Tuesday 5 July

After breakfast and some last minute morning shopping, we are arriving at the airport and so over and out until we see you all tomorrow.

Monday 4 July

On the road early to get to the oldest National Park. What a pristine sight – it consists of a variety of waterfalls and turquoise lakes high in calcium created because of the oxygenation of the water. We followed the walkways around the lakes and caught a short ferry across the largest one. Lunch was at a road side restuarant which had a bit of an animal park. The main attraction were the two bears but it also included a few deer and a peacock. What should have been a two and a half hour trip in Zagreb turned into an hour longer after an accident on the road on which we were travelling. This meant being diverted through the back roads on narrow country roads. Most of the boys were unaware of this as they slept through most of it. There were, however, a few with floating eyeballs as we pulled up at the Hotel Palace. That was certainly a treat for the boys at the end of a long trip. There was, however, no time to hang around as we had organised a match against the VK Mladost Club.  The boys scored some sublime goals and probably shaded the opposition in the final score line. We are still prone to playing to much like a rugby team in the pool and the subtleness of confining physical play to under the water is something that will need a lot of work. What is encouraging is the improvement in the play of our boys over a relatively short period of time. I sincerely hope this bodes well for the season ahead. Back at the hotel we were treated to a three course meal in our own dinning area and the banter between the boys was great to hear. A fitting end to an exhausting and amazing tour.

 

Sunday 3 July

We checked out of the the hotel and headed off to Split to watch the finals of the Croatian National U16 Championships. This was won by Šibenik in extra time – what an exciting match! It was then into the city centre and the Diocletian's Palace for a walk around before free time for lunch and shopping. We then headed on to Šibenik. After checking into the hotel we went into town for sightseeing and supper. We saw the beautiful St James Cathedral but could not unfortunately go in as it was evening mass. There was a nice vibe about the place with a children's 51st International Festival taking place. Some of the boys went to extraordinary lengths to get themselves McDonalds – I must be getting old because I most definately didn't see the point.

Saturday 2 July

After a hotel breakfast we headed back to the pool for a shooting session, while the National Team were put through their gym programme. Besides some of the players being in the actual gym, others worked through their excersises around the pool deck. After training we headed back to the hotel and then on to the Old City for lunch before a guided tour. Some of the boys then opted to head back to the hotel for a fun match in the sea pool in front of the hotel, while the others did the walk around the city walls. In the evening we headed for Cavtat, were we played in the harbour pool having divided the Hilton players into two teams. We then hung around in this picturesque town to have supper and explore a bit. It was then back to the hotel before setting off for the old city to experience the night life and get a vibe for the place. We used the bus system to get back to the hotel after a fun evening out.

Friday 1 July

We were back on the bus today to complete our journey south to the 'Jewel of Europe', Dubrovnik city. On our way there we made a planned stop at Trogir to see its beautiful Cathedral, its old city and castle. Whilst only there for a short stop it was well worth the time we spent there and once again we were in awe of the innumerable ancient historical treasures Croatia has to offer to those who visit. On the way there we heard the exciting news that we were going to be training in the same complex as the Croatian National Team. We arrived in Dubrovnik and headed straight for the pool. We watched the initial part of their training which included doing man up before we continued with our own training. At the end of practice we were privileged to have a photo taken with their National players.  We rushed back to the hotel for a late supper and a bit of free time to see our surrounds.

Thursday 30 June - Photos

 

Wednesday 29 June - Photos

 

Tuesday 28 June - Photos

 

Thursday 30 June

An earlier start awaited us this morning. Today we headed for the port at Murter to catch an old-style sailing ship to the islands and national park of Kornati. We arrived in good time to make the voyage west. The weather was an unually overcast and the wind cool and refreshing in contrast to the blazing weather we experienced so far.  Within 15min of the trip we had already hit the first drops of rain, however, it didn't detract from the reagle beauty of our surroundings. The dramatic vertical cliffs  and azure blue water gave us the feeling of being in an ancient but majestical place. Our route took us to a tiny island where fresh braaied fish had been prepared for our lunch.  Whilst not the preferred taste for the boys it was an authentic Croatian meal which they will remember for some time.  Our next stop was another island well known for its 'beach' and swimming. The beach itself was only a sliver of sand but the water was beautifully clear. Having bought some cheap goggles we all went for a swim but were soon driven to shelter by a passing shower. The weather continued to improve and by the time we returned to port a whole day had been enjoyed exploring the Adriatic and a perfect evening was in store. We stayed in Murter for supper and took our time to browse through the markets for good deals on momentos and gifts.

