Ljubljana is pure magic.

Even its name is mystical. It’s pronounced lyoob-lyee-AH-nah, in case you struggle with your Slovenian pronunciation, as I do.

The sun had finally come out in Piran and I didn’t think I wanted to leave. But, like a faithful mule, I humped my things up the steep hill to my car and winded my way from the sea to the rolling hills of Lake Bled. I will concur with my guidebook that the Bled area has a peaceful kind of beauty. But the multitude of tourists vying for space on the path made me long for the quieter lakes of home.

I quickly ended my lake excursion, and headed for the capital of Slovenia, ignoring my malfunctioning GPS’s advice to take a sharp left off the motorway into the pastures below. As I drove into the city, row upon row of communist era apartment blocks accosted me. I began to get nervous. I hadn’t done much research on Ljubljana. Maybe I should have stayed by the sea and skipped this largely undiscovered city?

A couple of wrong turns later, I tracked down my clean, but sparse B&B. After so many amazing apartments, I felt a little disheartened by this little box of a room. I resigned myself to a blah travel day and felt just a tinge of homesickness. But, I decided to head out for a walk to clear my head and find something to eat.

As I walked closer and closer to the old city, a grin crept across my face. Soon, I began to beam. Even the grayness of the day couldn’t dampen my revived spirits. I took in bridges inspired by Venice, architecture that transported me back to Prague, and cobbled streets filled with riverside cafes.

When I stopped to get a snack, I realized that I had no idea how to ask if the server spoke English. I started to gesture and immediately became embarrassed when he spoke to me in crisper English than I use.

After fuelling up, it was time to wander again. I lost track of time as I snapped photo after photo. One of my favorite spots was the Dragon Bridge. The dragon has long been the symbol for Ljubljana. It represents power, courage, and greatness. This city really does have all of the makings of a fairytale complete with dragons, castles, and well dressed Slovenian men.

I decided it was time to complete my Ljubljana experience. I have read that the number one activity is strolling the streets, sipping kava (coffee), and watching the world go by.

After two cappuccinos already today, I decide to save my kava for tomorrow. Instead I reach for my glass of Prosecco and sit back to relax in what feels like my personal, candlelit, outdoor living room. To my left local families mingle and the river drifts lazily by. This is my kind of place.

Although I’m sitting alone, I don’t want to read my book. I just want to soak in every second of this ambience as I burrow a little deeper into my sweater. Even the chill can’t make me go inside.  After all, who knows if I will ever have the chance to sit here again?