Ljubljana Slovenia - Day 14

Next stop Slovenia!! My Dad’s parents are from Slovenia so it’s been on my list for awhile. The more I read the more I wanted to see it. Julie’s Dad’s parents are from here as well so it fit right into our plans post Italy. Slovenia is a small country, half the size of Switzerland but mighty. Economically it does extremely well compared to other countries that were also part of Yugoslavia. It’s a melting pot part Austrian, part Italian and part German and I can’t wait to see more. Trying to get to Ljubljana which is the capital of Slovenia was not super easy. After quite a bit of research going with GoOpti Shuttle seemed like the best plan and it turned out great. They picked us up in the only parking lot in Venice and drove us there with 4 other people. You have to book it in advance but it’s pretty reasonable and they go other places in this part of the world. Where there is a will there is a way!

Coffee and croissant in hand getting in the shuttle!! 

It took about 3 hours to make the trip and the terrain is quite different from Italy. Slovenia sits at the base of the Alps so it’s beautiful hilly country with little picturesque villages all along the way. We found our hotel and headed out to find food. One thing we noticed fast - you get a lot for your money here. We had a great lunch for almost no money. 

We both had the grilled chicken with a Mediterranean salad AND dessert for 5 euros - cheap!!! But good! 

One of the main things to see here is Ljubljana Castle which sits high above the city. Best way to get there is on the funicular so that’s what we did. 

We toured the castle which was built over 500 years ago, but the site has been used since 1200 BC. It was really in bad shape before the town of Ljubljana purchased it in 1903 but they have worked on it over the course of the last century and done a good job of making it something that can be used for events now and still maintained as much of the history as possible. 

The castle overlooking the town and pictures from when we were closer.

Having fun in the historic center.

The famous Dragon Bridge. I learned a lot about the history of dragons and mythology today. 

Trying to scare him back.

Such a pretty town and so peaceful after the throngs of people in Italy. We’re going to take it a little easier here and enjoy some sausage and sauerkraut!!! 

No cars allowed in the center of town - how nice!!

Na svidenje (Good bye) I have my work cut out for me!!!