I managed to get my weary body to the Los Van Van concert last night. I didn't know what the expect really. I found the place by walking across the city centre. The sun had managed to get out again and it was lovely to see the beautiful buildings whilst it was quiet.
On my way to the ticket office I was approached by a ticket tout offering me a cheap ticket. I am embarrassed to say that I bought it! Naughty person! The concert took place in a place that had a roof but was open at the sides. There were some seats but the area was mostly standing. I thought the support act were great, they were a Cuban band and really lively. People were dancing to the music straight away and some of the people were really good salsa dancers. Then Los Van Van came on. They had 12 musicians and 4 singers. They were great and the whole place was dancing. I was approached by a good looking young girl who spoke to me in a sultry foreign language. I thought 'ey up, me lucks in', and I told her I was English and I couldn't understand. She said 'can you move to the side so my camera gets a better picture'! That's the normal affect I have on women!
I actually had a room mate last night, he was asleep when I came back so I probably disturbed him. He was Swedish and works in Nigeria but that's all I gleaned before breakfast and he's gone now. My breakfast was slightly less gargantuan than usual. I need to look after my figure! I had a leisurely start and took the opportunity to have a shave. These are becoming rare occasions so I include it in the blog as an incident worthy of a mention. I walked into the centre, had a coffee in the Presernov Square prior to taking the free guided city tour at 11am.
The tour was excellent and took about two and a half hours and covered almost everything except the Castle up on the hill. One surprising piece of information that was given was that most Slovenians need to climb the biggest mountain at least once and when they do it for the first time they have to have their backsides slapped hard to mark the occasion. The guide covered all areas of history, economic, political and cultural issues. We were lucky to be blessed with nice sunshine as well. I got the impression that the things to see are all in the city centre and a good weekend here would probably cover it. However, my good impressions from yesterday have been reinforced that this city is well worth a visit and it has a lovely unhurried, unhassled atmosphere. Budapest was great and there was a lot more to see but you do get some unwanted hustle from people trying to entice you into their restaurants or beggars etc. I went up to the Castle and admired the views than back down for a cake and coffee before having another more leisurely look in the Cathedral. Very baroque with big paintings on the walls and ceiling. I suspect the Italian churches are going to be special too!
I went back to the hostel later in the afternoon to try a little snooze before going out the evening for another taste of Cuba with Sierra Maestre and Buena Vista Social Club. I think it will be more traditional Cuban music with more variation of music styles rather than constant full on salsa. I am in a standing area so their could be more dancing! I'm not going to take my iPad tonight. It's good for. Couple of photos but its a nuisance having to look after it.
Tomorrow should be a short cycling day but almost all of it will be uphill. I am stopping at a place called Postjna near the top of the hill where there is a famous cave. After that it will be going downhill into Italy and Trieste for a couple of days. Venice is on the horizon in a weeks time where I will meet Rebekah and John for another cycling interlude.
Today's song choice is 'Lovely Day' by Bill Withers, just insert 'Lubbly' instead of Lovely!
Photo 1, Support act.
Photo 2, Los Van Van - look them up on You Tube.
Photo 3, St Nicholas' Cathedral.
Photo 4, Church in Presernov Square.
Photo 5, inside the Cathedral.
Photo 6, View from the Town Hall.
Photo 7, Ljubljana Castle.
Photo 8, View looking down the Funicular track to the city.
Photo 9, Just in case you forget who I am. What do you think of my green hat!
Photo 10, Looking after my figure again!
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