Adventure Day 2 - Hanging in Zagreb Croatia

Day 2 — Zagreb With Yara (Who Is Now Challenging Statues to Beauty Duels)

Today was our first full day exploring Zagreb, and Yara has already decided she understands the city better than I do. We started at the Stone Gate, where she insisted the candlelight made her “look dramatic and mysterious.” From there we wandered to St. Mark’s Church — I tried to admire the roof tiles, but Yara kept asking why she wasn’t featured on them.

Next stop: the monument of Marija Jurić Zagorka. I was excited to see it; Yara was excited to judge it. She took one look and whispered, “She’s fine, but let’s be honest — I’m the real icon here.” Before I could respond, she demanded a “formal beauty duel.” I explained that statues cannot duel. She said that was “a convenient excuse for the losing side.”

Then we found the statue of Kumica Barica, and the exact same thing happened. Yara stared at her like she was sizing up a rival on a runway. “Cute,” she said. “But again… I’m the upgrade.” She then attempted to pose next to the statue in a way that made it look like she had won the duel. I’m starting to think Zagreb’s entire sculpture collection is in danger of being personally offended by her.

We spent the rest of the day walking up and down cobblestone streets, checking out restaurants and shops. We didn’t buy anything — mostly because Yara kept insisting she should be the one displayed in the windows. At one point I tucked her into my back pocket for easy access for photos, and she acted like she was being carried in a royal litter.

By the time we made it back to the hotel, we’d walked all day, seen half the Upper Town, and Yara had declared herself “Zagreb’s undefeated beauty champion.” I’m just along for the ride.