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18th July-
Enjoyed breakfast at the hostel overlooking the lake before setting off for Ljubljana. Stopped breifly in town at the 4 hikers memorial to try and get a look at the peak. I think I was looking in the right direction and got a photo but there was no-one around to ask if i was right or looking in completely the wrong direction... Brought a postcard so I know I defiantly have a picture. Kept driving along the tollway into Ljubljana. Finally found parking. For a country were most people drive due to the poor public transport options here there seems to be very limited parking and it is expensive...Often close to a 1.5 euros per hour. Arrived just after 1030am so had a quick walk around before heading to presernov square and the pink church to join a free walking tour at 11am. The tour lasted a couple of hours and listen as the guide spoke about the history of different buildings and monuments in the old town. Meant I was able to appreciate the city more and understand why things were in the current place. For example the main bridge is actually three bridges. The central one is the largest as it was built for cars and the two smaller on either side was for the pedestrians. Doesn't matter so much know as the old city is closed to cars for the last 6 years. She also explained that the reason why 3 tress are planted in the main square outside the church and in front of the preseren monument. The monument has a muse on too with breast exposed and the church people said it was offensive for them to see the breasts so the planted tress so block their view of the monument from the church steps. We walked to the dragon bridge which has 4 large dragons, also the symbol of Ljubljana. It is said that they are the protectors of the city. The tour finished near the university. Which it is still free to attend. No HECS for Uni students here. I then walked back through the old town stopping at a traditional restaurant to enjoy some sausage, cabbage and turnips for lunch. Wasn't to bad, the turnips werent my favorite. Then caught the cable car up to the castle hill. Once up there was a little disappointing. There is just several restaurants and a few small exhibitions. Extensive renovations has taken away from the old feel of the place. Caught the cable car back down, it provided for some views of the city, which is small for a capital city approx 250 000 residents . Heard back to the car and on the road again. I am heading for the boarder town of Brezice. The tourist office recommend that I turn off the tollway and take the road following the river Kaka. It meant that a 1 hour journey took over 2 hours but I didn't stop a few places along the way for a closer look.
Passed by the zuzemberk castle and stopped for a look but was a day to late for the medieval fair. Still an interesting building to look at the outside off. Drove along looking at the river. It is very slow pace and often appears still.... This suits Slovenia and many of the people are slow, still and super friendly. stopped at the remains of the Soteska mansion. little is left after a fire in 1940s destroyed much of the building. Some of the out stone building are still visible.
Stopped at otocec for a view of an island that sits in the middle of the river. Was pretty with it overhanging willows and water plants.
Arrived in brezice and managed to find the hostel with the goggle maps as my phone battery had died. Checked in and am once again the only girl staying in this place. Meant an Aussie couple over dinner in the kitchen and learnt that I am the only girl on level two ( the female dorm level), there is only one guy on level one ( male dorm level) and then they are the only couple on the ground level. It is nice modern hostel but in a small town. Went for a walk around pass the castle and then onto the supermarket. I only have 8euro left for dinner and breakfast as I don't want to get any more money out. Enjoyed a dinner of cheese, meat and crackers in the hostel kitchen with the other Aussies. Am suffering terrible from this cold still.
- comments
Anita Hi Sarah, you are very brave driving on your own and on the wrong side of the road - WELL DONE!! Slovenia looks beautiful See your hair is lightening from the sun - lucky you being warm!
Christine how is the cold going Sarah and the new tour groups. More photos please