The Beauty of Croatia
By: Shania and Theresa
June 7th: A Day Out on the Blaga
Group photo on the Blaga!
IT WAS FINALLY BOAT DAY!! Needless to say, our entire group had been counting down the days until we would be getting to take our boat tour in Croatia. It was day two since we arrived in Split and it was very clear how entranced we all were from the crystal blue ocean and the cool breeze it brought with it. This town had so much to offer and there was no time wasted by our group as we woke up that saturday ready for our adventure on the water. Most of us split into smaller teams all with the same mission of finding great snacks to bring for the “stone soup” as Gerritt would say. There was such a gorgeous fresh market and lots of really cool shops all over, great food was easy to find. For a small breakfast, some of us went down to the docks and found an awesome spot for crepes and fresh juice. We took advantage of the view and ate our food under some palm trees. Once we were all geared up and ready to go, we came back together at our randevu point at Toto’s Adventure Company. The boat arrived a little early so we walked together to the docks.
The Blaga was her name and she was gorgeous!! We had a three level boat all to ourselves and it was perfect! A lower level with tables and a place to relax and eat in the shade. The next level was the front of the boat with so much room to hang your feet off the side and feel like you’re flying through the waves. Last but not least, the top deck there was plenty of space to lay out and hang out. All aboard and we were off!
For the smooth ride out many of us took advantage of the time to lay out in the sun and relax. Listening to music and letting the sun and the waves drift us off into a nap. Others enjoyed the ride on the lower deck in the shade and mingled. Our first stop was right off the edge of a small island area. We anchored and ran for the water! SURPRISE! It was super super cold. But after some convincing we had everyone jumping off the boat and into the beautiful Croatian ocean. It was so amazing to see the smiles of everyone and witness pure joy. We were having the chance to breathe and let out the stress of our tight schedule and travel days. The support system we had built between us came out in moments of need as well as moments of fun when we didn’t let a single soul miss out on jumping off the boat.
Learning how to float like Gerritt, emphasis on the bucket hat.
All smiles after jumping off the boat, and more of Gerritt's feet!
After some fun in the water we loaded up and we were off for our next stop. On our way we all enjoyed our shared snacks and laughs.
Snacks and more smiles with Gerritt and Julie. Kat wasn't chocking we promise she is fine!
We stopped and docked on another island area where there were the cutest cafes and a small beach area to explore. We all made a beeline for the cafe on the hunt for lunch and the chance of coffee! Sitting together and enjoying the view of the surrounding mountains and sailboats passing by, it was a perfect afternoon.
The view from our lunch stop.
Back on the boat and headed back to Split we made use of our time and the gorgeous sunset behind us to take loads of pictures and take in all that nature had to offer.
The Croatian flag proudly mounted on the boat.
Lots of laughs, bonding, and amazing food.
June 8th: A Trip to Krka National Park
Today was the day we were visiting the Krka National Park in Croatia. Although we were all dreading the bus ride, we were excited for more swimming adventures and some sunlight. Before leaving for an hour bus ride, we all had family breakfast in the downstairs flat of our hostel, the Grand Gallery Lero. We had scrambled eggs, toast and jelly, grapes, bananas, cherries, tomatoes, and juice. It was a delicious and healthy start to the day. We all finished getting ready and headed to the bus.
The drive went quick, and when we arrived at Krka National Park we were all somewhat sleepy and confused. No one really knew what to expect, most of us were just excited to jump in the water again. Once we got there Jullie and Gerrit explained our options, and all that the park had to offer. Most of us followed them through the boardwalk trail; we saw a lot of vegetation, rivers, and many more waterfall.
The boardwalk on the way to the swimming spot.
We finally arrived at the swimming hole, and the view was breathtaking; crystal blue water, and beautiful waterfalls. We were all so excited to jump in, but we were nervous about how cold it would, be and boy were we right.
The swimming spit where we all jumped in, or inched in due to the cold!
The water was freezing, but of course being the college kids we are, many of us braced the cold for some amazing picture opportunities. May of us swam until our limbs were numb, and some were much braver than others. Many people got out and enjoyed laying in the sun, others walked around and got lunch and gelato.
The perfect Instagram opportunity, and we couldn't let the cold stop us.
It was almost time to return to our meeting place, and many of us did not want to go. We wandered back, see many small shops and a small art gallery.In a few short minutes we were all back at the meeting place and it was time to take our group photo. As this was all happening we noticed we were missing someone... of course it was Peter.
Can you spot who's missing? Good guess...
We all headed back to the bus, and eventually Peter and Gerritt caught up to us. We started the drive back, some of us still numb from the freezing waterfall water. I would say we all had a pretty great day at Krka National Park, and I think it exceeded many peoples expectation.
The view from our meeting spot, breathtaking!
We arrived back at the hostel, and we had the rest of the day to do whatever we wanted. Many of us rested and then used the rest of the day for sight seeing or more bike riding (sea urchin free this time). We ate dinner and did some last minute shopping, it was an amazing last day in Croatia.
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