Nov
5
Written by:
David Press
11/5/2010 3:27 AM
Well it's been a while since I posted on our travel blog, but I can't say I'm too sorry for that, as it really has been a case of the two of us being far too busy having a great time doing things slightly more exciting than typing away on our trust travel laptop (which on that note is an Asus 1005...it's absolutely perfect for travel).
After a few days in Zagreb in the awful hostel we were stuck with, we caught the train north east to the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana. We lodged in at the Celica Hostel after a quick walk from the train station, having read some great reviews on Hostel World and the trusty Lonely Planet. This hostel is not your run of the mill youth hostel, it is a former military prison renovated for hostel use, with each private room decorated by a different local artist. Additionally the location is the heart of the alternative and arts district of Ljubljana. Celica hostel has become a tourist destination of its own and hosts functions and lunches almost daily, along with tours of the cells/rooms that are vacant. The atmosphere is brilliant all day long and breakfast is a handy bonus every morning.
Ljubljana is a bursting alternative and modern art city as well as the centre for all things business, political and of high importance in Slovenia. The mix makes for an interesting feel depending on which part of the city you happen to be in at any given time. Graffiti art (legal and not so legal) can be found across the city amongst areas of more contemporary art galleries. The city sits under castle hill, which as the name suggests, has a castle build upon it. The walk is a must do and makes for some brilliant photo opportunities, particularly on clear days with the Alps well within sight.
The city has been destroyed a number of times by earthquake which makes for an interesting mix of architecture. Ljubljana's last major makeover was after a quake in 1895 which makes for predominantly neoclassic buildings and as such offers similar hallmarks to many of the baroque architecture seen throughout Europe. Most streets in the city centre are closed to vehicles, so cycling is very popular and makes for great walks both day and night. It is certainly a stunning city and ranks as a real highlight of our trip, and given Slovenia's reputation for great skiing, I have a feeling we may be back in Ljubljana later in our trip for a bit of skiing and snowboarding.
Like most cities we've visited, bars and cafe's along the waterfront (ocean in Croatia and rivers in landlocked countries) seem to be the places to be seen. Luckily Ljubljana's relatively small size makes visiting the huge variety of bars, cafes and restaurants an easy task, assuming you have a large appetite and enough days in your visit to facilitate the required number of meals. The small wine bar immediately next door the town hall offers some amazing wine and food and come highly recommended by both of us. Thankfully Slovenians tend to speak great English so translating orders is no issue and help is always close by.
After spending a few days in this beautiful mix of classic architecture and modern alternative art, we chose to move on to Budapest via train which resulted in an interesting and interrupted journey...but I think I'll leave that for the next blog. Stay well all and ensure your next Europe includes a sneaky sojourn into Slovenia or risk missing out one of central/eastern Europe's gems.
1 comment(s) so far...
Re: Loving Life in Ljubljana
Ljubljana is actually North West of Zagreb.
I seriously don't know what is going on with me...I am continuously getting us lost or very close to it. I think being in the Northern Hemisphere has messed with my directional skills.
Oh and thanks everyone for your comments. This is proving a great way to keep everyone up to date and in contact!
By David Press on
11/7/2010 5:07 AM
|