This is the coast of Greece found between the cities of Thessaloniki and Alexandroupolis, in the East Macedonia and Thrace region.
East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.
In late November it is stark and beautiful. The geology is second to none and it boasts secluded beaches and miles of land for walking.
The sun lights up the horizon. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.
I was driven there by my wonderful host, a fount of local and fascinating information, Anastasia. She knows the location well and I was lucky to be taken to the best places. Monumental cliffs. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece. The island of Samothraki is visible along the length of this coastline. A 2.5 hour ferry trip away from Alexandrouplis, there are men-only monasteries and a fantastic walking route. Further down the coast towards Thessaloniki is the island of Thassos which is made of white marble, the same that was used to build the White House in Washington DC. Samosthraki almost lost in the mists, with fishing boats. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.
Beautiful cliffs with the waves lapping. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.
All along this stretch glorious colours can be found: pink, blue, white, bronze, yellow, cream and golden. They simply gleam when the waves wash over or the rain drenches them.
Beautiful cliffs with the waves lapping. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.There is a tricky climb down to this hidden beach. Rosie the dog couldn’t make it. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.
There are rock stacks with grassy tufts growing out of them and, where they are surrounded by sea there are birds perched.
East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.
Unfortunately there was a recent tragic tale of an English woman, apparently familiar with the area, who was walking alone and got attacked by wild animals. This has made me wary of solo walking the Via Egnatia which passes this way. (The hiking trail begins in Dures, Albania (Dyrrachium in Roman times) and ends in Istanbul (Constantinople) Turkey – a full 1000 kms, 695 miles).
In twos or groups, the trails would be well worth following. You are advised never to run from such a creature, but to stoop to pick up a stone as if to throw because they understand this gesture and will usually leave.
East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.Marmaritsa (little marble) beach, East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.
According to the locals, this is the land of the Cyclops from Homer’s tales of Odysseus. There are two caves nearby purporting to be the place where he was captured by the single eyed giant Polyphemus. There is also a River Ulysses (Odysseus’ Roman name).
Roman amphitheatre, East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.
There is a newly excavated Roman amphitheatre with white columns which are the same as those on the beach nearby.
A Roman column just poking out onto the beach. Such a wealth of history. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.A medieval wall. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.I spotted several sorts of succulents. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.Olives – November is picking time. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.
Each farmer has his own trees marked with name. Once they are producing enough they can sell them to the oil producers.
The twisted olive trunk – it must be ages old, East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.Prickly oak and wild olive grow side by side, crouching low to the ground. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.Juniper. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.
Much of the higher land consists of slabs of rock rich in oxydated iron and there are quartz crystals under ledges.
With seams of white reaching into the distance. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.And wind blown trees atop crevices of grey and bronze stripes. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.Rocks galore – Stripey and speckled!
There is a wealth of local flora, even at this time of year – wild thyme and lavender, rosemary with purple flowers.
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My private collection.Detail.
And beachcombing is always a delight.
A popular place for jumping in from a high place. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.The hounds loved it! East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.On the way home we saw this little chapel – popular for weddings I was told. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.Red and white stripes – a sure sign of a hiking trail. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.
It is all about the animals here in Proskynites, a small village located in northern Greece, in the Thrace region.
12-15 hens and cockerals
When I arrived the tabby was at home and the mother and all her kittens were at the field
A few days later the same mother, a tabby/white mix with a wonky eye, joined us at the house having made the journey herself (it took me 25 minutes to walk but maybe she knew a short cut!)
The queen, looking as if butter wouldn’t melt, but actually establishing her superiority over the resident female within a very short time
Leaving the rest behind to fight amongst themselves
And look very sweet
Playing among the bales
And always waiting to be fed and given affection
Somehow not as attractive as these turkeys who live by the petrol station
The land of Thrace also lies in Bulgaria to the north and Turkey to the east. The goddess of the same name was daughter of Oceanus and Parthenope, and sister of Europa. There is always a story.
