📍 Zagreb — Then & Now
A journey that began in 2019… and came full circle in 2025.
In 2019, Darcy and I made an epic journey from London to Belgrade, pausing in Zagreb for just one day. We stayed at the grand Hotel Esplanade, its old-world elegance the perfect backdrop for our short stay.
From there, we wandered into the Old Town, weaving through cobbled streets until we reached the bustle of the market square.
I still remember the woman selling souvenirs — her warm smile and her laughing when Darcy tried on a little Croatian hat. We took a photo together, a fleeting moment turned into a treasured memory.
Today, I walked that same route — this time with George, Lulu, and Ju-li, carrying Darcy in my heart. Each step stirred echoes of that earlier visit.
The market was as lively as ever, but the woman was no longer there. Instead, I met her daughter, and when I showed her the photo of Darcy and her mother, her face lit up. For a moment, past and present touched hands.
Now, we return to Zagreb for our final stop — not at the start of an adventure, but at the close of one.
After our pilgrimage to Crikvenica to see Darcy’s stone at Monty’s Dog Beach, we’re on our way home to London. Two humans, three dogs, and the memories of a journey that will stay with us for a long time.
We stayed at the wonderfully dog-friendly Hotel Esplanade, which welcomed us all with genuine warmth.
Our time in Zagreb was brief, and with the daytime heat still lingering, our walks were reserved for the quiet calm of early mornings and the cooler air of late evenings. Throughout our stay, we dined at both of its restaurants — the relaxed charm of Le Bistro and the elegance of Zinfandel’s fine dining.
Though we had paid a pet fee at every hotel along our journey, this was the only one that truly went the extra mile, providing proper dog beds, bowls, and treats. It felt less like a surcharge and more like a sincere gesture of hospitality — a small detail that made a world of difference.
