The Serenity of Murano
Our European escapade began in the City of Canals—Venice. This being our second visit, we opted for a quieter experience, immersing ourselves in the less crowded island of Murano. Known for its glassblowing artisans, Murano offered an intimate, relaxed atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the tourist-packed main islands. Our day culminated in a dinner back in Venice proper, filled with Venetian delicacies and enchanting twilight vistas.
Trieste and Regatta Barcolana
The next morning, we traded Venetian waterways for the open road, our eyes set on Ljubljana, Slovenia. However, two fascinating pit stops were on our agenda—Trieste, Italy, and Pula, Croatia.
Our arrival in Trieste coincided with a surprising influx of tourists. As it turned out, we had stumbled upon the Regatta Barcolana, one of the world’s most participated sailing competitions, held every October. The harbor was a kaleidoscope of sails, and the air was tinged with excitement. Trieste itself is a captivating port city with a multicultural history—owing to its days as a key port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it’s a blend of Italian, Slovenian, and German influences.
The Literary Soul of Trieste: James Joyce
While strolling through Trieste, it’s hard to miss the statue of James Joyce, the renowned Irish writer best known for works like “Ulysses” and “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.” Joyce lived in Trieste for more than a decade, and the city had a profound influence on him and his writing. The statue, which shows Joyce in a contemplative stride, is a nod to the transformative years he spent here, teaching English at the Berlitz School and penning some of his groundbreaking work. Trieste is proud of this literary connection, and rightly so—Joyce’s time in the city intertwines with its own multicultural, multi-ethnic history to form a rich narrative tapestry.
The Coffee Capital of Italy: Trieste’s Caffeinated Heritage
Another intoxicating narrative of Trieste is its love affair with coffee. Not many realize that Trieste is Italy’s coffee capital. Its importance as a coffee port dates back to the 18th century when it served as the coffee gateway to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Today, the city is home to a number of historic coffee houses, and it’s even the headquarters for Illycaffè, one of the world’s most famous espresso brands.
In Trieste, coffee is not just a beverage; it’s a culture. The city has its own unique coffee vocabulary; for example, ordering a ‘capo’ will get you a macchiato. Whether you sip your brew in an opulent café that evokes the grandeur of the Austro-Hungarian Empire or in a modern, artsy establishment, you’re partaking in a longstanding tradition that’s as integral to the city’s identity as its complex history and literary fame.
So, while enjoying our cup of coffee in this storied city, we couldn’t help but feel that we were sipping on history, literature, and local culture, all blended into one aromatic experience. It’s another layer to Trieste that makes it unique and unforgettable, much like each stop on our whirlwind European journey.
Roman Echoes in Pula
Leaving the sails and cappuccinos of Trieste behind, we aimed our compass towards Pula, Croatia. While we arrived too late to explore the Pula Arena in all its historical glory, the ancient Roman amphitheater still stood majestically under the twilight sky, a silent testament to the centuries it has witnessed. We settled for dinner at a local eatery, and to make the evening even sweeter, Arsenal clinched a victory on TV. As any true Arsenal fan would attest, a win for the team is a perfect end to any day.
A Night in Ljubljana
Our final leg was a drive to Ljubljana, Slovenia, where we planned to rest for the night. Though Zak, our constant travel buddy, wasn’t with us this time, the journey felt complete in its own way. Perhaps it was the seamless blending of Venetian waterways, Triestine harbors, Roman ruins, and Slovenian landscapes that made this trip feel like a symphony—each note contributing to a magnificent crescendo.
As we closed the day, nestled in the heart of Ljubljana, it was hard not to reflect on the incredible tapestry of experiences we’d woven in just a few days. From Italian coffees to Croatian ruins to Slovenian sunsets, we’d savored a little bit of everything that this unique corner of Europe has to offer.
So, here’s to many more adventures, to savoring each cup of coffee, each historical site, and of course, each Arsenal win.
All Around The World 