Take the time to thoroughly search the map beyond major cities in order to get a real feel of life in different places. The glitz of various metropolises can blind the traveler to the norms and traditions that are the essence of the world's diversity. Why not delve a little deeper?
Though Koprivnica does not stick out on maps nor does it roll off most tongues easily, it thrives quietly between Hungary and the Adriatic Sea. It’s easy to get to because the train from Budapest moves right through it. However, be prepared to get off the train because it barely even comes to a stop in the train station.
Once there though, the center of town is similar to most European towns. Little roads, cobblestone paths, fountains and beautiful buildings loll around the easy going traffic. Patios fill easily with coffee drinkers and ice cream eaters as the hot afternoons roll by. Relaxation and loveliness drifts constantly through the air. Once relaxed, go outside the town then.
Golden Land, Golden People
On the skirts of the town and village of Jagnjedovec are rolling hills of gold and green. Fields of horses trample in their meadows, and people float by on their bicycles. Most of the land in this area is farmland, but its people are warm and friendly. So focused on the greater good of the community many prominent citizens fight for expanding bike paths and stricter laws protecting foot traffic as to cut down on the dangers of driving. Biking in Koprivnica is very popular and might have an interesting model for other small towns looking to transition from cars to bikes.
If in the area during June, check out the local festival that recreates and acts out the invasion of the Turks. The Croatians beat them by throwing chickens over the fort. There is also a wide variety of traditional and modern music and even fireworks throughout the festival.
As picture-perfect as this area is, the scars of the not-so forgotten Croatian war with the Serbs still linger sadly. Jovial men turn solid and mournful if it is brought up. Horses with war tattoos roam knowingly amid the other farm animals. Though there is a great amount of beauty and happiness in this area, it takes only a scratch to get to the very real pain of the recent past.
Logistics With a Smile
Getting around Koprivnica shouldn’t be too difficult. Most people are very helpful and willing to give proper directions. It might be hard to communicate in some areas because not everyone speaks English. However, the community center in town offers summer classes for people who want to learn and there is an English Summer Camp called Sunny Village in Jagnjedovec. English is becoming more prominent everywhere in this area. If interested in learning Croatian, it is a Slavic language that sometimes resembles Italian, but is also very different.
Because Croatia is not a part of the European Union it still uses the Kuna. One U.S. dollar equals about five Croatian Kuna, so most things are relatively cheap while traveling in Croatia. Be sure to exchange Croatian money while still in Croatia because few places outside the country will do it.
Cruise Ship Excursions in Dubrovnik, Croatia is another article that explains the vast possibilities of travel to the coast of Croatia. A place not to be missed.
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