Ljubijana, Bled

Known as "The Green Heart of Europe" and just hearing the word "green", (my favorite color), I knew I'd like Slovenia already.

Ljubijana is the capital of Slovenia and is famous for it's open-air markets, Three Bridges and their Parliment. Car traffic is restricted in the city center so pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy the Ljublijanica River. The city has a relaxed feel and is very charming...locals seem to hang out everywhere...great for people-watching.

The attraction in Ljublijana are bridges. To me it's basically three ornate bridges within arms reach of each other. They are nice but I enjoyed the Dragon Bridge the most....which is the symbol of the city. Many of the restaurants are on the riverbank and all have outdoor seating (and heated tents).

It's also Carnivale time and we see a few in this city hiding their identities so the evil spirits will not recognize them. We take in the views of the city along with their beautiful open-air markets...always a welcome site!

Lake Bled is beautiful with gorgeous Bled Castle looming over the lake. We are treated to a wine tasting in a local wine cellar with wine and local sausage and cheese. We enjoy some local music along with a demonstration of the dance in traditional costume which hinted German, Austrian and/or Polish flavor.... a bit of polka mixed with ooompa-pa music! Fun!!!

We then go upstairs to the restaurant for dinner with more entertainment. During dessert we were involved in a "hat dance" and a another fun dance called "Bretzal". It goes like this: a couple starts the dance, the band member yells "Bretzal" and each dancer picks a new partner to dance with. When "Bretzal" is called again, new partners join the dance floor and so on....which got everyone on the dance floor and made for lots of laughs.

Josip, our tour guide took us for a walk through town afterward just to explore the village a bit and to get some fresh air.