In the morning, I don't know yet whether I should go directly to Split or first to the Plitvice Lakes. In fact, I take the bus to Rijeka with my 1 Euro ticket (apparently a special promotion offer on getbybus.com). However, Rijeka is just a city and doesn't offer anything spectacular, so I definitely want to continue from there.
I base my decision on where I might find a Couchsurfing opportunity. I've always wanted to try Couchsurfing, but it never worked out before. After a few requests, I receive a confirmation from Nike in Split, but it's on the island of Brac, the closest island to Split. That's why I decide to also travel back to Germany by bus and train instead of flying, so that I can visit the Plitvice Lakes on the way back.
However, the bus ride from Rijeka to Split is quite complicated. It takes 8 hours with a detour via Zagreb. There is also a ferry, but it takes even longer. Nike suggests using Bla Bla Car to find a ride. And I actually find one for 2:30 PM, which means I will arrive in Split 4 hours earlier and save 17 Euros! What luck! I travel with a young couple, just newly married, he is Slovenian and she is Croatian. The ride is a great experience, not only because it's my first time traveling by car, but also because of the nice company. Matea and her husband provide me with a lot of information and insights about the country and its people, and the landscapes we pass are beautiful. We also stop at a mountain where you can see the islands.
Luckily, I make it to the ferry on time at 7:30 PM, so I won't arrive too late in Brac. I'm already a bit excited about Couchsurfing.
Nike picks me up at the ferry. He seems friendly, we get along right away, and I can safely sit on his scooter. An exciting day with many lucky moments comes to an end. :)
