We reached Zagreb and met up with Nick then headed into town. Arriving at the hostel we found that we were being put in our own little apartment. The hostel woman led us through winding conblestone streets into a cute building then up another five or so flights of stairs. Buns of steel after carrying 35 pounds wherever you go .The place was adorable with our own little balcony and kitchen furnished with the owner's knickknacks everywhere.
That night we hung out with several locals who worked at our hostel along with a old man with a ponytail named Klaus. They had us try the local drink of choice, Rakia (similar to absinthe and comes in a variety of flavors). We tasted sour cherry, lemon, honey, lavender, and plum. It was disgusting.
(Rakia: sour cherry, lemon, and honey)
The locals told us about life in Zagreb and that all Croatians are lazy and a typical day went something like this...
8am--Start drinking coffee. Drink coffee for 4 hours
12pm--Go to work
4pm--Leave work. Start drinking
Repeat.
(Katie and I at the local hangout)
Our Croatian friends were very entertaining and the most memorable part of Zagreb. We said our goodbyes and went to bed but once again ended with no sleep seeing as we were all sweating profusely with a broken AC. The next morning we loaded onto a bus headed for the Plitvice Lakes.
Plitvice Lakes:
The Plitvice (pronounced pli-vitch-ka) Lakes were incredible. We walked along the rickety board path amongst waterfalls and crystal clear pools of turquoise blue water. One legend refers to the lakes as "The Devils's Garden" for it's enchanting beauty.
After spending several hours hiking around the lakes we decided to head onward to Zadar only to find that we missed the last bus and were stuck at a national park in the middle of nowhere. We were desperate and decided to try our luck at hitchhiking which ended unsuccessfully. Proabably because who would think to pick up three strangers on the side of a road, at night, in the countryside of Croata.
Somehow we eventually managed to find a ride to Zadar. The hotel by the lakes reception woman had a friend who drove taxis and although he was off duty he could pick us up for a decent price.
A black vehicle pulled up and we hopped in the car with the strange man. We had our ride to Zadar.
Zadar:
We arrived at the Drunken Monkey hostel in Zadar. It was the perfect little beach hostel with a very laid back feel and friendly atmosphere.
That evening we explored the beautiful city of Zadar that I can only describe as a mix of Greece and Italy with a dash of Mexico. Walking to the center of town we saw a strange creature strolling down the road. As we got closer we realized it was a little hedgehog just taking an evening stroll down the street. So strange.
Once in the city center we found a swanky lounge club that was out right of top of a hillside amongst the ruins. Here people were dancing and hanging out of top of thousand year old buildings.
The next day we layed out on the beach and walked around the city. We saw the sea organ (holes in the marble steps to the sea that plays music as the waves hit below).
That evening we hopped on yet another bus that would turn out to be the most awful bus ride ever. People kept getting on and off and making us move out of our seats. The driver was crazy swerving down the winding bumpy coastal road making the smelly man next to me head keep landing on my shoulder. I switched seats quickly.
Dubrovnik:
After nine hours of torture we arrived in Dubrovnik and it was all worth it. Dubrovnik is a charming beautiful city. It lies right on the water with cliffs and mountains surrounding it. Again being too early for check in and being exhausted from the bus ride we found a nice corner on the street. Hidden by a couple overturned rowboats, we all fell asleep against our backpacks in the sunshine by the water.
(Good Morning Dubrovnik)
Later that day we walked around seeing the sights and that night we had the most amazing meal. Oysters, mussels, sardines (which were surprisingly delicious), makeral, swordfish, squid, prawns, and wine. It was enough food to feed a group of people although we didn't struggle with clearing the pot. And it was all under $30. After the fabulous meal we topped it off it off some gelato from a street stand for dessert.
Our last day in Dubrovnik we road a boat over to the island of Lokrum. An old monetary sits on the island along with a dead sea (aka very salty lake). It was a perfect way to end our time in Croatia.
(Abandoned Monastary at Lokrum)
Later that day Katie and Nick left to head back to the states and I was left on my own. Eek.
No comments:
Post a Comment