zagreb & split

After a long train ride, we arrived at Zagreb - the capital of Croatia.

Boy was it hot! It was a 36 degree Sunday, and in the early afternoon the city centre resembled a ghost town! All the shops were closed, and most residents were holidaying at the seaside. Only tourists were out and about.

These guys in boots, coats and fur hats were standing guard beneath the statues in the city centre under the blazing midday sun! I felt very sorry for them!

We ducked into this cathedral for some cool relief from the heat.

In the afternoon we walked around Mirogoj cemetery, a peaceful, leafy cemetery on the edge of town. 

Models of the planets of the solar system can be found in Zagreb, sized and placed to scale to the real solar system. This orb is the sun.

After spending a lazy day at Zagreb, we took an uncomfortable 8-hour overnight train to Split.  The sleeper carriage was all booked out, and we discovered that trying to sleep in the normal train seats was nearly impossible. We did see some beautiful mountain scenery as the sun rose, and eventually arrived to a lovely morning in Split.

Great view from the harbour.

The spectacular Diocletian's Palace, a fortified Roman palace which encompassed the entire old town.

The outer wall of the Diocletian's Palace.

 This big wizard-like statue is Gregory of Nin, the 10th-century bishop who insisted on the right to use Croatian in liturgical services.

Rubbing his big shiny toe is said to bring good luck! Looks like it has been polished pretty nicely by the tourists.

The long hot day turned into a lovely balmy night in Split, where people chilled out on the steps of the palace.

The next day, armed with our newly purchased water-shoes and floppy hats, we were ready for the week of sun and sea in Croatia! Next stop, the island of Hvar!