From lakes and being seen

Early in the morning on this day we started a 9km hike around the Plitvice Lakes. Full of anticipation, we imagined what it would be like, face to face with nature, secluded and showering under one of the waterfalls. We had quickly displaced the army of Chinese tourists and our only concern was getting lost in this vast wilderness when suddenly we came across a huge queue at the entrance of the national park. No, unfortunately it wasn't a local horn viper, it was a much more threatening species, a line of people. A colorful mix of Americans, Europeans, and Asians. A little bit of everything, all with fashionable trekking gear. Without thinking twice, we joined the line, not even knowing exactly what we were waiting for, but where there's a queue, you have to wait. That's what our German upbringing has taught us. After fifteen minutes, the waiting started to seem suspicious to us, so I (Dani) asked quite intelligently at the information desk, 'Uh, sorry, we don't know what we are waiting for. Do you know that?'

It turned out that the park management had been very meticulous in making sure that no visitor had to take even one step too many, so we were driven to the right entrance to the right attractions in long wagons attached to Unimogs. Paradoxically, we were handed an information sheet with the note that we should avoid making noise, but unfortunately I couldn't pass on this information to Philipp because the Unimog made too much noise to be able to have a conversation.

When we arrived at the right entrance, we were finally able to start our hike and, I must say, the demand was really understandable, these lakes are simply unique and beautiful. They are connected by smaller and larger waterfalls along which you can walk along wooden bridges to the lowest basin. Only in passing, it should be mentioned that you can catch a glimpse of one or the other waterfall by squeezing past other nature lovers.

In addition, you have the opportunity to witness natural phenomena up close. For example, after the hike, I can accurately determine each present nation solely based on their posing style for the camera! (Americans: legs wide apart, muscles flexed, fists on hips, triumphant smile; Germans: showing off their belt bag, thumbs hooked into the backpack straps, silly grin; young Chinese woman: looking over her shoulder, duck face, fluttering eyelashes; old Chinese woman: strange contortion with one arm... and the other, as if she might be catching the waterfall at that moment(?), wide open eyes, convincingly smile and a strange sound (something like 'whoop???').

After following all the bridges, always following the letter H, and seeing really, really beautiful waterfalls, we headed back to the hotel. And tomorrow? Another dose of culture! Off to Zadar!