Zagreb

Croatia! I need to come back, because there is not enough time to visit the islands, which is really the pride and joy of this country. Nevertheless, it was fascinating to learn about Croatia in context of Yugoslavia, and to wander through the town. G and I arrived Monday morning by train (after a close call-almost missed the train due to slow service at our breakfast place), found our airbnb place and met Xenia, then headed to the Museum of Broken Relationships. It was universal--people had donated token items of broken relationships to the museum along with stories of what happened. Some were sad, some were poignant, some were dumb, but all showed heartache. It's a great concept, though G and I felt it fell a bit short on execution. We were hoping for more resolution or closure from the stories . . . maybe that's something we will have to find on our own. In the afternoon we strolled over to the main square to find a huge party going on with live music (two singers singing old American songs - the best was We Are the Champions) in anticipation of welcoming home their Croatian Olympic team! We loved watching the locals wave their flags, and when the team came, the crowd errupted with pride! SO FUN! They were thrilled with their 6 medals, and the star handballer Ivano Balic was the star of the show. Fans flocked for autographs and pictures with the long-haired hero, and we were no exception. G even touched his shoulder!!! We watched teenage girls meet the Olympic men and walk away giddy. It was fantastic. G and I ate at a fancy, fun place where the menu changes daily, and we walked the guidebook walking tour. Most importantly, G bought a really fun skirt with lettering on it from a local artist. We meandered home with ice cream in our hands and contentment in our souls. It was a fabulous last day to such an epic trip. From the mustachioed buildings and the old babushkas, to paprika, gorgeous architecture, great food, and fun catching up, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy (it counts, and Croatia have been an Eastern European delight! WE HEART EASTERN EUROPE!