Hanging out on Easter weekend in the traditional dress of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Slovenia is definitely more Austrian than Balkan- it is not an "east meets west" type of country. It is very green and it being marketed for eco-tourism. Ljubljana is beautifully maintained- lots of trees and flowers - lots of charming upscale shops- lots to buy - very pretty- very orderly. Nothing crumbling- no potholes.
The "pink church" in the city center
The main square in the old town, Ljubljana. Not a warrior or a politician but a poet.
The trees beside the statue were planted by the church so churchgoers would not see the naked breasts of the poet's muse when leaving church.
Art nouveau in Ljubljana
The poet and his muse.
Ljubljana is the new Prague!
Late at night in the gazebo by a park, a group of students with beautiful voices were singing - lovely to listen to with the city tastefully lit up
Bled, Slovenia- in the northwest near the Julien Alps and Austrian border
Beth gave the swan a piece of her apple- then it nipped at her for more. I would not authorize her to feed it my Cliff bar.
The river running through Ljubljana
The dragon bridge. The dragons used to guard the marshes outside of the city. An example of art nouveau sculpture.
Church doors honoring the Polish pope and depicting the history of Slovenia-once part of the Roman empire.
Easter services
The Franciscan church
No mosques or synagogues in Slovenia
Slovenian sausage
Carrera marble from Italy
Decorative frieze on public building
Naked justice
The American embassy
Beth and I enjoying our American embassy in Ljubljana. It is well protected.
Paintings at the National Gallery
Still life with garlic
Constructivist art
A peasant wedding feast
Anti-Semitic graffiti in Ljubljana. Slovenia is a beautiful country but I would not want to be a non-white or non-christian there.
Famous Slovenian architect-
At the castle.
View from the castle
I make it up the stairs to the top of the castle- Beth does not allow too much slacking off.
Dance of death- ring around the rosy.
The Slovenian history exhibit at the castle made no mention of Jews when telling the history of WWII
Tito. Slovenians are very nostalgic for the "good old days" of healthcare, housing, jobs and education." Others have pronounced this "paradise" has having been unsustainable. Others have stories of political persecution. Tito had a summer home in Bled. You would too.
Bled
On the way to Bled
Lake Bled- and finally, the sun!
Lunch at the castle in Ljubljana. Asparagus, Panetta, black truffles and local wine. Absolutely delicious! I now understand the fuss about truffles.
Bled
Beth paid to go inside the church. I stayed outside and had gelato- cream, chocolate and sour cherry.
The island with a church in the middle of Lake Bled. Paddle boats row you over. Very beautiful and peaceful. Nice gelato on the island.
Swan nest
The castle at Bled