Lea
Rosie and Lea play fighting
Proskynites boasts 2 cafés where you can sit all day drinking tsipouro (a sort of grapa distinct from ouzo by omission of star anise) if you fancy; an equal number of churches; an extremely well kitted out supermarket selling almost everything and with a spotless meat area out back; a community centre; and a bus stop where you can get a lift to Komotini which is the nearest big town (about half an hours ride at 2.30 euros).
Several times a week a gentleman hollers out over the village for 2 and a half hours. It is a Greek orthodox Church
Everywhere I spy saints – icons sitting with their back to the till in the supermarket or stuck up above the steering wheel of the bus.
On 2 floors, the house has a courtyard with a roof for training the vies over providing shade in the summer when temperatures reach the mid 30s
From the top of the steps I can see over the rooftops
A garden for tomatoes and sweetcorn
Here was some afternoon sunshine during my first 2 days and look!
Swarms of Autumn swallows swooping in front of me and once or twice settling on the wires in their hundreds
Our days are mapped out with twice regular visits to the field ( 10 minutes away by jeep) to feed, water and look after the horses, one of whom has a sneezy cough.
Giselle resplendent in her coat and Juli
A very necessary 4-wheel drive
Anyone who loves horses enough to do this is bound for heaven in my opinion, particularly with winds wailing from the Russian plains, temperatures of 4 degrees or torrential rain, the rest of us mere mortals would stay at home.
The dogs taunt the horses something dreadful, causing them to gallop around and kick up their hind legs
Not much further on is an abandoned village. The authorities offered them compensation in the form of land if they would vacate because it was too expensive to run electricity there. So the tale is told.
It is cotton country and at this time of year there are cotton wool balls in the hedgerows, beside the road, in transporter trucks and vestiges still in the fields.
The tracks all look the same unless you learn to identify the different hills surrounding them.
They looked dramatic as the light waned at 5pm
A flock of goats with herder and dogs cause Lea and Rosie great excitement
They took absolutely no notice of me and only came back when they were effectively seen off.
Turn left just before the disused silo
This part of Greece is so close to the border that you can almost see across to Turkey, a non-EU country.
The rain causes the clay to coagulate around our boots
And tyres
Causing it to fly off in chunky lumps when we once more gain the road.
Wild cucumbers – poisonous although made into a tincture and used sparingly the drops are good for sinusitis
Quinces fallen by the roadside.
Wrapped in foil and baked in the oven on top of the wood burner, they were delicious for breakfast.
Several spectacular sunsets before the rain came and then the full moon
At the stop on Avenija Dubrovnik (some 5 minutes from the apartment) which Google maps recommended, there was a list of buses but it didn’t include an airport one or the numbers mentioned, so I took someone’s advice instead. I took the #6 tram.
Red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning
More than an hour later, the airport bus did indeed stop right where Google maps said it would, so I am writing this blog to help others to avoid the same waste of time and energy.
You can pick up the airport bus from a number of different places but notably from the Autobusni kolodov (Zagreb bus station). Allow time to find the bay as it is not amongst the other bus stops.
This is the airport bus terminal, tucked behind all the other bays – no signs pointing in this direction, no officials to ask where it is – but it is the part of Zagreb bus station where you get the airport bus.
Not an exciting photo but I took it so that you can orientate yourself ie if you can see this view, you have found or are close to finding the place where the airport bus leaves from!
It goes every half hour on the hour and the half hour, and takes 35 minutes.
Airport bus timetable as of November 2018
Detail: Nice bus driver. On time. Comfy seats. Ticket: 30 kuna, buy on the bus.
Zagreb Airport (another chrome tube! – see previous blogs)
The airport has different names: Zracna luka and Franjo Tudman being 2 of them.
I flew to Thessaloniki (Greece) from Zagreb (Croatia) with Air Serbia – stopping at Belgrade (in Serbia) to change planes.
Zagreb is the quietest, emptiest airport I have ever been to. There were 3 of us going through security. Three!
