Part One - Ljubljana, Trieste and Venice
LJUBLJANA, (pron. LUB-LYANA) Slovania , our first destination on this adventure. A serene university town of just under 300 thousand, on the banks of the Ljubljanica river. The local council has decreed that the central area be for pedestrians and bicyclists only, making it a pleasure to visit. On this warm day at the end of August the cafes are crowded with patrons, and the many vendors stands overflowing with produce, flowers and handicrafts. The feeling one gets is that of being dropped into a mythical city of idyllic life.
On our journey to Trieste (pronounce the end ‘e’) we visit the famous Postojna Caves, some 14 miles long. The stalactite and stalagmite formations created over millions of years are spectacular.
Arriving in Trieste in the afternoon, we oriented ourselves with the neighborhood close to our hotel and then dined al fresco enjoying local fare and wine.
The following day our guide took us to many areas of historical significance, including Risieria di San Sabba, a Nazi concentration/death camp.
The following day our guide took us to many areas of historical significance, including Risieria di San Sabba, a Nazi concentration/death camp.
Trieste, long part of the Austro-Hungarian empire for several centuries and only part of Italy for the past century,, has played a very imortant part as crossroads of European and Asian cultures and trade since biblical times. Walking the streets of the city center, one gets the feeling that the people are still not satisfied with the status quo and that its’ evolution is still not complete.
As a side trip before our departure to Venice, we visited the Istrian peninsula, driving through Italy, Slovania to Croatia and visit villages of Motivun, a picturesque hilltop town where we enjoyed a lunch featuring the black and white truffles they are famous for.
and then to the artist colony in Groznjan
On the drive to Venice we stop to visit one of the signature products of Italy - 'Wine', where we toured the facility and then partook of the tasting of the fruit of the vines, and local culinary offerings. Simply delicious does not begin to describe the essence and character of the food and drink.
In stark contrast we stopped at a roadside memorial - the Shrine of Redipuglia,built by Mussolini in 1938 and dedicated to the fallen of The Great War 1914-1918. Interned in this sombre monument, the steps ascending to the top in alphabetical order, guard the remains of the 39,857 soldiers identified and at the top, 60,000 unknown soldiers in two large tombs.
Arriving in Venice we are taken to our hotel by the only way possible, water taxi. Walking the narrow alleyways. crossing many canals by small bridges, we arrive at Venice’s jewel - St. Marks Square. Later cruising the Grand Canal, its beauty is revealed building by building.
Next - Part Two: Venice to Malta