Getting Into the Groove

Sorry this post is almost a day late! The Zvonomir is having Internet problems which makes uploading photos take about half the day! But it should be better form now on! So where to begin!

I had problems sleeping again, wake up late at night again and again. I cannot wait for this jet lag to go away! This morning was different though! I did sleep in and when I woke no one was in the house but the table had breakfast waiting for me! I am getting spoiled here for sure! Breakfast was typical European style, fresh breads, cheese spreads, some hard meats and coffee! I now understand the allure to coffee that many adults seem to find in coffee. I almost cant think until I have a cup now, I hope its not an addiction.

After breakfast Nada started making lunch and I tried to help. I guess its not normal for the men to help in the kitchen at all, or clean the plates or anything like that. This is hard for me because I am trained automatically to clean up after myself. Yet because it was just me and Nada this morning we finally had a chance to get to know one another. Her English is not so good so she uses Zvonco as a translator and of course my Croatian is non existent. She seemed delighted that I am interested in cooking and I too am excited for her to teach me some of the delicious recipes that she cooks! I watched her make peppers stuffed with meat. My mother makes this dish also but the peppers are not from our garden like Nada's nor is the onion and many of the other ingredients! The entire house was filled for hours with the smell of her cooking and reminded me of my kitchen back home. While she shared cooking secrets with me I brought my Frommers travel guide out to ask her things that the book didn't explain well. We then spent the next hour talking about the different islands of Croatia, her favorite places and why, and getting to know one another. She really is a remarkable woman, she gets a sparkle in her eye when she talks about her home country that makes you want to be from here. after we finished preparing the food for tomorrows lunch we went into Zagreb to go pick up Katarina, their grand-daughter!

Preparing the next days meal.

This is the daughter of Kristina and Michael, they are the ones who helped me make arrangements with my school!I move into my dorms in two days and I am excited about this! But more on that later. They had a modest apartment in the downtown area of Zagreb, the city's capitol. It was a small flat, about the size of an average bedroom and it had a small overhang where the bed was. You can see the steps in my photograph that lead to it. They all are so happy though, they all appreciate each other so much. They do not seem to take each other for granted. I feel blessed to apart of their family, they only have known me for a few days and already the treat me as though i have always belonged. We were talking about the famous Croatian fighter called Cro-cop the other day, which is how i now refer to my family, here Cro-mom and Cro-dad. After picking up Katarina we went on a quick tour through Zagreb and I saw my first glimpse of the city I will be staying in. 

Picing up Katarina.

I do no know how I feel about it yet, So many wonderful buildings yet It felt ominous at the same time. I think it was just the realization of being alone in the city that darkened the city for me. But I know that is only sillyness, I am not alone with wonderful friends already! Plus I haven't even had a chance to meet any other students! So I am sure the city will hold much more happiness for me. After we left the city we went to lunch at this small villa like restaurant. It was just FANTASTIC! 

Entrance to the villa where we ate lunch

I realize now that many of my post will involve food, and I am fine with that. I take photos of everything before I eat it! Yet before the food even arrived I realize that my host are lexicons of the area. They know literally everything about their country! Dating back to the mid-evil times to almost every store front they know some history about it! The salt and pepper shakers on our table are a special type of ceramic only made in Karlovac. It is hand made only a few miles from where we were eating!

Hand made ceramics.

So back to the food! My favorite topic! Well as many people know beer in Europe is made at local breweries, Karlovac has one of the larger breweries in the area. And since my 21st birthday means nothing here, I have been taking full advantage of trying the different beers! This beer is very light, similar to a Stella without any skunky flavor from hops. Almost a richer tasting Miller Highlife.

 I let Zvonomir order for me because, 1) I didn't have a clue what the menu said and 2) I trusted his opinion. Boy was I right! They ordered a sampler platter of food from the grill.  Starting on the left were kidney beans in a creamy sauce, they melted like butter in the mouth. Then a small medallion of what i assume beef, I forgot to ask... but it was cooked in seasonings and was full of flavor! Next was homemade sausages that had a crunch to them but were almost sweet and spicy at the same time. But then was my favorite, homemade cheese that was almost a mix of feta and mozzarella stuffed inside meat medallions and cooked and seared to hold in flavor. It was the most tender and flavorful meat I have ever eaten. And if you know my mother I am sure she is quite upset I said that... Sorry mom.... Lastly was literally a HAM-burger. It was a Pattie with ham and onions seared and served with a paprika like sauce. I was very tempted to put it on bread and ask for ketchup but calling it a Burger wouldn't do it justice. 

