I’m told by the hostel worker that Zrinjevac Park is the most romantic and peaceful part of Zagreb.
I decide that I must visit it.
When I arrive, it is early morning and there are no romantic trysts to be seen, nor even any couples holding hands.
It’s a work day, so most of the pedestrians are purposeful in their walking, casually dressed, and likely heading to their jobs.
There are a couple of people of retirement age walking their dogs on the well-manicured lawns, and a few other retirees sitting on wooden benches smoking cigarettes and watching people walk by.
There are several calming fountains in the park, including Zagreb’s oldest, built in 1878, and known locally as “The Mushroom”.
I’m tired from a night of poor sleep, so after pondering a statue of Nikola Tesla, I find a wooden bench of my own to both rest and to dine on a couple of pastries from a nearby bakery.
The food is delicious and the atmosphere is relaxing.
I look around at the plane trees, plants I don’t see back home, and which the citizens of Zagreb chose to surround the park during the design phase back in the mid-1800s.
This area used to be a cattle market surrounded by stalls where artisans sold their wares, and fortune tellers and jugglers entertained the customers.
It still has a mystic vibe to it, for which I am grateful.
