On to Ljubljana

We saw the other side of Venice as we waited for our transfer mini-bus to take us to Ljubljana. Once we had left the water taxi at Plaza del Roma, we were surrounded by buses, cars, vans and all manner of vehicles - think Pitt St at peak hour! At 10am, and on time, we boarded the mini-buses - the company had provided two separate buses for the eight of us - and, soon we had left behind the magic of the water city to enter the darker, dirtier and more industrial side of Venice. Really, this part of Venice is like any other modern, mechanised metropolis. To add to the ambience, it was raining.

The road to Ljubljana passed through many miles of flat farming land until we came to the Slovenian border where the mountains began. The Slovenian countryside is reminiscent of Austria or Switzerland, though the mountains are not quite so majestic. By 2:30pm we had arrived outside our hotel in downtown Ljubljana - a peaceful, spacious and airy city.



The old, mediaeval part of the city does not allow cars or vehicles of any sort to enter, and we spent a pleasant couple of hours wandering through the old town and admiring its splendid architecture.

A warm cuppa and a toasted sandwich was enjoyed alfresco beneath the city castle, in a pleasant cafe overlooking the river, which flows through the middle of the old town.

Later in the afternoon, we visited a large department store so that one of our travelling companions, Dave, could purchase a new jacket. A suitable one was found, and for a reasonable price. The ladies in the party spent some time window shopping, admiring the huge range of footware available at very reasonable prices.
After a shower and a brief rest, we headed out for the evening meal at a restaurant that had been recommended by our tour guide. And what a great place it turned out to be. The food was delicious, plentiful and well priced - as was the house wine! All of us decided that a return visit to that place was a must at the end of our tour.



Wake up call tomorrow morning is 7.30 and we leave on a two hour walking tour of the city, before boarding our coach for the 6 day tour of this new (it’s only 20 years since Slovenian independence) and rather attractive part of the world. Much to look forward to!