Ljubljana - its hard to spell and say but an easy place to love!

We were staying at the Ljubjana resort – which despite the name was just a campground in the suburb of Jezica in Capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana.

The good news for Slovenia is that the campgrounds once again appear to be very well equipped (hot shower, toilets – with seats and toilet paper) and we even found a nearby powerpoint to charge! (Most in Europe have special camping adapters that we don’t have L. The campground had THE BEST internet we have had so far in the trip so the night we arrived we made sure that we made full use of it!

The next day the explorations of Ljubljana began with a short bus ride into the centre of town, a charmingly small, neat and cute little city with coloured flowerpots EVERYWHERE! The city is centred along the Ljubljanica River, which divides the newer side of town from the old.

We started in Pesernov Trig and then crossed the Triple Bridge to the old city. Here we made ou way via cable car (or funicular) to the Ljubjanski Grad (Ljubljana Castle) which overlooks the city. We got a great view from the castle tower over Ljubjana and the surrounds and then enjoyed a spin through history in the museum, finding out that Slovenia was settled in prehistoric times and then “acquired” by several invading forces including: The Celts, Romans, Germans, Italians and Yugoslavia – I guess being situated in the middle of Europe really didn’t work out too well at times.

Climbing, climbing....climbing

Ahhh the view from the top!

When we finished at the castle we were starving and tucked into some ham, cheese and tomato crepes – very yummy, although I’m not sure how traditionally Slovenian crepes are.

We continued to tour the city following the river banks past the lovely cafes and bars. We came to the famous Dragon Bridge with the city’s protector – The dragon, guarding all four of its corners and crossed back onto the newer side of town.

Dave and the Dragon - cant tell which is which :)

Me with a friendlier dragon

One of the many pretty bridges

Creative street art...

Dave with the locks on the dragon bridge - notice the see through floor too

Here we found a bar to try some of the local produce – switching from wine to beer – this being the border of wine and beer country we feel.

Mmmm beery goodness!

After drinks it was on to dinner. With a recommendations from the bar waiter seconded by Lonely Planet we went in search of some Slovenian food at Sokol Restaurant and Brewery. We were served by a big bald Slovenian dressed in traditional costume.

 



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 Dave had a Slovenian tasting plate – deer, boar and stag and I had veal with a mushroom and cheese sauce. We also had THE BEST mushroom soup – it was so garlicky (must be to keep Dracula away). One of the Slovenian specialties is a fillet of horse or foal – but we just couldn’t bring ourselves to try that dish.

Yummy mushy soup in a big bread roll



Dave's plate of meat

My veal

With full tummies we headed back to Ljubljana resort for bed... or so we thought. When we got back we discovered a great French/African fusion band playing in the beer garden. So we spent the next few hours hanging out there and eventually bout their album.

The band’s name was Namogodine which loosely translated from African to French to English means “little silly boys” or probably more accurately “little bastards” (the bands interpretation not mine).