It is the story of a young lady lost the delights of Ljubljana, rocked by the gloom of the lakes that surround this city.
17:00. Sitting on my terrace, I hear a sudden noise. I look around. A giant raven includes me. Without fear, approaching me.
- 'Hello,' My first thought is to leave the building. Am I having a hallucination?
- "Be not afraid. I do no harm. "
- "You ... you speak?"
- 'It's true. I am a gifted raven. Would you mind if I tell you a story? "
- "A story? Those of delight? "
- "In a way. It's about a trip from Portugal to Slovenia made ten years ago. Reads:
(...) It was once a town called Ljubljana. The capital of Slovenia. In one of its squares, the Romantic poet France Prešeren contemplates the image of Julija Primic. The look is of stone, but full of affection. The barrier of an impossible love is collapsing with the construction of a statue. It is a tribute that Slovenia provides to its greatest poet. A kind of eternal vows of devotion that recalls the portguese drama of D.Peter and D. Agnes.
The evening is a celebration in Ljubljana, but quiet. With around three hundred thousand inhabitants, is one of the safest cities in Europe. Is she pretty? The medieval heritage, influences and Renaissance facades of 'Art Nouveau' beautify the streets, no doubt. But Ljubljana passions sweeping exemption. To be loved as it deserves, must be savored slowly. Through the taste of night and "Slivovka ', a plum brandy popular.
The enchanted lake
The morning woke up ill-prepared, but the waterfalls of Vintgar, less than two hours' drive from Ljubljana, they even shine without sun. Inside the car, the dialogue helps to know the soul of Slovenians. It is important to speak of the ten-day war which, without any relevant materials consequences, left their mark. The battles around the capital, at the airport in Maribor. The bombs that the planes began. The agony of the people in hiding.
Slovenia will be ten years next day June 25, 2001. Considered a successful example in the Balkans want to join the European Union. In this time of change, one must preserve national identity.
In the Julian Alps, on the edge of Triglav National Park (one of the oldest in Europe), Lake Bled keeps old tales. It is said that the island in the middle of the lake was formed centuries ago by the fairies who lived there. On the other hand, looks out at the luxury hotel that hosted the Marshal Tito in Communist times.
Piran and return to Ljubljana
"Here I am the happiest person in the world. I'll love you forever, Slovenia”. Jim, USA. The words that the U.S. recorded the battlements make sense. At the top of the fortress, Piran, a medieval town lies on the Adriatic Fairy. From the pier, built on the hill, looks out at the beautiful Church of S. George, protector of Piran. And of Ljubljana.
Back to the capital, one finds the castle. Already important in Roman times, is now a vital city center. The spiral staircase, which exhibit the dragon associated with the life of St. George, go to the tower. Among other places, it is contemplated 'Tromostovje', the three bridges over the river Ljubljanica. The Tivoli park in the west, towards Zagreb. The Church of Trnovo.
Down the hill, some Ravens unexpected remind Lisbon. The image of St. Anthony in the church of the Franciscans also. Like the book by Fernando Pessoa used by a bookstore that says: "A great Portuguese poet - the restlessness of the soul, the anguish within."
The return to Portugal is in a few hours. At number nine of Stari Trg, the name of the Bar 'Nostalgija "(nostalgia) and sets the mood. Longing anticipate from the outset, but it is impossible to freeze time. In aerorporto Brnik, one of the planes of Adrian Airways is ready to take off. Slovenia barely cleared from the window and I feel like coming back. To understand its other side. I found it inside and out (...)
- 'Do you like it'?
- "Very. Let me guess - you were a Ravens Castel S. Jorge '.
- 'Yes' answers.
- 'The end is inaccurate. Well, Slovenia became in fact a member of the European Union. And the Portuguese girl? Did she returned? "
- 'I do not know. I emigrated to other lands. I do not go to Slovenia since 2001. Never been to Portugal. You know, I gotta go. I hope the story have warmed your soul. Goodbye. "
With the soul 'heated', think of Ljubljana. And in my crow friend, an extraordinary storyteller. Fantasy or reality, there are memories that time will never fade.