Waiting for the flight
Although the first plane was tiny and almost full, there was almost no-one on this second one.
Free fish biscuits and a glass of water on both flights
Piet Mondrian – Belgrade has a museum / art gallery. What a brilliant idea
I recommend the cafe below at Belgrade Airport – helpful staff, free WiFi and delicious green tea. It takes euro and local currency.
I started my walk as always, at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Avenija Dubrovnik, my favourite indoors attraction. I make a straight line from there, over the motorways and the River Sava (past the statue, the National Library, the concert hall and bus terminal, through the 3 main squares until ever such a slight right to the Cathedral. It takes around an hour and a quarter if you don’t stop too many times to take photos!
The shute at the Museum of Contemporary Art was open today – a great way to get kids here at an early age. Made by Carsten Höller, it is a piece of cunning engineering and great fun by the looks of it too
With the sky blue and the sun shining, I could not resist walking into the city. There in the far distance are the Medvenica mountains, possibly even Sljeme, the best known peak and sometime ski station
Zagreb Cathedral is right in front of those hills – I can see it getting bigger as I get nearer but the camera cannot – and it was gleaming white on this, my second last day in the city. I am not sure why I left it until now to see the famous monument.
The concert hall where Fura dels Baus are playing in December. I saw them in my Cardiff days and would have loved to go again
The bus terminal and the back of the train station with you know who emblazoned across the lot
It was so warm that I was glad to get to the city square for some shade.
The Christmas lights were going up round the bandstand built in 1891 (trg Nikole Zrinskog)
… and the trees ready and waiting
The last of the leaves curling at the edges made a satisfying shush as I waded through
It was Sunday afternoon and everyone seemd to be out and enjoying themselves, having picnics and playing hide and seek
Fontana kralja Tomislava and the elegant buildings around the square
This four-sided highly attractive meterological weather station shows the temperature and barometric pressure and much more besides. It is in the trg Nikole Zrinskog (north side)
Before the kids arrived, there was a couple standing there and the man was telling the woman the story of the famous canon, how Zagreb asked for help to protect themselves from Austria and got only the one canon. Strategically they put it at the top of the tallest tower and let it off. It was loud enough to send the invading army away and that is how, he concluded, the city survived. It is fired every day at noon like our own one in Edinburgh Castle (1pm).
Zagreb was first mentioned in 1094 when it was made up of two settlements Kaptol and Gradec.
Zagreb Cathedral looking very bonny against the azure sky
I really do not mean to be disrespectful but I have seen these same tiles are in all the best churches. Like pub decorations, maybe there are warehouses where you can get suitable ones wholesale
Main door, Zagreb Cathedral, recently cleaned and sparkling
Along the sides are the tallest thinnest windwos I have seen in a Cathedral, but these beauties are above the altar, Zagreb Cathedral
The tomb of Archbishop Stepinac, ‘place of constant prayer and listening’
I recognise the Glagolitic script here in the gloomy corner
The Cathedral suffered terribly in the earthquake of 1880 and has been under repair, more or less, ever since.
The clock stopped just after 7pm.
The ultimate golden lady. The Holy Mary outside the Cathedral in Zagreb
Next I crossed the road and entered a passageway finding the St Antun bookstore, photographed through the door as it was closed
The Zagreb coat of arms in brass on the street and in flowers
Here is Gulliver, beautifully depicted on the wall of Opatovina Park, incongruously lying next to a pile of books, the top one of which is Bridget Jones Diary (not in the photo)
And opposite the entrance to the park is perhaps my favourite of the churches, the quiet chapel of St Francis.
There he is at the top with the creatures of the earth, chapel of St Francis, Kaptol, Zagreb
Inside with a beatific smile, chapel of St Francis, Zagreb
Under a starry ceiling, chapel of St Francis, Zagreb
and here tending to the fish of the oceans too (bit blurred), Franciscan
It has amazing stained glass, some at least by the Croatian artist Ivo Dulčić whose work was so groundbreaking that it sometimes incurred the wrath of the church authorities of the time. The windows, which he made in 1960, depict scenes from St Francis’ song “Canticle of the Sun”.
