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I'm combining a few days because I didn't take many photos during this period, the reason being that I was enjoying the company so much that the scenery was secondary. I don't know if it was luck or my obsession with trying to find the perfect hosts when I Couch Surf or a little of both, but I met some great people in Opatija and Volosko. The funny thing is I had two hosts, both couples, and they lived within 20 minutes walking distance of each other. It worked out great! I got to spend time and make friends with four awesome, dynamic people, each interesting in their own ways. I basically just chilled out, ate awesome food with new friends, and went to the beach a lot. I could not have asked for a better experience. I should add that they were all really knowledgeable about the area and shared so many cool facts with me that I can't hope to relate them all here. All I can say is that I will go back and keep going back until they get sick of me. I just hope they make it up here to see me as well.
Eleonora had a concert one night (she plays violin & viola), which was a lot of fun. She plays really well, as one might expect from a professor.
Before the concert we went to this out-of-the-way "fast food" place called Vietnam. They had the biggest Ćevapčići I have ever seen. The food was delicious. We had a comical encounter on the way there when we were forced to ask a stranger if he knew where Vietnam was. Haha. Here are some photos from Opatija and the small village of Volosko. 
From the ceiling inside of the hallway of Eleonora & Marko's place.
Their back patio.
The poster for Eleonora's performance.
The lovely Eleonora is in the middle. 
Walking along the seaside to Volosko.
Kika!
Paco & Kika.
Photos are available for download in higher resolution here.
"What a nightmare. I should've stayed at the beach. It took forever to drive here, it cost a lot more than I expected to park, and the place is crawling with tourists like cockroaches. It's super hot and super crowded and I cannot wait to get the heck out of here."It's strange, but my photos do not reflect that sentiment. I somehow managed to avoid photographing people almost altogether. The place was beautiful and magical, no doubt. But tourists ruin everything. Mind you, I know I was a tourist too. But I'm not an inconsiderate asshole who thinks the world owes me a favor. Here's something funny. I drove to Opatija after I left Plitvice and I had texted a Couch Surfer about meeting up for a drink. I hadn't heard from her yet, so after I parked I started walking to the nearest place I could get a cold beer and I ran into her (Kika) on the street! What a happy coincidence! We ended up getting a drink near the sea, where I met her boyfriend Amor and a couple of their friends. A wonderful end to the worst day of my trip. Truthfully, in retrospect, I think I was more cranky and sad about leaving my family and the seaside than anything. I don't mean to badmouth Plitvice, I just chose the wrong time to go. 
Senj (on the way to Plitvice)
Bakar (on the way to Opatija) 
Opatija at night from a swanky address on the main drag.
An ideal boy has good habits. 
Kika & Amor's cat Paco! (Yes, PACO!)
He likes crawling into bags too! 
Photos are available for download in higher resolution here.
The seas were a little rough the first day I arrived, but the result was crystal-clear weather the next day so I can't complain.
A surfing doggie.
A new art installation near the seaside.
My friends Amor & Kika.
A walk along the promenade toward Lovran.
The dog beach.
A tasty seaside treat I learned about from my friends. The flavor is similar to celery. 
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