One of my favourite memories from my solo travels before Mr A was taking the overnight train from Zurich across Slovenia into Croatia and the capital city of Zagreb. Leaving Zurich was like leaving the first world and then stepping back in time - the train was amazing in itself - wood panelling everywhere and the train conductor chain smoking the entire way while stamping tickets in his baby blue suit. I shared my couchette with two rather large Bosnian men who at first I was a bit weary off but they ended up being really nice people and we had some interesting conversations.
Upon leaving the EU and crossing into Croatia meant having the once over from the boarder patrol who were perplexed by why I was travelling on my own and who spent a rather long time looking at my passport, in the end of course everything was alright.
Pulling up into Zagreb Station which looked somewhat rundown with many walls scribbled over with spray paint didn't full me with confidence but my couch surfing host met me and immediately put any doubts I had to ease. She was a playwright who lived in a two bedroom flat in the city centre and we immediately hit it off and I literally would not of had the amazing time and insight into the city had I not stayed on her couch. During my 5 day stay she worked most day but on two of them showed me around, we went to local restaurants, ate really good pizza, went to a very old black and white cinema which showed a iconic Croatian film which despite my lack of Croatian was amazing. We hung out with other creative people, actors, writers, theatre production staff in late night coffee bars and talked about the current state of the country which was in the middle of a transformation, which you could see and feel everywhere. Its an exciting time for the youth of Croatia as long as the past allows them to move on.
I found the city fascinating in appearance with old run down buildings next to new. I enjoyed the markets, food and friendship I made while in the city and felt it was a really exciting place to be and would love to return one day soon, for longer this time.
I have joined in with Travel Tuesday linky on The Compass Rose
You travelled across Slovenia, yay, should you ever do it again, we must meet up! Congratulations on your new family member :)
ReplyDeleteI love that all the pics are in black and white it does bring out the older times, glad you had fun.
ReplyDeleteI loved Zagreb and found the whole experience of backpacking down Croatia magical x
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pictures as always. Looks like a very interesting place.
ReplyDeleteOh wow I had never seen pictures of Zagreb before! Was this a long time ago? It does look like you go back in time (or perhaps that's just the black & white photos) - and it looks very eastern european!
ReplyDeleteSuch interesting photos. I love them in black and white too; it adds even more magic :)
ReplyDeleteThese snippets into Zagreb life are so pretty! Thanks for sharing :)
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