As far as I'm concerned, when you are 76 years old you are allowed to be a little un-PC.  That said so far on our journey there have definitely been a few moments when I've been torn between laughing out loud and slapping my father silly. This is of course compounded by the fact that Dad is more than half deaf and has a tendency to speak rather loudly.

Now I do have to be somewhat careful here people, because my lovely father can use the interweb and reads this very blog (thanks Dad).  You could also argue that it's not that cool to take the mickey out of your Dad, but hey, it's all in good faith.  Yes Dad I have been taking notes - sorry - but some of it is begging to be shared – I know/hope you will see the funny side of it...

Best Aeroplane Moment so far (apart from being upgraded to business class from San Fran to Frankfurt - maybe there really is a God): Dad accidentally waking up all of the premium economy cabin and probably half of economy at 4am by forgetting to remove his headphones and shouting, "how do you turn this thing off".

Dad's best one-liners in the US:

• "Bush was a criminal" – whilst I tend to agree, it's not something I would proclaim randomly to any taxi driver who would listen, especially when they are Iranian and have a very, very heavy foot - Dad was happy, though, he likes to drive fast.

• "Where are all the supposed good looking women - so far I've only seen fat people."  To which I pointed out we were in San Francisco and not guests at the Playboy Mansion.  By the way, I don't even want to think about why my 76-year-old father is commenting on the lack of hot women!

• Regarding the meal portions and after finishing both his and my dinner: "No wonder the buggers are fat!"

• To anyone who would listen: "This is not fog, it's smog, it's pollution, I can taste it!"  Never mind the fact San Fran is famous for its fog, but yes, point taken father dear, no doubt there was some pollution mixed in - it was certainly not as clean as the Northland air.

Dad being really cheeky in Frankfurt:  After being beeped at, frisked, patted down and told to remove his shoes and belt he turns to me and says – "No wonder these buggers lost the war, they've got no idea."  He thought he was pretty funny – me, I was worried that the English-speaking staff were going to arrest us!

Back to the journey...

So now we are in Croatia. Aunty Emily met us in Frankfurt – Aunty Emily is 81 and this is her second trip back, she was here no less than 50 years ago.  Now that's what you call a trooper, people, she flew half way around the world on her own. 

We have been picked up our cousin and have headed inland to Plitvice National Park.

Croatia is known for its spectacular coastline, but trek inland and you will find a different type of beauty – stunning, cascading water courses and lush forested hills.

Plitvice National Park was occupied by the Serbs during the Serbo/Croatian conflict – while the park offices were trashed, the ever-changing lakes, falls and surrounds continued their natural flow.

 

I'm sure you are happy that I managed to charge the camera - enjoy! 

Next week: more about this region and a day trip into neighbouring Bosnia.

Sayonara,


Lenska

PS: Dad, I hope you still love me!

Find out more about Croatia.

Read more of Lenska's journeys.