Let’s go to LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA with kid(s) !

Thank God for the Internet cause it enables you to ignore the huge amount of laundry waiting to be ironed, or the bathroom to be scrubed out. So I’m doing everything but the things that I really should, and suddenly I find this Fun Factory page on Facebook with their offer “Advent in Ljubljana – party train for 150 kn”. I’m sending the link to a group in viber immediately, even though I have an “ace in a sleeve” and I’m pretty sure that I know who will confirm this adventure. I can only say that I was right, a few minutes later Tina confirms that they are going and I was already booking the trip with Fun Factory. Anyways, long story short, this is a party train where one wagon is turned to restorante-wagon where DJ plays Christmas songs and where mulled wine is poured and generally where the good atmosphere is. When you hear DJ and booze, you probably think this is not a good idea to go to with kids, but you’re wrong. Train is extremly comfortable way to travel and in this particular train the parents with kids were situated in one wagon and they weren’t bothered with the party in the party-wagon. It’s important to mention that the kids younger than 6 years travel for free if they spare a seat with their parents, which is not a big deal cause the whole trip lasts a bit longer than two hours. And this is how it looks like…

Hvala Bogu na “internetima” jer ti oni omogućuju da ignoriraš hrpu veša u kutu koja čeka peglanje, a i ribanje kupaone može pričekati neka sretnija vremena. I tako ja radim sve osim onog što bih trebala, i naletim na fejsu na stranicu Fun Factory i njihovu ponudu “Advent u Ljubljani – party vlakom 150 kn”. Odmah šaljem link u skupnu grupu na viberu iako imam “asa u rukavu” i poprilično sam sigurna tko će potvrditi polazak. Nije me ni ovog puta prevario instinkt i kroz nekoliko minuta Tina šalje potvrdan odgovor, a ja već tipkam mailove s Fun Factory-em. Ugl “long story short” radi se o party vlaku u kojem je jedan vagon pretvoren u vagon restoran u kojem DJ pušta božićne pjesme, toči se kuhano vino i općenito vlada super atmosfera. Kad čuješ DJ i cuga u vlaku vjerojatno misliš da ovo i nije najbolje putovanje za klince, ali itekako je. Vlak je jako udoban način putovanja a u ovom određenom vlaku su roditelji s djecom bili smješteni u jednom vagonu i ni malo ih nije smetao party koji se odvijao u party vagonu. Važno je i napomenuti da klinci do 6 godina ne plaćaju ništa ako sjede roditeljima u krilu, što i nije tako strašno jer vožnja traje nešto više od 2 sata, i dok prošećeš po cugu, malo po vlaku i dok ih splasne euforija da se voze u vlaku već si praktički na odredištu. A evo kako to otprilike izgleda …

IMG_20181204_112338 — Getting together on Zagreb’s main railway station was at 6 am, where we got ourselves brachlets for the trip. // Okupljanje na glavnom kolodvodu u Zagrebu je bilo u 6 ujutro gdje smo dobili narukvice te se smjestili u vagone.

I don’t even have to mention that they were thrilled with the whole train idea. // Ne moram ni spominjati da im je cijela ta priča oko vlaka bila super zabavna.

And we didn’t hate it as well 😉 // A nije ni nama bila mrska 😉

After a bit more that 2 hours, here we are at Ljubljana’s main railway station // Nakon nešto više od 2 sata evo nas na željezničkom kolodvoru u Ljubljani.

I was very happy that we got this city map of Ljubljana, cause even though we use all that technology and gps-es, I kinda prefer good old paper map. And it turned out to be one of the major animations of the day. They only couldn’t agree on where to go. I have to mention that Fun Factory organised a local tourist guide for everyone interested. And here comes the sight-seeing …

Jako me razveselilo kad su nam podijelili karte Ljubljane, jer nekako uz svu tu tehnologiju i gps-ove i slično još uvijek nekako najviše volim dobru staru papirnatu kartu. A pokazala se i kao glavna zanimacija većinu dana. Jedino se nisu baš mogli složiti oko toga gdje idemo. Napominjem da je Fun Factory osigurao i lokalnog vodiča kroz Ljubljanu za sve zainteresirane. I krećemo u razgledavanje…

Art Nouveau was established in the city more than a decade after the devastating earthquake of 1895. The majority of the Art Nouveau buildings were constructed along Miklošićeva street, between the Ljubljana railway station and the old city centre. Especially typical are the facades of the buildings, particulary their ornamentation, the most famous ones are the work of Maks Fabiani.

