Slovenia is a small country tucked away between the top of Croatia and the bottom of Austria / Hungary. Years back Slovenia was part of the Austrian / Hungarian empire before becoming part of the Kingdom of Slovaks, Serbs and Croatas. Slovenia broke away and gained their independence just before the break up of Yugoslavia and the war. As you would imagine everything is strongly influenced by the Austro/ Hungarian Baroque architecture . The buildings really are interesting, individual and idealistic. We are staying in the old area of town so there is ample time to wander out and enjoy the sights especially Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Ljubljana has far more tourists than Zagreb although tourists and locals meld together in the markets, in the cafe scene or just out walking, enjoying the festival atmosphere, or the artisans selling wears or the scenery and easy walking or biking around this city.
We have joined the Bicikelj scheme where you take a bike from a docking station and ride off around the city. The first hour being free and subsequent hours 1 Euro. Being intrepid explorers we take a bike from the docking station quite close to the apartment, cycle into town, place the bike in another station and explore. Good plan except the first ride Ian forgot to follow, and took another route as Ian will do. I finished up on my way to the Spar supermarket on my own. A pic here of Ian wrestling with his bike to lift the seat. We seemed to coordinate things a little better now!
We have joined the Bicikelj scheme where you take a bike from a docking station and ride off around the city. The first hour being free and subsequent hours 1 Euro. Being intrepid explorers we take a bike from the docking station quite close to the apartment, cycle into town, place the bike in another station and explore. Good plan except the first ride Ian forgot to follow, and took another route as Ian will do. I finished up on my way to the Spar supermarket on my own. A pic here of Ian wrestling with his bike to lift the seat. We seemed to coordinate things a little better now!
Saturday was market day and we headed straight for the fruit stalls. Beautiful cherries of which we buy regularly, apricots and peaches. Hmmmmmmm delicious. Lunch was a fresh fish meal bought from one of the numerous caravans / huts that provide food for the passing multitude. Slightly different to the pictures displayed but definitely fresh. Ljubljana also has a cafe culture with tables set out in all the streets and alley ways. Most sell coffee or alcohol. Taking coffee is a very long social occasion that I could well become acquainted
Around the town are many buskers. July August is festival month with concerts in the open spaces. Here beside a fountain of one of Ljubljana's many forefathers was an Indian singing and playing.
While Ljubljana is different, there are many elements that are the same, and my enjoyment of the trip has not altered. Same but different would be a good mantra. 
2 comments:
Apricots, peaches, cherries - what more could you want? That system of hiring bicycles is a great idea too.
Slovenia looks lovely. So many people extoll its beauty, now I can see why.
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