I really didn’t know what to expect as I traveled to Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana. As I thought about Eastern Europe, I imagined a fairly somber place that would carry with it a certain heaviness reflecting the conflicts and oppression so frequently a part of the history.
What I found in Ljubljana was such a cheerful, optimistic city with friendly, out-going people still, as a country, relishing independence and relatively recent status as a free country. I arrived on a Friday in the late afternoon. The Central square’s outdoor cafés were filled with people enjoying time with family and friends over coffee. Just off the square, people wandered through the many vendor stalls selling delicious foods during what they call Friday night “open kitchen” in Ljubljana. It was such a festive atmosphere that I assumed it was a holiday or special occasion but discovered it is just business as usual on a sunny Friday afternoon/evening in Ljubljana.
On Saturday, I walked through the outdoor market before taking the free walking tour where I learned so much about the history and culture of these proud people who have endured so much as they have been pawns in the various struggles, wars, and occupations that have gone on since Roman times and before in the region. Slovenia has existed only as a group of people sharing a common language but never an independent national entity until they became independent in 1991. The day after independence was chosen by referendum by >85% of its population, Slovenia was invaded by Yugoslavia and the 10 day war ensued. At its conclusion, Slovenia remained an independent nation.
Today Slovenia is enjoying a resurgence of tourism with its beautiful capital and lovely mountain regions. To me, it sharply contrasted to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia and next stop on my trip with its tall, post war buildings, stern industrial ambience and citizens who seemed to go about their daily lives with little joy or warmth. This may be an unfair commentary but it was my experience of Zagreb though I have found the coastal and central parts of Croatia quite beautiful and far more welcoming. I will describe them in more detail as I complete my travels in the area.
It is so wonderful to be traveling with friends now! I met up with my friends Chris and MJ and Tony and Suzie in Zagreb. We have a rented car and are driving to Split where we will join up with a larger group of friends to sail.