Croatia, here we come!

The day was mostly sedentary, filled with sporadic moments of songs, games, and over all chatter. As we boarded the bus that morning we buckled in, excited to get to Croatia and learn about Zagreb. Which is the city we would be staying at for the next 6 nights.

Jane and Tal in awe

Austrian countryside

A few hours in we stopped in Austria at a restaurant and shop for lunch and bathrooms. We got to pick a sandwich from the many types they had in the shop and ate outside under some trees. Once we were back on the road, Zach and Matthew passed out fruit and granola bars hours later. We passed through Slovenia and then eventually reached the border of Croatia! Everyone had to get out of the bus and they stamped our passports one by one, twice: once on the Slovenian side and once on the Croatian side. Going through the border really was a breeze, surprisingly. They didn’t even talk to us, just stamped our passports and we were ready to go. It is really cool to be able to say that we passed through 4 counties on our drive (Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia).

Zagreb Academy of Music and National Theatre

A member of Zvjezdice welcoming us

We arrived to Zagreb an hour later, tired and ready for bed. Thankfully, some of the parents of members of Zviezdice, or “Little Stars,” graciously took our luggage so we could be guided to the building where we would be officially introduced to the choir we would that would host us. They are an all-girls choir based in Zagreb.

Making fast friends with our host choir

This introduction included singing a song they had sent us to learn, which in return we sang “Asimbonanga”, food and drink, and the announcement of which family we would stay with.

Andrew and I were assigned to a woman named Katerina, who invited us into her house warmly, and was very kind. We soon met her husband, Tim, who suggested we go out and see Zagreb and afterward get a meal. The parks and activities were so interesting to wander through and watch that the meal didn’t happen until 8:30, which made me happy because I like eating late.

All in all this day gave me a great feel for the city, and I could feel the serenity Zagreb had to offer, and the break from the excitement of the choir that I needed in order to recharge.

See you on July 18th, mom!

-Henry

Singer of the day: Hollis, for going out of her way to compliment and be kind to everyone and keeping up the positivity. You are an example for all of us!