Ljubljana, Slovenia

For years we have been talking about going to Ljubljana, ever since it was headlined in several National Geographic Traveler articles, being compared to places like Krakow, Prague and Riga, Erin and I have had a strong interest in seeing what the hoop-la is about. We decided we had waited long enough and last week planned a week long holiday to visit Slovenia and Istria. Erin went to Ljubljana on a Saturday and I met her after a foggy Ocktoberfest with Joelskie, Strauss and Jim.  

When I arrived Erin showed me around the pedestrian only old town as if she had lived there her whole life! We cruised the town, climbed the hill to the castle that overlooks the splendid and time-trapped old town along the river, and even went to a dessert spot that served some of the meanest choco cake this side of the Ural mountains!! Erin made it to both the Saturday food market and the Sunday flea market before I even arrived.

When I did arrive, at about 68%, I was able to take a few shots of the town on the river. Its amazing how vibrant the city life along the river is...everyone is out having coffee or a Union Beer on the river. The people watching is some of the best and the vibe along the river is unforgettable!

Once the sun goes down and the lights go on, the vibe really depends on what day of the week it is. Our server at the wine bar called, simply, The Wine Cellar, stressed that Wed, Thurs and Friday are the big nights out in Ljubljana, and Saturday is pretty mellow as most students are home visiting parents for the weekend. Evidence of the empty Saturday night streets:

As I want to get Ljubljana all into one post, fast forward to a week later, the last night of our trip. A few years ago when we bought Lonely Planet's 1000 things to do before you die, one of the 1000 things was to stay at Hostel Celica, a former prison converted hostel. For 25 euro each, you have an opportunity to live like the former prisoners, but in a more comfy cell that has been designed by the city's local artists. Ours was rather plain, but staying in a prison cell was definitely a unique experience.

The morning after our stay in the prison, we were greeted by a parade, commemorating our triumph at the hostel.;-)

All in all, Ljubljana is a great weekend away to explore the old town on foot, visit the castle and try a few local restaurants and river side pubs. Choose you own as they are an abundance that fits every one's interests differently.