The garden of the Franciscan monastery in the hidden courtyard, Zagreb
I somehow could not find St Mark’s with its famous roof but here is the spire
Then I found all the other) tourists. They were sitting in the cafes with English and German names on the little streets behind the market and jostling to take photos with their phones on sticks.
There was a statue of a Marija Juric Zagorka with a sun dial behind her and a children’s bench which is a nice idea
Tourist alley
I missed the market at Dolac (Zagreb) for the second week running. Here are the empty fish slabs
Outside a man was looking bored sitting in a mini vehicle hoovering up the rubbish, ‘Kumica Barika’ statue, Dolac, Zagreb
And another view of the Cathedral, Zagreb
This gorgeous fresco is on the Catholic church, St Mary at Dolac (stube kralja Ladislava)
Not a little footsore, I set out for Booksa to sit and drink tea and write some.
It was a picturesque end to the day.
There are better photos than mine of the interior of the St Francis chapel here.
There is so much else to see:
The Shrine of the Mother of God of Kamenita vrata (the “Stone Gate”), the patron saint of the city of Zagreb, is a place where people go to pray before a picture of the Virgin Mary which survived a great fire in 1761. The most important day here is the day when Zagreb remembers its patron saint and holds its annual town celebrations, 31 May.
Also, don’t miss the chance to see the south portal of St Mark’s Church in Gornji grad (Zagreb’s “Upper Town”), which dates back to the 15th century and depicts the saints in stone and wood. In the church’s interior you can also see typically powerful works by the great Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović.
The two above paragrpahs are from this website on Religious Toursim.
A hike from Samobor through Cerje to Okic and part of the way back. November 2018, Croatia. Approx. 20kms.
Samobor is on the eastern slopes of Samoborsko gorje. Situated 20 kms from Zagreb, the journey takes about half an hour and cost 31 kun there (from the ticket office) and 28 kun return (from the driver) .
Samoborsko gorje (Samobor mountains), Croatia
I took the tram to the bus station and then the Samborcek bus to Samobor, a regular service. Platform 610 is in the furthest corner of Zagreb bus station and it is just a matter of going and waiting there. Don’t expect to find anyone official to ask or see any signs – simply look on the ground for the number and trust!
The River Gradna
There is not much of note along the way to this popular summer and weekend destination for those who live in the capital city and tourists.
One of the many bridges across the Gradna Stream, built in 1906
It is a 10 minute walk from the bus station in Samobor to the centre – follow the signs to Centar.
A stall holder at the market in Samobor, Croatia
I visited the market first, walking round initially to see what was on offer, and then choosing certain women for their fresh looking produce.
Seasonal greens and sunshine crysanthemums being sold at the market, Samobor, Croatia
Long tables were punctuated with stallholders wrapped in shawls sitting in front of a handful of spinach, a pile of rosy apples or bunches of parsley. Without a doubt everything was local, seasonal, and had just been picked that morning.
It was very difficult to make myself understood, even with gestures and smiles. I wanted to buy from every one as they all seemed so keen, perhaps had come a long way with a paucity of goods, presumably relied upon sales for their livelihood.
I checked out a bakery kiosk looking for the speciality Fasnik, I had read about. It looked like a custard tart. What I found was yoghurt based and I was unsure if it was the right thing so I waited.
View of Samobor, Croatia
After a brief visit to the King Tomislav square with it’s cafés, and having failed to find the Tourist Information, I made my way towards a spire on the skyline (I had read a little before I came and had a list of places in my notebook).
The Parish Church of Saint Anastasia (above and below), Samobor, Croatia.
From there I followed my nose, as they say, climbing through the woods. It was the lure of the red and white circles I think, reminding me of previous treks.
Past the municipal cemetery, Samobor, Croatia
It was really misty although at ground level the leaves glowed all the same.
