A comfortable, easy walkable city, with a good vibe – Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, straddles the Ljubljanica River where paddle boards, kayaks and boat cruises pass by the many outdoor cafes, riverside walkways, and pedestrian/bike only town center.
An outdoor fresh produce and flower market fills a large open-air area, while the main square boasts a statue of the Slovenian poet, Francis Pereseren, instead of a famous general or warrior.
The national anthem is a bar song in which you take a swig after each stanza and the final lines wish all people and countries good will – inspired by the ideals of liberty, egality and paternity. The country produces 90 million liters of wine annually and exports only 6 million. Well – we are off to a great start as I sip on a smooth glass of wine from a 4Euro bottle of merlot!
An 11th century castle rests a top the hill overlooking the predominantly baroque architecture.
A small eastern European country with a population of only two million, Slovenia was the first to leave communist Yugoslavia in 1991, beginning their independent nationhood.
Travel from the US transiting through Europe to Slovenia was seamless and required only proof of vaccination as is the case to rent accommodations, eat at restaurants or outdoor cafes or take tours in the country. Slovenia is about 50% vaxed and masks are required to enter a place of business, public venues and on planes, trains and buses. We have seen very few tourists from the US, most are younger and from Europe.
