We arrive at Trieste airport and are picked up by a couple of Andrew's distant relatives, Justina and her nephew Miha. After a quick walk around town and a delicious meal at a local eatery, we set up camp at a studio apartment that Justina rents just a few blocks off the main square. She has her own apartment closer to downtown Ljubljana, but keeps the studio for her neices and nephews and visitors. Lucky us!
We woke up early and went into the main square to meet up with Justina and Rebecca, a friend of Barb's from college, who also happened to be living just a few blocks away. We spent the morning wandering around the market, admiring the colorful tents, fruits and vegetables. We also walked along to the east to see the city's beloved Dragon Bridge before grabbing the best cappuccino in the world* at a local cafe.
Rebecca had to leave us, and Justina had a quick errand to run, so Andrew and I were on our own for an hour or two. We discovered a bridge with a whole bunch of locks clamped to it, and learned that this was an old tradition. You and your love clamp a lock onto the bridge, and throw the key into the river as a symbol of your eternal love. Well, since we were on our honeymoon and feeling quite cheesy, we participated in the ritual.
Justina met up with us for lunch, and she bought us the best sardines in the world* off the back of a truck in the market square. I will admit, they were really good, especially considering the idea of sardines has always made me a little leary. They were covered with olive oil, parsley, and garlic and served with fresh-baked bread. Really, even if you don't like sardines, it was a tasty experience.
After lunch, Justina drove us about 40 minutes outside the city to Postonja Cave, a top tourist attraction for Slovenia. Visitors ride this little train at alarming speeds through tight cooridors that suddenly open into massive atriums of rock and stalagmites. It was only about 34˚F, but with no wind the temperature was bearable even in a light jacket.
We headed back to Ljubljana to meet Miha for a walk to Ljubljana Castle. After a brief tour, we head back to town for dinner. One of our favorite activities when travelling is trying new foods, so when we saw that horse was on the menu, I had to try it. I felt so guilty, since horses are such revered animals in the states, but I thought if I didn't try it now, I never would! It was surprisingly good (my apologies to all my horse-loving friends out there, I promise I won't do it again!).
The night was still young, so we met up with Rebecca and her boyfriend (also named Miha) for a few drinks at a bar. It happened to be "international" night, so they were playing Michael Jackson! It was like we never left the states! A few mojitos and lots of good laughs later, we walked home in a heavy rain storm. Despite the rain, it was a beautiful walk home after a beautiful day.
*according to Justina.