Wednesday 29 June

Our first stop was to go to VK Zadar's state of the art indoor pool complex. Although we had already played this club it was a good session to practise tactical play, swimming and body positioning training. We also played more matches against the club and ended with more man-up situational training. Our Croatian guide and coach (Ozzie) has helped emmencely and has spent time with all the boys. After our morning training we headed for the quaint sea side town of St. Phillipe and Jacob where we had lunch. Ice cream has become a regular indulgence at most stops and where ever we go we are never disapppointed by the number of shops or the quality of the ice cream. We transfered to our Hotel - Hotel Panorama, just outside Sibenik. The view is truely panoramic and extends over the Krka River towards the city. After an afternoon of rest our day ended with a trip to Betina (also a quaint seaside town). Here we did an evening training session in a pool which was an extension of the harbour! We focussed a short but intense session on legs, passing and shooting. Tomorrow we are having the day off and have made arrangements to take a boat ride to the islands and national park of Kornati. We look forward to exploring hidden beaches and coves and swimming in the crystal clear water of the Adriatic. Until then! T

Tuesday 28 June

Yet another good breakfast - I don't think that the hotel was anticipating the dessimation of their nutella and croissant stocks - after our men decended they certainly were short in this area. The Zadar outdoor pool is situated right on the edge of the sea - an ancient tidal pool complex - it sports a three tier diving platform. Naturally this was an immediate challenge for the boys who decided to jump from the highest platform - straight into the sea. A tough training session followed and included a stretch session, hard swimming, passing, ball carrying and shooting. Having packed for the day we headed for the city. After a brief tour of the city centre which included places of historical significance dating back to Roman times. The boys were given free time to explore the city centre. Other sites of interest that we discovered was the sea organ and the solar panel system built into the prominade walkway called welcome to the sun - this stores solar energy and emits light in the evening. We headed back to the open air pool for our first match against VK Zadar. Despite being exhausted from the long day, much of which was in the sun, we put in a good performance. All the boys got a lot of game time and the junior team had an even tussle with their opponents. The setting of playing on the edge of the sea with the sun descending into twilight was stunning. Afterwards we were all well rewarded in finding a good restaurant and enjoying a superb dinner together.

Monday 27 June

Another good breakfast and on the road again. The bus ride out of Opatija was beautiful. The coastline is stunning and the small 'beaches' are surrounded by the most stunning and grand old villas many of which are empty and seemingly too old to restore. I think i will buy one....... As we travelled closer to Brestova to catch our ferry to Cres island the views over the Adriatic became more and more dramatic. The ferry ride which took us across, bus and all, took about 15-20min. On such a beautiful day it was a worthwhile ride. Once on Cres we made our way to the small town of Beli. Here we visited the griffon vulture sanctuary and were given a guided tour. We learnt how these birds on the brink of extinction are being given a chance of survival through the work of the non-profit NGO we visited, dedicated to saving this species. After a short stop at the beautiful port of Cres town we continued onto Merag on another ferry ride. We stopped for lunch before our final and long bus ride to Zadar. We arrived at 22:00 and had a good supper. The Mediteran Hotel is comfortable and we are looking forward to seeing what tomorrow holds as it looks as though a match in the sea has been arranged. Until then - T

