We went to the nearby town of Rogaska Slatina to see the Rogaska Crystal factory. Glassmaking has been in operation in Rogaska since 1665.

We saw evidence of this in the shop.

There was another aire in Rogaska Slatina – free this time. It was fine for parking – but it was not in a pleasant area and next to a building site so not good for an overnight stay. We decided to pay 5 euro and return to last nights aire for tonight.

We were unable to get a tour of the glassworks as they don’t seem to be running them this week. However we were told we could see videos of the factory production in the shop.

The first normal shop has very high class crystal of all shapes and sizes and also many unique awards in major events including Miss USA, formula 1 and many ski races. They also have replicas of presents made to the pope and Queen Elizabeth II.

Some Waterford crystal is also made here as both companies are owned by Fiscars – the sharp knife company. But some Waterford crystal is still made in Ireland.

The videos showed how Rogaska are still glassblowing unique pieces and are cutting the crystal designs by hand. It’s a very skilled job that I hope they will be passing on to the apprentices.

We also checked out the outlet shop where prices were a bit more reasonable.

In the afternoon we went to a birdwatching lake Ormosko Jezero not far away with a circular walk around it. We did a bit of the walk but it was very tough going as there was lots of thick grass on the track. We gave up as there wasn’t a lot to see as the lake was mostly dry.

Glenn saw a lot of swans, a few herons, ducks, coots , and a hobby – a bird of prey.

However birdwatching here would be much better in winter.

We left there and drove through beautiful towns and countryside.

There were more storks on nests.

Back at last nights aire in Rogatec someone had taken our shady spot. It didn’t matter too much as it wasn’t too hot. In compensation we found an electric socket with 3 euros on it that would do for 2 nights – it’s a coin operated system in aires. It’s good to have these little wins occasionally.

We had dinner outside and enjoyed a bottle of red Barbera wine – one we found at the 7 course dinner we had at the Saxida winery campsite with Lisa and Sean in Slovenia. A note to all of us – it’s delicious!

We then watched the movie ‘The Salt Path’ – a very good movie despite the current controversy about how not all the facts about the couple losing their house are correct. Whatever the situation the movie is still enjoyable.