The drive to Plitvice after Mostar was long and lonely on elevated land. Shanta who sat in front with the driver was given the task of counting the number of tunnels we went through - 38 tunnels altogether with some exceptionally long. Once we entered Plitvice, the landscape changed to lush fresh green. We were booked in a small hotel for a night where small problem occurred but was blown out of proportion by the same member, Detlef and the hotel operator. It was nothing actually but the stability of the group was shaken again.
True to what theory of small group work says, achieving group cohesiveness takes tolerant, understanding and respect among members but if one member deviates, cohesiveness is difficult to achieve. Thank God that the others didn't let small problem bother them.
It rained the next day but the local guide came and took us to the park. She advised us to buy a thin throw-away raincoat. I brought mine but Shanta thought her water-proof jacket was enough. That was a mistake. We were walking on the first level and believe me, the scenery of the lakes and the surrounding are exceptionally breathtaking. There are countless waterfalls cascading down into the lakes - some big but there are a number small ones too. The fresh turquoise water of the lake is so beckoning but I bet it was freezing cold. I just touched the flowing water at the plank walk while walking. In 1979, the park was included in UNESCO list of World Natural Heritage sites. To date 1267 different species of plants are found here with generous variety of butterflies, birds and bats which make this park a heaven for researchers.
The rain didn't dampen our spirit to enjoy the wonderful scenery of the park but we have to be careful when taking photographs in case water sapped into the lenses. By the end of the tour we boarded a boat which took us across to the end of the walk and to Hotel Jazera. Such a pity, we had to huddle in the middle of the boat to avoid the rain.
The walk to the hotel was killing. Tired and wet we had to climb over 300 steps up. Though the steps are gradual, it took quite a toll on me. I was panting and felt dizzy but had to go on in case the group reached there first and I was the last and they have to wait for me. I hate having people waiting for me as much as I hate waiting for people especially when they are late. I didn't realize Shanta was still far behind experiencing some trouble with her knees. Luckily the two sisters, Fatimah and Che Zur offered their arms and helped her climb up the many steps slowly. It was a relief when it was over.
Detlef took us back to the hotel where we stayed and loaded the bags into the van and left for Zagreb, Capital of Croatia. In my mind I still can see the amazing beauty of the park but unfortunately it is too far for a second visit.
True to what theory of small group work says, achieving group cohesiveness takes tolerant, understanding and respect among members but if one member deviates, cohesiveness is difficult to achieve. Thank God that the others didn't let small problem bother them.
The walk to the hotel was killing. Tired and wet we had to climb over 300 steps up. Though the steps are gradual, it took quite a toll on me. I was panting and felt dizzy but had to go on in case the group reached there first and I was the last and they have to wait for me. I hate having people waiting for me as much as I hate waiting for people especially when they are late. I didn't realize Shanta was still far behind experiencing some trouble with her knees. Luckily the two sisters, Fatimah and Che Zur offered their arms and helped her climb up the many steps slowly. It was a relief when it was over.
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