The first time I got to Croatia in the late 80's. Then she was part of Yugoslavia, and I was part of the Komsomol-youth tour group. And we did not like each other. Life in the framework of the general timetable and fifty-ruble exchange did not allow you to drink coffee at the bar. Sympathy for the country did not arise. Croatia responded with a gusty wind and fine rain. In memory of this trip, there is little ...

May evening in Zagreb. Blossom chestnuts. Late, the street is empty. From a distance, growing, you can hear a bell ringing. And suddenly, as if by magic, the gas lamps are lit.

The city is filled with a silvery wrong light. I rub my eyes with my hands, as in my childhood. Andersen? Exupery? Block? Rational thinking throws up stamps, but can not resist the illusion of the reality of the long past ...

It took 20 years and a long persuasion of a friend who bought a hotel in a spa town opposite Krk Island to visit Croatia again.

«Interesting , in Zagreb still illuminate the streets with gas? "- I thought, sitting in the roadside diner. The idea arose unexpectedly, after we were given "live food" instead of the quick-frozen products of the European catering. My daughter, without any urge, was eating a homemade cutlet. The coffee was excellent. "Hmmm, a single Europe. The taste of food at the gas stations of the north of Norway and southern Germany is identical. I wonder how long they will last until they start, like everyone else, to submit a uniform burda instead of real local dishes? »

It the coast is too beautiful to remain wild, this property is too accessible not to be bought up, this food is too good not to migrate from the tavern to a gourmet restaurant. Croatia is part of a single Europe. With all the ensuing consequences.