Leaving Rovinj, we stopped at Skocjan Caves in Slovenia. Unfortunately, my phone was out of batteries at this point, so I couldn't take any photos, but fortunately, photos weren't allowed in the cave anyway. It is one of the largest cave complexes in Europe with an underground river, dramatic caverns, a bridge crossing the river, and numerous impressive stalactites and stalagmites. After this, we continued on to Ptuj, where we stayed slightly outside of the town in te village of Gorisnica. For me, the hotel was like heaven after camping, camping villages, and dormitories. Plus, their outdoor restaurant included a play area, so I could enjoy a beverage while the kids were completely occupied on the swings and such. (Gunnar enjoyed their slightly questionable art right next to the play area!). The next day we headed into Ptuj. I chose this town as a nice halfway point between the coast and Hungary. Plus, I had read in a guidebook that it is the most beautiful town in Slovenia. Well, while the town wasn't dramatically gorgeous, but it was pleasant and peaceful. It dates to Roman times when it was called Poetovio. We particularly enjoyed touring the castle and the interactive exhibit with Kurant costumes. The Kurant is a folk character invoked during Carnival in the region. Phoebe and I looked terribly stylish, I must say! The next day we headed back into Croatia (each entry in and out of Croatia earned passport stamps...the only ones on the trip other then Frankfurt airport, sadly) to visit the Krapina Neanderthal Museum. This was highly impressive. It's a brand new museum and very interactive, so the kids even liked it and didn't complain! My biggest take away is that the Neanderthals were extremely intelligent, and I felt a certain sadness in their demise. We saw how they buried their dead, nursed the sick, practiced seasonal rituals and were probably even verbal. These new and exciting interpretations will only continue to evolve over time. Following this, we drove some small roads across the Croatian countryside and eventually entered the land of the Magyars, finally some flat land for me, Hungary.
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