Thursday, May 28, 2020

Croatian Ninja Aquatic Warrior ...

Or as I called him that day, the Croatian Sensation Ninja Aquatic Warrior.

Last year at this time, Liam was obsessed with American Ninja Warrior. He’s not currently obsessed, but it’s even money he will be when new episodes of the show finally return.

In August, we were in Croatia in the town of Zadar on vacation with Xiaoli’s mom and sister. On one of our last days on the beach that feeds into the Adriatic Sea – which apparently borders Croatia in addition to Albania – we noticed some type of warrior course set up in the water.

Of course, Liam couldn’t wait to try it. I did not share his enthusiasm for participating but couldn’t wait to see him take his shot. So, the two of us walked on excruciating rocks for more than a minute. Then, we started swimming and about 50 yards later we arrived at this obstacle course, an inflatable paradise on water.

Just lifting ourselves up from the water onto the inflatable was challenging and that was not even a true obstacle. 

What happened next was fun and fairly amazing. There were children of various ages spread out and also some people who appeared to be in their early 20's. There may have been a lifeguard by the beach but everyone seemed to be on their own.

As a result, everyone took care of each other.

If someone fell off an obstacle, and falling off meant finding yourself in the Adriatic Sea, people stopped what they were doing to make sure that person could get back up. 

There were a few kids not in groups and Liam found a boy from Sweden who was about his age and the two became fast friends. They went round and round the course, figuring out their favorite obstacles. Although it looked exhausting, it was a long while before they tired.

It will also be a long time before Liam forgets that wonderful memory of his time in Croatia.

The same is true for his Dad.

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