One story I hear all around Zagreb these days is that it is a joy to be in the city during the summer vacations. “Crowds are gone for a few months,” says one. “No lines anywhere you go,” chuckles another. “I’d never go for a vacation when everyone else does,” mumbles the third. My beloved agrees. The summer vacations are still on, and she is over the moon with the half-empty city. “Pure joy,” she purrs. I cannot but wonder why so many Croats choose the capital as their abode. With the exception of a few other cities, much of the country is half-empty. Alas, it must have to do with labor markets and other topics of silly old economics. The dismal science for true.