WORD ON THE STREET…Foreigners Who Made Croatia Home

In our new feature ‘Word on the Street…Foreigners who made Croatia home’ – we will be meeting those people who have decided to move and make a new life in Croatia. We will find out from them why they came and stayed, what they enjoy about their ‘new’ home, how they getting on with the language, and what tips they have for those contemplating a move…

First up we meet Mark Davies from Wales…

Name: Mark Davies

Age: 59

Country of origin: Wales

Where did you move to? Zagreb

How long have you been in Zagreb? 19 years

What bought you to Zagreb? A Croatian lady, of course

What was the most difficult thing above the shift? Meal times. Wasn’t used to the late lunch

How do you make your living in Zagreb? Running a translation, interpreting and editing business

Three favourite things about Zagreb? It’s safe, flat (great for getting around by bike) and just the right size

Three things you would like to change about Zagreb? Reducing the number of traffic lights, more and better cycle tracks, sprucing up the facades

Favourite ‘Croatian’ food? Sarma in winter, fruit and vegetables from the market in summer, and beer all year round

Favourite drink? Beer

Favourite place to eat in Zagreb? Pod gričkim topom, Zakmardijeve stube 5

Favourite bar/club in Zagreb? Café u dvoristu, Jurja Žerjavića 7/2

Favourite place to chill out/relax? Budenec cricket ground in the summer, and SRC Trnje in winter

How are you going with the language? Not nearly as good as it should be after 19 years

Biggest cultural difference between Croatia and your home country? The climate and the effect this has on people and attitudes

Is there anything that makes you ‘homesick’? Nope

Do you see yourself staying in Croatia? Of course

Any tips for anyone looking at making a move to live in Zagreb? Dress up and get your colour coordination right! It’s a smart city!

(main photo credit/zagrebtouristboard/markovrdoljak)