Lunch. After having walked around the city for over an hour then done a tour of the Ljubljana castle, I was perkish and ready for my lunch. I had noticed this nice restaurant on my way up to the castle so I knew where I would be eating lunch in this foreign country.
Vodnikov Hram is a Slovenian restaurant based in the heart of old town centre of Ljubljana, Slovenia and right next to Ljubljana Castle (or rather right below it as the castle is on the hill). Slovenia is a small country in central Europe and it is known for it’s mountains but not many know it for its amazing culture, history nor cuisines – which I think some delicacies are for the brave.
Upon entering the Vodnikov Hram, you’re greeted by the small reception area just a two-step from the door, then a nice bar on the left and tables on the right. On the other side of the bar are seats which are mainly for two and one table for four. All very beautiful, clean and quaint.
Within a few minutes of being seated, you’re presented with this beautiful menu written in three languages (Slovenian, English and I don’t know the third language but it could be Italian since the country was once under Italy.) All the prices are in euros and not too expensive.
The look and feel of the place was absolutely beautiful and very relaxing, it can accommodate a lot of people and because of its popularity & location it can get full pretty quick – which was a case when I went to have my lunch there.
Whilst waiting in a queue I met a lovely Italian girl, Federica, who like me had travelled alone on a spontaneous trip to Slovenia for 24 hours only and would be returning back to Italy the next day. Since we were travelling alone, we decided to sit and eat together because we had both assessed the situation and realised it would much sense if we shared a stable instead of one of us having to wait another half an hour for a table to be free.
A photo posted by A July Dreamer (@myrabev) on
We talked, laughed, shared jokes, our pasts and what interests us. It was funny to think and know how very different yet so similar we were and decided to exchange numbers there and then, find each other of facebook and for me to go and visit her in Bologna in January next year.
A photo posted by A July Dreamer (@myrabev) on
Though this was not my first time meeting a stranger, talking to them and becoming friends! it was a first actually having lunch together and spending the rest of the trip abroad together. I have always been able to make insta friends but even for me this is amazing experience. I can not wait to visit Federica and share with you my trip to Bologna, Italy.
Have you ever had such an encounter before? Met someone spontaneously and became instant friends?
Charlotte says
That looks like a wonderful place to have lunch! and the food looks amazing! the joys of travelling!
Miranda says
The joys of traveling indeed
Sara says
I love this post! You never know where you might meet someone and share a lovely meal. Great restaurant and photos, thanks for sharing.
Miranda says
Thanks Sara
Jasmine Watts says
Such a lovely place to visit! its so cool to friendship with someone you have just met.
Miranda says
Thanks, it was totally unexpected but so worth it
Jihane says
Oh wow.. this is awesome. but one should proceed with caution? lol i mean depending where you live/or visit. ALso… Love the pictures !
Miranda says
Hahaha that is true, we were fortunate to meet each other and we are not crazy people (well maybe a bit lol)
Roxy says
This food looks amazing! The idea of frog legs has always grossed me out, but these have my mouth watering. How awesome that you befriended a total stranger and had such a lovely encounter. I’ve never done that before (or traveled alone for that matter).
Miranda says
I know right! I was the same about frog legs now I love them.
Rochelle says
What a great story – something I’ve never done but loved living vicariously through your story.
Miranda says
Thanks Rochelle
Cecilia Keinapel says
This place looks so cozy, I have never been to Slovenia before, seems like an interesting place to visit 🙂
Enjoy your stay!
http://www.brandobeauty.uk
Miranda says
It’s a lovely place to visit and ’twas my first time too
Jess says
This looks like such a lovely little place to visit! I would love the freedom of travelling alone, I imagine you meet so many wonderful people.
Miranda says
I did thank you but she made a lasting impression
Mudpie Fridays says
Sometime chance meetings form friendships that last a lifetime. How great you have exchanged numbers. I can’t wait to hear about your trip in Jan x
Miranda says
Thank you, this chance friendship is something I will cherish always
Ana De- Jesus says
Yeah I have its so cool to instantly connect with someone you have just met . I have met people off Insta and Facebook and sometimes random strangers have become my friends!
Miranda says
How awesome is that, it’s interesting indeed
Nadia Marie says
How absolutely lovely that you met and had lunch with another fellow solo traveller! Your photos make me want to hop on a plane and head out to Slovenia! I hope you have a fabulous time! Merry Christmas! xx
Miranda says
Thank you Nadia, it was awesome. Merry Christmas to you too
Laura@raisingelves says
What a great experience. It brings me back to those times when I travelled alone. There is nothing quite like it and the people you meet. What a lovely post.
Miranda says
I couldn’t agree more, its a whole new experience traveling alone and meeting new people.