We Faced This Challenge Head On

Summary

Adrienne and her companion faced a challenging situation when they were unexpectedly dropped off in the dark, in the rain, and in the bush near Plitvice, and successfully overcame it by walking to their accommodation.

Abstract

Adrienne's travel experience took an unexpected turn when a bus conductor, after inquiring about their lodging, left them in a remote and unlit area in Plitvice. Despite the rain and the lack of immediate transportation options, they remained calm. After unsuccessful attempts to call a Bolt and the guest house, they decided to walk, navigating unfamiliar terrain with only a torch to guide them. Their determination and resourcefulness led them to their accommodation, "Pansion Danica," where they could finally rest. The experience, though daunting, ended with a sense of accomplishment.

Opinions

The author conveys a sense of unexpected disappointment when the bus conductor did not drop them off near their accommodation as anticipated.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the author emphasizes their resilience and ability to adapt without panicking.
The lack of transportation and communication highlighted the isolation of their location.
The author's focus on the road with the torch, avoiding looking at the potential dangers beside the road, reflects a mix of pragmatism and apprehension.
The act of walking in front to light the way for Erilyn, who was pushing the suitcases, shows a sense of camaraderie and shared responsibility in the face of adversity.
The relief upon finding their accommodation suggests a strong desire for safety and comfort in an unfamiliar environment.
The overall narrative reflects a positive attitude towards overcoming travel-related challenges and the satisfaction derived from such experiences.

Dropped off in the dark

Me trying to call a Bolt. All photos are by Erilyn Wedd

Imagine this. A bus conductor who asks where we are staying in Plitvice. I assumed we’d be dropped off close by. Otherwise, why ask?

Instead, we were dropped off in the rain in the bush in the dark. We didn’t panic. I tried calling a Bolt. All busy. (there’s probably only one in this two-horse town. No, we didn’t see horses.) We tried calling the guest house. No answer.

We looked at each other in the dark. We had no other option but to walk. Erilyn pulled her torch out and we set off. We knew it wasn’t far but walking on a country road in the dark wasn’t my idea of fun especially when the shoulders dropped off suddenly. In the pitch black, we didn’t know if there was a swamp or a creek or no water at all down there. I didn’t use the torch to look. I didn’t want to know. I kept the light focused on the road.

I walked in front lighting the way for her. She was pushing the two suitcases along the roadway. I was fully loaded! We both had dark clothes on so tried to get out of the way of oncoming cars. Thank goodness, there weren’t many.

I cannot describe the relief when my torch highlighted the sign “Pansion Danica”, our bed for the night.

Our room

We had taken on our most daunting challenge and came out winners.

TRAVELLING WITH ADRIENNE

Dropped off in the dark