Zagreb, Croatia – June 2011
It is not yet afternoon, but a thick, stifling haze has already settled over the city. Even the voices in the market seem muted. I spot no others with cameras or city maps. I am alone with the locals.
Most tourists who pass through Zagreb spend only a few hours or, at most, stay overnight before moving on to the coast. It is a place of transit. The place on the way to someplace else.
Thunderstorms are predicted for the afternoon, so I catch the bus to Mirogoj cemetery. The alleys and passages are deserted. The only sound is that of my steps. The tombs are impressive in an ostentatious sort of way, but the smaller details in the arcade are what hold my attention.
The haze solidifies and rises. For a short time, blue sky appears. The center of Zagreb is broken up into several small squares and parks. I have the impression of moving through different tiny villages. Though these are virtually vacant as well. Even the locals have fled.
A larger park appears. I venture inside, grateful for some leafy shelter. A couple of tasteful souvenir carts are parked by the side of the cobblestone path. A lone couple makes out on a bench. By the time I get to the lookout point, the clouds have reconverged. Once again, the familiar thought: it seems like a nice place to live. And with that thought, the itch resurfaces.
I follow the steps back down to the city. The elderly lady in front of me pauses by a sleeping cat. She strokes it and speaks to it in a soft, singing voice. As I approach, she smiles up at me and says something. I return the smile and nod, because she thinks that I understand. If I were to speak, she would realize that I am a stranger. I place my hand lightly on the creature. It doesn’t stir. Only the soft rise and fall of its chest shows that it’s alive. The lady nods in approval and goes along her way.
Not a bad looking place for a transit stop. I’m really wondering what that cat lady said to you. You certainly know how to improvise.
Hahaha. I’ve done the “smile and nod like I understand thing” so many times. It just sucks when you say “I don’t understand”. The atmosphere changes and they close down. Sometimes, you have to say it, though. Like when they look at you waiting for an answer.
In most other countries, a city like Zagreb would be one of the main tourist stops, but Croatia has that long Adriatic coast with the islands…too much competition.
Peaceful interlude in a strange land. You have a heart attuned to all places in between here and there.
Thank you. š That’s exactly what I try to do.
Another very tempting travel post, it even had me looking for flights from Newcastle (nothing direct š¦ ). The roof of the church in the fourth picture is wonderful.
Thanks, Robin. Too bad about the lack of flights. The door of that church is amazing, too, but my photo of it didn’t turn out well.
Once again, you make me want to visit the place you describe ! I’ve just seen the airport of Zagreb, on the way to the coast…
I think that’s all that most people remember about Zagreb – the airport. Maybe next time you can spend a day there.
Some days it’s like walking a dozen paces behind you and the voice of your camera, it’s photographs dancing from a spindle in tune each place’s new, old and fresh songs at their own pace. Just does some days.
I’ve missed your vibrant comments. I figured you’ve been out on the road yourself, somewhere. Nice to hear your voice.