Today I just had to get out of the house. My head was full, thoughts all tangled, and the best solution was simply to walk it out.
No music, no specific destination.. Just streets, beautiful weather (a bit too warm but nice) and my thoughts. Then I decided to walk to the cemetery where my mom is for 37 years now and on my way there, I passed by something that I always find interesting: Farmaceutski botanički vrt “Fran Kušan” - the Pharmaceutical Botanical Garden “Fran Kušan” in Zagreb.
Unfortunately it was closed so I couldn't finally get in there but I will definitely visit it soon..
This garden isn’t just a random patch of greenery. It’s part of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry at the University of Zagreb, and it’s been around since 1946, founded by the Croatian botanist Fran Kušan.
It’s one of the first gardens in Southeast Europe dedicated specifically to medicinal and poisonous plants.
Inside, there are hundreds of plant species: around 450 medicinal and poisonous types, plus exotic species from warmer climates growing in its greenhouses. It’s not a tourist trap; it’s a real research and teaching garden, but the public can visit during weekdays - for free.
It’s tucked away in Schrottova Street, right under Sljeme hill, quiet and full of subtle charm, small oasis for anyone needing to think, breathe, or just appreciate something alive and meaningful.
I found it funny and kind of symbolic that I stumbled upon a garden full of poisonous plants on Halloween of all days. At least I didn’t turn into Poison Ivy from Batman. 😅
But maybe that’s the point: sometimes life puts you right where you’re supposed to be between what heals you and what could destroy you and it’s up to you to choose how you walk through it.
What started as a walk to clear my mind turned into a reminder that curiosity, nature, and even coincidence can be healing. Sometimes, the universe has a sense of humor and perfect timing.
Have you ever had a random walk lead you somewhere meaningful (or ironic)? Drop your story below 👇🏽