Slovenia and the Park of Military History
The Day Fierce has been waiting for has come! He chanted “This is going to be fun!” as we walked to the bus…bus…train…that would eventually take us to the Park of Military History. Back up to where we disembark the train; I asked where the museum was and the lady said that we just walk straight up the road and it would be on our left. Hmmm…I am not sure if zig zagging paths counts as straight, but we notice right away that there were paintings of a stenciled museum and footsteps marking the directions. Also, you really can’t miss the massive white buildings up on the hill. Plus, the 15 min walk takes you through the cutest village surrounded by farmland. There is even a button of a grocery store where the girls working there were a bit surprised to see tourists.
Walking up to the Military History museum, we were welcomed by not one, but TWO tanks! Fierce was quick to explain all the parts and details. Then we went inside to the grounds and saw airplanes, trains with gunners, a helicopter and even a tank hatch that you could crawl into…best day ever!
There are two buildings packed full of tanks. Along the walls have displays with tools, gas masks, weaponry, and uniforms. Sort of as a bonus, there is a private museum on the same property full of old household items like computers, skiis, and a telephone booth with the yellow pages…hey wait, that antiquity is from my lifetime!
Fierce found a replica WWII German helmet in the gift shop and was talking to the guy at the ticket counter all about the great world wars. We realized that the train home didn’t come for a few hours and he offered to do the submarine tour in Italian and English so we could join. Afterwards, he gave Fierce a thumbs up and encouraged him to keep up his history studies. The submarine is in yet another huge building with more military vehicles of all kinds. At the end, there is an exhibit explaining how Slovenia gained its independence from Yugoslavia.
We decided to grab lunch in the museum restaurant. I had leek soup which was delicious. Fierce ordered kielbasa. When the lady asked what he would like for a side, he said, “fried chicken.” She said that was another main, but then laughed and said, it was ok. We also tried the apple strudel…yum! Hanging from the ceiling was an anti-aircraft gun and the seat benches were made from ammo boxes. Fierce said that he was having a lucky soldiers meal. If you have a history buff kid, this was truly a wonderful and full day.
