Just another autumn day

It was a very beautiful day outside my window and I decided to go out for a bit longer lunch. The sun shone after days of cloudy sky. Everything was bright and cheerful. A perfect day it was for walking to the city center, enjoying a leisurely lunch and then coming back to work again. It was not that I had any less work, but I just decided to treat myself and enjoy the day.

As I wrapped the autumn coat around me and stepped out, the cold refreshing wind touched me. It was a play of colors all around. Everything looked fresh, crisp and smiling. The trees were bright with their display of few remaining golden leaves. And there was beauty in their barren look. On one of these trees, there was just a single yellow leaf still clinging to the branch and fluttering in the wind. And with it, there was beauty, there was life.

I walked on the soft carpet of dry brown leaves. They murmured with music as I made each step. And then, with the gust of wind, they danced in a whirlpool. Along with the wind the leaves ran over the asphalt road and paved sidewalks. Creating music as they ran. A continuous murmuring sound it made, like a heavy rain on the roof. Dry leaves were falling all around me like little bright dots. One got caught in the mess of my hair.

The big willow trees in the park were dropping down to the little Gradaščiča stream. It was a magnificent display of bright yellow and fading green against the bright sky and green grass. Trnovo church was visible there behind. People were taking walks by the river, mothers with their babies in prams, a grandmother walking slowly with her little bag, a few young people sitting down on the bench and reading a book. Everyone was enjoying beautiful nature.

I turned towards the city. Trees in different shades of reds and oranges lined the roads. The bright sunlight seeped through these colors illuminating everything with this reddish golden hue. It was a mesmerizing play of lights and colors. Below the trees, sun created patterns. The houses looked brighter with the red creeper decorating their walls. Everything was set in the fiery hue. I crossed under the old Roman wall; feeling tempted to seat on its grass and read a book. I was close to the faculties now.

By the faculties, students were busy with their classes. They were talking in groups, hurrying to their class, or going for lunch. I walked on and reached the little park. It was covered with a blanket of pale yellow. Pretty leaves were fluttering in the breeze. I stooped down to pick a few. And walked on to the city center.

What I always love about the Ljubljana city center is that it is always buzzing, cheerful and yet has some relaxed flavor. The Prešeren square by the three bridges is always a happy place to be. Especially so if it is a sunny day. It is always full of people and music. It is colorful and refreshing. Young people in groups, busy office goers, grandmas walking slowly, couples strolling, mothers walking with their babies, someone on a walk with his dog, a girl on a bicycle passes by, people sitting in the sun enjoying coffee, someone is playing on his guitar, a homeless sits in the corner, people eating slices of pizza or biting a burek sitting on the green benches, a tourist boat floats in the Lljubljanica river, and the castle shines brightly in the sun overlooking the city from the little hill as its flag unfurls in the breeze. It is always so colorful in this old part of the city. I stopped for a few minutes and let the liveliness around touch me.

I decided to try this little shop where I had heard there are excellent cheesecakes. It was a bit expensive one, but then I was in a mood of treating myself. I sat with the cheesecake on a table outside the shop. I watched people passing by as I indulged in the creamy taste of my cheesecake. I let myself free of all the thoughts and worries, and sitting there just watched the moving world around me. Sometimes it is great to cosset oneself and just unwind in the beauty of gazing at as a distant viewer.

As I passed the bookshop on my way back to work, I decided on making a quick visit. It was specially showcasing several culinary books. Therefore, I decided to check in if anything was interesting. Also I quickly browsed through the fiction and nonfiction sections. Spending some time browsing through books, and getting tempted to buy some, I finally decided to take my leave. The clock was ticking, and it was time to head back to work finally.

I made my way back on the same pretty roads; walking over the leafy carpet, I admired the colors. I wrapped the sun around me. I returned refreshed, my mind colorful and sunny.