Sunday 26 June

After an excellent breakfast at the hotel we made our way back to the aquatic centre in Rijeka for a training session. This included a 20min stretching session and a swimming session before we started practise matches with VK Primorje.  All the boys got to play and have made noticable improvements in their game since the start of the tour. The aquatic centre was hosting an international synchronised swimming championship which the boys obviously did not mind in the least. Lunch was enjoyed together at the pool restaurant.  We headed back to Opatija where we enjoyed free time for the afternoon - some going to the market or 'beach', many heading for a well earned rest in their rooms. The weather remained hot for the day and by the time we left for our evening match the sun was still blazing. Our evening match started with 2 exceptionally log chukkas (about 40min each) played by the 1st team this was followed by a further 2x30min chukkas with the u16 team in action (the Primorje team essentially played for just over 2 hours with few subs!). The 1st team put on a fairly good performance in their period with the score being reasonably level by the time they ended. The u16s had a harder time of it but are learning quickly. We left the pool at 20:00 and headed back to the hotel for dinner. A great buffet spread greeted us consisting of about 20 odd local and other dishes. Needless to say we were all somewhat full afterward! After an hour or two exploring town all were back and quickly into bed.

Day 3

An 08:00 start helped with catching up on some shut-eye. The buffet breakfast at the hotel was great. Moving out we headed for Samobor, a small town outside of Zagreb. We were greeted by quaint winding streets and a peaceful atmosphere. The highlight was tasting their word famous cream cake - so worth the visit! We bought some good value gifts in the main square and soaked in the coffee house vibe. On to Fuzine! A stunning village 2hrs drive in our journey west to Opatija and the coast. The country side was beautiful - tree covered rolling hills and mountains, lush green farmlands. A local cuisine treat awaited at a bistro in Fuzine where we enjoyed a specially prepared venison goulash! Yum! Stopping at Rijeka we were taken to the most incredible view of the city from the castle Trsat. Our hotel the Bellevue is right on the 'beach' and opens onto the prominade where lots of people socialise, tan and swim. Our match against VK Primorje was a 2 chukka affair with practise time afterward.  The local coach gave us a center forward skills and drills session which was very informative. The aquatic centre at VK Primorje is the best I have ever seen and could well be the best in the world. It lies right above the sea an has an amazing view from the outdoor pool where we played. The facility itself is incredible with all the state of the art equipment that aquatic sports could ever need. It was independance day in Croatia and our evening ended with a dazzling fire works display at the prominard and a live concrt which ended somewhat late. 

 

We have little access to internet so posts may be infrequent. Apologies for spelling and grammatical errors as well - this is being typed off a phone.

 

Day 2

Having landed safely at the Zagreb airport we were warmly welcomed by our tour guide Ozren (Ozzie). Despite being exhausted we went straight to the city center (the old city) in our tour bus (safe and comfortable) and enjoyed a walking tour. The city is beautiful and has an amazing vibe. Its a combination of the old world and the new, with picturesque churches, well laid-out gardens and places of interest and rich history.  After hearty supper at our hotel we went to play our first match. The Medvescak club, a strong local outfit, hosted the match fielding a like size squad. The match lasted about 1 1/2 hours and was 6 chukkas long. The 6-28 scofeline was was note a true reflection of the game. Being at the peak of their season we were certainly outgunned but our boys put in a good performance and were not embarresed in the least - and that despite the lack of sleep and travel exhaustion  Finishing at 22:00 we headed for a quick ice-cream before collapsing in a heap on our beds. Our hotel was very comfortable and we are being made to feel very welcome by all we come across.

Airport round 2

After a frenetic day yesterday and having had to split our group we reassembled at KSIA at 10:30 for our flight out at 12:50. Spirits are high and were made even more joyful at the news that we would be travelling buisness class all the way through to Zagreb. Still all excited and upbeat. Here we go!
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On our way

We're on the bus!! All on time, smart and rearing to go. Croatia here we come!
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Farewell Cocktail Party

We had an outstanding farewell cocktail party to 'see us off' on our Tour to Croatia.  The speeches were great and so was the food. There were so many highlights not least of all the tour kit that was handed out.  A BIG thank you to all of our parents for making the sacrifices that you have made and thanks especially to the fundraising committee for all their help and involvement.  HERE WE GO.....................