Day 7

We woke up at 5AM (well, Lisa did) to catch a 7:30 bus to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Haha, Mom and Dad - we can so make early departures!!!!

We were really early for our bus (Lisa's doing, haha. Monica shakes her head) but we got good seats!! Even though there wasn't anyone on the bus really... ANYWAY..

We finally arrived at Plitvice (or "Plitvichko Jezera") around noon, and trekked to the entrance. Despite having a map (that cost a ridiculous 20 kuna) and having signs to follow, we did a Monica-style tour of the park... which means, we didn't know where we were going. Props to Lisa for letting Monica follow her instincts! BUT, we think we saw most of everything! Plitvice Lakes is a series of 16 turquoise-coloured lakes interconnected by waterfalls. I think we've been a bit spoilt by Canada but this park was certainly equally as terrific. We just don't get as big of a rush from the sights as other less-priviledged tourists, who were in awe of a 1m tall waterfall. *insert incredulous look here* We spent a good 4 hours hiking around the park and Monica did that all in flip flops (props to Chacos) and a duct-taped foot (to prevent water seepage). Strong girl! Very resistant to bizarre looks from other people.

When we were finally done with our 4 hour tour (it was suppose to be 3 IF we had followed the proper route, Monica....), we had to collect our bags and hike back up a very long road to the bus stop. Our legs are getting strong!!!! After being ignored by 2 buses, I (and 2 other tourists) flagged down the 3rd bus. Woo hoo, we were on the road to Zagreb! I was quite anxious about not getting on a bus that night.. In fact, I had been thinking of that particular issue before we had even left Vancouver (that is how far in advance I plan.. scary, isn't it?!). Meanwhile, monica was just lounging in the bus bench.. not even paying attention to whether a bus was coming or not. Sheesh!!!!! ANyway, I was very glad to get on a bus.

We arrived in Zagreb around 8PM.. greasy and tired... And it seems fitting that we would promptly get lost. We thought we should take the tram going to the right, but we thought it would be safe to ask a local. They pointed us in the wrong direction!!!!! It took us 45 minutes to finally get to our hostel. By the time we got there, we were too pooped to go anywhere else.. and it being Sunday, everything was already closed. So, we had a dinner banquet of cereal, granola bars, and stinky water. Mmmmm.

+++++

Oh yes, Mom and Dad, we have one thing to say: Oh no, encephalitis! Encephalitis! Lisa's head is the size of a football! Oh wait... it's always been that big. Guess the self-guided walking tour through the Croatian bush was FINE. :)