The Ann Arbor of Slovenia:
Ljubljana

From Plitvice, I took the bus to Zagreb, Croatia (for 69 kn [$12], including 7 kn for luggage storage).  Unfortunately, June 19th was a miserably hot day in Zagreb (over 30°C).  Just walking from the bus station to the train station was more than I could bear.  I had planned to stay the night; instead, I used up my Croatian money (on pop and pastry), used up my Croatian phone card, and caught the first train to Ljubljana, Slovenia (88 kn [$16]).
Room 511 at Hotel Park
 		Hotel Park exterior
I didn't have a reservation in Ljubljana, so I ended up staying at Hotel Park.  My first room (on June 19th) was Room 511 (pictured to the left); my second room on June 22nd was Room 102 on the first floor (better because I didn't need to use the elevator).  The room had a large bed, TV, desk, table, window, and bathroom in the room, all for 13 342 SIT (€56 or $70).  Its only lack: no fan or A/C.  Three days later, I remedied that by buying a fan.  Hotel Park was convenient for me because it was near the train station while still being within walking distance of places in the city center.




Ljubljana reminded me much of Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Both are university towns with pretty architecture.  Ljubljana was just pleasant to walk around.  This photo is taken river-side.
Riverside in Ljubljana
Dragon Bridge #1
Dragon Bridge #2
The Dragon Bridge was one of the unusual architectural places around the city.  It was also near my hotel!





Let's Go and the free Ljubljana city map both mentioned a chunk of Roman wall.  I had to check it out!!  From what I could tell, it's been nearly completely re-built, but it was still neat.
Emona Roman Wall #1
On top of the Roman wall






As I'd walked all the way there, I had to get on top of the wall!







I also walked up to Ljubljana's castle.
 Entry to Ljubljana Castle
Inside Ljubljana's Castle





I was there pretty late.  Not much was going on.  They really are building a funicular up to the castle!!
Notes on Ljubljana:
  • My ATM card did not work in Ljubljana (and I tried about 8 different ATMs).  This was only the second place I've ever had that happen.
  • The tourist office was very helpful (even suggesting a place for me to buy an electric fan).
  • I enjoyed the mushroom panini I bought at Painoteka (for 550 SIT [$3]).  They have the paninis in a display case and grill them after you order.  Yummy!
  • Slovenian post offices change money for no commission and are open quite late (but their rates aren't so great).
  • The tourist office's free map is quite nice!
  • I bought my electric fan at Nama for €14 ($18).  It was a bargain in that I used it for the rest of the trip!