Zagreb, Croatia

September 27 - October 1, 2007

ZAGREB
Somewhere between Belgrade and Zagreb, Europe seemed to happen. As I meandered in the general direction I suspected the city centre to be, dusk gently settled upon the city. I strolled past manicured parks, european buildings and modest water fountains. Largely pedestrian, my walk was not spoiled by hordes of traffic spewing diesel fumes and noise pollution, but a gentle, quiet walk that allowed me to hear other people's footsteps and smell the aroma of roasting chestnuts and fresh popcorn wafting through the streets.

Even in the cold weather, the city centre was alive with action. Cafes were jammed with people at most times of the morning, day, and evening, and the town centre was a place to meet people and enjoy watching the world go by. Sadly, this culture is rare in north america, where it seems that people are too afraid to venture out of their homes. During the day, the central market was alive with action. The city is laid out with botanical gardens, numerous city parks along major walkways, and a modern efficient tram system that people actually use.


PLIVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK
A short bus ride from Zagreb, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is a series of 16 vibrantly couloured lakes and are home to many species of moss, algae, bacteria, and Japanese tour groups. Fortunately for me (them??), I visited during a relatively low season and was able to refrain from accidentally bumping the tour groups into the water... It was interesting to notice how the water cycled through phases of dynamic movement, cascading over the cliff edges, swallowed back up into the calmness of the lakes, only to repeat the cycle at another point below. Always in motion, but not always apparent. Here is a link for more information on the park!



Zagreb, Croatia. Looking down on the flower market and central square.


Zagreb, Croatia. Old lady in the market.


Zagreb, Croatia. Two nuns in the market looking at different ways to spice up their life. If you look carefully, you can see that the more experienced nun seems to be buying from the spice labelled "Eros", while the younger nun casts a disturbed glance at even the red hot chili's.


Zagreb, Croatia. How do you like them apples, mister?



Zagreb, Croatia. This old guy seems a few apples short of a bushel.



Zagreb, Croatia. Not quite the cafe culture, but these old voyeurs are content watching the world go by from their bench.


Zagreb, Croatia. Two old men embroiled in conversation at a cafe.






Zagreb, Croatia. Solo cafe experience.







Zagreb, Croatia. Outside the museum, it appears that someone's ass is just too big to fit through the door!



Plitvice National Parks, Croatia. This was the beginning of my hike through Plitvice, and also the location of my camera lens cap dropping onto walkway and through the cracks into the water...


Plitvice National Parks, Croatia. View of the turquoise waters from above.


Plitvice National Parks, Croatia. Small waterfalls over mossy rocks.



Plitvice National Parks, Croatia. Waterfalls through the forest, emptying into the blue lake, with other waterfalls in the background.



Plitvice National Parks, Croatia. Water draining through the forest and into a stream.



Plitvice National Parks, Croatia. More silky waterfalls.



Plitvice National Parks, Croatia. A fairly high falls emptying into a translucent green bog.