Inspiration of Croatia
Once upon a time, as a schoolgirl, I read Ian's novel "To the Last Sea" .It was about the Mongol conquests, and the "last sea" was the Adriatic Sea .The cruel conquerors of the peoples rinsed the hooves of tired horses in it, sighed and went back: to remain with them was neither strength nor desire .Since then, the Adriatic Sea seemed to me something unattainable, mysterious and desirable, about as distant as the heroes of the book .Actually, at that time it was so: my chances of getting to these places in the 70s of the 20th century were much inferior to the chances of Batu's warriors in the 13th century .But times have changed, and we have changed with them .Not only was it possible to be on the Adriatic, there was also a choice of .After all, in the waters of this sea, several countries are looking at once, and what! All of them are worthy of a separate ode, but I want to share my impressions about Croatia - picturesque land where I want to come back again and again .The
I'll start with Zagreb, the capital and the largest city in the country.
Zagreb - just from them .Absolutely charming old city with basilicas, markets, small souvenir shops, a monument to Ban Yelacic - favorite meeting place for local and invariable viewing platform of guests .Zagreb - a warm, cozy, home city, where they cook deliciously, serve beautifully, know how to rejoice and communicate .All cafes are exceptionally pleasant, stylish, sustained in the manner that was originally conceived .Usually I prefer local cuisine in those parts where I go, but in Zagreb establishments - a rare case - you can fearlessly order pizza or lasagna: long years of existence near Italy have an impact .Be sure to stay here for one or two days to feel the beating heart of the original Balkan people - and then go to the sea, where the Mongols once rinsed the hoofs of their horses .The
If you go by bus or car - guaranteed to get a huge pleasure from the surrounding landscapes: hills, low mountains, covered with unusual for our eyes greens - relict pines, beeches and oaks, gorges, valleys, and finally, coast .A fresh and slightly tart pine scent floats over the hot land and over a sea of amazing cleanliness (and over the beaches, by the way, hang the Blue Flags of UNESCO, at least in the dearly loved Istrian) .I remember my surprise when, having got used to the blueness of the Adriatic Sea for a long period of sunny days, I went out on the balcony on the only cloudy morning and was stunned .The water was absolutely gray! And then I realized: the sea here is so pure and transparent, that exactly reflects the color of the sky! I almost shed tears, honestly! The
| Views of Hvar, Croatia |
I do not like and disagree when Croatia is called "little Italy". As in the immortal film: "for Athos this is too little." Of course, if the people are neighbors, this can not but leave a trace in the signs of their life, buildings, kitchen. There is obviously similar and in Croatia with Italy. But these are, rather, all-European southern features that do not in the least detract from the peculiarities of each country. But, if the heart suddenly grieves for Italy, you can take a ferry and one day go from Istria to Venice - it's very interesting and gives the material for comparison.
Of course, the Mongols had their own ideas when they left these blessed lands: Batu was going to converge in a fierce battle for the Great-Russian throne with his cousin Guyuk. But in its place, I would stay on these amazing shores that stand on any throne. And I know for sure that you will agree with me when you visit here! The