One Evening in Rijeka

Rijeka is a city with as many rainy days as Seattle and steps that would make San Franciscans feel right at home. Known throughout history for being dynamic, Rijeka has hosted pirates, mercenaries, and treasures on and off for centuries. It holds the mysterious jewel that is Trsat — a religious shrine and its attendant castle turned overlook.

Along its coast refineries and proud ship building yards still shine at dusk, although more quietly these days than in the past. Rijeka is a bridge between too many worlds to name in a few sentences, and truth is, I did not expect to fall in love with it.

Something about the mix of lights here makes seeing friends on a summer’s night even more magical and out of time.

Here along the water babas and babies sit together as they have for generations with watchful eyes. Taking turns for swims, enjoying fresh fruit for snacks, Rijeka in the evening is a timeless slice of existence.