24Sata quotes the driver: “the Vatreni recognised me, and that was great. When they saw me, they said: ‘Here she is, that lady who drove us the last time,'” – laughs Nikolina Žiljak, who drove the Vatreni on Sunday in a panoramic bus from the beginning of the Sava road to the Ban Josip Jelačić square. Ana Golomeić drove the staff members in the other bus.
Four years ago, when the Vatreni returned from Russia with silver, the ladies behind the wheel were ZET’s drivers Ana and Nikolina, who were honoured to do so again, as they say, after a job well done four years ago.
“The bosses were satisfied because we behaved professionally and drove the whole way without any problems. I believe that’s why they chose us again. We were happy to hear that we will do it again,” the ladies said. However, this time, they admitted, everything was completely different from the last time.
“It was much more difficult because it was dark, the torches were blazing, and you had to be very careful about the people on the road and everything that could go wrong. Four years ago, everything was much clearer because it was daylight so I could drive a little more relaxed. Besides, it was freezing this time, and I was confined in my cabin and didn’t interact with the passengers. In the end, the only important thing is that everything went as it should”, said Ana. She added that although it was much shorter than four years ago, the journey from Savska to the Square took an eternity for her.
“There is no need for the gas pedal; you hold the brake. Walking would be much faster than the way I drove. But those are the rules. The journey took about 40 minutes, but it seemed much longer to me”, said Ana.
Nikolina, who drove the football players, was isolated in her cabin. Four years ago, she became headline news because she refused Luka Modrić’s request to sit behind the bus wheel for a while. She says there was neither occasion nor time for such teasing this time.
“I am happy that they recognised me, and that is enough. When they got off the bus, they thanked me nicely. It’s a memory for a lifetime and that’s why I’m grateful that I had this opportunity to drive the Vatreni”, said Nikolina.
She added that her children and all the people she loves are proud of her.
“They are also honoured to say they know the woman who drove the Vatreni,” laughs Nikolina. Four years ago, she says, she was convinced that it was the only time she would do something like that in her life. It all happened again, though.
“Rarely does anyone get this kind of opportunity, and that’s why I’m grateful. If necessary, I would do it all again”, she said.
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