After a home-made oyako omelette and a satisfying hot shower, we packed our back packs to our 2nd backpackers in Zagreb. Zagreb's efficient tram system took us to the next nearest stop and we offloaded our bags to start our first proper venture in Zagreb city centre. In addition to Zagreb's impressive tram system (which is also free), Zagreb also offerred comprehensive information and pamphlets on the city's free highlights. Armed with the glossy sheets, we started our tour of Upper town, which is a loop walk that passes by all the major tourist sights.
We took a nice leisurely stroll to the Jelaicica square and people-watched for some time. Though it was still morning, we could see people of all ages, sitting in cafes, sipping on beer or espressos. It was a very relaxed pace of life and people were simply enjoying the sunshine and conversations. Unlike Vienna and Ljubljana, it was a city that was not over-run by tourists. We admired the mosaic tiles on St Mark's Church and fresh fruits and berries in Dolac Market. The fruits and vegetables gleaming with colour from the summer sun. We decided to indulge in some juicy raspberries for tomorrow's brekkie (only cost a little more than one euro for huge punnet!). We rested our feet at the Virgin Mary and four angels fountain and admired the Cathedral and its grandeur. It was nearly lunch so we ended off our morning walk with a lovely stroll through the forests of a small park. It formerly served as the local priests vegetable gardens.
Despite the city's popular cafe lifestyle, we found it difficult to find an outlet that served food and
unfortunately for us it was just starting to drizzle. Thanks to Robin's naviagational skills (again), we found ourselves in terrace cafe in the Museum of fine Arts. In just 15 mins, we settled into comfy chairs and sipped wine spritzers while waiting for our food.
After satisfying our tummies, we strolled around Lower Town which mostly consists of historical statues and tree-lined streets. Despite the rain, we enjoyed the fresh air, listening to the soft rustle of leaves as the wind blew and watching businessmen/women, moms and grandpas helping children getting on and off the trams. Every corner you turn is a little cafe or bakery selling fresh homemade bread. What a beautiful city to be in.
Finishing off the afternoon with 2 cups of cappucino in a cafe, we headed back to the hostel on foot. After we rested our weary feet, we headed out to a restaurant serving traditional Croatian food and topped off our amazing day with an even more amazing feast of succulent grilled meats and Teran wine.
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