We have left the land of ethereal pastas and succulent bounty of the lagoon. We’ve landed in the kingdom of sausage, schnitzel, kraut and dumplings! Kidding, but it is true. Had the most delicious and tender veal roast-wanted to lick the plate!!
Even though Slovenia is relatively new to independence (free from communism since 1991), it has a long and storied past. Charlemagne conquered in the 8th century and forever turned this country into a Germanic holding. The Hapsburgs were the primary rulers from the Middle Ages up to WWI. Then came Communist rule and Yugoslavia, Tito, etc. The easy-going Slovenes taking it all in stride.
Having only two days here, we decided to concentrate on Ljubljana (lyoob-lyee-AH-nah) before driving through the country into Croatia. There are three things that Slovenes hold most sacred: 1) Dragons, as the symbol of Ljubljana (because Jason-who slayed a dragon-and the Argonauts wintered here returning home with the Golden Fleece); 2) lime trees which are said to bring good luck, long life and will power; 3) Joze Plecnik (YOH-zheh PLAYCH-neek) who is the home grown architect who virtually designed all of the city’s most important landmarks.
Although the location of the Ljubljana Castle was probably a prehistoric settlement, the first true fortress here dates back to the Romans. The current castle is mostly a replica built upon the ruins. To us, the most memorable use of the castle was as a penitentiary during WWI for political prisoners and Italian POW’s. The castle offers tremendous views of the city and the surrounding Julian Alps. While we took a taxi to the top of the castle hill, we rode the funicular back down to the old town-now that was fun!
In addition to the castle, Ljubljana has much varied architecture. One sees Italian Baroque, Serbian Orthodox churches, Byzantine and the starkness of the Communist era.
Traffic free old town Ljubljana is a delightful place to enjoy shopping, eating and people watching. While we were in town, thousands of Scots were here to cheer on their Football (Soccer) team in a match against Ljubljana (which ended in a 2-2 draw). Hence the photo of the gents in their kilts.
On the way to Croatia we stopped at Predjama Castle, the castle in a cave and home to the nobleman Erasmus. Supposedly Erasmus was a Robin Hood figure, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor (right!). Erasmus was able to hold out against a year long siege of soldiers from Trieste, since his men were able to bring supplies through the caves-Postojna (poh-STOY-nah)-Caves while the soldiers froze and starved.
While Slovenia is rather small, it is full of beautiful scenery and friendly people. The countryside is green and hilly, with approximately 2/3 of it covered by lush forest. The views of the Julian alps to the north only add to the grandeur of the country. Zivjo (zheev-yoh, aka goodbye) Slovenia!!
Oh sure, you think you enjoy Venice, Slovenia, men in kilts, etc. But truth be told you'd rather be eating sushi at Sakuma. Or not!
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