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June 8, 2008

Two weeks and two days brought TUVB to the end of our Croatian tour. It's the day before we travel back home to the United States - land of the free and home of the SUV. The coaches gave us free reign of Zagreb for the day (within reason, of course), instead of going to a beautiful national park known for its breathtaking waterfalls. It was supposed to rain. Today also marked a coming-of-age landmark for the team because it was our first day without any of our European teammates. We said "Dovidjenja" to Sara and Luna yesterday, as well as to our translators. This did not phase us Americans, though. We found that Croatians know a great deal of English, and, if that didn't work, pointing to the item on the menu sufficed.

So, what did we do with our day in Zagreb? Well, Jen, Rachel, Jenn, Liz, and Ashley went to the nearby lake to walk around, tan whenever the sun showed up, and possibly play beach volleyball. Steph, Lindsey, and I went downtown instead. The three of us felt practically Croatian through our knowledge of the trolley system. Just hop on the 14 and then on the 17 to go to downtown Zagreb. When we got there, we learned, rather abruptly, that there was a Croatian futbol (soccer) game that night versus Austria (16 of the countries on the continent are amidst Euro Cup 2008, like the World Cup, but only for Europe).

The square was full of red and white checkered fans. On every street corner, the national anthem (or what we thought was the national anthem) could be heard. Little kiosks sold scarves, hats, T-shirts, jerseys with the colors of their flag. Steph and Lindsey were able to buy scarves for 40 kuna, instead of 50 kuna. We'll say it was because the vendor thought they were pretty, but really I think it was because he didn't know enough English to argue.

Savoring our last 'sladoled' of the trip, Steph, Lindsey, and I sat in the square Croatian-watching. (Observations are at the end of this blog). Slowly but surely, downtown began to get crazier as kick-off neared at 18:00. We left downtown to meet up with the rest of the group at Stara Sava, a sports cafe-bar Sara introduced us to. The three of us go there early and saved great tables to watch the game. The rest of the team said they would be there in half an hour. Two hours later, they showed up. The game started with much excitement. At four minutes, Croatia got a penalty kick and #14 Modric (pride of Croatia) scored. OPA! And that was the only goal of the game. Croatia won 1-0 and the country went crazy!

To top off the day of freedom, we decided to indulge ourselves in visions of designer shoes, attractive men, and expensive cocktails. We went to see Seks I Grad (Sex and the City: the movie). After blowing the last of our kuna on gummies, milka, and Croatian socks, we, ten blatantly American girls, walk into the movie theater.

By the way, Croatian movie theaters totally kick American movie theaters' butts. The seats were red and cushioned, big enough to fit two volleyball players rather comfortably (not that we tried to or anything). I won't spoil the movie for anyone, but I must say that it is a must-see! Two thumbs up! You'll be rooting for your four favorite over-forty year olds throughout the entire movie! Best part of movie: Just as Charlotte was about to reveal some important news to Carrie, the film stopped. Our entire row went into an uproar. But we seemed to be the only ones. The natives looked at us as if we were insane and began to leave. Needless to say, we were just as confused. Then on the screen popped up a sign reading, "15 minute intermission." We went hysterical! Apparently, Croatians add a bathroom/snack/smoking break in all of their long movie showings. Lindsey, who was sitting next to me, began to slap my leg yelling, "Blog! Blog! Blog!" So Lindz, this one was for you!

Apparently we have some major weepers on the team, because, after the movie, some girls had puffy red eyes, runny noses, and black mascara underneath their eyes (::ahem:: Liz). Thanks to Liz, though, for using the video camera on this adventure, capturing quality footage of trolley life, cafe-bar life, street life, and intermission life. Liz was able to make a couple new friends on the trolley using the camera; however, I believe she was more fond of them than they were of her. The night ended with a walk home passing intricate graffiti, still raving futbol fans, and what Rachel thought was a gypsy but turned out to be Liz.

All we had left to do was to pack. America called, and she wants us back.

Observations on Croatia life:
1. Speaking of graffiti, there was much more present on practically every building than expected. Most, however, was very aesthetically pleasing, and as a whole, we felt added color to the decrepit buildings and highway underpasses.
2. All that European girls wear are skinny jeans. Blue, black, white, green, red. All different colors, but the same style. I wore mine all the time to try to fit in - they weren't fooled.
3. I believe the trolley system is a huge asset to the Zagreb community, and, really, is much better for the environment. New Orleans has the same idea with streetcars, except streetcars are so much slower and don't take you all around the city. And if you're American riding the trolley, you don't have to pay! Well, at least, we didn't.
4. Fanny packs. We thought they died in the 80s, but, no, they just crossed the Atlantic and took Croatia by storm. Teenage girls found it trendy to wear them across their chests, instead of on the waists like the older generation. Men have even adopted the idea of fanny packs - or should I say MANny packs. What they carry in them will forever be a mystery to us.

TUVB - Volimte Zauvijek!

Amaris