Samobor
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Hello from soggy Samobor! It’s a whopping 15.17°C out here, but feels like a balmy 15.35°C. The skies are crying harder than a gnome who’s lost his hat, with rain so heavy my boots are swimming! At 100% humidity, I’m wetter than a frog’s armpit, but hey, a gnome’s gotta travel! Wind speed is a mild 2.06 m/s, just enough to give my beard a good blow-dry. Not exactly a sunbathing day, but perfect for a gnome who enjoys a good steam bath!
Croa’ting Memories: Gnomebound!
As I crossed the border, the lilt of the Slovenian language gave way to the melodic rhythm of Croatian. The change was subtle, but the difference was palpable. The people at the border were as friendly as the scenery was beautiful, greeting me with a hearty, “Dobro došli!” (Welcome!)
During my journey, I was struck by the stark contrast between the urban hustle and bustle of Trebnje and the tranquil beauty of Samobor. The journey itself was a testament to the diversity of our beautiful world, and a reminder that change is the only constant. As the wise Croatian saying goes, “Svaka promjena ima svoju vrijednost” (Every change has its value).
As I ambled along, I found myself humming an old Croatian song, “Molitva za Magdalenu“. The verses echoed the landscape, whispering tales of love, loss, and redemption.
Now, I stand in Samobor, marvelling at the majesty of the St. Anastasia’s church, the city’s crowning glory. I can’t help but reflect on the journey that’s brought me here. From the mysterious caves of Cerknica, through the bustling urban jungle of Ljubljana, and the quaint charm of Trebnje, each step has been a step towards understanding, towards growth.
With this latest journey, I’ve covered a distance of 4338.1 kilometers, and I’ve been on the road for 143 days. But as the saying goes, it’s not about the destination, but the journey. And what a journey it’s been! Here’s to many more kilometers, many more cities, and many more days of discovery.
Until next time, moji prijatelji (my friends). Do not forget: “Putevi su uvijek otvoreni” (The roads are always open).
Wandering Samobor’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Palette Fumble
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Samobor.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Samobor: Pastry Paradise, Carnival Crazy!
Firstly, you can’t talk about Samobor without mentioning its famous Samoborska kremšnita – a creamy custard pastry, it’s simply divine! The recipe was first crafted by Đuro Lukačić, a famous Croatian pastry chef. As they say in Croatia, “Jedi kolače kad si sretan” – “Eat cake when you’re happy”!
Secondly, the city is also home to the Samoborski Fasnik, an annual carnival that dates back to the middle ages. The city transforms into a fantastical realm during this time. The carnival is a masterpiece painted by the famous Croatian poet Antun Gustav Matoš, who once said, “Fasnik je kao bajka” – “Carnival is like a fairy tale”.
Samobor is a city that tantalizes your taste buds and tickles your imagination, a must-visit on any Croatian itinerary.
Masks, Merriment, and Crystal Mischief
Samobor, a jewel nestled between the hills of Croatia, is known for its historic Samoborski Fašnik, a carnival rooted in ancient pagan traditions. This annual event, which transforms Samobor into a city of masks and merriment, is an echo of the time when the town was granted ‘free and royal’ status in 1242. The locals say, ‘Dođi na Fašnik, bit će ti lipo!‘ (‘Come to the carnival, you’ll have a good time!’). Notable is the Samobor Crystal, a symbol of the city’s glass-making heritage. It started with the Đurđevac family in the 19th century and remains an enduring emblem of Samobor’s industrious spirit.
Samobor’s Gnome-sized Wonders
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 