Morning of May 9 
Where dragons roam 🐉

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This morning, we made a lunch stop in Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana,

where we were welcomed by our local guide, Marijan. He led us through

this small city that blends Baroque and Art Nouveau styles under the

watchful eye of the lofty medieval Ljubljana Castle. Right away, Ljubljana’s playful touches caught our eyes: bee themed decor, dragons watching over bridges, and whimsical architectural flourishes adorning the building corners.​ The dragons stem from the ancient legend of Jason and the Argonauts, who, according to myth, slew a marsh dragon near the Ljubljanica River, and now symbolize the city’s strength, courage, and mythical heritage

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Wandering past Ivan Vurnik’s colorful Vurnik House and Jože Plečnik’s symmetric Triple Bridge, we paused at the lively Open-Air Food Market, amused—but not tempted—to see Philly cheese steaks offered among other international options. (After all, we can get the real thing at home.) After sampling Carniolan sausages, we crafted our own lunch—choosing authentic Greek gyros before indulging in a creamy gelato.

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Back through the streets to the central square—we were just in time to witness a spontaneous burst of patriotic song by a group of local men. It was a touching and unexpected farewell to this soulful city.