Zagreb.

Ok. Firstly the hotel. The previous post was brief because me and the eye pod had fallen out but I think we are friends again now. As long as it behaves Itself. While we are on the subject I know there are speling (delberate mistake)  and grammatical errors within this blog and I make no apology for them.
Its difficult typing on a tablet at the best of times but when its one as old as  this that doesn't correct typos or highlight a missed finger mistake its very, VERY difficult. It takes around 5 stabs at the screen just to get the flashing indicator cursor thingy exactly where you need it. This coupled with the fact I usually write this in bed is a recipe for grammatical disaster (Ray)

Anyhow, Zagreb

We got into Zagreb at around 7 pm. On time.
The hotel Casa Blanca is approximately 20 minutes walk from the termini just outside the old town. We had difficulty finding it as its tucked neatly in a little grotty courtyard just off the main road. In fact we were having so much difficulty finding it that we asked a passing polce woman if she knew where it was. She looked at the map, looked at the street, shook her head and said " I dont know it but it has to be around here somewhere". At that point she looked up and directly above her on a little marble plaque was inscribed the name of our hotel. We looked at each other embarrassed and she wandered off head down.
The court yard was not inspiring. In the corner was a door with the words
"Casa blanca" etched on the glass. I could feel Crispys heart sinking. We trudged forlornly to the dismal entrance. Crispy had already steeled herself for another night in a cell. On opening the door her heart leapt. It was gorgeous. Brand new, state of the art luxury.  Bar, outside terrace, beautiful decoration. We had hit the jackpot. The room was brilliant. Big bed, gorgeous shower-room, air con, everything. We thought it couldn't get any better. We were wrong. Zagreb was better.

Zagreb was a natural staging post on our route to the coast and I knew nothing of it other than it was old and the capital of Croatia.
Its not a popular destination for tourists but I thought it would be ok for a couple of days. My resolve was not strengthened by talking to one of the local inebriants at the Austrian pub near our hotel in Vienna. "Zagreb, why are you going to Zagreb" he had said. "Its like Glasgow". It did not fill me with hope. In fact I almost changed our itineray. I am so glad I didn't.

Like any other city the suburbs are shite. Tower blocks. Used car dealers, heavy industry etc etc. Zagreb is no different. Its obvious it is in need of a little love and attention. Saying this the old quarter is magnificent and the Croations are investing heavily to make this city a must see destination. Tourism on the coast is well established but visitors to the capital are few and far between. This is a real shame. In my view it equals Prage, Budapest and Krakow as a great city to visit and its cheap.
The buildings, the city walls, the public parks are stunning. Crispy and I have had a great day. Perhaps our best yet. Its so laid back its horizontal and there are loads to see and do to warrant a weekend break here.
We started by walking the "park horseshoe". A U shaped collection of public spaces that border the lower town. I know it sounds boring but its spectacular with loads going on in every area. We watched some guys cutting a huge tree down over a busy city centre highway without stopping the traffic. Crispy asked if we could have the log to help keep us warm in our hovel over the winter but the guy said getting them home in the backpacks might be a problem. He's right. We are only allowed 6kg on our flight backfrom Dubrovnik. Next we sauntered down the lower town and eventually the upper town. Originally Zagreb was two independent cities seperated by a small ditch and they never really saw eye to eye. In fact the small bridge that seperated them was called the "bloody bridge" probably for good reason.
We lost a day wandering around with no problem. A few cheeky beers were involved along the way, obviously.
It has been hot today. In the 30's so we needed the odd liquid refreshment and feel no guilt in our pleasure.

This evening we watched an amazing thunderstorm over the city from the comfort of a small bar. It poured down for around thirty minutes before abruptly stopping. Its the first heavy rain we have seen and hopefuly the last.
Tomorrow we are on the move again. This time to Ljubljana in Slovenia.
The bus leaves at 10 so its an early dart to get to the bus station. Crispy is at the foot of the bed perfecting her swerve technique.

Note to self:  put Zagreb on the favourites list

Bare and Crispy signing off, Zagreb. Croatia