Expats in Zagreb: A Forever Home

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from and why did you move to Zagreb? How long have you been living here?

My name is Anna Mara. I was born and raised in Venezuela. Due to growing tensions in my country, mainly street violence, I decided to move to Croatia when I finished high school. I had a Croatian family, a basic level of the language and my papers in order, so it seemed like the most logical reason. The original plan was to finish university here and move to another country, but I grew to love Croatia (with all its good and bad things). I’ve been living here for nine years, but I think this is going to be my home forever. 

How hard was it to move and get used to living in a different country?

Moving to another country is always hard, it doesn’t matter if you know the language, if you have papers, if you have a good job offer or a place to stay. It is always hard. People who have never moved don’t understand how hard it is to leave your life behind, to leave everything you know and you find yourself in a country with different laws, different traditions, different mannerisms. Eventually, you get a hold of it as long as you are willing to assimilate, but even today I encounter new experiences that seem normal to people who grew up here but leave me completely puzzled. 

Image credit: Anna Mara

What is the biggest difference between your home country and Croatia? 

I’d say the weather. In Venezuela, we have two seasons: drought and rainy season. In my hometown, the temperature never drops below 16° and never rises above 32°. Also, sunny days are scarce during autumn and winter. 

I’m not going to lie. It was pretty hard to get used to those short, cold winter days. It took me around six years, but every year I enjoy more and more its beauty. 

Did you know much about Croatia and Zagreb before moving here?

As children, we used to come every second summer to Croatia. During that time we would travel around the country and try out different local food and learn about local customs so I already knew many things before moving.

What is your favorite thing about living in Zagreb? 

My favorite thing about Zagreb is that the city is alive. You go to the center on a Wednesday night, and you see people walking around. I also love that it’s very accessible, you can go anywhere by public transport, and even walking distances are not so crazy.  

Do you have any favorite places to go to in the city? If so, tell us about them. 

Yes. I love the green parks - Zrinjevac and Maksimir and also St. Katherin’s square in Gornji Grad. 

Image credit: J. Duval, TZGZ - Zrinjvac Park

Have you improved your Croatian since moving to Zagreb? 

As a diaspora child, I had heard Croatian at home, but I was never forced to speak it which is why I understood most of it but couldn’t form sentences fast enough to have a normal conversation with a local. I’m still learning the grammar, but at least I can talk almost fluently now. People do notice my accent right away, but no one has ever said a mean thing about it, so I’ve accepted that part of me. 

Except for family, and friends of course, what do you miss the most about your home country?

I miss being able to go to the seaside (and swim in the sea) all year long. As children, we’d go to the beach once a month. 

Was it hard to assimilate in Zagreb and meet new people?

Croatians are extremely curious about foreigners, and most of them have amazing general knowledge and will know two or three things about your country.  

I’ve met a lot of people in Zagreb, some of them have become my close friends. If someone is new in Zagreb and wants to meet new people, I’d recommend joining sports clubs or look for associations with similar hobbies.

Do you consider and see Zagreb as your home now?

Yes! I realized it about two years ago during a trip to Venezuela. I love my homeland, and I’ll always carry it in my heart with a lot of pride, but Zagreb is my home now. 

Are you planning to stay here forever or you have plans to move again in the future?

Yes. I plan to stay here, but who knows what the future holds for me. 

Header image credit: J. Duval, TZGZ

Author: Darija Ilić