On the way to Zadar I am stopping for 2 nights/1 day in Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for its 16 lakes and the waterfalls and cascades all connected by footpaths and bridges. It is said to be beautiful no matter the weather. Good thing, cuz it is going to continue raining until at least Thursday.
The bus inconveniently dropped me off at the park entrance, which was closed and is between 2 small villages. There is however a big fancy hotel at the entrance, so I went in to use the toilet and to get instrux to the nearest village, where I could find a much cheaper room in a private home.
The concierge explained the direction of the foot path thru the forest to the village. I pulled out my umbrella and set off. It would only be about 1km he said, but immediately there were stairs and the path was pretty much all uphill. I love walking and this path was thru a beautiful forest with magnificent fall colours, even more beautiful in the rain. It wasn't windy, nor was it too cold, but it would be more enjoyable without my pack.
When I got to the village I didn't see any 'sobe/zimmer/rooms' signs. But I did see a woman typing in an office, so I walked in, said hello, and asked if she knew where I could find a room. She phoned her father. She didn't know the price but he was on his way in the car. When he arrived he said 220 kuna/night with breakfast. I tried 300 for 2 nights, no breakfast. He wasn't interested, so neither was I. He got in his car and drove off.
I asked his daughter for the directions to the rest of the town since I really couldn't see much ahead. Just down some stairs and off to the left there was already a house with a sign. I knocked, he answered, I asked. 120 kuna/night. I offered 200/2 nights. He said sorry. I smiled, accepted and we shook hands. Can't be too picky in a very small village, on a Sunday, out of season, in the rain, with the sun setting. The room is perfect. Can't imagine what more the other guy was offering.
I am now in the only eatery in town, a good ol' pizzeria, enjoying a funghi pizza and watching a pregnant Schwarzenegger on the TV.
For dessert I have a piece of delicious chocolate/apple/cheese layer cake that Andreja sent me off with this morning. Andreja hosted me in Zagreb and her mom is quite the cook!
Hiking in the rain in the morning.
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