Croatia and the Plitvice Lakes

After two weeks vacation in Croatia with Boudine's family, I'm back in the Netherlands enjoying my last few days before I head back to Ohio. The trip started off with an 18 hour car ride through Germany, Austria, and Slovenia, before reaching the city of Porec in Croatia. Though it was long (nothing compared to driving to Colorado for the weekend), I enjoyed the drive because I was able to see some other countries I hadn't had the chance to visit. After the first day of driving we stayed at a campground in Germany in the Black Forest, and the second night we stayed at an Austrian ski resort in the Alps. It was crazy driving through Austria and seeing the Alps. The mountains were so beautful, the grass was so green, and the houses were so perfect, I felt like I was on the set of The Sound of Music. I pretty much fell in love the Alps and definitely want to spend so more time in Austria whenever I make it back to Europe. The third day we had a short drive through Slovenia and made it to the campground in Croatia in the late afternoon. For the next 6 days we just hung out at the beach in Porec. One day we went mountain biking and saw some awesome views of the Adriatic Sea, and most of the nights we hungout downtown. One day we rented a boat and drove out to a little island to do some snorking. After 6 days in Porec, we drove a few hours to another part of Croatia so we would be closer to the Plitvice Lakes. We spent the remainder of the trip in Selce, hanging out, enjoying the great weather on the beach. The beaches in Croatia are unique in the fact there is only rock, and no sand. It was really neat to see because the rocks at the public beaches and campgrounds were flattened down, basically like a pool deck, with steps down into the crystal clear seawater. While we were in Selce, we took a day trip to the Plitvice Lakes, where we got to see some awesome waterfalls. I just couldn't get over how blue and clear the water was here! Aside from the awesome beaches and weather, I really enjoyed this trip becasue I got to spend some more time getting to know Boudine's family. Until this vacation, Boudine and I had pretty much been on our own traveling around. and over the course of the vacation, my Dutch definitely improved! Unfortunately, our vacation in tropical paradise had to come to an end and we were back in Holland on the 17th. As soon as we got back, we unpacked a little, and went out to dinner to celebrate Boudine's dads birthday. Friday he left for England for two weeks to coach his team in the European Championship. Saturday, Boudine and I left for Utrecht, to do some shopping and hang out with her cousin Ernst. I have three days left in the Netherlands, so we're goign to try and see a few more things before I leave. I fly into Cincinnati, Thursday night, so hopefully I will see you all soon. This trip has been absolutely amazing and I'm so thankful that Boudine and her family invited me, and took me into their family these last five weeks. I have enjoyed every minute of this trip and it's definitely something I will never forget. I am so appreciative and thankful that I had the opportunity to take this trip. I also want to thank my parents and relatives who made this trip possible and everyone who was kind enough to comment on my blog. The trip couldn't have gone any better, but I definitely felt a little homesick from time to time, and I really appreciated being able to stay in contact with everyone through my blog. Though my trip may be coming to an end, I hope it is only the first of many that I will be able to share with you in the future. Take care and see you all soon!