Man, what a day! I’m a forester, right? So, I’m used to chillin’ in the woods, not dealin’ with city chaos. But today? Oh boy, Kastel-Stari threw me for a loop.
First off, I roll into town, and it’s like a whole different world. I’m used to the smell of pine, not the stench of grilled fish from the market on Obala kralja Tomislava. Seriously, who thought that was a good idea? I mean, I love a good fish fry, but c’mon!
So, I’m walkin’ down the street, and I see this old dude on a bench. He’s got a cap on, lookin’ all wise and stuff. I’m thinkin’, “This guy’s seen some things.” I sit next to him, and he starts ramblin’ about the good ol’ days. I’m like, “Yeah, man, I get it. But have you ever hugged a tree?” He just stares at me like I’m nuts. Classic.
Then, I hit up the Kastel-Stari waterfront. Wow, just wow. The view of the Adriatic? Breathtaking! But then I see a bunch of tourists takin’ selfies. Like, seriously? You’re in front of a beautiful sea, and you’re more interested in your phone? I almost yelled, “Put the phone down and enjoy life!” But I didn’t. I just rolled my eyes.
Next, I decide to grab a coffee at this little café on Ulica Kralja Petra Krešimira IV. I order a cappuccino, and the barista looks at me like I asked for a unicorn. “You want milk with that?” she says. I’m like, “Uh, yeah? It’s a cappuccino, not a black hole!” She laughs, and I’m like, “Finally, some humor in this city!”
But then, bam! My phone buzzes. It’s my buddy, Marko. He’s like, “Dude, you gotta see this!” I’m thinkin’, “What now?” Turns out, there’s a festival at the castle! I’m pumped! I love a good festival. So, I hustle over to the Kastel, and it’s packed. Music, food, people everywhere.
I’m tryin’ to find Marko, but it’s like lookin’ for a needle in a haystack. I’m dodgin’ kids runnin’ around, and I almost trip over a dog. Like, chill out, pup! I finally spot Marko by the food stalls. He’s got a plate of grilled squid. I’m like, “Dude, you’re brave. I’m stickin’ to my sausages.”
We’re laughin’, eatin’, and then I see this dance group performin’. They’re doin’ some traditional Croatian dance, and I’m like, “I could totally do that!” Spoiler alert: I can’t. I tried to join in, and let’s just say, I looked like a flailing octopus. Everyone’s laughin’ at me, and I’m like, “Yeah, yeah, I meant to do that!”
But then, outta nowhere, it starts rainin’. Like, seriously? I’m in Kastel-Stari, and it’s sunny one minute, and the next, I’m soaked. I’m runnin’ for cover, and I end up in this little shop on Ulica Šetalište. The owner’s super chill, and he’s like, “Welcome! You want a souvenir?” I’m like, “Sure, but only if it’s waterproof!”
After the rain, the sky clears up, and the sunset? Man, it’s like the universe is showin’ off. I’m standin’ there, just takin’ it all in. The colors are insane! I’m feelin’ all emotional, like, “This is life, man!”
But then, I remember I gotta head back to the woods. I’m not ready to leave this vibe. Kastel-Stari, you got me feelin’ all kinds of ways. I’m angry, happy, surprised, and a bit soggy.
As I walk back to my car, I can’t help but smile. This city, with its crazy streets and wild energy, it’s got a piece of my heart now. I’ll be back, Kastel-Stari. You can count on it!