This is served in heaven, in case you were wondering
about the menu when you get there.

Zucchini, red pepper, and tomato salad, with feta and olive oil dressing

But one thing to mention, Croatians do not have regular stomachs, I swear they give me the largest servings and keep your plate refilled, I'm eating twice as much as usual and they tease me I eat like a bird. I will grow to the size of a elephant before my trip is over, I am just lucky most the food is extremely healthy! Like the giant salads that com with every meal! This one had what i think tomato's, I usually hate them but they did not have a repulsive taste like usually tomatoes so the verdict is still out if that was what i was eating, i do not believe it. 

The adorable Katarina sitting next to her Grandmother

After we returned to the house where I promptly fell victim to jet lag and slept for the next two hours, either jet lag or food coma to be honest! Then I went out again with my friend I met the first night. His name is incredibly hard to say and thus far I have been avoiding saying it.  Hrvoje, kinda like Her-voi-eh but more throaty than and with force. Did you sound like you were choking? Then you didn't say it right. Well we went out to the pub again and I was informed about the local night life in Croatia and that they rank with the Irish for drinking. I ordered Tomislav a beer once again made in Zagreb. It was very thick, and almost chocolaty aftertaste. I would compare it to Guinness but there was no bitterness like Guinness. It was almost like a desert beer, but it was not too sweet if that's what your thinking. 

My favorite beer so far.

Then I tried Leffe, this beer was from Belgium, it was a blond and by the time I finished her I was feeling pretty good. I did not realize but both beers had alcohol contents around 7-9% So even though it was cold on the walk back to the house I was warm on the inside! My friend Hrvoje works at a local factory. He designs gun barrels for Smith Field Armory, I was going to try and see if I could order one but apparently the gun restrictions here are quite steep. Does not mean I am not getting one when I get back home! I will after all be 21 (only 4 days to go!) and I will be getting my CCW! I might wear that gun and a glock, why you ask? Because I can! That and who doesn't want to be like Clint Eastwood in Dirty Harry? 

This was like drinking sweet bread. 

We returned back to Zvonco's (btw Zvanco is short for Zvanamir) and Nada had prepared a small snack. It was crepes filled with cheese and sprinkled with sugar. It was the perfect way to cap off the night!

Another food item I plan on cooking before I leave!

Zvonco knew that I was a little home sick so he put on the pro-bowl for me. I guess we are throwing a Super Bowl party too! Now don't get the wrong idea, Football is not popular here, Just Zvonco seems to like it a lot! But I am Perfectly fine with that! Another perfect day so far! Tomorrow we are going to see some of where the war was fought!!

A touch of home before bed!

The First 42 hours

My first plane that took me to Croatia

Time is moving faster than a Kenyan in a foot race. I cannot believe I have been here for one whole day! Now I know some people are actually reading my blog! I will tell you right now, I am sorry, There is so much to say! So if i bore you lemme know! So where to begin!

The connecting flight from Frankfurt to Zagreb! Talk about tiny!

Flying over the majestic Alps on the way to Zagreb.

So after my long flight I was met at the gates by my parents friends. Talk about a wonderful family! They welcomed me as though I was a long lost friend! Yet after meeting so many people, I cannot tell if this is how friendly all Croats are. Truly these people do not know strangers! After a short car ride I was welcomed into the home of my host. As soon as they opened to gate the point to a tire sized crater in the welcome way and tell me this is where a mortar had landed 16 years earlier. A feeling of gratefulness overcame me, that I have never know the fear of my home being bombed and fearing for my life. It really sank in that the fighting was not on battle fields but on the doorways of the innocent. But more on that later, let me tell you about how truly remarkable the Gerber clan is (my host)! I was welcomed into his home and his wife Nada had cooked a truly wonderful meal! I then was given a quick tour of Karlovac before falling asleep. Now this is where things get interesting so if your still with me, just keep reading!

The two sheleves next to my head are Zwancos books!

