Nikola & Neckties

Zagreb, Croatia

“It doesn't matter where you are going, it’s who you have beside you.” Unknown (choose wisely)

My plan was to visit Maja for 10 days, maybe two weeks max. You know, houseguests are like fish, they start to stink after three or four days so I didn't want to overstay my welcome. Little did I know we would have so much fun together that I would be in Croatia for a month.

Goodbyes are never easy, even for the constant traveler but the good memories we made will stay with me for a lifetime.

Here is a wrap-up of some of the highlights from Maja’s hometown and Capital of Croatia, Zagreb.

Zagreb is a friendly and safe city. The city center is very old, cute, and quaint. The architecture is beautiful and feels like a storybook. Surprisingly, we met many Americans and Canadians when we were out and about. I didn't know it was such a hot spot for North Americans.

The Croatian National Theatre.

On March 22, 2020, shortly after the world locked down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Zagreb experienced a devastating and destructive 5.5M earthquake. Thankfully, because most people were at home, only one person died and 27 were injured. I could have been much worse. The structural damage was and still is horrendous. The reconstruction is visible all over town.

One of the most prominent buildings that suffered extensive damage is the Zagreb Cathedral. Prior to the earthquake, the building had been restored and sadly, the earthquake caused the towers to fall so it is being rebuilt again.

Zagreb is full of art, specifically sculptures, that are strategically placed around the city. Many of them were created by the renowned master sculptor, Ivan Meštrović. One of the most famous and popular pieces of art in town is his sculpture of inventor Nikola Tesla.

Ivan and Nikola (born in Croatia - who is depicted on the Croatian Euro) were close friends and admirers of each other’s work. Click here to read a touching story about their friendship.

Ivan also created Well of Life depicting people in various phases of life that crouch and twist their bodies around a well which symbolizes life, youth, and the source of eternal beauty.