4.20.2010

Early Morning Stroll through Old Town Ljubljana

It was barely 5 o'clock in the morning when we rose bleary-eyed from our beds, packed our things and set out to explore Old Town Ljubljana in Slovenia. The streets were deserted, dusky, and still as we wended our way past restaurants, shops and graffiti.




I love the fierce dragons guarding the Zmajski Most - the Dragon Bridge. They are the symbol of Ljubljana, standing for power, courage and greatness. They're all qualities the Slovenians have needed over the centuries as they battled Huns, Magyars, Fascists, Nazis and Communists before finally gaining independence in 1991.



The Ljubljanica River flows serenely through town, lined with apartments, shops and cafes.


The moon was still visible as we walked, craning our necks to look up at towers, turrets and gables.



Next time I'll take you along the river, across the square, and share the best gas station breakfast I ever had!! :-)

20 comments:

  1. There is something magic in the air early in the morning, especially when you are in a place steeped in history.
    I love your picture of the tower and the half-moon, very powerful! ♥

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  2. In another life you must have been a tour guide. Thia was a lovely post and your pictures of a place many will never see were terrific. The shot of the moon over the cupola was especially good. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary

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  3. I agree, Valerie. It felt otherworldly and so beautiful. :-) That's my favorite picture too. :-)

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  4. That is some of the cutest graffiti I've ever seen! It's all about love...which I love.

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  5. Thank you, Mary! :-) I've actually thought about becoming a tour guide. :-) Maybe one day!! I'm so glad you like the photos. They make me happy too. :-)

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  6. Isn't it adorable, Joanne? :-) I just loved it!!

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  7. Beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing. I always learn something here. Cheers!

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  8. Thank you, Lazaro. I'm so glad to hear that. :-)

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  9. Beautiful, just beautiful! I love the crescent moon in the pictures too! :)

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  10. Thanks, Lorraine! It was such an amazing experience I couldn't stop smiling. :-) Couldn't believe I was really there. And that moon - oh, it was magical! :-)

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  11. Beautiful! I've had surprisingly good food in gas stations but I'm guessing yours was better.

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  12. Thanks, Deanna! I think finding good food in a gas station in the backwoods of Slovenia was the startling part! :-)

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  13. oh nice, gothic architecture! this reminds me of a small town in tuscany, italy that i went to that had a lot of gargoyle statues on top of buildings. wish i was there again!
    -krissy @ thefoodaddicts.com

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  14. Thanks, Krissy! So glad you like it. :-) I'd love to be in Italy too. I miss it so much. :-)

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  15. I just want to know how long it took you to actually pronounce the name of the town properly!

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  16. Krista,

    I left a comment for you in my post.
    Can I ask you how long you stayed in Slovenia? It's not far from my home but I haven't been there. Slovenia is one of my dream destinations I would love to go!!! :)

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  17. Let me tell you, we had a LOT of laughs trying to pronounce it properly, Paradis. :-) Even after we COULD say it right, we could barely keep a straight face. :-) We're such dorks. :-)

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  18. Oh good, Zizi! I will come look soon. :-) We were only in Slovenia for two days, but we drove through so we got to see a lot. It is exquisitely beautiful in the spring - we went in April/May. I hope to go again. :-)

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  19. Where else have you been to Europe? Maybe Hungary? :) If you come to Budapest, let me know and I will show you around, especially to small, lovely, culinary places! I even start a webiste about this soon: zizilovesbudapest.com
    It's not too many things on the site right now, but I'll fill up with more information soon! :)

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  20. Dear Zizi, I would LOVE to come visit you!! :-) I have been to Hungary but it was such a short visit I did not get to see very much. My parents, my brother and I drove across Hungary and stayed one night in Budapest. I loved it. :-) I'm going to visit your Budapest site RIGHT NOW!! :-)

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