroes: Plečnik and Prešeren. Jože Plečnik the architect, and France Prešeren the poet.

Today, we take a closer look at the architect, Jože Plečnik. While Plečnik is a household name in Slovenia, I feel like little is known of him in the United States, even among fellow architects.

Travel often unlocks new experiences that we did not even realize existed before traveling. In Prague, Rebekah and I fell in love with delightful Art Nouveau painter, Alfons Mucha when we experienced his Slav Epic masterpieces first-hand. We had a very similar experience in Ljubljana. The architectural influence of Jože Plečnik is a treat waiting to be unwrapped.

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Natural Bridge Caverns - Heavy Rainfall Caused the Aquifer Levels to Rise

Natural Bridge Caverns

November 5, 2015 / / 0 Comments

Between San Antonio and New Braunfels is a large cave system, Natural Bridge Caverns.   My parents, David, and I visited on a day trip from Gonzales, TX.  We had ventured there after the big rains this last spring.  Since the caves are part of our precious aquifer system (where we get most of our drinking water in Central Texas) the caves were unusually full of water.  No one could escape being dripped on!  Some of the normal trails were closed because they were under water, but that meant we got to see the caves through less traveled trails.  It was awesome!!

Natural Bridge Caverns - View of the Hall of the Mountain King From Above

View of the Hall of the Mountain King From Above

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Palmetto State Park - Palmettos

Hiking at Palmetto State Park

October 29, 2015 / / 0 Comments

Central Texas is filled with countless little-known gems. Palmetto State Park is one of these places.

On a recent trip to Rebekah’s parent’s house, the excellent weather called us outside, as it often does. Instead of spending time at our go-to outdoor venue, the family pecan farm, we ventured out. Her parents had recently visited Palmetto State Park, the setting for a church picnic. Even living only a few miles away, this had been their first visit to this little-known park.

When they recommended we hike at Palmetto for the afternoon, I was excited to visit a new state park, grabbing my camera on the way out the door.

Palmetto State Park - View of the San Marcos River

View of the San Marcos River

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