Arriving in Zagreb

Saturday May 18 was a beautiful day both in Split as we were leaving and in Zagreb when we arrived mid afternoon.  26C and lots of sun.

We caught the 10:00 a.m Flixbus to Zagreb, which left at 10:15.  It was a fast bus travelling on a toll highway.  It made only one 15 minute pit stop.   We arrived at 3:00 p.m. and then had about a 15 minute walk to our Airbnb.

Saying goodbye to Split and the Riva waterfront promenade

Passing lots of small towns amid lots of green

Small town Croatia

Our host Ana met us outside the apartment building and gave us a great orientation to the city.  The apartment is one of the largest Airbnbs we have stayed in (about 700 square feet)--- two bathrooms, a large living room, dining room and kitchen, separate bedroom and a small balcony.  It is very well equipped-- Ana also gave us a bottle of Croatian plum liquor.  The building is an old one but the apartment is very modern.  We are on a great street only about 12 minutes from the main square.  There are a number of shops, restaurants and cafés on our street, but it is very quiet on our block.

Living room with mirror at one end

Well equipped kitchen- microwave, dishwasher, gas stove, small fridge

large bedroom off the living room with an ensuite bathroom

Large shower-- also a clothes washer-- other bathroom is close by

Dining and living room area-- blinds were down in the living room area because of heat
- but lots of windows and light

We decided to walk down the street to a café that Ana had told us about.  Zagreb has a real café culture.  Apparently, there is actually one intersection in the city centre where folks get dressed up and have coffee on Saturday mornings- the local custom is called špica.  

Public art on our street

There are lots of statues and plaques in the city.

Antonio Janigro (1918-1989) - an Italian cellist and conductor-- an unfortunately timed vacation in Yugoslavia left Janigro there for the duration of WWII and he became a professor of cello and chamber music at the Zagreb Conservatory, where his influence helped develop modern cello playing in Yugoslavia.

Looking back down our wide street

Huge bank and fountain  just behind the café at a corner behind our street

We stopped at Alfresco, which Ana had recommended.  It was a great place to get out of the hot sun and chill.  Lots of people out on a Saturday afternoon.

Alfresco


There was also an indoor section, though everyone was outside today

Allan had a latte

I decided to have a mint smoothie - as it was very late afternoon by then

We wandered a few more blocks to get to the main square.

Passed this old building with wonderful flowers

Signage in the main square-- unfortunately some museums are closed as they are being rebuilt following the devastating 2020 earthquake.

We stopped for a bottle of Croatian wine in this lovely wine store on our street

We passed a number of other interesting cafés on the way back to the apartment.

Inside of Program Bar- for coffee and design lovers--- just down the street--- we will definitely pay a visit

Folks at the cafés near us - one had a sign noting that it was in the Zagreb Design District- we also saw some modern furniture and design stores in our 'hood

We were both tired and decided to have a light dinner at the apartment.  On Sunday, we will try and get to one of the farmers' markets before our Free Spirit Walking Tour which starts at 11:00 a.m.   Our adventure in Zagreb begins.



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