Slovenia , sea and horse?

A trip to Slovenia brought a few surprises to a destination that I had only read about.  A few days in Ljubljana was the plan, taking in the sites of the old city, the castle and cobbled streets.  But in a few days of course more than that is possible.  And a day trip to the seaside was what was called for and duly planned.  We had intended to take the train through the beautiful forested countryside.  Unfortunately due to an ice storm earlier in the year the track was damaged and needed clearing, so the bus it was.

The journey was pleasant enough, if not long, due to the bus seemly stopping at every village on the way.  a good opportunity to see who got on and off the bus with who and wonder what the hell they did in these quite unassuming villages.  But finally the sea was in sight and the bus pulled into Piran.  And what a good surprise awaited us.  It was hot and sunny and the venetian style architecture seemed to glow in the light.  Colourful buildings with red roofs, narrow alleyways and cobbled streets were all awaiting discovery.  Plenty of cafes in the large square competed for our custom and a relaxing hour was spent sitting and watching the world going on around us.  Well worth the time spent on the bus.



Piran harbour

There were tourists, but not as many as would be expected in a destination such as this, and it was easy to spend time wandering about taking in the views, the unusual buildings and little individual boutiques.  There was a beach just outside the old town, but this was lined with newer hotel resorts and for us on this day the old town was enough.  A walk by the sea and a chance to dip our feet in the sea whilst looking at the yachts was a bonus  Several tempting places served up fresh fish for lunch and had we been staying the night, the hotel Piran looked like a real treat.

Piran

Time however was short and a quick bus ride later took us to the train station, ironic really, where we sat by the tracks and awaited another bus back to the capital.

The days surprises were not over.  After a pre dinner drink sitting outside by the river that flows through the city, dinner was calling.  The restaurant was very appealing from the outside, bustling and smelling great, with a open grill and bar seating opposite that could be spied from the window.  It was full of locals, no tables available but we were directed to the bar and after being presented with the menu, tried to order.  It seemed like they had nothing on the menu, when asking what they did have, we were met with the answer beef or horse.  Yes horse.  We went for the beef.  And whatever else they wanted to bring.  The meal was amazing, fresh artichoke done on the grill, parmesan vegetables and perfect beef.  All washed down with honey beer.  And it was cheap, very cheap.  Paying the bill, we couldn't leave until we drank the complementary schnapps, and then a walk back to the hotel was all that was left of the day.  A busy one, but one full of treats in this easy destination, and what was more, there was still a few days left to enjoy.

Ljubljana old town