Ljubljana, Slovenia

Lar and I separated ways in Ljubljana. Hugged each other at Mcdonalds, at the train/bus station, and promised each other that we'd still be in touch.

Ljubljana is the official capital of Slovenia. It was once believed that the name originates from the word "ljub" whch means "to love,like". The city itself is the one and only largest one in Slovenia. However, if you were to visit the place, you'll find that it's quaint, but definitely charming.

excerpt from Wikipedia:

In 1918, following the end of World War I and the dissolution of Austria-Hungary, the region joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.^[18][35] In 1929, Ljubljana became the capital of the Drava Banovina, a Yugoslav province.^[36]

In 1941, during World War II, Fascist Italy occupied the city, and on 3 May 1941 made "Lubiana" the capital of an Italian "Provincia di Lubiana" with the former Yugoslav general Leon Rupnik as mayor. After the Italian capitulation, Nazi Germany with SS-general Erwin Rösener and Friedrich Rainer took control in 1943^[35] but formally the city remained the capital of an Italian province until 9 May 1945. In Ljubljana, the occupying forces established strongholds and command centres of Quisling organisations, the Anti-Communist Volunteer Militia under Italy and the Home Guard under German occupation. The city was surrounded by over 30 kilometres (19 mi) of barbed wire to prevent co-operation between the resistance movement that operated within and outside the fence. Since 1985, a commemorative path has ringed the city where this iron fence once stood.^[37] Postwar reprisals resulted in a number of mass graves in Ljubljana.

After World War II, Ljubljana became the capital of the Socialist Republic of Slovenia, part of Communist Yugoslavia, a status it retained until Slovenia became independent in 1991.

I stayed in Ljubljana longer than planned. Jumping from places was getting to me already and I just wanted to stop for a while. Although I stayed in Lake Bled for 6 days, I still wasn't ready to leave Slovenia just yet. So I decided to stay in Ljubljana for 4 days. 

The hill that looks over the town is the well known Ljubljana castle. I chose to walk the steep path, wanting to puff and get trained again with hiking up. Well in all honesty, I didn't even think it was a hike. It was just another exercise for me to keep my blood pumping. I entered the castle and found it really plain and simple but pleasant, I guess traveling through Europe has given me a few basis of comparison. I took some apples and bananas with me so I could enjoy the view from the tower. After some time, I chose to walk a different path down the hill. I just couldn't be bothered to wait for sunset either. 

Ljubljana despite the size of its center, can offer a lot of charming places to just seat down and enjoy the vibe

of the city. The well known Triple Bridge connects the Old Town and Preseren Square. The Marketplaces is on the left and the Old Town is on the right. You'll find, most especially at night, buskers along the streets, sharing their talents. There were nights when there were hippies playing the different unique musical instruments. At some point there were fire shows and I had the chance to listen to a few free musical events along the different corners of the city. At night, the Triple bridge can look really stunning with the lights on over the canal. You'll find different restos and cafes open along the river, and candle lights adds up to the romantic and dramatic effect of the town. I didn't find it too crowded at all. Well I guess Slovenia ain't the typical place to go to when traveling in Europe. Nick and I tried to understand why the country was so under rated. People seemed to be going more to Prague or Budapest. But anyway, different strokes for different folks. What I really liked about Ljubljana was it's being a wholesome place. There were families, couples, but I didn't find it at any point too rowdy at all. 

It also has the well known Dragon bridge, where an icon of dragons stand guard on each of the corners of that particular bridge. As known, the dragon is a big symbol in Slovenia, as you can also see on its flag of arms. I was laughing when I read that folklore says the dragon wags its tail when a virgin walks through the bridge. It was once called a Butcher's bridge. In 1901, it was rebuilt in a secession art style dedicated to the Emperor. It was redone, reinforced with concrete, one of the first few bridges in Europe that used that technique. The location of the bridge is close to the Marketplace where heaps of stalls are put up, ranging from farm products, bags, clothing, shoes and food stuff. I stopped at one point to get me some fish dish that I enjoyed so much!

The art that exists in Ljubljana has a big Italian influence, which is explained through its modern history, going back to world war II. It is said it has Italian Baroque and Art Nouveau style. In the 20th century the feel and look was highly influenced by one of Europe's great architects Joze Plecnik, where a New Wave of designs settled in and was embraced by the young architects. One of the places that Lar mentioned to me was the called Metelkova. It serves as an expression centre for most probably, I'd say, abstract art, thus setting as an urban cultural centre as they all say. The arts on the walls were really unique and I'd say more alien looking. 

One of my highlights was playing in a book cafe, coz I noticed they had a piano. I've visited them twice and got to play a few tunes, I definitely missed my music. On the second time that I visited the owner, it was really cute when he kissed me on the forehead, said thank you and gave me 5 Euros. I was totally surprised by that. 

Majority of my memories of Ljubljana were of the people I've met in the hostel. I've been staying in a 6-bed dorm for those 4 days. But the counter decided to just book it for 3 or 4 people. I then realized later on it was because of the technical problems with the aircon. 

On my first night I met 2 guys from Norway who were on almost the same route that I was on, although they were going to continue on to Serbia. That night it was really funny coz I ended up as their secretary, organizing their itinerary and checking out their options. They were trying to fit everything in 5 days, which I personally thought was pushing it too much. But anyway, they were fun to talk to anyway. 

On my second night I met Marissa from the US and Astrid from Vienna. It was really good coz we had a night out, us girls, just walking around town and ending up having an ice cream by midnight instead of beer. I was really envious when I learned that Marissa was there to up Triglav, the highest peak of the Julian Alps in Slovenia. Apparently they booked it via a hiking company, which would have cost more than if you were to do it by yourself. But the agency was to arrange everything and even provide the equipment and book the huts. So i guess that was more convenient. Marissa was a school teacher and she shared with us her passion about her job. Astrid on the other hand was a journalist in Vienna. I was really impressed and told her that I was in Vienna before I moved to Slovenia. She did explain to me a few things though and it was good to hear a locals perspective of her own home city.

On my last night was when I met Mauri and Francis from Italy. It was definitely a great afternoon and evening talking to them, more to Francis. All of the discussions were about the different perceptions of countries, and of course the culture and how some generalizations exist and how inevitable racism can be amidst this modern world. I was so impressed because they could speak different languages. Francis and I ended up singing the song Because the Night, and were just laughing our guts out. 

I recall Francis taking a photo of my stuff, saying that his Mom would be surprised to see someone traveling with so much stuff, although I told him that it wasn't enough for a year to be honest. haha. Good times! :)