It's Out There, You'll Find It

Zagreb, Croatia                   

                  

My German friends joke a bit about American waitresses and workers and how incredibly friendly they are. I never thought much about it...but we are a rather friendly-type when it comes to serving a meal or giving directions (not that others are not...I onetime had a group of three folks in Liverpool hold an impromptu summit conference on the city street ....all trying to figure out where my hotel was located...they kept stopping random Liverpudlians in a vain attempt to help me, fresh off the train.) Anyway, I digress. But, that sort of service has not quite caught on here in Europe yet, though it is coming! Case in point.

I get off the plane...three rather long but good flights and arrive in Zabreb, Croatia. I know enough to ask lots of annoying questions because jet lag and language barriers often do not make for smooth communications. 

I asked for a small map of the city at the Tourist Desk.

"Here, take this large map and fold it to make it small." I was told.

Then I asked for directions to the shuttle bus.

"Just go to the parking lot, it's out there, you'll find it."

I did as I was told. Sure enough, the bus was there.

                              

Once I was settled in, I went out for a short walk around the city's old town. 

I approached one of the town's main squares around 7 in the evening and noted that it was 7:03 on the town clock and walked on.

                           

One of the main structures I had been looking forward to seeing was the huge Catherdral in Zagreb. And there it was as the sun began to set. Very impressive, take note that the right spire is being renovated...and they have wrapped the construction in a lithograph of the actual spire. We might do the same for our bell tower renovation.

Anyway....I was in time for evening mass. I saw the large number of worshippers (though I also noted a Tour Bus out front).

                       

Once outside again, I noted that I had been inside for about 15 minutes yet the town clock still said, 7:03. Upon closer inspection, I read that the clock was really just artwork, depicting the exact time that the town clock stopped during the great 1880 earthquake .

It just so happened that I saw the artwork-clock at 7:03 in the evening and thought that WAS the correct time. Perhaps some symbolism there. But I moved on.

                     

I'll stop back into the "Cathedral of the Assumption for the Blessed Virgin Mary" tomorrow, though I pity the poor cheerleaders as they lead a rally cry for the basketball team. 

"Give me a C...give me an A....give me a T......"

                

One of the great joys of travel is walking the city streets of a new city...especially a small city....especially one that the locals claim "You can walk around at 3 in the morning..it is SAFE here!" 

I took them at their word....though I only stayed out until 10 pm. They have a wonderful city center park that occupies several city blocks filled with trees and fountains 

and park benches and dignified buildings and lots of people strolling on an August evening.

   

                                       

 

In a day or two, I am taking the train from Zagreb to the coast. I bought the ticket online and I should probably stop in the station and make certain that the ticket is valid, but I went on a trial-walk to the station last night and did not expect to see much activity. I was right, but I think that train stations are one of the best places in the world. Trains signify coming and going and intrigue and romance. 

 I sat for awhile and took in the non-bustle of the late Zagreb train station. I'll return later to validate my ticket.

                           

             

Time zone dislocation, hunger, and anticipation make for an interesting traveling companion. Not knowing exactly whether I needed lunch or dinner, I passed a delightful outdoor restaurant bar. The city center is chockablock with them. But something about this particular outdoor bar attracted me.

I sat. I ordered the local brew and realized they had hamburgers on the menu. Why not travel to Zagreb and order a hamburger and fries? (complete with their own mayonnaise...this being Europe and all)

The burger was one of the best I had ever had (avoiding the huge red onion). After awhile the owner stopped by my table and asked how the meal was. I told her it was one of the best burgers ever....and it was. I also noted that her accent sounded a bit familiar. Turns out she was a New Yorker who traveled here and subsequently opened this restaurant. I complemented her on a great place but didn't think that I would be opening a restaurant in downtown Zagreb soon as she had done.

She asked if I had sampled some particular local drink....something that sounded like "Cherry Vodka." I told her that I had not. And she quickly said that since I had just arrived that I should try it ... and it was "on the house."

It was delightful. I turned around and noticed the address of her establishment. #17!

I took it as another good sign.

            

I might also note that jet lag, a glass of the local brew and a Cherry Vodka even with a great hamburger, are not the wisest of choices.

Peace,  Bob