Go ahead, try saying the name of this capital city of Slovenia five times fast!
Flew to Zagreb yesterday with no problem, took the bus from the airport to the bus station, walked to the train station, got a ticket to the capital of Slovenia – and somehow missed the train even though I was sitting there waiting for it! I could have taken a train at 9pm, but it would be nice to travel in the daylight, plus I am not crazy about arriving after 11pm. So I got a room here in Zagreb. Oh well.
The city of Zagreb was not overly exciting. Lots of big, old, stone buildings – with some nice park spaces scattered about. There are however, some very nice pedestrian walkways with street-side cafes and shops. Not touristy, but rather the city. Given that yesterday was a holiday, the citizens of Zagreb were out in force last night, wandering the streets, sitting at the cafes, and enjoying the evening. One of things I have enjoyed on this trip is the ability to wander these various cities and see how the residents live. It really does vary from city to city and country to country.
The train ride this morning from Zagreb was enjoyable and comfortable. Through a low lying mountain range, with villages scattered through the valleys. Nice way to travel – I am glad I did it in the daylight.
This afternoon I have wandered around the center of Ljubljana. The old part of town lies on the south side of the river, with the newer part (it is relative) on the north. On a hill above the old town is Ljubljana Castle, with great views of the city. Like Zagreb, Ljubljana has many pedestrian streets-capes, with many cafes, bars, and shops. Lots of people – even in the rain – and lots more tourists.
Tomorrow I take the train to Salzburg, and then on to Vienna on Sunday. Going through Salzburg only adds two hours to the train trip, so I thought it would make a nice route.
One other comment about Ljubljana – it took me an hour to find an internet cafe (course I missed the one I am at by a short block after about 30 minutes of searching). This is the first city that has not had a proliferation of access options!
Not sure when I will get pictures uploaded. If not before I fly home, I will do so after I get there. Stay tuned!
2 responses so far ↓
1 David Bagnard // May 23, 2008 at 11:47 am
Hi Big D..
Have been tied up with Australian relatives visiting and just caught up with your adventures.
You have made be very envious of your recent experiences. Your blog is fantastic and beautifully organized. I would not have expected less from you.
We had some very warm weather a week ago and the rivers are running close to flood stage. Cool now with quite a bit of rain and more coming for about the next week straight. We are experiencing the best wildflowers in years and we may have a world-class mushroom hunting season in the works.
Have you had any wonderful food on your trip? I am very interested in that topic and it is a wonder I don’t weigh 300 lbs. Did you ever read “Under a Tuscan Sun” or “Bella Tuscany”? Some day I am going eat my way across that part of the world.
Had a great newsy note from your beautiful wife. Sounds like she is back in the thick of things again. “What a heavy duty woman” as my favorite niece Kaely would say.
We are making a speed run to Northern California in early June to attend Kaely’s wedding and she has asked that we handle the photography. I would rather deal with a double root canal but I suppose we will survive.
The political scene here is nuts. Lots of bad behavior on Hillary and John’s part and no end in sight. The president continues to make a fool of himself. Most recently with the Saudis. Sigh.
And, the economic climate is deteriorating at warp speed. Gas now over $4.00 gal. for regular in some areas.
H0pe the remainder of your trip is the best.
Fond regards,
David
P.S. Lois sends her love.
2 Tim McElhannon // May 24, 2008 at 5:51 am
Dave,
Mom is visiting this weekend and told us about your adventure. It sounds great! While you are in Eastern Europe, try to get down to our old stomping grounds in Sofia, Bulgaria. I think you’ll find it very interesting. We look forward to following your travels and looking through the website.
Take care, Tim
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