Elisabeth Walaas, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to the Republic of Croatia
Five Stars Zagreb Issue 22 — September 15, 2007.

Because I was born in a city and have lived all my life in different cities, I cannot imagine what living outside a city would be like. Cities of a certain size offer the most of what you need for a good and healthy life: History, culture, education, working opportunities, social life, leisure activities and recreation. But cities are not uniform. They differ. They have their own identity, soul and “pulse”.

Zagreb is definitely among my favourite cities. Since my first day here I felt at home. I was impressed by the richness and variety in the city's history, culture, nature, food and modern life. I was charmed by the people living here; their openness and kindness towards foreigners. And their ability to enjoy friendship and fellowship around a table at one of Zagreb's innumerable cafes or coffee houses.

Walking the streets that climb from the main square, I learned about Zagreb and its identity. I made fascinating walks, through history and cultural heritage that influenced decisively in the shaping of the city and its soul. I learned to love the beautiful parks dating from the end of the 19th century, "the green heart of Zagreb".

After a while I discovered the larger parks and green areas surrounding Zagreb. In the summer, when the sun scorches Zagreb's asphalt, I enjoyed shade and coolness on Sljeme. During spring, autumn and winter, the mountain area offered recreation; it "loaded my batteries". I had the feeling to be on the country side, in complete tranquillity, with teeming city streets far beyond reach. In reality, only a few tram stops, some minutes by car, or a nice walk, and you are back in the very core of the city.

Attending concerts, visiting museums, cultural sites, festivals and cultural events, I learned to appreciate the rich variety in culture and arts that Zagreb offers. I discovered that almost everything here is within reach by foot. And even better: the city is small enough to give you the feeling of fellowship and belonging, and big enough to make you feel just like one in the multitude. So what more to long for? I was born and grew up in a city located by the sea. Fresh fish and seafood however, always available in Zagreb, brought directly from the Adriatic, even gave me the feeling of being located almost by the sea.

So lucky me that live in Zagreb! Every day offers opportunities to discover and "taste" new aspects of the city's pulse. By walking the streets, new ones or already well known, entering the wonderful green areas, visiting historic sites, or exploring the cafes and the variety of Zagreb's delicious cuisine. By meeting people living here and develop friendship with them. Or, when lack of time prevents my walks, just enjoy the wonderful book ZAGREBZAGREB by Ivo Pervan and Boris Ljubičić. Its motifs, compositions and images, in various interrelations, create the recognisable and the memorable in a great and not-to-be-missed city.

I wish that Zagreb, as it continues to develop, will maintain its soul and identity, and remain a source of joy and inspiration for its citizens and foreign visitors. And I wish that the citizens of Zagreb and the city authorities will continue to carefully contribute to the city's embellishment, preserving its special atmosphere from elder times into modern ways of life in a large metropolis.

I am convinced that Zagreb has a lot to contribute, and to gain, in the ever closer European and global community, and that the city will continue to attract foreigners and tourists.

Be proud of your city! For me Zagreb will always have a place in my heart!