I found myself awake at 6am the next day after sleeping for quite some time. I am sleeping in the families library and apparently my host, Zwanco, is one of the most acclaimed photographers in Croatia... I don't mean this guy is good, I mean this guy has two shelves of books that he has published by himself, not to mention how many other books he is the photographer for, This guy is fantastic! So after getting halfway through his books its now 8am and I have seen some of the most beautiful places in Croatia and also what he hates about his home country. I already felt as though I was peeling back the mask and seeing this place beyond the Frommers book guide and getting to know the country intimately. After a small breakfast of toast we headed to church. Zwanco gave me a history lesson the whole time we walked to mass until I found myself inside one of the most hauntingly beautiful churches I have seen. I promise photos soon, for my words really have no comparison for what is here. About 3 minutes into mass I start shaking all over my body. This is the church that I have seen with sand bags covering the alter and a paper cross in its place as to protect the church from the constant mortar fire. I start to realize this is where 15 years ago my mother was smuggling in supplies to the people of this town, many of which are in attendance in front of me. I wonder how many people here besides Zwanco knows of my family? The images of the people being given rations of food from the back of a truck my mother drove here under gun fire start to fade from a fairy tale into fiction.

The church, how it looked during the war

After mass we drank strong turkish coffee and even stronger Slivavits!

After mass I am shown around the church and introduced to people, all who, after Zwanco explains who I am, eye's seem to sparkle with remembrance of a forgotten time and smile at me. Zwanco then takes me to a back room to have Turkish coffee with some friends of his and to try some Croatian moonshine called slivavits. Both are strong, but the slivavits warms me from the inside, it is made from plum and has a sweet aftertaste. Then a lady who brought in a small plate of cakes forces me to eat two giant pieces of a vanilla cake with some of the most delicious cream frosting! I swear between the giant portions and wonder desserts I am going to be bigger than ever!



After, we leave the back room and Zwanco shows me his town. They own a small salon down the road from the church and it is quite modern compared to to storefronts around it. As we walk down the streets Zwanco tells me of what is going on in his country. There is still a fight against democracy going on, some preferred the old days of a near communist rule. The people are still upset at world war II and this anger is found on the graffiti that litters the streets, but mostly a WWII memorial that is covered in spray paint. Yet as I am being told of the current politics, I can not help but to notice that not a single building is not scarred. They all carry the mark of war, bullet holes, shrapnel marks, and damaged roofs. I cannot believe the places you see war marks, schools, churches, libraries, I do not fully understand both sides about this war but I cannot believe the absolute lack of discrimination this battle had on this city. Even buildings that look new you can see where holes are patched and painted over. Yet the city is full of life, every person on the street says hello. We have to stop and talk at least 4 times before walking a block back to Zwancos house.

WWII memorial in the center of the city.

The Country view from Nada's Parents Kitchen

Ham, peas and rice, and fried potatoes! Scrumtious!

We then head out to Nada's parents house for lunch. The house is located in the countryside off the beaten path. Chickens ran across the road as we pulled near the small farm house. Once inside Nada shows me the kitchen and how they still use a fire stove to heat and cook. After again we eat and they poor enough food onto my plate to feed a family, I really need to start giving myself portion sizes or invest on some good sweatpants because I eat to much every time! The meal was tomato soup with gnochhi noodles, ham from a pig they slaughtered earlier, rice and peas, fried potatoes with a gargantuan salad.

Nada, At her parents house cooking  over a real wood fire stove!

We had a wonderful conversation which later one of the Gerber's friends came over and also enjoyed the meal with us. I try so hard to listen to the Croatian language and make sense of it but so far I just wear myself out until I am exhausted. I am learning slowly some words but not nearly quick enough! After Zwanco takes me to the attic, literally a room open to the outside with the rest of the slaughtered pig hanging from the beams. The pig was smoked and is sitting in a freezing cold breeze from the outside. Zwanco tells me this is normal and that slaughtering pigs in this fashion is common for Eastern Europeans.

Leamon tasting doughnuts!

Freshly slaughtered and smoked ham sitting infront of an open window.

We left Nada's parents and headed home to meet Zwancos God son. I tell you all the cars are tiny and boy do they whip them around the cramped streets here! Again I find myself meeting a friend who is eager to show me his town. Our conversation drifted to business and we find we have much in common. We head to a local bar and watch handball for the next few hours. Handball looks like a game a gym teacher made up and is played on ESPN ocho, yet it is the third most popular sport in Europe, or so I am told, I am not convinced yet! After some beer and more business talk with my new found friend and his friend who joined us later we head back to Zwanco's. I am warm from the beer, It is made in this town and is similar to a Stella but without the skunky taste.

