Looking back on March: One month in Zagreb

Unbelievable, I’m already more than one month in Zagreb. At the end of the month I’d like to look back on what I did, where I’ve been and how I felt. Although my Instagram feed gives a pretty good impression, I’d like to add some video’s and other photos as well. This month there’s even a podcast, yay!

Maart roert zijn staart

This March has been a strange one. In The Netherlands we say “Maart roert zijn staart” what basically means that you can expect all sorts of weather. Well, there was. I believe the temperatures went from -20 to almost +20. It goes up and down. Just like me. Like everything I guess. I love being here, I like Zagreb a lot, love having mountains nearby and I enjoy learning the language. The downside is that I’ve been extremely tired. So many impressions, such an overwhelming language and yeah this crazy unstable weather. It all leaves its trace.

Unlike almost everyone around me, I was so happy to have the clock moved one hour forward. I gained an extra hour sleep, because I wake up when it gets light. Hopefully this helps to bring back more of a natural rhythm and my energy. If not, then not. Anyways, here’s my “Looking back on March” photo-essay. WOW, one month in Zagreb!

Velebit Winter Hike

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

And a little video

My Velebit Winter Hike on Outdooractive

FiveFingers Update

Last week temperatures were far below zero (-20), this week it’s springtime (+10)! It’s almost unbelievable. One of the reasons I choose the FiveFinger V-Trains is that I can wear them in every day life just as much as in the mountains. Okay, FiveFingers on snowshoes is kind of impossible, but a little bit of snow is definitely no problem. Turned out that the challenge is not HIKING on Vibram FiveFingers, but WALKING. Really, I find it much easier to hike in rocky, muddy or snowy terrain than in the city. Why is that?

I believe it has to do with patience ánd technique. In the city I walk because I have to get somewhere. The supermarket, the post office, a coffee​ date, Croatian lessons etc. Not that I’m in a hurry, but my mind is somewhere else. Natural walking is difficult. Especially on asphalt. It often goes slower and to be honest, it even feels unnatural sometimes. Natural running on the other hand is much much easier when it’s flat. I’d rather run than walk through the city.

So, my challenge is to take and make time to pay attention to my technique. For now it’s mostly focusing on a forefoot/midfoot landing instead of the heel strike. At the same time I do need to put my heel down to avoid too much tension in my calves. Pfff, believe me this is harder than it seems! @5fingers.nl

Zagreb Citywalks

Somehow I can’t walk a city walk without thinking of this Murakami quote below. Do love Zagreb though 🙂 “Our city, these streets, I don’t know why it makes me so depressed. That old familiar gloom that befalls the city dweller, regular as due dates, cloudy as mental Jell-O. The dirty facades, the nameless crowds, the unremitting noise, the packed rush-hour trains, the gray skies, the billboards on every square centimeter of available space, the hopes and resignation, irritation and excitement. And everywhere, infinite options, infinite possibilities. An infinity, and at the same time, zero. We try to scoop it all up in our hands, and what we get is a handful of zero.” ~Haruki Murakami #aslowboattochina

“The more you think about illusions, the more they’ll swell up and take on form. And no longer be an illusion.” ~ Haruki Murakami, #kafkaontheshore

“You have so much, I miss so much, but what you miss is what you have.” She says. From the outside it’s you yelling back: “Oh, don’t make me laugh!” When in fact you know she’s true. Everything you need out there you need ’cause it’s not you.” ~ Sophie Hunger, Sophie Hunger Blues

Weekly VLOGS

Between 2 Worlds Podcast

Good news! Coming up: “Between two Worlds Podcast”. Here’s a little teaser where David and I talk about the/our/my next adventure. Launching a podcast together. Check out the link in bio to find out more 🙂

Support & Coffee

Become a Patron

Or

---