Andie
Our day started with a Happy Birthday serenade on the bus for three students celebrating birthdays abroad, myself included. We headed out and drove through a suburb of Zagreb, Samobor, where we were directed to look at the new construction in the area. We were guided by Dr. Ivo Turk, a demographer from the Pilar Institute, who explained that all of the new growth in this area is proof that Zagreb is growing as people are moving from the rural areas of Croatia into the metro area. This area is especially appealing as there are single family homes which allow for gardens, a phenomenon that is uncommon within the Zagreb city-center. The amount of growth is not yet clear, but a census was completed within the last month, and analysis of these data once they are available will clarify the rate of immigration to this area.
The growth in Samobor has resulted in traffic congestion, so multiple traffic calming devices have been created. One such device, the round-about, was very common in this town. Dr. Cotton observed that Samobor looks nothing like it did just five years ago; it was once a small, sleepy village and now it is an area alive with the hustle and bustle of business. In the town center, we went to a local café and had a cappuccino and Kremšnita (pictured above), a delightful egg crème pastry with a texture of Tiramisu but a light vanilla flavor. After our morning treat, we walked to the Licitar Bakery, which makes small biscuits that are decorated and used as ornaments, which are pictured above. The biscuits are edible and we were treated to a honey flavor which was quite nice. The group then continued on to the Samobor Museum, which was located on a picturesque square alongside a small, lazy river and we were able to learn about the history of the local area. Adjacent to the museum was an example of a historic home which displayed artifacts of daily life in early Samobor.
When our time in Samobor ended, the group boarded our purple chariot for a short ride into the Žumberak, which is a rural region of Croatia. This is a region that is known for beautiful vistas, clean air and friendly people. Even with such positive attributes, due to the difficulty in finding employment in the area, the population is decreasing. The median age in the region is approximately 60 years, which is much higher than Croatia as a whole (approximately 40 years). There are many problems associated with Žumberak, including low density roads, poor access to health care, and limited access to public water supplies. Residents in this region use preventative services less as they are not offered in a local setting, and driving the long distance to Zagreb is not feasible simply for a screening. As a result, residents of this region are more likely to have long-term illnesses due to lack of access to health care.
When we first arrived, we departed the bus and took a leisurely, three kilometer walk down the mountain to a wonderful property where we had a boxed lunch. The views, which are pictured, were breathtaking and the air was so fresh and delicious. After lunch we toured two old churches, one of which was a Roman Catholic Church and the other which was a Greek Orthodox Catholic Church (pictured above). The two churches stood side by side, and we were given a tour by the local priest. He was a young, charismatic, and entertaining host who explained the history of both structures, as well as some of the differences in tradition between the Roman and Greek churches. We were able to enter the sanctuary where he described his robes, the various artwork, and some of the items used in the services.
When we left the churches, we drove a short distance to a mill where we got to see how the power of water can create cornmeal. It was a beautiful, family owned facility with the most gracious host who showed us around. After the short visit to the mill, we boarded the bus to head to dinner which was held at the Stepinac Vineyard in Krašić. The location of the vineyard was beautiful, set among the rolling green hills of Žumberak. The photo above does not even begin to detail the beauty of this region. The family who owns the winery greeted us enthusiastically, and then gave us a detailed tour of the fields where they described the process of winemaking. Once dinner was ready, we were treated to another multi-course dinner which took days to prepare. During this meal we had the most delicious Goulash I had ever tasted, and the chef was nice enough to share the recipe with me. I cannot wait to make this delightful, hearty dish for my friends and family. The day ended with song on the bus as the owners of the vineyard requested we sing to them as we drove off. It was simply a divinely beautiful day in a pristine little corner of Croatia.
No comments:
Post a Comment