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Background: The lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the close of World War I. In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia became a federal independent Communist state under the strong hand of Marshal TITO. Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic, but often bitter, fighting before occupying Serb armies were mostly cleared from Croatian lands. Under UN supervision, the last Serb-held enclave in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998.

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By Born to Explore
August 12th 2009

Zealous for Zagreb Europe » Croatia » Central Croatia » Zagreb

U2 spectacle

Our spontaneous decision to head into Zagreb was fueled by the chance to experience U2 in this unique setting as well as an interest of seeing more of this incredible country that really is catching us a bit by surprise. We had thought most of our enjoyment would be along the coast but this venture inland has been wonderful. The country (or at least the city of Zagreb) has truly been captured by the U2 visit. The whole city is buzzing and accommodation is non-existent. The two concerts back to back meant that on the 9th and 10th there was not [View Full Entry]

By Born to Explore
August 9th 2009

Picturesque Plitvice Europe » Croatia » Central Croatia » Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice in Spring

After 5 days of rest and relaxation on Hvar, it was time to get back on the road. Up at 6am, we were in the ferry line by 6:45am. We ended up being one of last 20 cars on the 7:45am ferry. The 2 hour ferry ride was spent playing backgammon, snoozing and sunbathing. Matt and Syd had their eyes on some marble bowls back in Diocletian’s palace in Split so as we drove back through, they ventured off to grab these souvenirs (they each try and grab something that represents the trip to them - apparently these bowls will be [View Full Entry]

By Lafayette Balch
August 8th 2009

A crow named Atia, with its "zaws" and "grebs" and a bout with the precursory Europe » Croatia » Central Croatia » Zagreb

Typical Venice Shot One

THE DAY I WENT VENICIAN BLIND - Tuesday Since I've posted twice today, I would catch up with the bit about Milan before catching this one. Turns out, Venice is a pretty awesome city to walk around in. And it would have behooved me to buy a map.... it is waaaay too easy to get lost scooting around those narrow windy passageways. Although, had I not been lost 92% of the time, I wouldn't have found a super cheap art supply store. 3 euro got me a pair of scissors and a roll of packaging tape. It was most certainly on [View Full Entry]

By joelmac
August 8th 2009

Zagreb II Europe » Croatia » Central Croatia » Zagreb

One last photo on our last night.

Here are some of the last pics from the days in Zagreb. I think all of the blogs are now updated. Hope you found them a little interesting. Thanks for keeping track! [View Full Entry]

Domagoj's picture board...you might see Van Damme and Silva in the pics among Mr. White...the head of UFC.

By joelmac
August 5th 2009

Brinje & Lika Europe » Croatia » Central Croatia » Zagreb

At Krka National Park

Here are some more pics from the Brinje days. We did the typical thing and went to visit our relatives in Letinac and saw the old farm at Krizpolje. [View Full Entry]

Ayden loves the camera too much I think.

By joelmac
August 5th 2009

Zagreb I Europe » Croatia » Central Croatia » Zagreb

A sladoled break at Jelacic Square

We left Optija after talking a bit with Davor...and stopped for lunch in Karlovac. We ate at McDonald's and then met Domagoj at the toll area in Zagreb so he could take us to the hotel. We checked in and then went down to Jelacic Square to do some shopping. We also met Domagoj, Martina, Lea and Luka. Domagoj called Drazen Petrovic's mom to see if we could get into his museum since it is closed for the summer and she arranged someone to meet us there. We got a tour of the museum, which was amazing, and we bought a [View Full Entry]

Passing time on the way to Miragoj Cemetery

By carterface
July 25th 2009

Medvedgrad Europe » Croatia » Central Croatia » Zagreb

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Another day trip was to Medvedgrad. Not exactly far from Zagreb, the town is easily accessed by a quick bus ride and maybe 20 minutes of hiking. It is placed on the mountain that towers over Zagreb called Medvednica. Medvegrad (built in the 1250’s) was used as a castle to protect the kings and queens of Croatia during the middle ages. One popular story, orated to me by Ivana is of Queen Jelena (Yelena). During her reign the Turks were attacking Zagreb and legend says that in order to save Zagreb she sold her soul to the Devil. The only way [View Full Entry]

By carterface
July 25th 2009

Trakošćan Castle Europe » Croatia » Central Croatia

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This castle is one (if not) the best preserved castles in Croatia. It sits atop a hill that over looks the northern region of Croatia and a man made lake below. The castle held a lot of owners in its early years but was later acquired by the Drašković family. They were not kings or queens but simply an aristocratic family that led a good military career and was given the castle as a token of the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s appreciation. The castle is furnished with original furniture all dating from the years in which the family occupied the castle which was [View Full Entry]

By carterface
July 25th 2009

Generalski Stol Europe » Croatia » Central Croatia

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As may notice, Generalski is extremely close to the word General, which is exactly what it means, and stol being the word for table, thus making Generalski Stol translate to General’s Table. It is south of Karlovac, the major military base in Croatia, and thus was a hot spot during the war in ’91. Most every adult in the town was enlisted to help in the battle and the other side of Mreznica (the river that runs through the city) is still covered with land mines, luckily there are no houses on that side of the village. Ivana’s mother’s side of [View Full Entry]

By carterface
July 24th 2009

Koprivnica Europe » Croatia » Central Croatia

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Nela, a friend of Ivana, invited us to a village that her grandparents lived. It was just outside of Zagreb, maybe an hour and a half drive. On the way we kept seeing stork nests. Recently the Croatian government made a law to pay people for having a nest on their house (I think then to remove it), but we only saw them on telephone poles. When we arrived we were instantly fed, and a lot. Food kept coming, even after we stopped eating. Nela’s grandparents were excellent hosts and really happy to have us. Even though her Grandpa was told [View Full Entry]

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