Monday June 18th, 2012
It’s amazing how the little things we use to take for
granted, like the ability to drive, can change everything. I didn’t think I was
missing it but now that I’m back behind the wheel , I am reminded that I really
do miss the independence it allows. That being said, my drive to freedom was
not without a few hiccups….mainly the fact European standards do not shift the
same way North American standards do (you know….a Standard H), which means you
have to learn the trick of each car as to how to get it into reverse. I meant
to ask the rental car guy but he left before I realised it would be an issue.
So being me I took about 20 minutes only to get to the point where I could not
for the life of me figure it out. So I asked a stranger (also normal for me).
The nice lady and her husband helped me out (for reference in this particular
little Volkswagen you push the stick down and then move to the left (the same
place first gear is) and once I had that under control I was off and driving.
Not easy to take pictures and drive (and it probably isn't allowed) but a little look at the initial scenery as I left Zagreb. Kind of reminded me of driving in the Chilliwack, BC area with lots of greenery and corn fields and such. Not a lot of big farm equipment here. Most of the work here seems to be done by hand. I drove past many people in the fields raking and picking and shovelling (etc, etc).
Of course street navigation would be my next issue. Another point of reference….I kicked it’s ass, only taking one wrong turn before leaving the city. And then I was headed North.
A look at the main square in town. Like Zagreb full people shopping and street cafes. A very fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Looking down the street. The side streets are mostly full of little stores. I did a lot of window shopping.
One of the buildings in town. The top part seems to have been left very much as it was originally. It looks nice on top of the little store below.
Quickly I was back in my car and off to find Trakoscan
Castle. All the tour books say it is a must see so I decided I must see it. The
drive took me down a very windy, very full of construction road full of views
of mountain top churches and impeded by old sun burnt Croatian men on tractors.
I loved every kilometre of it. The fields were full of corn and hay and
Croatian farmers tending to them both by hand.
It fit every picture I had of this great country before arriving and at
the same time I can’t say that I’ve ever felt so at home in a foreign country.
Every bit of it is as lovely and welcoming as you would want it to be.
A look at the lovely road to Trakoscan Castle. Such a pretty drive.
Eventually I made it to Trakoscan and had a chance to check it out.
A first look at the castle. The origin of it's construction is unknown but the first references to the castle appear in 1334. Originally it had Romanesque features but most of them were not maintained when it was restored Neo-Gothic in the 19th century.
A closer look at the Castle. Trakoscan has been in the hands of many different people over the years but the most recent owners were the Drakovic Family. They were a family of bishops and archbishops, governors and successful military commanders. Many of them were educated at Italian and Austrian Universities. In short there were no low achievers in the Drakovic Family.
After walking up the hill you enter through this main gate. You know I love old Castles. There is just something about them. No pictures allowed inside the castle that has been turned into museum dedicated to the Drakovic Family.
The view from the second level of the castle looking at the little Chapel on site. Trakoscan first came to the Drakovic family in 1569. It was given to Juraj III Drakovic (who at the time was a Croatian Ban (governor) and the Bishop of Zagreb) as compensation for wages. The family was given full ownership and hereditary rights to the castle in 1584. It remained in the family until 1944, however between 1651 and 1654 the castle was owned by the Zrinski family.
Looking the other way. It is in a very picturesque place. Trakoscan was in the possession of the Drakovic family until 1944. Leading up World War II many of the aristocrats in Croatia fled to neighbouring countries (or were forced to flee) and Trakoscan was left abandoned. After the war the castle remained abandoned and was in disarray so the it was taken over by the government who still owns it.
Church on a hill. They are everywhere in Croatia.
I then made my way back to Varazdin where I needed to find a
place to stay. Since I had not planned on staying here, I really hadn’t
researched anything. Of course I wanted something central and nice. I found the lovely Hotel
Istra, which I’m told is the only 4 Star hotel in the city. Not sure what
vacancies this time of year are like but I lucked out and got a room. Lonely
Planet said “you won’t be wowed” but I
was pretty impressed with the room (and I wasn’t the least bit swayed by the
cute young man at the reception desk). If you are wondering about price, it was
467 Kuna which is around $85 CAD……very cheap for the room, parking and
breakfast. Yes it more than suited my
pampered needs. I could have stayed more than a few nights there.
The perfect sized bed for me, and free Wi-Fi. I love all the free Wi-Fi in this country.
Ok so it's not a tall person's shower and even I couldn't stand up in it but it worked so no complaints
The evening was spent relaxing with some food and drink and watching football (soccer). In fact every one in the city was watching the game. Now you all know I don't follow soccer or really know much about it but Croatia was playing (and lost to) Spain. Spain would end up winning the tournament (Euro 2012 in case you were wondering) so it's ok I guess. All the cafes had the TVs out and people were all dressed up. There were a few riots after one of the other Croatia loses but after this game all was quiet.
A great little spot. So glad I decided to drive North on this day.
On Tuesday I would be heading South again but I did have a great sleep and a great stay in Varazdin.
Julie
