#1 – If my math is correct a year of travel means 52 different Saturdays (plus a few bonus “Little Saturdays” in Bulgaria, but we’ll get to those later). That means 52 Saturdays with no work, no responsibilities, just 52 Saturdays to jump out of a plane or go on a Tinder date with a local or eat live Octopus out of the Adriatic or, ya know, just sleep off a hangover and watch Office re-runs like a normal person.

I’m going to try (major emphasis on “try”) to do something weird or different that I’ve never done before each week. You’ll probably see a mix of some photos, some videos or maybe just some incoherent ramblings like this one. Onto Saturday #1…

Saturday #1 – “Drink a Six-Pack”

Okay, well yes, I’ve put down my fair share of six-packs before, BUT I’ve never paid just 90 kuna ($13.50!) for one in a stadium. I’m used to getting swindled by Gillette Stadium or Fenway Park concessions and dropping 13 bucks on a single beer. Not in Croatia, my friends.

We went to watch the local Split professional side Hajduk play Osijek in a battle for the third spot in the table and an invite to the Europa league, which led to a boozed up and flare-rich supporters section. The home team didn’t disappoint and a 5-1 beat down led to fireworks galore and thousands of flying 6-pack containers.

They give you a flat piece of cardboard with 6 holes punched in for your cups. As simple as it gets. And when a goal is scored, the fireworks start burning and the sky is filled smoke, beer and thousands of flying saucer 6-packs. Can’t say I’ve ever thought of just tossing my $13 beer in Boston.

Other notable Saturday highlights & lowlights…

Highlights 

• $13 for 6 tall boy beers (I don’t think I can stress this enough)
• Croatian meat pocket store. No menu. Just one item. You order small, medium or large. Only thing that changes is how much mystery stuff goes into you bread pocket (this turned oddly sexual)
• 3AM DJ & dance party on the pier (this definitely got a little weird)

Lowlights

• No Fenway Park street sausage. I know I’ve only been to one country, but this is still the best stadium food in the world.
• Lost the only jacket I brought with me (see above pier dance party)
• The $13 6-packs weren’t Bud Light (this is a huge concern of mine)