‘We could move,’ I told my husband with a wavering voice. ‘Just imagine,’ I tried to get us both excited, ‘leaving the hustle and bustle of the city for the quiet.’ I stopped. That wasn’t it. I tried to think but I couldn’t find an upside to justify the decision to move from Ljubljana to the country side, other than the prices of real estate. I like the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s actually one of the reasons I love living in Ljubljana.
A taste of freedom
I moved to the capital of Slovenia when I was 18, to study. It was my first taste of freedom. With no parents around I could do whatever I wanted and didn’t have to explain it to anyone. Coming from a small town I was in awe of what a city can offer.
This was a time of figuring out the city’s efficient transportation system and finding the fastest way to Uni. Where will number 6 get me or 8? Where do I get off if I ride number 3? What does the main station – Bavarski Dvor even look like?
It was spending my days at the National and University Library and when the weather was nice exchanging it for studying on the river banks of Ljubljanica.
But those years were about more than just studying. I had to learn by trying where to eat, what were the cheapest places, best pizza, what’s Thai or do I enjoy Mexican? I needed to familiarize myself with new streets and know which to take. This was before Google maps made it all easy. This meant getting lost and meeting all my friends at the Prešernov trg square because we all knew where that was. And once we met, there were so many places we could go to: Metelkova, Emonska klet or a friend’s house.
Looking back now, it’s no wonder I fell in love with Ljubljana, head over heels. There was so much to love.
A start of a commitment
Gradually this infatuation has turned into a steady loving relationship with all the good and the bad things. It wasn’t just about being silly and doing crazy things anymore. This was almost like a marriage. Like family. All of which I had started in Ljubljana.
I got married one warm afternoon in late May, at the top of the castle. Our future and the bright red rooftops of the city in front of us.
Continue reading at the Visit Ljubljana’s blog.