Lovely Ljubljana

Ljubljana
Trip miles 1,489

Ljubljana castle

Bright blue skies heralded our return to Slovenia’s capital. We found the camp easily after a short drive from Bled but were disappointed by its unkempt appearance and closed facilities. The number 11 bus into town took us past weed-filled pavements and public spaces and the usual crowd of hurtling cyclists ringing bells and ploughing into pedestrians and shoppers. Happily, teams of gardeners and workmen were out seemingly to get a grip on the state of things and once back in the centre it was as lovely as we remembered from two years ago.

A university city with pranks!

View of river and trees

 

Ljubljana in the sunshine

The emerald green Ljubljanica River flowed under the many bridges of Jože Plečnik architect-designed centre and wound its way out of the old town ‘stari trg’ and past the original Roman settlement of Enoma. We meandered around the medieval streets and down along the river walks in the welcome shade of the newly green willow trees dropping their branches into the crystal clear water. It was much busier than during our last visit and tour groups of all nationalities were enjoying the views and the gentle pace of Ljubljana under the sun.

An amble around the central market provided a bounty of vegetables to bbq for dinner (and two lunches) for less than 10 euros and after a cheap but filling street food lunch we pottered about until weary legs meant time for the stifling hot bus journey back to Bertha. Having endured a painfully public communal shower each at the neighbouring leisure centre we were ready for cold beers and memories of our earlier visit.

Market produce under the knife

We returned early the next day simply to amble about and enjoy a picnic lunch down on the river in Karakov district where the ‘old ladies of Karakov’ grow the many salad vegetables to sell in the central market. Back at camp it seemed swamped with vans arriving for the long Slovenian weekend to celebrate Labour Day and forcing the opening of the campsite showers and kitchens. Hurrah!

Campsite full for Labour Bank Holiday