Greetings from Ljubljana

We got to Luton airport at about 05:30 and prepared to do battle with the Great British bank-holiday weekend get away. Apart from long queues for everything, we had a pleasantly uneventful flight to Ljubljana.

As you drive into the city from the airport the Soviet, cement suburbs give way to the romantic architecture of this jewel of the Austrio-Hungarian empire with a sky line dominated by the 15 century Ljubljana Castle. The city survived various 20th century invasions from Italy and Germany before succumbing to Soviet dominance as part of Yugoslavia. Slovenia of which Ljubljana is the capital became an  independent country in 1991 and there is a youth and energy about the place which is infectious.

After a distinctly beery lunch in a small restaurant by the river, we retired to the hotel to do bicycle assembly which thankfully did not, this year require a trip to the local bike shop for emergency repairs.

A few more calories before kick-off

So out for a Slovenian meal this evening in the City. I think we are all set for tomorrow and an early start, heading off to the Triglav National Park for our first go at the mountains.

Keep you posted...