Previously…
Dear Zagreb, we are breaking up. It’s not you, it’s me. Actually, it is you, you are not Ljubljana. But we can still be friends.
“Like some wines our love could neither mature nor travel.”
Graham Greene
This city is stunning. The architecture, the river, the castle. It is like a fairy tale.
We arrive at our place and I am a little stunned. We travel on a budget, and this does not look like the budget we travel on. Off the street through a set of ancient double doors, past a garden into a modern foyer. Local sparkling wine on arrival.
AS Botique Hotel has only been open a few months. It is concrete and glass and art work and all things fantastic. We are informed our breakfast has been prepared by Ana Roš, who recently received her third Michelin star for her restaurant House Frank 3.
Local sparkling wine on arrival and while we are being checked in it is suggested Shell put on the cotton gloves provided and flick through the limited release book of photography nudes by Helmut Newton.
“The term “political correctness” has always appalled me, reminding me of Orwell’s “Thought Police” and fascist regimes.”
Helmut Newton
Italian bed linen by Frette. This certainly sounds impressive.
The room is incredible. Not a bad view.
We shower and head out into the city. As we leave I ask the front desk if they might have a corkscrew we could borrow. These cold climate Christmas markets are very cool. We order some čapati and churros before heading off to find some local wine to drink when we get back.
We walk through the city, art and clothes boutiques everywhere. There will be shopping tomorrow.
When we get back, there is a corkscrew waiting for us. This place is wonderful. There is already talk of a third night.
Tonights wine-
2022 Bordon Refošk (Istrian Hills, Slovenia)
Silky smooth with rich fruit. Well balanced with some grippy tannin. If this is Refošk, I am a fan.