It’s been a week since my arrival in Croatia and it’s been a wonderful series of connections, old friendships revisited and renewed, new ones forged – all this in an air of eyes wide-open; I want to see the progress in democracy and freedom. I don’t want to see reminders of communist mindset or bad habits formed under the communist regime up to a quarter of a century ago.
A week is nowhere enough for for me to make any definitive conclusions or analyses but I am sorely disappointed that remnants of habits formed under communism that are directly related to a practical denial of choice and merit in employment opportunities still runs rife. It’s still mainly the case of who you know rather than what you know and this is unhealthy for any society and economy. I had hoped I’d see less of this despite the information and warnings I came here with. If I translate this into the “Western” or democratic merit-based staff recruitment processes and stages it means that referees or references come first and if they pass then no need for job interview or job interview is a mere formality. A reversed situation to the one based on merit system and equal opportunity system. Indeed, much work to be done in making opportunities for employment in Croatia a fair game.
But I shall not dwell on the negatives for the moment as negatives exist to be turned into positives. Croatia knew this from the beginning, it has just had the misfortune of slack governments and rather careless and democratically unfocused powers that be. Future holds much promise. So, having said that, on this Sunday morning I visited what I see as the heart of Croatia – the Zagreb Cathedral, took some photos for you to enjoy in the beauty of Croatian culture and beautiful, proud forces of faith. Ina Vukic
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
NO WORDS CAN EXPRESS THE GRANDEUR!
Thank you Jonathan – some would say faith itself is grand ❤️
Beautiful pictures Ina. I hope you’re having a wonderful time. Can you tell me if there is any significance in the pattern on the carpet in the fourth picture, maybe like the fleur de lis is over here and France?
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
Having a grand time David, thank you. Not certain re the carpet but I may investigate now that you’ve raised the issue 😊
I follow you from Argentina, since I read a book about your country, Coracia! The faith you have is what make your people brave ! TheCathedral shows that too. It’s one of the most beatifull church I’ve ever seen! Congratulations….
Thank you so very much felicitaswalker
Is the cathedral still under scaffolding or are they finally done? Every time I vist it’s covered up!
Still work being done Anne and it’s painstaking and very sensitive they take down pieces and ornaments etc that need re-pointing and repair work on them on the ground and then raise them up again and cement them in place. Such a a beautiful place.
It is a beautiful place indeed. Enjoy x
Thank you Anna
Reblogged this on felicitaswalker.
The 1st word that comes to mind: magnifique! (French for magnificent)
You can’t go wrong visiting and/or attending Mass at a catholic church in Croatia. Even if you don’t know the language, let it be part of the experience. Makes it for a great story for telling folks back home!
Whatever time period the church was built, it should be appreciated and enjoyed in its own right.
It is so very special visiting the hub of faith – Elisa – such bonding and warmth, love it
LOVE the photos!
Thank you Helena 🙂
Thank you Jonathan – some would say faith itself is grand ❤️ It is so very special visiting the hub of faith – Elisa – such bonding and warmth, love it