4.27.2010

Old Town Ljubljana and a Slovenian Gas Station Breakfast

It was just past 5 a.m. as we continued our sunrise stroll through Old Town Ljubljana in Slovenia. The streets were empty save for a few brave souls heading to work, clattering across the cobble stones on bicycles or click-clacking through the square in high heels.


The Ljubljanica River was dark and mysterious, flowing silently under the balustrades.


We gazed in mute respect at the stunning monuments to warriors, victims and leaders of the past, wishing we could read or speak Slovenian so we could know their stories.


I was delighted by this unexpected Art Deco flourish, imagining elegantly dressed women swishing through these portals on their way to fine dinners or afternoon tea.


I don't know what I expected of Slovenia, but it wasn't this. Stately buildings and curvaceous bridges alongside modern salons and homey pubs. I loved it.


As the sun rose over the towering gables, the clock struck 6 a.m. and it was time to load up the van and head to Croatia and Bosnia. Our early morning wake-up had left us positively ravenous, and just few miles down the road we pulled into a gas station to see what we could rustle up. Bursting in the doors we stopped in amazement at the classiest little cafe we could've imagined! Tiled counters with sparkling glass covers held steaming trays of sizzling sausages, fresh fruit, glossy peppers, pastries, and fresh bread studded with seeds. We were in heaven! We loaded up plastic trays, collected napkins and darling little wooden forks and knives and clambered back in the van. Delicious!


It was such a fond memory for me that this weekend, as storm clouds gathered overhead, I had to replicate it. I gathered all the fixings then set to sauteing bell peppers, onions, and farmer's sausage with glugs of olive oil and lashings of black pepper. Perfect. :-)

10 comments:

  1. Krista,
    I translated the lemon-poppy seed muffin's recipe for you! You can find it in the blog post's comments (http://zizikalandjai.blogspot.com/2010/04/citromos-makos-muffin.html).

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  2. Oh wonderful! Thank you so much, Zizi! :-) You're so lovely!

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  3. That bread looks so good. I would fit in there. I could live on bell peppers and sausages and bread.

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  4. I love how the old seems to mix in with the new in Slovenia. A way to remember your past, present and future at once. I think sausage, pepper, and bread is an ideal flavor combo. Love it!

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  5. You make me grin, Deanna. I totally could too! :-)

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  6. I love that too, Joanne. I want to return and leisurely go over all those places again, reading up on the history beforehand so I know what I'm looking at. :-)

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  7. gorgeous pics krista! i love those petal shaped glass awnings. why can't i have one of those in america? loved your pudding post too with the pink pepper and the blues. glad to see you drawing too! you have something you know!

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  8. looks beautiful... like a movie!

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  9. Thank you, Paradis! :-) I love that awning too!! I think I'm discovering my inner artist, and having such fun. :-)

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  10. Thank you, Duchess! I love the feel of this place very much. :-)

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