Tepec Hill, Samobor, Croatia
St Anne’s (patron Saint of Samobor) Chapel, Samobor, Croatia
As I stepped up from one Station of the Cross to another I relished the fresh smell and feel of the soft earth beneath my feet.
A pavillion in the woods, Samobor, Croatia
Here is St George fighting his dragon again (see Zagreb 9).
Stations of ther Cross in the oak forest, Samobor, Croatia
More red and white waymarkers, Samobor, Croatia
St George’s Chapel , Samobor, Croatia
The second Chapel (St George’s) was plainer and round the back was a young dog who barked at me. The man with him had made a beautiful yet simple sculpture of stones and sticks which complemented the architecture and natural surroundings.
There is probably a magnificent view from up there but my tummy turned over at the thought of it and as there was zero visibility I didn’t feel too bad.
In fact the sun was beginning to stream between the trees as I got higher and it was warm on my cheek. It was breathtaking. I couldn’t help myself going on and on.
I stopped to admire the dew laden spiders webs and I smiled
Suddenly I was on a road and soon a sign indicating the village of Cerje. I was still going steeply uphill but the red and white waymarkers continued to draw me.
Vines, laden orchards and layers of red rooves
A wayside shrine
People were working on the land and apples littered the path which I juicily enjoyed. I skipped from side to side where there was a pavement, to be safe on the tight bends.
I knelt to capture wild flowers with my phone camera and, as I relaxed into my stride thoughts pestered me
Note to self: learn legilimency (as J K called it) to develop the ability to push out the unhelpful memories and worries, once acknowledged!
High up now I could see down to the valley and had to choose between there and uphill. I chose the latter
I spent time at a bus stop because I knew I was on a one-way walk and that the daylight of course ends at 5pm here in November. I photographed the timetable and carried on, confident I would get back to Samobor that way (a bus had passed me earlier).
The homesteads were strung out and I began to wonder if I might actually turn back if the trail was going to continue on asphalt.
Caffe Bar ´Uzbuna´
A sign to a café with a stunning view didn’t yield the desired result: open from 5pm, presumably because it is dark by then and there needs to be somewhere to meet up during the long evenings.
Feast your eyes
Barking dogs and basking cats; turkeys with red gizzards huddling
Autumn squash to last the winter
Horreos full of sweetcorn, first seen in Spain but because those ones are stone you cannot see what’s inside.
A Galician north west Spain) winter storeage unit.
Hay packed up to the rafters. Literally
The bridge was down across this stream so I took a great leap (across a narrower part!)
Through woods where I lost the signs more than once
I had to retrace my steps sometimes because the way is generally so well marked that as soon as 10 minutes passed without a sign I knew I was wrong.
Still new green ferns, even at this time of the year
There were lots of trees down blocking the way, but walkers or cyclists had been there before me if I looked carefully.
It was downhill at times at this stage and tantalising signs to Okic, which when I looked on Googlemaps said it was a tourist attraction.
As I neared, worrying a bit about the time, I wondered if it would be worth it.
It was: Okić, a Medieval town perched on top of an isolated hill south of Samobor is mentioned in 1193
Another magical vista
I didn´t let myself stay long (although long enough to admire the woman with the chain saw) and her produce. I rather rushed up the hill, despite my tiredness, and almost immediately lost my path. What made me plough on regardless I do not know, but I ended up in one of my fixes – very steep, knee deep in nettles, several dead ends and my head started to popund. In the end I went over a fence into someone´s garden and out through their front gate, only to hear a loud noise behind me – a bus. I was not at all sure where I was but I flagged down the bus and begged and, yes, he was on his way to Samobor.
Slowly I calmed down, somewhat embarrassed , and my head stopped throbbing. I was all but out of water. Up and down and round he drove at top speed, letting people off, driving round the village square and going back the way he had come through pretty places with shops, bars and attractive churches.
