Zagreb

The Mirogoj Cemetery in Zagreb was a beautiful and interesting place to walk around. We've been to a few impressive cemeteries now, but this one had a few quirks. Much of the cemetery is planted with chestnut trees and, being autumn, we were surrounded by falling spiky chestnuts! [](http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigandsal/8047067784/ "IMG_7296 by Craig and Sal, on Flickr") There was also a price list for coffins at the entrance - presumably so prospective customers could go window shopping? Stalls outside the gates were also part of the cemetery economy, selling candle lanterns and flowers for visitors - not a bad idea. [](http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigandsal/8047048724/ "IMG_7290 by Craig and Sal, on Flickr") Zagreb has one of the more novel museums we've seen - the Museum of Broken Relationships. The museum has a collection of items people have donated from their past relationships. An interesting concept! The introduction pointed out that we formally recognise many important life events (births, marriages, anniversaries and deaths) but we hardly ever formally acknowledge the end of relationships. While the exhibition has a creative concept, a few of the descriptions that accompany the items have lost a bit in translation. However, there are still some moving, funny and tragic stories. This photo is of a love letter, glued to a mirror and then shattered after the demise of a relationship. [](http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigandsal/8046448878/ "IMG_7246 by Craig and Sal, on Flickr") There were lots of soft toys, some clothing and also some more creative items, including an axe! [](http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigandsal/8046459510/ "IMG_7254 by Craig and Sal, on Flickr") [](http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigandsal/8046450268/ "IMG_7247 by Craig and Sal, on Flickr") After the museum, we headed back to the main square via one of the shortest public cable cars in the world, rising just 30 vertical metres. We know of a few flats back home that have a bigger walk up the driveway! [](http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigandsal/8046465031/ "IMG_7262 by Craig and Sal, on Flickr") Sometimes it's the big things that impress while travelling. Sometimes... it's not. In Zagreb supermarkets getting your bread from the bakery is like playing an arcade claw game! [](http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigandsal/8047014457/ "IMG_7332 by Craig and Sal, on Flickr") Zagreb struck us as a really liveable city. There was heaps going on, with lots of events and festivals, yet the city still had a relaxed vibe. Nice parks, local markets, efficient public transport and a good cafe/bar scene also help make Zagreb feel like a cool place. We enjoyed the relatively low prices in Croatia, where we could sometimes find good beer for less than NZ$3 a pint. Our beer budget is about to skyrocket as we head for Germany's most expensive city during the world's largest fair. That is, of course, Munich and the Oktoberfest. The beer might cost 10 euro, but at least it comes in one-litre mugs!