Free Day in Zagreb

  Zagreb, Croatia
Saturday, June 2, 2007

Saturday, June 2, 2007
Free Day In Zagreb
 

01 Entrance to Mestrovic Studio

Dear Readers:
 

04 St. John the Evangelist

I am absolutely in awe! This morning a small group of us, having heard about the Croatian sculptor "Mestrovic" from Eva throughout the tour, and having seen several of his works in various places, head out to visit his home and studio in Zagreb. I was impressed by all the pieces I had seen thus far, but was completely unprepared for what I was about to experience.
 

02 Chicago Horsemen

03 Chicago Horsemen Assembly

Entering the museum the first thing we encounter in the courtyard is a teepee showcasing a motion picture of his famous Indians on horseback which are installed on either side of a bridge leading to Michigan Avenue in Chicago. I have seen these statues a hundred times and always been absolutely blown away by the figures' sinewy, rugged, graceful beauty, but I had no idea who created them, or that I would one day be standing in the very place where they were cast.
 

05 Male Nude Seated

The home itself is a magnificent work of art, and now showcases some of his best pieces. I am literally moved to tears by some of them, particularly the ones of mother and child and contemplative male nudes. There is a prohibition on taking photographs, but when I am alone in a room and think nobody is watching, I sneak a photo or two. Little did I know that I was being observed by a closed circuit television system, and the museum staff approached me and very respectfully asked me to refrain from taking photos. Boy, did I feel sheepish.
 
Our next stop was the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art, housing the works of painters who never had formal art training but had become famous for their works. I am well behaved, and don't snap any photos here, but you can see some of one of my favorite artists at the following website:  http://www.croatiannaiveart.com/artistgroup1/ivicafister.htm l
 

08 This Little Piggie Went To Market

12 Facade Details

After the museum I return to the hotel via the public market, and eat lunch with several of the guys, then wander through the immense park across from our hotel snapping photos of some of the monumental buildings nearby. I really think Zagreb has received a bum rap as an uninteresting tourist destination. I don't think it should be missed!
 

13 Farewell Dinner

Our Farewell Dinner is in a very busy and noisy restaurant. The food is excellent, but it takes a long time coming. Everyone is tired by the time we return to the hotel and commence our awards presentation. Mental note - do them before dinner next time, especially when people have early flights the next day!
 
It is the end of another really wonderful tour. The group bonded beautifully, the weather cooperated for the most part, and all the elements fell beautifully into place thanks to our brilliant tour manager, Eva! I certainly look forward to a return visit to Croatia and Slovenia!
 
Big hugs,
Dan