Bok! This is the first day that I have had my luggage, so 6 days with no bags. :(
It's great to be able to change my clothes! We finished sailing yesterday and returned to Zagreb, visiting Krka National Park along the way. Here, the park was filled with luscious green hues and waterfalls. Very beautiful country.

Today, I met Vlatka's daughter, Barbara. She is a mini Vlatka - very talkative and smiling and dramatic. She loved the cheerleading outfit that I brought for her and immediately went to try on her high heels with it. She also got the farm animal book out to show me her English. My parents have given her the high heels and English book, so she wanted to be sure to show me that she loves these gifts! Barbara and I watched 101 Dalmatians together, which made me miss Deuce. Barbara and I communicate mostly through nonverbals, but it is actually working pretty well. I taught her a few words from the movie (sandwich and cake). If she starts speaking to me in Croatian, which I obviously don't understand, I simply respond with "sandwich", which results in a roar of giggles from her. She loves to use my chapstick, too!

In the afternoon, we visited downtown Zagreb. Vlatka showed me a number of cathedrals and sites. Then, she took me to a mountain that is just outside Zagreb. We had lunch near the top, where I was able to sample some Croatian fare. Nothing too out of the ordinary, but they almost always have soup as an appetizer. The coffee is so thick that I can almost chew it! Croatians are fond of their liquor, particularly roccia. They call it wine, but I would say it's closer to moonshine! I am amazed at how much they smoke here. All chain smokers! I will go through nicotine withdrawals when I leave.

Vlatka works for Zagreb's soccer team, Dinamo. I am with her at work now. I will see the soccer match soon, so I am excited for that cultural experience. Vlatka has been such a wonderful host. I tease her that she is acting like I am the Croatian Princess!

Tomorrow will be my last day in Croatia. I will travel to Venice next!