Blurred as I took it through the coach window
Until we arrived back where I had started at the bus station in Samobor. I could not quite face a traipse back into the town, so instead I drank my green tea in the station cafe (full of smokers, so I sat outside) where the waitress the age of my daughters spoke customarily wonderful English and refilled my bottle adding ice. I marvelled at the table tennis room, the pop-up cinema and creche, all making up the modern station complex (free, clean loos as well!)
There more to see if you visit: a museum, a cave and a castle for example.
It was a misty morning when I set out to walk into the city of Zagreb.
Across the River Sava, Zagreb, Croatia
Standing between busy main roads named after him is the portly figure of Većeslav Holjevac who was a Croatian and Yugoslan soldier and communist politician. Zagreb, Croatia.
Holjevac was born in Karlovac, at the time, in Austria-Hungary. He joined the Communist Party of Yugoslavia in 1939.
On the way into town I go past the National and University Libraries. Zagreb, Croatia.
Up until now they have been shut (holiday, weekend etc) and yesterday was no exception for the one on the left. The brusque security guards reluctantly let me use the toilets, but although there were lots of people there they wouldn’t let me in.
The development of Croatian language exhibition, National Library, Zagreb, Croatia.
The development of Croatian language exhibition, National Library, Zagreb, Croatia.
Definitely still has a communist air doesn’t it!
St George, patron saint of England, who I have found all around Zagreb. Here he is part of the development of Croatian language exhibition, National Library, Zagreb, Croatia.
This is an exhibition which aims to to keep alive and use the ancient Glagolitic alphabet.
Such elevated status of Angular Glagolitic rests on the hardworking hands of stonemasons, weary eyes of scribes, zeal of Glagolitic priests, skills of Croatia’s oldest master printers, dedication of researchers, and the creativity and vision of enthusiastic individuals working in the creative industries. From the website
Giant examples of the script at The development of Croatian language exhibition, National Library, Zagreb, Croatia.
The development of Croatian language exhibition, National Library, Zagreb, Croatia.
They were turning over the pages of this huge book while a man (and I) took photos. National Library, Zagreb, Croatia.
The shop wasn’t open but I could see packets of biscuits in the shape of letters ready to be sold! National Library, Zagreb, Croatia.
Afterwards I saw symbols and signs everywhere! Diagrams, basicallym which we learn to interpret as concepts, instructions and indications.
The Music Academy Zagreb (trg Republike Hrvatska (Croatia)). I am not sure how it got planning permission to go up where it is, cheek by jowl with all the old monuments, but there is something impressivly multi-coloured about it. Zagreb, Croatia.
Near where I am staying there are a series of underpasses which take you from one side of Avenija Dubrovnik to the other and, half way between, to the tram stops. I go there for the graffiti…
Graffiti, Zagreb, Croatia.
…and I am always hoping to hear more busking like the violinist who was there a few days ago. It may have come from the symphony byDora Pejačević (10 September 1885 – 5 March 1923) who was a Croatian composer, a member of a noble family. Her Symphony in F-sharp minor is considered by scholars to be the first modern symphony in Croatian music.
The guitarist who plays folk music regularly in the underpass
Christmas shop window, Zagreb, Croatia.
Nearly Xmas. Phew! I thought I might miss out on reindeer shop displays if I was away from home, but no.
The bus station is on the east side. Autobusni Kolodvor (station), Avenija Marina Držića 4, 10000, Zagreb.
There is a handy pastry and bread stall immediately outside for breakfast if you have been on the all-night bus from Milan like I had. It is just by the tram stop. Thanks to Léa for treating me.
Public toilets, Zagreb, Croatia.
Public toilets are open, lit up at night and come in a nice shade of green (which would make my friend L happy).
Winnie the Pooh in Croatian, sold at Booksa.
Trams have handy places to put your bag, meaning it doesn’t have to go on the floor and get wet, or if it already has a soggy bottom, on your lap!
Tickets 4 kun from tabacco kiosks which you can find on many street corners (though lots are shut on Sundays).
And they might look like basic plastic red and yellow seats but they are heated! Zagreb, Croatia.
