Who are you?
Moe from Jordan, married to a Croatian girl and just moved to Zagreb after working in Dubai for 15 years.Where, when and why did you move abroad?
I am in Zagreb now, moved last June, because we had enough of Dubai and we missed the European lifestyle, since I experienced being in London before and my wife (Sara) is already from Croatia.
What challenges did you face during the move?
Well the hardest thing was the process of legal papers is a bit slow here and Croatia seems to have a very slow diplomatic system. In the middle east everything moves fast, work moves fast for government and private sectors.
How did you find somewhere to live?
I haven’t yet, I am staying with my in laws till I find a job and then I will look online for rentable properties.
Are there many other expats in your area?
Not really, it’s making me feel alienated.
What is your relationship like with the locals?
Great, mutual respect and I love Croatian people.
What do you like about life where you are?
The weather, landscape, lifestyle.
What do you dislike about your expat life?
Not having expats like me to mingle with, and also the job opportunities are mostly for locals.
What is the biggest cultural difference you have experienced between your new country and life back home?
Not enough “halal” places to eat from, and people don’t smile at strangers here, I mean it’s a sign of being nice and respectful not creepy.
What do you think of the food and drink in your new country? What are your particular likes or dislikes?
I love čevapi and Palačinke, Kava and Cedevita, I don’t like that everywhere is mostly pork not beef or veal.
What advice would you give to anyone following in your footsteps?
Make sure you research till you are aware of all what is going on in this region and lower your expectations if you’re coming from well developed countries or if you have to do some legal work.
What are your plans for the future?
Find a job, buy a house on the seaside and enjoy Europe.
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