Lesotho: An Introduction To My New Home

29/06/2015

Let's clear one thing up. Li-soo-too.

Just the name alone proved a challenge for me. Not les-oh-toe, les-oth-o or any other crazy pronunciation under the sun. Li-soo-too... got it? Let's continue then (ha!)

Location. Lesotho is a teeny little landlocked country inside South Africa. With a total population of just over 2 million, it's home to less people than that of Greater Manchester. The capital city is Maseru, but it is perhaps better known to tourists for its scenic views including the Maluti Mountains, and Maletsunyane.

Economy. Far less prosperous than Manchester, though, it is estimated that around 40% of the population live below $1.25 a day. This is why charities such as Skillshare International have set projects up in Mafeteng and surrounding areas to reduce poverty and tackle the issues which have arose as a result of it- such as the HIV/AIDs epidemic which has devastatingly spread throughout the whole of the continent.

Weather. As I keep getting told, (by everybody using the same Wikipedia page I have), Lesotho's lowest point, 1,400m, is the... highest low point in the world. The height and location means that it is generally cooler than its neighbours and suffers particularly cold winters with snow not uncommon in the mountains. I'll be there June - September, the winter time, so the temperature will drop but thankfully the rain would have mostly cleared!

Food. The basis of most diets in Lesotho is 'papa' which is a cornmeal porridge which can be mixed with just about anything. Meat and vegetables for dinner, or sweeter things for dessert.

Today is the 29th June, it's still the morning but I fly out to Johannesburg later on today, and I still (of course) keep remembering things I have to pack. Ahhhh. See ya soon, Lesotho!

Lake Bled - A Hidden Gem

I can probably recall on one hand how many times i've heard somebody tell me they're jetting off to Slovenia for a holiday, and even less can I recall the times i've been jealous of it. I was so wrong. Slovenia surprised me in all ways possible, and I can't stop talking about it.

Landing in Slovenia on a sunny and clear day

We flew with WizzAir to Ljubljana, the first time i'd ever decided to fly with Wizz Air. I feel like i've heard so much about Ryan Air and Easy Jet as low-cost airlines, but barely anything about Wizz Air, so naturally I was apprehensive. Overall I have no major complaints with WizzAir... the carry on luggage was smaller than both Ryan Air and Easy Jet (slightly frustrating- no carry on suitcase for me!) but the flights were crazy cheap and the plane was pink - what more can you ask for?! I can't help but think that you definitely do get what you pay for with airlines, and as long as I arrive safe, i'm not too fussed about the wet flannel and extra leg room.

Fast-forwarding a few hours, we'd touched down, embraced the hot air and were pleasantly greeted by our driver who would take us to Lake Bled. I really cannot commend our airport transfer enough. If you were planning on a trip to Bled, really do look into a company called Zup Prevozi. We opted for the cheapest option, the Economy Shuttle, which cost us 13 EUR each. Far from just a taxi ride, we had a spacious and air-conditioned minibus, a helpful print out recommending things to do and eat in Bled, and were even dropped right outside of our individual hotels. We stayed at Penzion Mlino, a guest house located right on the side of the lake, and even landed a room with a view looking directly onto it. It was more expensive than any other hotel we'd booked for the trip, 70 euro per night, but divided between two it didn't seem too bad. Especially as breakfast and free bike rentals were included!

A room with a view?!

The lake itself is so beautiful and peaceful. You can swim in it, and hire little boats (for 10-15 Euro) to paddle around - or if you just want to relax, group boat trips run very frequently to the castle in the middle of the lake. Negotiation with the boat companies is totally okay too, we doubled our rental time for free just by asking whether they were available for the next hour too. The lake is surrounded by mountains, small B&B's and restaurants as well as areas to sunbathe and water sports clubs - it is definitely the heart of Bled.

We were recommended to eat Cream Cakes, a traditional Slovenian dessert, before we visited and now I can't stop thinking about them. I want allllll of the Cream Cakes. We paid 3 euros in a restaurant and shared it between two as it was so huge and filling - but i'm sure you could find them cheaper in bakeries.

Cream Cakes

Another recommendation we were given was a day trip to Vintgar Gorge. Though it is quite tricky to get to, it is an excursion I really cannot recommend enough. Buses run infrequently from Bled, and at really early hours, but it is possible to get there via public transport. We were told walking was not advisable, as it was quite mountainous and would take a while - but if you're up for the challenge - go for it! Instead, as we couldn't make the time for the bus, we paid 30 Euros for a return taxi which seems so extortionate but so worth it. When you get there, it costs only 4 Euros for entry, and was undoubtably one of the most beautiful things i've ever seen. It felt like we had completely escaped from the world in the few hours we were there. I would go back in a heartbeat. 

Vintgar Gorge

I'm sure it's clear how much I fell in love with Bled in the short time I was there. If you're looking for a beach holiday, this is not the place. But if you're looking for somewhere to explore and relax with beautiful sights then Bled is undoubtably the place for you.