Grilled Corn in Ljubljana | Ljubljana Travel Guide
I was sad to leave Belgrade. Within a few days, I had become accustomed to making conversation with the hostel staff, wandering the city with Rhona, and drinking cheap beer and Rakija with my bunkmates. The day I left for Ljubljana in Slovenia, Rhona was leaving for Germany. We bid our goodbyes and I watched her disappear out the door.
I walked to the train station with a Dutch nurse called Ana. She was travelling on her own as well, and had a booming laugh - we hit it off right away. In a way, we were both on voyages of self-discovery for similar reasons. She had always wanted to travel but had been putting it off because her (now ex) partner couldn't be arsed and was afraid to fly.
Now he is gone, so I travel
The trip was uneventful - just my thoughts, my journal, and I. I passed through Croatia, listening to Shihad as fields and fields of sunflowers drifted past. We were moving so fast they seemed to float, flying past in a wonderful golden rush. Just like that, I was on my own again.
By the time I reached Slovenia, darkness was beginning to fall. The world outside was mauve, slowly turning a deep navy as the train sped past. I could just make out the world outside - I could see the stars reflecting off a lake. The houses looked like something out of a fairytale. Mountains and waterfalls, castle-like structures rising up in the darkness.
Ljubljana, pronounced lube-lee-ana, is the capital of Slovenia and its largest city. I only had one full day there, so I chose to spend the next morning at Lake Bohinj with some people I'd met at my hostel. In the afternoon I wandered through the old district and visited Ljubljana Castle.
I'll be honest after Belgrade, I was borderline bored in Ljubljana. The tourists were relentless, and the cafes and restaurants were so expensive I had grilled corn on the cob for dinner (not that I'm complaining). However in saying that the city is absolutely beautiful and Lake Bohinj was stunning. If anything, Slovenia was worth the visit just for the scenery alone.
A Quick Guide to Ljubljana
What to see in Ljubljana
Ljubljana Castle is a short twenty-minute walk uphill which will give you spectacular views of the city, particularly the old city. Lake Bohinj was also stunning, and far less touristy than the popular Lake Bled. You can reach both on the same bus - it'll cost you €6 and you'll be out of the city in less than an hour.
Where to stay in Ljubljana
I stayed at Zeppelin Hostel. It’s nice and central, not to mention cheap with a social atmosphere and comfortable beds. The only downside was the showers - you have to push the button every 10 to 15 seconds or hold the button with one hand and wash your hair with the other. It’s a bit of a pain but good for the environment - whether or not this is a deal breaker is up to you.
What to try in Ljubljana
Make sure you try chargrilled corn on the cob. There are various street vendors throughout the city. I'm pretty sure it isn't traditional Slovenian fare but I had a lot of fun sitting by the canal listening to the street buskers in the old town.