THE ROMAN AMPHITHEATER IN PULA, CROATIA

 

  

The Pula Arena in Croatia is a spectacular sight--something to remember forever. Passing by it each day during a week-long stay in Pula became a familiar part of each day. There were quiet pauses to look through its massive rectangular windows, catching glimpses of the Adriatic Sea shimmering in the distance. The limestone always carried a bit of surprise, its shades changing with the time of day. 

    This amazing Roman amphitheater, also known as the Arena, was built between 27 BC and 68 AD, about the time the Colosseum was built in Rome. It lies along Via Flavia, the old road leading to Rome. The well-preserved oval-shaped structure is considered Croatia's best-preserved ancient monument. Ranked among the world's six largest surviving Roman arenas, it is the only one to still have all four side towers intact.

    The Arena, with a seating capacity of 23,000, was enlarged to accommodate gladiatorial fights in 79AD. These brutal contests of gladiators (often prisoners) fighting with wild animals continued until they were banned in the 5th century. This was followed by a long period of neglect and devastation

    Later in the Middle Ages, cattle could be seen grazing in the Arena along with occasional tournaments and medieval fairs. Restoration of the amphitheater began in the 19th century, and it was restored to its present state in 1932 with a seating capacity of 7,000

Today, this spectacular setting serves as a venue for numerous concerts, operas, ballets, sporting events, and the Pula Film Festival, one of the oldest film festivals in Europe. In addition, the tradition of gladiator fighting lives on in Pula when the Spectacvia Antiqua comes to town every summer and fall.

 This picturesque setting ranks among the most beautiful and distinctive venues in the world. May the harmony between history and modernity continue to prevail in this charming ancient town by the sea.

ZAGREB BOTANICAL GARDEN – CROATIA

After enjoying the beauty of Croatia and the Adriatic Sea for almost six weeks, we discovered one last enchanting place to savor before heading home.

The Zagreb Botanical Garden has been nestled in this lovely setting in Zagreb (pop. 680,000) for over 130 years and remains one of the most popular tourist sites in this fascinating city. We arrived in May, when the sweet-smelling spring flowers were at their best, and spent a leisurely afternoon meandering along the winding paths that prevail in this 12-acre Garden.

The Faculty of Science at the University of Zagreb established the Garden in 1892, and it remains an open-air museum featuring living exhibits for all to enjoy.

It was designed mostly in an English landscape style. The smaller western section is a more formal and French symmetrical style. There are more than 5,000 different plant species from around the world here. The park also boasts a highly respected collection of Croatian Flora, an old exhibition pavilion, and greenhouses.

As we were walking through the gardens, I noticed a bridge in the distance and a pond full of water lilies, a view that immediately brought back fond memories of my time in Monet's Garden at Giverny.

I'm thankful for all the memories, but  nothing can compare to those magical moments when you're fully present and in the "zone."

 

Related Post: The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, October 13,2022

EASTER GREETINGS FROM PERAST, MONTENEGRO

 

I spent Good Friday walking along the waterfront of the tiny town of Perast. This picturesque little place in Montenegro has a population of 269 and sixteen churches. Many of them are in ruin or vacated, however, some are still active. As a celebration of Easter, I decided to share some of these old places of worship, as well as the spectacular waterfront view that many say is the prettiest in Montenegro.

Perast was first founded in 1336 as a fishing village. It flourished for centuries under Venetian rule that ended in 1797. Most of the churches are Catholic and were built in the 18^th century—the golden age of Perast.

It was a lovely day, made even better by the sweet smell of the Japanese Pittosporum (mock orange) that prevails here in the spring. 

Happy Easter to everyone!

ISLAND OF ST GEORGE (OFF THE COAST OF PERAST)
HOME OF SAINT GEORGE BENEDICTINE MONASTERY (12c)

A SPRING WALK IN WISCONSIN

After spending the winter in Florida, Ron and I recently returned to La Crosse, Wisconsin. We returned just in time to experience March winds, balmy 70-degree days, and a snowstorm that left four inches of snow behind.

Living in La Crosse allows us to return to daily walks along the Mississippi River that usually end with a stroll through the International Friendship Gardens. I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed for the first time little dolls standing under some of the benches and a snowman by the pond in the China section of the garden. They made me smile and lifted my spirits, so I'm sharing the photos. Thanks to whoever decided to add these whimsical touches for others to enjoy.

Also, a big thank you to the kind soul who tied my lost and much-loved old beige scarf to a post along the trail. They thought that perhaps the owner would eventually walk by and notice it. That's exactly what happened. I'm once again reminded of the warmth and kindness that connects us all.