Nature !!!

Today we went to the Plitvice National Parks on our way from Zagreb to Split. It was almost half way between the two cities and was easily accessible. When we arrived we checked our luggage, only 2 dollars to store both our bags. There were only like 8 lockers so it is a good thing we arrived early. We got our ticket for the park it was 80 kuna which was the student price. The lady didn’t believe our IDs at first, but then eventually gave us the discount. It saved us about 6. US dollars so it was worth it. The lakes were unbelievable. The natural beauty was just outstanding the water was so clear it was a tease that we couldn’t jump in. There were no railings so it was really like you were part of the water. The paths crossed several lakes and lead up to many waterfalls. It was just amazing. It is nice to finally be in a place that was out in nature. After so many big cities I get worn down. There definitely needs to be a mix of everything. I would highly recommend this park to anyone going to Croatia. They had ferries and trams that were included in the ticket price that you could take once you were in the park, it was nicely set up. We walked around for a little over 3 hrs and needed to catch the bus to Split. Marina was able to sneak by with out paying, the guy never stopped by her. The bus stopped at a road stop and we had a 20 min break. There were reindeer and a bear in a cage, like a super mini zoo. It was exciting because I wanted to see a bear in the park but I was not so fortunate. At least this way I saw one but didn’t have to worry about it getting too close. After the little break we continued on. Upon arrival to split we were greeted by a lot of ladies looking to rent out apartment rooms. We didn’t have a place to stay yet for the night but we had a reservation for the next night. We figured we could always find something. Our plan was to go to the hostel in hopes they had a cancellation, or could at least store our stuff for the night. The website did not give directions to the hostel so that made it difficult. At first no one was willing to help us and the people we interacted with us were really rude. Eventually we find a map and head in the direction of the hostel. We had to go through a market and there some nice lady was able to point us in the correct direction. The hostel was great and Josef the guy working was just so eager to help. He really was great. He called several places to try to find us a place but everything was booked. He told us we could sleep on the couch free of charge. What a nice gesture. This was the plan until the Brazilians show up. They have their own apartment which is air conditioned! They offer us to stay and how could we turn them down. We showered at the hostel and made plans to meet back up with the Brazilians later that night. We pack our night bag, pjs, toothbrush everything that is necessary. We then head out to the center where we meet up with 2 Chileans and another Brazilian. We all sit around on the street for a while then decide its time to dance. We go to a club, which was free to get into but the drinks were far too expensive. They shorted me 15 kunas as well. I was not pleased. After dancing for a while we head off to another club up by the beach and it overlooks the water. A lot of people were still swimming at two and 3 am. The club was rather boring and we run into some people that are staying at the hostel. We have a good chat with them, but decide it is best to get some sleep. We head off to the Brazilians apartments since we had the key. We lost them somewhere along the way. We decide we would sleep on the edges so they could fit maybe two in the middle or at least 1. The bed was super big! We left the door unlocked so they could let themselves in whenever they decided to call it a night. I slept really well until I felt someone bump me and I realized it was Luis, they made it home. I realized I was taking up a lot of the bed so I rolled over. I had a hard time falling asleep because it was already 8 am. But I had nothing else I could do because no one else was up. Eventually I fell back asleep.