ZAGREB

We headed towards Zagreb choosing to stay in an apartment in the Jarun district, southwest of Zagreb centre. Our apartment was by Lake Jarun which has a cycle/walking track around the lake and a location where you can observe water sports such as rowing.  There are many bars and cafés located on the waterfront, a lovely location offering good music and lively atmosphere.  The downside is the only toilets available are public and are in a word, yuck! I would not recommend using them unless you are desperate! 

Although the apartment was again not that desirable as it was in a tower block and not attractive in any way, was nicely decorated within easy reach of the centre of Zagreb.  We had the option to either walk or catch the tram to get to the centre, walking took about 1 hr and the tram only 25 minutes.  You need to buy a ticket for the tram, which you can get either on board from the driver or from any of the small kiosks by the tram stops, cheap and easy.

Zagreb is made for strolling, with many markets offering an array of local produce, a maze of streets with a mixture of architecture with many wonderful historic buildings to look around.  One of the things we noticed is several ugly concrete walls that have been transformed by colourful murals by local street artists.  We also observed there were a number of areas dedicated to cats with little colourful houses and wall art.  See photos below.

We stumbled upon an unusual shrine, housed in the passage of one of the historic remaining ancient gateways.  Felt strange as it was an open walkway you could just wonder through between the upper and lower town.   It is a shrine of ‘Our Lady of the Stone Gate’ with square stone slabs that are engraved and present thanks ‘Hvala Ti’ and praise to the Lady Virgin. A place regularly visited by people who come to light candles to thank the Lady for protecting them and benches for them to worship and pray.  

Just outside of the shrine is the oldest pharmacy established in 1355 it was not just a pharmacy but also a local hangout for the residents and travellers. 

We found a lovely area, home to a large number of street food outlets, offering a wonderful choice of food from many different cultures.  A good vibe, fantastic spot to people watch, listen to music, relax and enjoy the day. 

I had to pop home during this period and left Graham in Zagreb, unfortunately for him the weather turned for the worst and rained every day I was absent.  The UK weather was wonderful!

Graham walked the dogs, frequented the bars by the lake and walked into Zagreb.  Upon my return we went into Zagreb and had a lovely Malaysian food, great last evening in the city before we moved onto Baska on the island of Krk.