Foreigners Who Made Croatia Home: Meet Mario From Switzerland

Mario from Switzerland

By Iva Ralica

In our feature ‘Foreigners who made Croatia home’ – we meet people who have decided to move and make a new life in Croatia.

We find out 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.

Today we meet 28-year-old Mario, who moved to live in Zagreb three years ago.

So where did you move to Zagreb from?

I don’t know – good question…Born and raised in Switzerland, but a full-blooded Croatian

Basel in Switzerland (photo credit: son_gismo under CC)

And what brought you to Croatia?

My roots & University

What was the most difficult thing about the shift?

The Croatian grammar and a challenging bureaucracy

The main difference between Croatia and Switzerland?

Punctuality

How do you make your living here?

Magic… With work of course!

3 favourite things about Zagreb?

People, cafes and the fact that Zagreb is a big city but not too stressful

Zagreb (photo credit: Zagreb Tourist Board)

3 things you would like to change about Zagreb?

Absolutely nothing..! Well, except a smoking-ban in cafes/bars.

Favourite Croatian food?

Skampi na buzaru

Skampi na buzaru

Favourite drink?

Cedevita orange

Favourite place to eat?

There are too many and it’s always changing. Currently, Mundoaka

Mundoaka (photo credit: Sinful Spoonful)

Favourite bar?

Time

Favourite place to chill out?

Gornji grad

St. Mark’s Church on Gornji grad (photo credit: Sandra Tralic)

Favourite place outside of Zagreb to visit in Croatia?

Opatija, the perfect getaway from busy Zagreb – only 1,5 hrs away and energizing

How well do you speak the language?

I get less “where are you from?” questions – so pretty good I guess.

The biggest cultural difference between Croatia and Switzerland?

The Swiss plan everything weeks ahead – therefore, being spontaneous

Opatija (photo: croatia.hr)

What makes you homesick?

My family and the craving for some delicious Swiss chocolate!

Do you see yourself staying here?

Definitely!

Mario

What advice do you have for someone looking perhaps to move to Croatia?

Don’t stick too much to your weekly planner and grab a cup of coffee in one of the countless cafes. Once you stop comparing “back home” with Zagreb – you entirely arrived!