Prva stanica nam je Miklošićeva ulica koja zapravo spaja željeznički kolodvor sa starom gradskom jezgrom. Ono što ističe ovu ulicu su zgrade izgrađene u secesijskom stilu. Secesija se “pojavila” u gradu više od desetljeća nakon razornog potresa 1895 godine. Najznačajnija secesijska obilježja su fasade na zgradama odnosno njihovi ukrasi. A najpoznatije je djelo Maksa Fabianija

Miklošićeva street takes us right to Prešeren Square. The square is named after the greatest slovenian poet, France Prešeren (1800-1849). His poem “A Toast” is the slovenian national anthem. Beside the Prešeren monument, special features of the square are the Art Nouveau facades of the “Hauptmann” and “Galerija Emporium” buildings as well as that of the 17th century Franciscan Church, designed on the italian model. For the locals, the Prešeren square is the heart of the city where everybody meets.

Miklošićevom ulicom dolazimo do Prešerenovog trga. Trg je dobio naziv po poznatom slovenskom pjesniku Francu Prešerenu (1800-1849), čija skladba “Zdravljica” je slovenska nacionalna himna. Osim spomenika Prešerenu ovaj trg je poznat i po secesijskim fasadama “Hauptmannove kuće” i “Galerije Emporium” te po franjevačkoj crkvi iz 17.stoljeća. Za lokalce Prešerenov trg je srce grada gdje se svi sastaju.

Where to, where to… ? // Kamo dalje, kamo dalje … ?

Ljubljanica river. // Rijeka Ljubljanica.

Slightly waking down the Ljubljana streets we come to Congress square, which was throughly reconstructed for thr Congress of the Holly Aliance in 1821, after which it was also named. Today it is one of the most important squares of Ljubljana lined with the Slovenian Philharmonic building, the seat of the University of Ljubljana and the architectural pearl that is the Baroque Ursuline Church. In the summertime the square hosts several events.

Laganom šetnjom dolazimo do Kongresnog trga, koji je u potpunosti obnovljen 1821 za kongres Sv. Alianse, po čemu je i dobio ime. Danas je jedan od najvažnijih Ljubljanskih trgova okružen zgradom slovenske filharmonije, Sveučilišta Ljubljana te arhitektonskim biserom baroknom uršulinskom crkvom. U ljetnim mjesecima trg je domaćin brojnim događanjima.

Let’s go! No! Let’s go! No! // Idemo! Neidemo! Idemo! Neidemo!

After Congress Square here we are at Dvorni Square. // Nakon Kongresnog stižemo na Dvorni trg.

From which there’s a beautiful view up to the Ljubljana Castle. // S kojeg se pruža super pogled prema Ljubljanskom dvorcu.

A walk near Ljubljanica river. // Šetnja uz Ljubljanicu.

Ljubljana is full of beautiful bridges. // Ljubljana je prepuna prekrasnih mostova.

And the town really lives on the river. // I grad zaista živi na rijeci.

I don’t even have to mention how much the guys laught at this scene, cause in their opinion woman and orientation can not be in the same sentence … // Ne moram ni spominjati kako su se smijali “alfa mužjaci” ovoj sceni, jer kao žene i orijentacija neidu skupa …

Not only that she is oriented but she found this adorable little street … // Ne samo da je orijentirana, nego je pronašla i preslatku uličicu …

“Their” street … Ključari in Ključavničarska … 🙂 // “Njihovu” uličicu … Ključari u Ključavničarskoj … 🙂

The street takes us right to the city hall. // Uličica nas dovodi točno do gradske vijećnice.

The first building erected on this site on 1484 was rebuilt in 1718 to the plans of the architect Gregor Maček. It has preserved a number of memorials to Ljubljana’s past. Today it is the seat of the Ljubljana Municipality. Close by stands the famous Fountan of the Three Carniolan Rivers.

Prva zgrada sagrađena na ovom mjestu 1484 godine rekonstruirana je 1718 po nacrtima arhitekta Gregora Mačeka te je sačuvala brojne spomenike ljubljanske povijesti, između ostalih Herkulovu i Narcisovu fontanu. Danas je ona sjedište gradske vlasti.

It’s possible to try out the traditional slovenian desert Prekmurska gibanica or maybe some sort of traditional sausages in local Kobasarna nearby.

U blizini je moguće isprobati tradicionalan slovenski desert Prekmursku gibanicu ili npr. neku tradicionalnu kobasicu u lokalnoj Klobasarni.

