frjack Loc: Boston, MA

The Christmas tree and lights were switched on in Ljubljana on Friday evening. The rain began to fall about an hour before the lighting. Decided against going as the lens is not weatherproof. Sunday was clear, cool, and dry. The outdoor Christmas Market opens on 3 December. Small kiosks are going up along the river and elsewhere. Looking forward to some time shooting. All of the photos below were taken with a Leica D Summilux f/1.4 mostly wide open at ISO 1000 on an Olympus E-5. Love the lens.

Congress Square from the Castle.

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Part of the outdoor market. Both sides of the river are vibrant.

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Prešernov trg (Prešeren Square) is the center of the lighting display. Franciscan Church is very recognizable landmark.

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Prešernov trg at ground level. I did not know about the other path down from the Castle. Unlike the paved road for cars this resembled something a Sherpa would find challenging.

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Looking back toward the Castle. The Castle is usually illuminated with green light. At the moment a light wheel (remember the aluminum trees?) changes the color.

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After an hour or so of lights my eyes needed a break. I posted a photo of this street in the snow. The muted ochre of the stucco and quiet was balm for the overstimulated retinas and the ears..

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jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Excellent!

Jbat Loc: Charleston, SC

Very nicely done. I really enjoyed seeing these as I had not heard of this city before and these make for an interesting look at it.

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Thanks for looking and commenting.

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Thanks for looking. Ljubljana (LJ) is the capitol and largest city of Slovenia, the northernmost part of what was Yugoslavia and the first to declare independence. Slovenia is small with about 2 million people. LJ has about 300,000 with a beautiful and compact center. Nothing in the country is more than 2 hours by car from LJ. Ljubljanski Grad (Ljubljana Castle) dominates the skyline in the center. Excellent views from the top. It is accessible by car (the road begins very near our community), by foot, and by funiculaire. Friends have explained that over the years the center has been developed, particularly along the river. There is a section beginning about where the tree is extending perhaps 1/2 mile along the river lined with shops, outdoor cafes, LOTS of outdoor cafes, and beautiful vistas along every turn.

Slovenia itself is a geographically and topographically exquisite country with alps, farms, and a small 15 mile coast bordered by Croatia and one side and Italy on the other. I recently posted two sets of photos from Piran on the coast. Slovenians are very friendly and nice people who are, however, and to my great relief, not touchy-feely hugging types. A handshake will do thank you. Many tourists go to Croatia which has a beautiful and extensive coast and to their detriment skip Slovenia.

One important bit of trivia. If you remember the 'agony of defeat man' on Wide World of Sports, he was a Slovenian ski jumper (an important sport here) who still lives to the north of LJ.

mrova Loc: Chesterfield, VA

Beautiful!

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Thanks. The outdoor Christmas Market opens in a few days. Charging all the batteries.

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

Fr. Jack thanks for sharing the beautiful photos. I have been contemplating a return trip to Ljubljana, you have now planted the seed that my return will be when the Christmas market opens next year.

richosob Loc: Lambertville, MI

Great photos, I enjoy seeing photographs of the different cities that people live in. Hope to see more soon. Thanks for sharing.

Rich

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Thanks for the comment. And the good news is that the Christmas Market opens traditionally on 3 December every year and runs for a couple of weeks. The schedule of things to do over the next four weeks is daunting. Fortunately the community is a very short walk to Prešernov trg. Given the miserable parking that is a real advantage.

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Thanks for the comment. I enjoy taking the photos and then reviewing them even years later.

bigtex2000 Loc: Arlington, TX

Beautiful series and very well done......Thanks for sharing!!!!

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Thanks for commenting. Great place.

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

A beautifully captured set...last one just excellent..book cover material!!!

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Book cover material is quite a compliment. I pass the cobblestoned street regularly on the short walk between the center of the city and the community. Attached is a shot from almost the same spot that I took in February. Same two bicycles it seems.

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