Zagreb and Opatija

It was a long bus trip, Bled to ljubljana, and then to Zagreb, made longer by the late arrival of my Flixbus for the second leg of the trip. It was my first experience of Flix, and apart from the delay and the cramped and smelly toilet on the bus, I was pleasantly surprised how smooth and comfortable the journey was.

Arriving in Zagreb at rush hour was rather hectic, so I took the soft option of a taxi rather than trying to jam myself and luggage into a very crowded tram - must be getting older and wiser! The hotel was much more luxurious than I would normally choose, so that was quite nice for change. Bit sterile perhaps and I felt rather scruffy.

Before dinner, it was time to meet Zoran, our guide/ driver, and the other 22 passemgers. I think it will be a good group of mixed ages and nationalities, Bahrain, Australian, Kiwi, Canadian and American. Everyone seems very open and friendly so it is really easy to mingle. Our first meal together was typically Croatian, though I think it suffered a bit from being produced in bulk! 

Day one started with a tour of Zagreb's old town. I wasn't so sure how I would cope in a group but it was fine as we could spread out a bit and still hear the guide, who was great. Apparently Angela Merkel was visiting the city, so luckily we didn't get caught up with security issues, particularly in one of the main squares with its parliament buildings. 

There was a Fiat bambina fan club outing too. What fantastic wee cars they are. I loved the windscreen wipers on the one closest to me.

The open market is massive, very cleverly divided up - clothing, flowers, plants, household items, fish and meat, and fruit and veges. The colours were sensational and the tomatoes possibly the largest I have ever seen. 

Zagreb old town, like Ljubljana, is a pedestrian zone. It is calm, safe and really well frequented. Little alleyways have just so many restaurants, serving all day meals.

This area below reminded me of a much larger New Regent Street, with cafe after cafe. This photo was taken just after I arrived, but on Saturday, there were virtually no free seats. I sat for a while after the tour and watched the world go by. People young and old, so many different nationalities and languages,  small dogs and huge dogs, all enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Then, suddenly a procession of colourfully clad gentlemen. I am not sure if this was due to Angela's visit!

Zagreb has had a fair few earthquakes, the last biggest one being in the late 1800 s. It appears that building codes are somewhat different from ours. I am not sure how this building would cope in another big shake?

The morning was a perfect mix of guided tour and free time to wander and relax. I feel so much better already about being in a group!
En route to Opatija, we had a comfort stop. I could not help but admire the little toilet area they have built for kids. Brilliant concept!

We left Zagreb in warm, but pleasant conditions, but as we got into the mountainous area, the rain set in. It was still beautiful scenery , though. The greens are so amazing here. Apparently, the light green trees are beech and the darker greens are pine. 

Just as in NZ the scenery changes dramatically here too. After a trip through a tunnel, we had left the mountains and forests behind us and had arrived in the coastal zone, with our first views of the Adriatic Sea. The cloud started to lift, so as we arrived at the seaside town of Opatija, we had time for a lovely walk along its concrete beach! No sand here at all, and yet still beautiful. For me, the dark, heavy clouds hanging over us, made this place all the more spectacular.

The view from my balcony is incredible.

Tomorrow will be a long day exploring the Istrian Peninsula. 

In the meantime, the concrete beach, sun loungers and umbrellas await the influx of guests in only four or five weeks. I am so glad to be here now!

,