Traveling Jones

  Famous architect Jože Plečnik designed many buildings in this city, including this one. However, this style never took off. Nevertheless, an iconic building in Ljubljana.  Currently a bank. Small restaurant famous for it’s Kransjska sausage. Side door to St. Nicholas Cathedral Rail of the funicular, looking up Castle Hill Ljubljana Castle View from the tower of Ljubljana Castle Prehistoric wheel found preserved in a nearby marsh, believed to be 5350yrs old. It is the oldest wheel ever found. On display in the castle museum.  Statues from the castle museum Dragons are visible everywhere in town. This one lurks in the castle Ljubljana Puppet Theater in Krekov Square. Caught the mechanical characters coming out of the clock at just the right time.  View along the river promenade, lined with outdoor restaurants and bars, even in February.  Sunday was our last full day in Slovenia and our final scheduled activity was a 3hr food & wine tour, starting with a tiny...

  Another great day in Slovenia. Today was more relaxed, further exploring places in Ljubljana. I had missed earlier in the week. The photo above shows the Franciscan Church in Prešeren Square with the Triple Bridge in the forefront. Beautiful sunny day in the 50’s(F). Felt like April back home!  Below is the statue of the poet Prešeren after which the square is named. He is credited with elevating the Slovenian language and for wring the national anthem.  Opera House National parliament One side of congress square Post Office Ljubljana Castle City Hall Lock Bridge Some type of water fountain Interesting alleys My final perch for the afternoon. Awesome brew pub playing American classic rock.  Over 30 beers on the menu! One of said 30 beers and a “Haute Dog” Our restaurant this evening. It has been in continuous operation since 1776. Great authentic Slovenian food My dinner tonight . . . “The Farmer’s Repast”  Lots of meat and potatoes and sausage. That dark saus...

  Another great day of sightseeing in the surrounding areas of the Slovenian capitol of Ljubljana. Above is the 13th century Predjama Castle, sitting 123 meters (404 feet) cliffside over a river gorge.  It’s most unique feature, however, is that it was built in front of a massive cave entrance, allowing for additional safe space, storage, and even an escape route if necessary.  Its most famous resident/owner from the 1400’s, Erasmus of Lueg, was caught reappropriating the weapons, horses, and supplies of the occupying Austrian army (a Slovenian Robin Hood of sorts).  The Austrians laid siege to his castle and isolated it, thinking that, without food, it’s resident would have to surrender. However, Erasmus figured out the complex cave system abutting his castle which stretched over 1km underground. He found a “back door” on the other side of the hill and was able to go and come freely despite the ongoing assault, a stalemate for over a year given the highly protected ...