Saturday in Zadar

Weekends are hit and miss in Europe. In one city, they may have a bustling weekend atmosphere but in the next, it’s impossible to find anything open, including for food! Well, folks, Zadar is the latter which proved to be a blessing to my waistline and pocketbook, and made for unexpected delights.

My Saturday started off a little late after a lovely all night chat with some great old friends so I decided to take advantage of the empty city to walk (hobble – still sore) to the sea and around the outer wall of the city into places I’ve not been before. Meandering the entirely empty cobblestone streets was refreshing to the soul. I had the chance to peek into shop windows without any pressure to buy and stare as long as I wanted at the small details that make Croatia so mesmerizing. This was, of course, after the walk into old town wearing my sundress because it was 60 degrees and sunny. You’d have thought I had blood all over myself the way people stopped and gawked at the pasty white crazy half-naked lady! Ha! Keep your puffy jackets on, folks, I won’t judge. 🙂

It was when reaching the sea I noticed a long row of folks evenly spaced with their fishing rods cast far into the ocean. It didn’t take long to notice the moderators and the flag announcing a sport fishing competition. Although I saw exactly zero fish caught, it was a great way to start the day!

Just around the corner of the city wall, I became captivated by the sweet melody of opera music, though I didn’t yet know where it was coming from. The city wall used to provide security and now it serves to hide treasures just waiting to be discovered like the below fisherman and his poodle. He was happily untangling his net while listening to enchanting music in the sun. I could have watched him all day!

Anyhow, I’d made my way to the beachy area of Zadar and found myself a bit further away from the Sea Organ than I’d planned. With my bum leg, I knew I didn’t have time to get back to the apartment for pants and make it to the organ by sunset so I gave in and called Uber. The driver was very friendly and open, suggesting I visit the beautiful city of – he pronounced it Neen – for it’s beautiful stone architecture. Because of the lift, I made it to the organ in time to see the sunset for which I have no adequate words. The pictures below will never compare to the actual experience (zero filters), but trust me, it was a perfect example of why Alfred Hitchcock said that Zadar has the most beautiful sunsets in the world!

I can’t help myself saying hello to anyone I overhear with an American accent, though I’ve also mistaken some Canadians in this manner. OF COURSE the Canadians take no offense and even apologize to me for my own assumptions. Great people! While watching the explosions of color in the sky, I noticed two women taking turns with their pictures so I offered to help. What a great choice that was! We ended up talking about travel and life for hours, having found kindred spirits in each other. These two are sisters who love to travel, including one enjoying planning as much as, if not more than, I do! Anjal and Tejal were heading south to Dubrovnik for the rest of their trip and I decided then and there to take the Uber driver up on his suggestion for Sunday. I slept very well for a full five hours that night, in bliss, even though I again forgot to get a selfie with these beautiful souls!