The homemade sausage from the slaughtered pig!

At Zwanco's we have a small dinner with some of the sausage from pig that was in the rafters earlier and toast. I again find myself amidst some of the most favorable conversation as we discuss everything from going to see the CroCop to possibly starting a gun holster business with my new friend. After dinner we had some delicious crepes with a sweet egg sauce, seriously the deserts are fantastic! I love them so, I love all the food thus far!

Cherry Crepes!

I know this is a lot of reading, much of it a catalog of today's events but I have always been horrible at telling stories, I give to much detail. Yet all of this is important to me. I realize this blog is more for me than anyone but like I said this is clearly a sunrise opportunity not a sunset. I find myself excited to shoot photography again. I am already planning new businesses, community service events, and even seeing the last fight of the CroCop! It has been one day, there is no way seven months of this and my life will be anything I foresaw. I am excited to see where these opportunities take me winds will carry me.
Benda Out

Waiting on the Tarmac

So little more than an hour to go! I've done the whole good bye thing before but this is the first time I'm doing it alone. It's been about an hour since I last kissed my parents goodbye but it was invigorating!

   I've been watching these planes take off and land in this sunset for a few minutes. When you first look at them them you only see their sillouet and can't tell if they are coming or going. In one way that is how I feel. Am leaving or arriving where I should be? Maybe both, after watching the planes they too take off the same way they land. Maybe that is just it, coming and going are dependant on how you look like it. Like Einstein said it is all relative, so leaving my friends and all the memories I have here is just me arriving to the next stage in my lifes journey. I never intended this to become a ramble nor an insight to my thoughts but I guess that is what it is becoming.

So now I'm nervous and still have this stupid coldsore and its almost go time! I can't wait! I would say this is not a plane landing but taking off. Both a sunrise and sunset are beautifle but i think this is a sunrise, the start of something that is going to lead to a wonderful change in my life
Benda out

Last Supper

I had dinner for the last time with my parents tonight for seven months. This was a sad moment for me, not because i fear losing them but knowing life will never be the same. I will never experience this again, this is the last moments of my childhood with my parents. I am sad to think that life is moving on, but even Peter Pan could not stay forever. He found something that was worth growing old for and I too hope to find that from my travels. I also have the my two best friends in the universe with me tonight. Logan McGrady and Mike Faiola. These two guys are the cement that I build my foundation off of. Never before have I kindred spirits as with these two men. They are the life vest in my sinking moments and the push that catapults me beyond what I know to be possible. I feel like a surfer adapting to the ever changing landscape when they are around, as the wave becomes unruly and troublesome they restore my balance and allow me to continue onward in these chaotic times. Less that 12 hours to leave and I am about to paint with Logan and Mike is snoring on the couch. These are truly the memories I will miss. The times of truley being open with one another without bounds. I hope this is not lost while on my travels. I do not know how I would handle a loss of something so precious to me.

T-minus 48 hours...

So still not packed but just bought a laptop, got a sweet deal, It's not my power house I'm use to but it will suffice. I'm super pumped! I saw on Facebook that many people are returning to zagreb and I offered to open my birthday to everyone, we will see what happens! Hopefully these people become my friends for life and we make wonderful memories! I'm nervous and its coming out in different ways, one is a gaint coldsore! What a horrible, horrible thing, its so painful and hideous. I must hide this some how, its repulsive. I'm sure gunna miss my friends here but its muted by the thought of adventure. Benda out

Un-prepared

So today is a Tuesday and I have yet to put one thing in my suitcase or find the requirements for the luggage on the air craft... Yep this is making me nervous but I know like all things that as long as i have the bare necessities I will persevere.
Time to pack!

Getting Ready For Croatia

So test 1.. 2.. 3... Test... Yep it works. Ok so here I am going to Babel to the Internet about my trip to Croatia... Its Monday at 2:17am. I leave soon I leave Friday and I am nervous as can be. I thinkI enjoy using blogger to release my thoughts because I can type really fast and this will mimic my thinking. But my thinking is sloppy and all over so I am sure for who ever one day writes my biography I am sorry for my pea brained thoughts and poor writing. That mixed in with my wretched grammatical errors will surely make you scream. So I have nothing ready for this trip physically but mentally I am ready, with knowledge and understanding of what im getting myself into I am very excited to go. Tomorrow.. well later today the action part of my plans take effect and well I will be ready to go! Good night and ciao!