Day 12: Grožnjan > Zagreb

There wasn’t much happening in Grožnjan on a Sunday, but it really didn’t matter. The owner of the hostel made me a delicious cappuccino, and then I was off … 3.5 hours or so to Zagreb. I have GOT to give Google Maps out shout out —— this has definitely been the most amazing road trip of my life. I posted this on Facebook earlier … I literally had to pull off and write it because my brain was so full.

NOTHING compares to experiencing what you didn’t know existed.
I mean, you can read about it, but I didn’t.
It doesn’t surprise me, but I cannot begin to tell you how many ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW WITH THIS SCENERY moments I’ve had.
No or low planning is a thing.
I’m already planning on how to live on the Istria Peninsula for part of the year.
Around every turn and weird Google map route diversion has been pure magic.
And remember, I love to drive already. I don’t even hate I90 in the summer, with the flat and the fields, so come with me now on this experience that I can barely keep my eyes on the road, and Spotify served me up a Discover Weekly list that I’ve aptly saved as Eurotrip 2023.
I’ve cried. Rounding a corner and there’s the Adriatic. Again. And Olive Oil urns. And SERIOUSLY WTF moments.
I have 32 minutes until the next place, but I don’t want it to end.
I really didn’t realize how much the journey means. I thought I did.
I even feel a little weird about not feeling centered at the “destination.”
This is why.
The travel. The ride. The soundtrack.
My cup runneth over. I can’t even take more pics. I sorta wish I was in a Black Mirror episode where I have a chip implanted so I could replay these drives and look at you in the face with such brilliant light and wide eyes and joy.
And We’d laugh and cry because it’s so freaking beautiful.
I had to pull over and write this because my brain was exploding … in the best way.

I booked a room in Zagreb close to the airport … yet another cheap, cozy hostel room for $34ish. I’ve been tweaking my needs/wants … I do love the $18 ish hostel dorm situations, but being able to be naked and fart a lot (dude, the carbs though), for another $15-20 bucks seems worth it. I’m eating so economically, that if I can stay around $30-40 for accommodations, I’m still doing good on the budget.