A blue tram whizzes through the main square in the rain one evening. Zagreb, Croatia.
Brits: Look left when you cross the road! Although there are lots of one way streets – basically beware. I had a very close shave when a most apologetic driver ran over my left foot. Lucky I had my heavy duty walking boots on.
Opposite the Botanic Gardens is what I call the owl building. It has oxydised green owls at roof height, symbol of wisdom. That’s them above, on the top right and left corners.
It is the Croatian State Archives and the weather was too bad to get a proper shot of them from the back.
Tuesday´s treat was the Museum of Arts and Crafts (open until 7pm most days except Sundays 10am-2pm). It is a veritable treasure store.
A whole room of clocks which chime on and off, and sometimes altogether, in a variety of dulcet tones – beautiful. (Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb, Croatia)
One of bells – not seen that before. (Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb, Croatia)
Glass, including stained and a lovely Chinese teapot. (Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb, Croatia)
In fact, all manner of photographs, paintings, furniture, loads of fans (the sort which are fluttered by ladies in theatres), mahogany doors, lacy iron gates … (Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb, Croatia)
Cabinet of mixed artefacts, Museum of Arts and Crafts. (Zagreb, Croatia)
A great section heading where I was glad to find my old chum, Saint James. (Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb, Croatia)
Patron Saint of the Camino and walking in Spain, known in Croatia as Jakov. (Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb, Croatia)
Although somewhat unconnected, the ceiling in the furniture section looks stunning. (Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb, Croatia)
On the ground floor is the New Croatian Designers exhibition. To be honest I just thought these t-shirts and their shadows would make a good photo. ((Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb, Croatia)
But I was genuinely tickled by the inside out-ness of these table legs. Something Paddington Bear might have done, no? (Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb, Croatia)
In the basement are the winners of an International Photography Exhibition. This one, by Jorie Horsthuis, is about translators at the War Crimes Court in The Hague which I found really moving. (Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb, Croatia)
And this, entitled Scripta Manent, which the sign says ‘allows us to look at the women from the historical country of Medea. Iron Curtain, independence, war and cold. Disconnected from electricity.’ It highlights the lot of the women who have paid vast sums to relocate to get a job, leaving their children and families behind in Greece. (Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb, Croatia)
I really liked this candelabra. (Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb, Croatia)
This is the front door of the Ladies Toilet, looking inside. (Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb, Croatia)
The interior main hallway of the Museum of Arts and Crafts reminds me of that at the Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh. (Zagreb, Croatia)
The courtyard with its ivy clad walls looks like a nice summer spot for a sit-down. (Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb, Croatia)
The Arts and Crafts Museum from the outside. (Zagreb, Croatia)
Zagreb, photo in Museum of Arts and Crafts. Croatia.
Zagreb, view over the rooftops. Croatia.
Booksa is a book club. Warm and friendly, you must pay an annual fee of 10 kun (£1.20, 1. 35 euros) to join. There is a small library including books in English, newspapers, comfy chairs, wifi and a cafe.
A book is to a man what a binocular is to an astronomer or a microscope to a medical student – an instrument improving observation ability. Matko Peić
Booksa, Marticeva Street, Zagreb, Croatia.
They also have book readings etc, mostly in Croatian. The staff speak great English. Like all cafés in Zagreb, there is no food on sale, nor alcohol, but the jasmine tea (proper tea leaves) and hot chocolate are fab.
I spent many hours at Booksa – a convivial atmosphere.
Friday
Without realising quite how wet it was, I set off to walk into the city centre as usual (approx 1 hour from Sopot where I am staying), but the rain was torrential. The bus was quick and straightforward although I still had to walk for 20 minutes or so and therefore arrived at the Museum of Broken Relationships in a completely soaked state. The money in my purse in my bum bag was wet and the stamps stuck together!
On the way up the many steps to the Museum of Broken Relationships.
Giving great views of the city.
Zagreb cathedral at night.
The cafe at the Museum of Broken Relationships.
