Mihail Konarovski, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Croatia
Five Stars Zagreb Issue 19 — December 01, 2006.

More than two years ago i arrived in Zagreb as the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Croatia. Two years term is long enough to get to know the city you live in, but Zagreb, though not big enough, is so diverse that I'm still discover new facets of it.

Zagreb can be really called the city of green parks and rich culture. I was quite impressed by varied architecture of the city center. Upper town and numerous café rouse the memories of Prague, the Tkalciceva street with its dwelling houses and steep steps reminds of Budapest, while elegant pavilions and National theatre make one think of Vienna. Stylistically diverse sculptural compositions in different parts of the city do for its good manner.

The New Zagreb is enough free of standard city architecture as well and distinguishes by diversity. Apartment's blocks with their pretty houses and green plantings are really pleasant for one to look at. One can drop even more parallels with European capitals, but Zagreb has also its own unique attractiveness and peculiarities.

What is sad, that not all buildings and architectural monuments are in good shape and need basic rehabilitation. But it is visible that the local authorities obviously pay much attention to restoring, maintaining order in the city, tackling traffic issues and difficult parking places problems that are indeed the most world big cities' disease.

When having free time, which I unfortunately feel the lack of as all my colleagues, I enjoy walking in the city parks or spending some time at Jarun or Maksimir. It is a great pleasure to call at the Croatian people's theatre and the Lisinsky concert hall. I am also used to going to museums and galleries that are full of prominent exhibits.

In Croatia I've discovered for myself "naïve" paintings that one can be in details informed about in Zagreb's Naïve art museum. It is remarkable for the rich collection of prominent art pieces of all generations of Croatian "naïvists". And of course everyone who visits your country can not remain indifferent to wonderful national cuisine. So that I do enjoy it in various restaurants and konobas in different parts of the city.

I wish every happiness, joy and good luck to all Zagreb citizens.