Obiteljska Domovinska Ljubav (Family Homeland Love)

This was our last day and night in Croatia and though the day started out with a peculiar experience, it could not have finished any better.  As we set out from Slovenia we had to solely rely on paper maps as our GPS wasn’t operational until we reached the Croatian border.  I do have to say that once you’re on the freeway everything is well-marked and fairly easy to follow.  However off the freeway there are unpronounceable streets with roundabouts veering this way and that, and pretty much all you can do is hope to quickly glimpse something familiar that will lead you in the right direction.  Lets just say that there were a few “Turn NOW!!!” “No, the other way!!!” “I think this is the way???” moments getting to and from the freeway with me navigating and Joe making hairpin turns to get us to our destination.  But we arrived safe and sound across the border of Croatia and made our way to the airport to drop off the rental car.  First stop however was at a gas station to fill up the tank and use the “facilities.”  Now if you recall, we exchanged our Kuna several days ago to Euros…..Joe comes back to the car and tells me that apparently we wouldn’t be able to use the “facilities” unless we had Kuna.  I’m puzzled….excuse me hon – are you saying that we have to pay to use the bathroom?  Yep, that’s right…..and we have no Kuna.  I’m truly glad this wasn’t an emergency!  Off to the airport we go, hoping that I’m not dancing by the time we get there.  Hertz was fabulous and after a quick inspection and paperwork they even had one of their attendants drive us the 15 miles from the airport to our hotel because “the taxi will charge you too much!”  We arrived at the Hotel Esplanade which was positively gorgeous! 

Our initial plan for the day was to arrive early, explore the capital of Croatia – Zagreb and meet with my cousins from Grandpa Pavkovich’s side of the family for early cocktails.  However we left Bled, Slovenia later than expected and arrived mid afternoon, which meant a quick trip to Zagreb’s old town and then connecting with my cousins.  To be honest, I was nervous…..I had been in contact with my cousin Jelena through Facebook but hadn’t seen her since her visit to the US in the early 90’s when she was 16 if I recall correctly.  My cousin Vanja had been to the US several times, but my recollection of her was vague from early childhood.  And believe it or not, I can be somewhat shy and overwhelmed.  Jelena had suggested that we meet in the center of the city at the Floral Square. 

Joe and I dashed up to old town for a quick trip to St. Mark’s Square where the Church of St. Mark is located.  The tile roof depicts two coats of arms.  One has a red/white checkerboard symbol for northern & central Croatia, 3 lions heads representing the Dalmatian Coast, rivers Sava & Drava representing Slavonia and the other is the Zagreb seal represented by a walled city.  The church was closed so we couldn’t go in, but at least we had the opportunity for a quick visit outside and glimpses of the old town. Checking our watches we rushed down to the Floral Square to meet family.

Wandering in the city Center we were pretty sure we located the Floral Square because of the beautiful flower stands located throughout, however I checked with a local young lady working at a stand and she confirmed that yes we were.  Literally standing in the center of the square I contacted Jelena via Messenger – “We’re at the flower square”….Next thing I know there she is, beautiful as ever.  Hugs, my eyes stinging, overwhelmed in the best of ways…..why was I ever nervous!  We walked over to an outside cafe and there was Vanja who I immediately recognized.  Natasa and her husband Damir who joined us shortly after.  Ivan and his wife and beautiful daughter.  And Jelena’s 3 girls – Charlotte, Maya Lea and Laura.  Hugs all around and it felt like home…..There is something about family and that connection that spans years and miles, but never breaks.  I wonder is this connection universal, a Croatian thing or is our family just blessed. 

Friends and family have asked if I would change anything about our trip, and I always comment that it was perfect.   But I do so wish that we had more time to visit with family.  We thoroughly enjoyed spending time and connecting but the time flew by so quickly.  With invitations to return and stay with family,  hugs and definitely tears on my part we parted company and returned to our hotel and began organizing our belongings as we prepared for our flight to Paris in the morning.