My Christmas excesses had got the better of me and my cliched 'new year, new me' resolution had been well and truly put off by a severe bout of tonsillitis. So, irritated by the glowing complexions of those around me, I decided what was needed was a spa weekend to reboot my immune system.
True, to take advantage of the knockdown rates I'd have to get myself to Ljubljana where? But, being the least-pampered, she's going to feel the benefits more than anyone else.
And besides, she's the only person I know who'll put up with me moaning about my tonsils. Fortunately, the relatively new airline Wizz Air offers ludicrously cheap flights - of the 1p each way variety - from Luton to Ljubljana. This will save you money on accommodation, and get you free travel on city buses, free entry to most museums and money off all manner of other things for 72 hours. Determined not to let my residual tonsillitis spoil the weekend, we headed out on the first morning to mooch around the market.
Ljubljana is in a picture postcard setting and the city is small enough to have a welcoming feel. There were many cheap delights on offer, but jars crammed full of syrupy fruits and nuts didn't seem like the best idea given the supposedly healthy theme of the weekend; so I opted for a chat with the charming herb lady, who was more than happy to recommend me something to ease my sore throat. Near the outdoor market is a huge fish market, by the river.
People were queuing for tables at the speciality fish cafe next door so, thinking it must be good, we opted for a light fish lunch. The sardines were a particular highlight and were washed down surprisingly well with a glass of traditional hot wine served with cloves and lemon.