Right next to the Town Hall there’s a Fountain of the “Three Carniolan Rivers” // Odmah pokraj vijećnice nalazi se fontana “Tri kranjske rijeke”

Fountain of the “Three Carniolan Rivers”. // Fontana “Tri kranjske rijeke”.

That feeling when you ask a passanger to take a picture of us in front of the fountain,and he does not capture the fountain … :). // Onaj feeling kad daš prolazniku da nas sve uslika ispred fontane, a on ne uhvati fontanu … 🙂

He’s not that into Town Hall or the Fountain of the “Three Carniolan Rivers” so he decides it would be the best to take a nap … 🙂 // A njega ni vijećnica ni fontana baš i ne zanimaju pa je odlučio malo pogledat kapke iznutra… 🙂

St. Nicolas Cathedral. // Katedrala Sv. Nikole.

Traditional Cukorček pastry shop.

Tradicionalna slastičarna Cukorček.

Ljubljana Theatre. // Ljubljansko kazalište.

Ljubljana castle has been a distinctive symbol of the city for more than 900 years. At first it was a fort, than the seat of the regional gouverner, later on a barrack and even a prison. Today it is the main city attraction and a stunning cultural landmark with a rich content. The price for the “Uspinjača” is 4 EUR for adults,and it’s free of charge for the kids. Even though it was quite cloudy down there it was more than sunny when we got up. This is really a cool place with a stunning view down to Ljubljana.

Šetnjom dolazimo do uspinjače za Ljubljanski dvorac. Ljubljanski dvorac je poznati simbol grada već više od 900 godina. Isprva je bio utvrda zatim sjedište regionalnog guvernera, vojarna, pa zatvor a danas je glavna gradska atrakcija sa bogatim kulturnim sadržajem. Cijena povratne karte za odraslu osobu je 4 EUR dok djeca istu ne plaćaju. Iako je dolje bilo nekako oblačno gore nas je dočekalo i više nego sunčano vrijeme. Ovo nam je bilo stvarno fora i svakako preporučam jer se odozgo pruža prekrasan pogled na cijeli grad.

Driving up to the Ljubljana Castle. // Penjemo se uspinjačom na Ljubljanski dvorac.

This is what we found on the top … Unfortunately we didn’t make it to Puppet Museum …

Evo što nas je dočekalo na vrhu … U muzej lutaka nažalost nismo stigli …

Just foolin’ around … // Ništa bez glupiranja …

The baby decides to sleep again, so the boys used that to grab a mulled wine, while we do climbing around the castle. Mulled wine 3 EUR. // Malac opet spava pa su dečki to iskoristili za kuhano vino dok se mi pentramo po dvorcu. Kuhano vino 3 EUR.

You’re holding that map backwords. No I’m not, you’re standing on the wrong side and that’s why you think that! Lucky me. // Držiš naopačke kartu. Ne držim, ti stojiš s krive strane pa ti se tako čini! Blago meni.

Waitng for the “uspinjača” to take us down … // Čekajući uspinjaču za dolje …

Stil under the impression of the Ljubljana Castle we come nearby the Dragon Bridge. The Dragon Bridge adorned with its famous dragon statues is one of the most popular image of Ljubljana. The bridge is the unique creation concidered to be an extraordinary peace of technical heritage and a superb example of Art Nouveau architecture. Constructed between 1900 and 1901 and designed by the architect Jurij Zaninović, it was Ljubljana’s first reinforced concrete structure.

Još pod dojmom Ljubljanskog dvorca dolazimo do Zmajevog mosta. Zmajev most ukrašen statuama zmaja jedna je od najpoznatijih znamenitosti Ljubljane. Most je vrhunski primjerak secesijske arhitekture s prelaska 19. na 20. stoljeće. Sagrađen je između 1900. i 1901. po nacrtima arhitekta Jurja Zaninovića te je bio jedina betonsko-željezna građevina u gradu.

We felt quite hungry by now so we decided to find a restorante and have lunch. The first few restorantes that we entered, not only were totaly full, but there was quite a waiting line, so finally we got to the restorante “Most” where we found ourselves free seats. I can say all the best for their service and for the staff. We were too hungry so I don’t have any photos of the food but I definetly recommend this place. I don’t know the individual prices but the check for 2 soups, 4 main courses ( clams, octopus, wild bear stew and sea bass) with side dishes and salads and drinks about 90 EUR.

