Ljubljana - The Second Round

Day #77

Thursday, July 16th.

From Dolenje Polje to Ljubljana

Contrary to the forecast, the predicted storm did not occur and the night was dry.

At least in terms of rain.

There were many mosquitoes around, which repeatedly considered me as a food source and kept me from sleeping.

Despite mosquito spray and the small mosquito net, they found their way in.

Moreover, it was still very warm with high humidity, so I was sweating a lot.

All in all, it was a somewhat uncomfortable night that only brought a bit of relief in the early morning hours.

Since there are only about 70km left to Ljubljana, I still look forward to the day relaxed and added a few interesting spots along the route.

I find it striking that I have already seen several driving schools in Slovenia after such a short time.

If there were any in the previous countries, I missed them. The driving style certainly speaks for itself and indicates that my perception is working.

Dark clouds are gathering, but since the wind is coming from the front, I leave them behind me and the day remains dry.

Zuzemberk Castle is the first highlight, towering impressively over the old town.

Although it may be more of a large village. Hard to say. It is beautiful in any case.

As I continue my ride, I have the feeling that the road I’m on is familiar, winding through the landscape. However, my impression can be misleading, as it is often very beautiful and I have been in the mountains for many kilometers.

So there are always certain similarities.

By noon, I steer towards the source of the Krka River, but mostly springs are quite unspectacular. In this case, it resembles more a pond.

If you have ever been to the source of the Ruhr, you know what I am talking about.

The cave next to it is unfortunately locked and only accessible on weekends.

The entrance to the cave looks interesting.

I spend the break, supported by Jenni, primarily searching for accommodation for the next two nights in Ljubljana. It takes a while since everything is very expensive.

Ultimately, I decide on a dormitory in a hostel.

In the capital, I primarily want to be in the city and spend the time in the room only for sleeping.

And then I have a real déjà vu. At an intersection, I am very sure that it is a rest area from 2021. When I undertook my longest bike trip so far, during which I passed through Slovenia once.

At home, I must definitely look at the old photos to have the confirmation.

Besides the driving schools, there is another striking difference to the previous countries, namely cyclists.

Those who use it as a means of transportation out of interest.

In line with that, there are bike paths and it would again confirm that infrastructure is used accordingly.

It's also more fun to get on the bike when you can ride without the fear of being run over.

Accordingly, I also trust the bike path signs and follow the signs to Ljubljana, which deviate from the route of the navigator in the last kilometers.

And then I finally ride into the city.

First, I head for the Dragon Bridge to feel like I have arrived before walking along the river to take in the impressions of the lively scene.

Check-in is quickly done, and there is also a place for my bike. Very nice, that’s taken care of, and I can save myself the trouble of looking for a bike box.

After refreshing myself, I head into the city to be part of the evening hustle and bustle.

In a pub, I start a conversation with a Slovenian/French couple and we have a good chat.

His journey from Marseille to Ljubljana is admirable, which he has managed as a wheelchair user on a handbike.

On the way back, I walk through the alternative district of Metalkova, where a fight breaks out.

A young woman feels threatened by a somewhat confused guy and two boys start hitting him.

Initially, I do well to protect the woman, but when they start kicking the guy on the ground, I step in.

I return to the accommodation only after midnight and fall asleep quickly after another eventful day.

Song of the Day:

Dream Theater - Pull Me Under