Drive for the Ages /Ljubliana - August 26, 2011

A Drive for the Record Book:

Tell me that sign isn't confusing...

On the road again driving from Vienna to Croatia, and setting a record: being in 4 countries in 24 hrs!  At this point, we’ve driven on nearly all the major highways of Austria, and we’re glad to be moving on to another country!  So glad we didn’t take the A2 to get to Vienna.  It was in lousy shape with little scenery.  The Slovenian part of the drive was much better.  We made a short stop about half-way in Ljubljana. It was the perfect place to stretch our legs on a 6hr driving day.

Highlights:

• Old Town:  Quaint cobblestone streets, squares and fountains make Ljubljana a pleasant place for a stroll, shopping, or a meal at one of the many sidewalk and riverside restaurants.  The Old Town is built on two sides of a river and is connected by lots of bridges, including one with the city’s mascot, the dragon. The river is very picturesque with its willow trees planted on the banks.  From Preseren Square, we were able to take in much of the Old Town…and even stop in at the TI and free WCs!  Very user friendly!  

• St. Nicholas Cathedral: What a beautiful Church!  Pictures and words don’t do justice to this 18^th century Church.  The pink marble columns, ceiling paintings and golden accents were stunning!  So glad we stopped inside for a look!

 

• Language: English is widely spoken here along with Slovenian.  Signs are in both languages making it an easy place to visit.
• Food: Burek made for an interesting dinner.  For 2 euros you get a huge portion of beef (or cheese) wrapped in phyllo dough.  Kinda like a cross between a beef wellington and steak sub.  Super greasy and probably awful for you, but it tasted pretty good!  Joe washed his portion down with Cockta, a strange Slovenian cola that tasted like lightly carbonated grape soda.  Apparently it was popular during the Communist Era as a substitute for Coca-Cola, which was hard to find then.      

• Gas Prices: 1.23 euros for diesel is about the best rate we’ve seen on this trip

Unfinished Business: We just missed the Trznice, a huge outdoor market (picture a much classier Haymarket) where vendors sell fruit, veggies, and lots more on a big square.  I bet it would have been much healthier than having burek for dinner!