Tu nas je već i ulovila glad te nakon nekoliko restorana u kojim ne da nije bilo slobodnog mjesta nego je bio i poveći red čekanja konačno dolazimo do restorana “Most” gdje nalazimo slobodno mjesto. Za uslugu i osoblje restorana imamo samo riječi hvale. Glad je bila prejaka tako da nemamo fotke hrane ali svakako ćete biti zadovoljni. Neznam pojedinačne cijene ali ukupan račun za 2 juhe, 4 glavna jela ( vongole, hobotnica, gulaš divljeg medvjeda, brancin) sa prilozima i salatom te piće 90-ak EUR.

Right across the restorante there’s a Butcher’s Brigde. The Butcher’s bridge is Ljubljana’s bridge of love, constructed in 2000. Countless lovers have symbolically padlocked their love on it and dropped the keys into the Ljubljanica River, which flows underneath. Its design is artistically-oriented to some extent, as the bridge is adorned with statues by the renowned Slovenian sculptor Jakov Brdar.

Iz restorana izlazimo direktno na Mesarski most. Mesarski most je slovenski “most ljubavi” sagrađen 2000. godine, gdje su brojni parovi napisali imena na lokote koje su zaključali na mostu a ključeve bacili u rijeku Ljubljanicu koja teče ispod njega. Kada par ima bebu na lokot prikvači i dudu. Most ima umjetničku crtu jer je ukrašen kipovima poznatog slovenskog kipara Jakova Brdara.

At the Butcher’s Bridge there’s a table for Ljubljanica boat tour that we were thinking twice weather we should go or not. The price on the table is 10 EUR per adult and 5 EUR per kid and it lasts 45 min. A guy sees us loking at the table and tells us to come along for only 30 EUR, the whole group, cause this is the last ride and they’re not full and they leave in 5 minutes, so we accept the offer. If you ask me that is exactly how much it was worth. I don’t know, it just didn’t impress me much, I mean the boat is closed and warm and you can grab a drink but somehow it’s nothing spectacular. If I’d knew better I’d skip that. But the kids loved it.

Na Mesarskom mostu nalazimo tablu za vožnju brodom po rijeci Ljubljanici za koju smo se još za vrijeme ručka dvoumili bi ili nebi. Cijena na tabli 10 EUR odrasli, 5 EUR djeca i vožnja traje 45 min. Primjećuje nas striček na mostu da gledamo tablu te govori ajde ajde dam vam svima za 30 EUR jer i onako ide zadnja tura sada za 5 min a nisu puni, tako da pristajemo. Moram priznat da po meni više od toga ni ne vrijedi. Neznam nekako me nije baš nešto oduševila ta vožnja, iako ok je brod, zatvoren je i grijani i možeš tamo popiti piće i sve ali nekako nije neki spektakl. Drugi put bi to bez problema preskočila. Ali klincima je naravno bilo ok.

Boat ride down the Ljubljanica River. // Brodom po Ljubljanici.

Mulled wine 1,5 EUR. // Kuhano vino 1,5 EUR.

We continue our walk down the town, and wait till it gets a bit darker so that we could enjoy Advent fully.

Nastavljamo šetnju gradom i čekamo da se smrači kako bismo doživjeli Advent u punom sjaju.

And there it is … I don’t know about you guys but I really really liked that Ljubljana, it’s all so cute and sweet … Unfortunetly we didn’t manage to visit all the places that we wanted. So we left Metelkova street, Tivoli Park, ZOO, House of experiments, Museum of ilussions and a bunch of cool things for our next visit, this time we were Advent oreinted… And of we go to catch our Fun Factory train, which even provided Santa Claus for the kids in the train. I have to mention that we woke the kids up at 5 am, they were walking and sightseeing the whole day, a cold day, didn’t have a daily nap (besides the baby) and still are in a very good mood and cheerfull. Really we could take them anywhere.

I evooo ga … Neznam kako vama ali meni je eto baš nekako sva slatka i draga ta Ljubljana … Nažalost nismo stigli posjetiti sve što smo htjeli pa nam je tako Metelkova, Tivoli park, ZOO, Kuća eksperienata, Muzej iluzija i niz drugih fora stvari ostao za drugi put ali eto ovaj put smo htjeli nekako doživjeti Advent u Ljubljani … I jurimo sada ponovno uloviti naš Fun Factoy vlak, koji je čak i osigurao Djeda Božičnjaka koji je dijelio slatkiše djeci u vlaku. Moram još i spomenuti da smo klince probudili u 5 ujutro, cijeli dan su hodali i razgledavali grad, a dan je hladan, nisu spavali ni jednom ( osim bebača) i još uvijek su dobre volje i raspoloženi. Stvarno možemo s njima na kraj Svijeta.