We arrived in Ljubljana under a gentle, persistent rain. The streets shimmered as the cobblestones reflected the soft glow of the lamplight, and the city settled into evening. We caught a brief glimpse of its charm — bridges arching gracefully over the river and pastel facades standing closely together like painted keepsakes — before retreating to rest. We promised ourselves that tomorrow would be a new day.
And it was. Morning broke with sunlight streaming through the windows, drying the rooftops and stirring life along the Ljubljanica River. The city sparkled, alive with the chatter of cyclists and the scent of fresh bread and pastries from corner bakeries. We wandered its walkways and leafy squares briefly, where art, music, and laughter mingle easily.
We wanted to take advantage of the beautiful weather so we drove north toward Lake Bled, where the Alps rise majestically around a scene so perfect it feels almost unreal. The sun glistened off the lake’s surface, with Bled Island in the center, crowned by a small white church that appeared to float on the light. High above, the medieval Bled Castle clung to the cliffs, its red roof reflected in the ever-changing colors of the waters below. Its beauty was surreal.
We walked along the path around the lake, each turn revealing a new postcard-worthy view: swans gliding silently, rowboats drifting toward the island, and the soft sound of church bells echoing across the water. The essence of this area is hard to describe. Magical would be an understatement.
After several hours reveling in this picture-perfect place, we headed up to Mt Vogel, where we would take a gondola to the top of the mountain —a 1500m straight-up ride. What a spectacular view. It was bright and sunny when we left, and then the most spectacular thunderstorm and hailstorm came up. The beauty and Majesty of our Creator!
The next day, we took a walking tour which started in the Old Town, where every stone seemed to tell a story. The guide spoke about Jože Plečnik, the visionary architect who powerfully influenced modern Ljubljana. He believed that beauty and harmony should be accessible to everyone, not just the elite. His bridges and colonnades connect the city like a quiet poem written in stone, a testament to Ljubljana’s rich history.
Slovenia’s journey to independence has been long and eventful. For centuries, it was part of larger empires, including the Habsburgs and the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Finally, in 1991, Slovenia emerged as an independent nation after a brief but determined struggle. Today, Slovenia takes pride in its peace and tranquility; it is known for its lush landscapes, creativity, and deep connection to nature.
That evening, as the sun dipped down, we lingered in the quiet, grateful once again for the small miracles of travel — for rain that gives way to light, for stories that bring a place to life, and for the simple joy of being somewhere beautiful, together.
You are loved…
Tom and Nancy’s Journeys 