C.Ryenne Thoughts

Day One

Well, I was told we were leaving close to 7 this morning and it ended up being more like 8:30/9. But, our 7-hour drive to Slovenia went well! We drove through Austria, so I saw Vienna from the interstate. Definitely not the same as going, so that just means I’ll have to go back :).

We got to our accommodation around 6 PM and took a walk. The mountains were gorgeous and there was a river flowing right by them, so we walked to the river. It was kind of rainy but gorgeous all the same.

We did not do too much on the car ride there.

We stopped by a gas station, and I stocked up on iced coffee since it is so hard to find. I also read an entire book on the ride there. I am trying to pace out my reading because I read fast, and I want to have other things to read during any long train rides.

Today was just one of those travel days!

Day Two

Today, we went to see a waterfall. It was 4 miles to get there and 4 miles back. Europeans take their hiking seriously.

It was beautiful! We even got to walk behind it.

I can easily say that I reached my step goal today. Before hiking back down, we stopped to sit and drink some coffee.

Mirka and I got to have a great talk on the way back. Having friends that will challenge you and sharpen you is so important. I cannot stress that enough. They are hard to find, but so worth it. She is one of those friends without even trying; it is just the way she lives her life that challenges me/keeps me accountable!

After our hike back, we freshened up and played some card games. Mirka’s sister also made us iced coffee which was so kind of her, and it was so good.

Day Three

Today, I took a much-needed day to do nothing.

Everyone else went to a mountain to hike (the pictures were beautiful and there was even snow!).

I had not had a day to myself in 3 weeks, so I was happy to get in some Jesus-time and rest time. It felt like I could breathe again. It is amazing what some time with Jesus can do for the heart, mind, soul, and spirit.

I made everyone a late lunch for when they got back. They went and played more card games, but I continued to rest.

Mirka and I watched our church’s sermon for that Sunday, and then we went on a little walk and just talked about random things. I think she knows my whole life story now haha.

Day Four

I was told we were leaving at 6 AM this morning to go hike a mountain. I woke up at 6 and saw Mirka still sleeping, so I went back to sleep.

We all got up at 8:30 and left for Bled, Slovenia. We hiked up to see a castle, but entry was a little too expensive for such a big group. We went back down and walked around the lake a little.

A mountain and lake combination makes such a gorgeous view.

We drove to the grocery store and came back home. Then Mirka, her dad, and her brother went to the lake. I decided to hang back with her sister and mom. We all just rested.

Today was harder than usual. I think I am a little homesick. I miss my friends and family, and not being able to communicate with those around me is hard. Especially when they are all talking and laughing around the dinner table, and I have no idea what is happening.

I got to talk to some people on the phone though and that helped.

We played a new card game tonight and I got third, which I think is pretty good.

Then Mirka and I watched The Greatest Showman because I had been thinking about it. It is still just as good as the first time I saw it.

Day Five

We drove an hour and a half to see this canyon/river today. It was very beautiful. I think I could listen to the sound of water running forever; there is just something so calming about it.

It was a very easy hike, which I was thankful for. European hiking is way different than Tennessee hiking. Hours and miles of a difference.

From there, we walked back to the car and drove to get pizza/go to the lake.

Again, the mountain lake combination is stunning.

It started to rain a bit, so Mirka’s sister and I waited for the others in the car. Perfect timing, because right after that it started to pour.

We drove back home, and Mirka and I spent the rest of the day watching New Girl (she had never seen it!).

Day Six

Today was another day of rest.

I quite literally did nothing, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I took a 2-hour nap.

I think my body/mind are exhausted.

Sometimes you just need a “nothing-day”.

Day Seven

This morning, we got up, got packed, and headed to Croatia.

I fell asleep in the car, but I woke up at the perfect time. We had about 30 minutes of driving left, and the views were incredible.

The European style of buildings, with pale walls and red roofs, lining the hillside and the sea was gorgeous. I wish I could share the image in my head.

We got to our accommodation and got settled in. Then, we headed to the beach/sea!

I have to say European beaches are pretty, but I hate having to walk and lay on rocks. It’s just a little too painful and my feet are too sensitive.

We stayed there for a few hours, went to the store, came back for dinner, and played more card games.

Day Eight

I got up this morning to see the sunrise.

I think early morning is my favorite time of day. It is just so quiet, you can hear the nature, and a new day is beginning.

I really wanted this to be a time for Jesus and me. I have not spent as much time with Him as I feel like I should.

But wow, when you put in the effort and sacrifice a little sleep – it makes it so worth it.

Not only the gorgeous view of a sunrise in Croatia over the water, but the words He showed me.

I have been feeling a little impatient about some things in my life and He led me to read Psalm 21. This is what I wrote in my journal:

Even if it is not on my timeline, I know Jesus has my best interest at heart. It is easy to forget all He has done in moments of frustration, but I pray I will remain unshakeable in my faith.

It seems so strange of me to doubt the God that brought me to where I am. I mean, a sunrise in Croatia? I never thought I would be able to say I had seen that.

Croatia is probably my favorite place I have been to so far. We are just in a small beach town, but I love it. I am seriously going to have to come back.

We spent the rest of the day at the beach. I am a little sunburnt, but that’s okay!

Day Nine

I have been gone for almost a month and that is crazy. I have to admit I miss a lot about America. For one, my family and friends. Less importantly, Dutch Bros and Chick-fil-a. I am so excited to get some when I get back.

Today was a rainy day which is also the equivalent of a “nothing-day” for me.

I feel like I cannot function when it rains. All I want to do is sleep a lot and be lazy. I do not think that will bode well for me in the workforce when I get back haha.

Good thing coffee is a strong motivator.

So yeah, I really did not do anything today…just ask Mirka (who I think was actually productive).

Day Ten

I usually write these when the day is over, but I got up to see the sunrise again. I have to do it while I can!

We leave tomorrow, which is insane. I am going to be in Venice…tomorrow…

I still feel like it is not real. I need to pack.

I do not know how packing for a week in a backpack will go, but we shall see. I’ll update about the rest of the day later; I do not really know the plan.

A few hours later…

We ended up getting ready and going into Lovran to walk around and explore a bit.

European small towns are so charming. We got ice cream and souvenirs…well I got souvenirs.

Then we went to the beach and stayed a few hours. We got back to our place and started packing. We also played Uno…I did awfully at it.

Overall…

This trip was definitely more vacation style, which I really enjoyed. It was a nice break to soak in all the nature and culture around me. As well as give my mind a break to process everything that I have been doing.

Not that I want Croatia or Slovenia to get too touristy…but both are extremely beautiful countries. I personally love the beach, so Croatia was my happy place. For anyone who loves mountains…Slovenia…just go. I promise you won’t regret it.

-C.Ryenne

(These are my typed-up journal entries that I have taken each day, so they are not in real time.)