The caterpillar you can see in the picture is a story where the couple broke off one of its legs each time they met. They agreed that when all were off they would marry (at least I think that was it). Only 5 or so were gone by the time they broke up 😦
It is a most unusual and very popular place, particularly frequented by young people. The exhibits have all been donated by the public, made up from a collection of sad stories with connected items and memorabilia. Well curated, there is perhaps unsurprisingly a sombre atmosphere. The cafe is smart with WiFi and expensive. 40 kun to enter (cheaper for students or older folk).
One of the shortest funiculars in the world (according to Wikipedia). Croatia.
I found this in the city centre, leaning against a wall. A witch must have left her broomstick behind on Halloween!
Sunday
I took a river walk – after 2 days of torrential rain, I was happy that it was fine again, though cool and misty. The mountains in the distance had however disappeared.
There were three women walking solo – 2 of us were taking photos!
There are white paths stretching in both directions beside the Sava River. Between them and the banks there are expanses of grass which I guess are often deluged because there are mud covered plants there.
I walked to the Botanics and they are gloriously free to enter, bijou and bonny.
The first sight of the Botanic Gardens from the underpass – a red pagoda similar to the one in Edinburgh.
Botanic Gardens, Zagreb – palm and fountains.
Here are some slideshows of plants, fungi, flowers, vegetables and the dome with the giant (up to 2 metres wide) water lilies from Souzth America inside it. Despite winter being right around the corner, there was plenty to see.
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I have added more Botanic Garden photos here so that this blog doesn´t take too long to load and look at.
Cottage in the grounds of the Botanic Gardens, Zagreb. Rambling roses and everything.
Botanic Gardens The Zagreb Botanical Garden is a botanical garden located in downtown Zagreb, Croatia. Founded in 1889 by Antun Heinz, Professor of the University of Zagreb, and opened to public in 1891, it is part of the Faculty of Science.
I was pleased with the colour scheme – the lady´s coat, the houses between the trees, the foliage of the Cyprus.
Zagreb Practicalities
The Privredna Bank: It was dry and warm, and when I got to the counter the currency exchange was smooth and straightforward. I got a much, much better rate of kun to euros than I did in Italy. But. I have almost never had to wait so long for anything. Ever.
National Theatre, Zagreb. They like yellow buildings here. Croatia.
The Post Office: In contrast there was no queue at the post office and although the willing woman had almost no English I managed to make myself understood. Stamps to the UK cost 5.80 kun for a postcard.
Evangelical Church, Zagreb, Croatia.
Bars and cafes do not serve food. Many allow smokers inside rather than making them go out, even though most have nice awnings with cosy blankets now in November.
Getting around: buses and trams both seem to be very efficient. Buy tickets from tabac kiosks, 4 kun each, in advance and when you get on (you can use any door), go right to the front to find the little yellow box attached to one of the chrome uprights. Insert your ticket with the silver part towards you and wait for it to make a noise. Beware! most tabac kiosks are shut on Sundays so you might get stranded without a bus ticket. I asked and was directed by friendly waiters outside the theatre.
Like lots of cities, Mondays are quiet with many buildings being closed eg Booksa and the Museum of Contemporary Art. However, the Museum of Broken Relationships is open, as are the Botanic Gardens, Maksimir and Gradski Parks.
The Tourist Information office is in Ban Jelačić Square, not far from the man on horseback (below).
Josip Jelačić von Buzim, ban of Croatia (1948 – 49). He was a military man and responsible for abolishing serfs in Croatia so we like him for that.
The Tourist Information women had no information about walks (it was the same in Vienna) but were very kind and did tell me about Maksimir Park, for which I am very grateful.
Monumental cliffs. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.
Samosthraki almost lost in the mists, with fishing boats. East Macedonia and Thrace, Northern Greece.
Slowly I calmed down, somewhat embarrassed , and my head stopped throbbing. I was all but out of water. Up and down and round he drove at top speed, letting people off, driving round the village square and going back the way he had come through pretty places with shops, bars and attractive churches.
Walking without a donkey 