Lovely Ljubljana

When people from Ljubljana find out I've been here for a while and that I'm planning to stay for seven weeks, they shake their heads in amazement and say, "Ljubljana is so small." They always say the same thing. It's true. Every single person.

I know Ljubljana is small. Maybe that's why I love this capital city so much. I can walk from one end to the other in 15 - 20 minutes. And, if I'm on a bike - cut that time in half.

I guess the people who live here, crave the big city life. Big city meaning like, say, Los Angeles. So, they crave the traffic and the long distances and such. Don't get me wrong. I love Los Angeles. I love all the culture, the diversity, the beauty of the mountains and the ocean, and the restaurants. But, I also love Ljubljana.

When people at home ask me, "What is it about Slovenia?" "Why do you like it there so much?", the first things that come to my mind are the people, the landscape, and Ljubljana. There are many things I love about Ljubljana, but to start with, I will talk about the castle on the hill, and the Ljubljanica River.

The Ljubljana Castle

There's a castle here that watches over the small city, day and night. When I walk around the city, I can see the castle from most vantage points. What's really fun is hiking up to the castle and looking down on the city and spotting all the familiar places I've been. Hiking up to the castle is quite easy and the paths upward are located all over. I've walked up from the farmer's market side, from near the tunnel where modern steps ascend leading into ancient paths, and from the another direction where a beautiful church and a chandelier hang down in the middle of the street. Also, I've gotten up to the castle via the funicular. The Ljubljana Grad (castle) has been a beacon for me all these years, letting me know, and reminding me, where I am.

Ljubljana Grad

The funicular

One way up to the castle

Just like the steps in Santa Monica!

Shots of the castle

Heading down another way!

Can you see the chandelier?!

The Ljubljanica River and Bridges

Something else that is lovely about Ljubljana is the river that runs throughout the city. The river is another beacon for me, another walking path that leads me either, to, or away from, the city centre. This river was one of the first sights that Angela and I saw, that very first time in 2016, as we were directed to follow the river into the city centre. We found ourselves walking along this path, surrounded by gorgeous willow trees, gorgeous 19th century architecture, and a gorgeous river. And, yes, we followed this all the way into the old town, where the river winded under bridge after bridge: the Cobbler's Bridge, the unique Triple Bridge, designed by the architect from Ljubljana and her favorite son, Jože Plečnik, the Butcher's Bridge and the famous Dragon Bridge.

Cobbler's Bridge (and below)

Triple Bridge (and below)

Butcher's Bridge

Dragon Bridge (and below)

The path, along the river, leading to my apartment

Sammy, of course!

Conclusion

There are many, many more reasons why I love this city: the neighborhoods, the little alleyways, the graffiti, the toilettes, the cafes, and more; and I will share those in a future blog.

But, for now, I'm curious: Where is your favorite place? What is it about this place that brings Joy to your Soul and makes your heart sing?

Let me know, if you're willing....

😍💖

Lynn