Every hotel had enormous buffets for breakfast and dinner included in our rate. We take half-board (breakfast and dinner) if available because it’s usually less expensive than going out and eating ala carte. We did eat out in Lubljana and Piran where there were lots of restaurants (including a McDonald’s – they are everywhere) to choose from. Karanjska Gora, Bled and Bohinj areas cater to so many tourists that buffets make it easier for hotels to quickly serve meals.

Breakfast Buffets: cooked eggs and sausages (or bacon); cold meats; hard cheeses; assorted rolls and breads (my favorite dark bread had nuts, seeds and grains); jams, jellies and honey; cereals; yoghurt; fruit; sometimes sardines; soft cheeses; juice, coffee, tea. Have I forgotten anything else a person could possibly want for breakfast?

Dinner Buffets had a multitude of choices (to cover every taste): always a vegetarian cooked dish; pasta; cooked meats (pork, veal or beef); fish; vegetables (hot and cold); rice or potatoes prepared in different styles; salad bars; bread and butter; assorted desserts including ice cream. We lost no weight in Slovenia.

On to the wine: The Istrian Peninsula is known for Refosk (a full-bodied red) and Malvazija (a dry white). There are different wine-growing areas in Slovenia and the local Information Offices will be delighted to give you a large brochure detailing wine routes through the Peninsula and Slovenia to follow.

The wine ranged from good to great. We sat outside in the sun (at a cafe in Piran) people-watching for two hours, drinking one glass of wine each for the huge total of $1.89 INCLUDING TIP AND TAXES! That’s right – $1.89 for two glasses of wine. A bottle off a wine list ranges from $12-$16. Carafes of house wine are usually about $8/liter (a liter is equivalent to a bottle). Lots to choose from and this was not an insolated incident. It’s no wonder that each time we return home and order a glass of wine in a restaurant for $5-7 a glass, I have a slight “reality” problem. “How much? I just came back from Slovenia, and the wine there was only 90 cents a glass! Why so much?” Oh well…that’s life. Go and enjoy these wonderful prices while you can.

Another plus, restaurants usually served 12 hours straight with no closing for siestas or breaks during the day. And the same holds true for grocery stores and other shops. It’s not unusual to see people eating a late lunch at 4pm, or an early dinner. Whatever you choose.

Hint - Portions are big! Consider sharing – you can always order more if you are still hungry. Remember, this is an American (who is known for her ability to pack it away) saying that portions are big!

You can drink the tap water, eat uncooked salads and vegetables. Our stomachs were very happy in Slovenia.