When we told our family and friends our decision to move, they told us ‘You are crazy!’

Young couple from Cincinnati discusses the adventure of moving to another continent. We don’t know why they chose Croatia. However, besides problems with bureaucracy, they are fascinated about life in Split.

SPLIT – When we told our friends and family in Cincinnati that we were moving to Croatia, the reactions were in the range of excited to ‘you’re crazy’ – says 26-year American Kelly Larbes.

She responded to a job advertisement that was posted on the Internet in August last year by a graphic design and branding house from Split – Elevator, one of the best developed in Croatia, and immediately she decided to change jobs, city and country.

Months of waiting for paperwork

However, it was easier to imagine than to achieve – the original plan was for Kelly and Jay (27) to come in November, but having encountered problems with bureaucracy they were unable to solve the paperwork for a permanent stay and work in Croatia all the way to February.

- Really, we are pretty worn out, we were always lacking one more paper, the rules were changed more often than we are accustomed, but at least all the officials with whom we spoke were friendly – says Jay.

Kelly, for instance, at one point came to the counter with her work book filled out appropriately only to find out that the rule changed in the meantime, and that work book should have been filled out by the official (clerk). “It’s probably that special pen” – they joke now.

Before coming to Elevator, Kelly Larbes worked in one of the largest companies for design and branding in the world, Landor Associates, and her coming to Split was a huge change, but she herself, considers it a pleasant one, is now quite relaxed.

Cheered for Hajduk

Jay does not work in Split because it is not allowed by the visa he received.

With barely four months of living in Split and fifty learned words of Croatian, the Larbes’s have still not made any strong relationships, except for Kelly’s at work.

- Well everyone is very pleasant, except for the occasional unkind vendor, but nothing excessive. I have a circle of friends and acquaintances among Split expats, with whom I now regularly play soccer – says Jay.

- I was only at the Hajduk stadium one time, but in an important match, return Cup finals against Dinamo. It’s a shame that it turned out that way – Jay says, concerned for the latest crisis with Hajduk. But, he doesn’t see himself in Split as a long-term solution.

- We want to eventually return home and establish a family. But we will always gladly return to Split – says Kelly.

Life in Split

Apartment found in 14th attempt

The Larbeses were able to find an apartment only in the fourteenth attempt.

- I have a feeling that some landlords tried to take advantage of us when they heard that we are American, so they immediately asked for a thousand euros a month, but when we told them ‘no’ they would immediately lower the price hundreds of euros – said Kelly.

At the end of the search to the floor of a private home in Meje.

- We were surprised because the price for our apartment is nearly enough for owning a home with garage and garden in Cincinnati – says Jay.

High prices in stores

It has taken some time for them to get used to the numerous cafes where one can not eat, and are constantly full, especially on working days. Kelly likes going to the Split market, and seeks to learn the Croatian names for various types of meat in order to avoid fraud.

Their blog described the shock experienced when Kelly went to the supermarket to buy hash, and the butcher chopped it up right in front of her.

- In the supermarkets the prices are more than twice what we’re used to – says Kelly.

Why trash always stands next to a container?

Not used to big containers on the streets.

- Where we are from garbage is thrown away differently. When I pass through an over-filled container, I inhale deeply and quickly pass – says Kelly.

Article Comments

mostarac123
Still have time to apply for a residency in Herzegovina, automatically you will get a citizenship in Croatia, and with some effort even a pension. That’s what I did, and then enjoy life in Croatia. To become a resident of “our pretty homeland” is a silly thing only for those who have taxpayers’ money to throw away.

666999_zloinaopako
What weirdos, came to live in Croatia, and even cheer for Hajduk.

meursault
If, as a member of the HDZ, you are not a compulsive liar and kleptomaniac, you are crazy

adrian
Sure they are crazy, or only lousy informed, or too adventurous, but there is a save for them, they came only for a few years!

mornar
You are crazy for this: “in supermarkets prices are twice higher then back home, says Kelly”

atom
They are not crazy, they just enjoy life, because they can do it. They can afford hiking and trying out high prices of living.

I am asking you what positive they really discovered in Croatia? Nothing!!! And naturally this follows: “We eventually want to go back home to start a family.” Only those who are required to are staying, or those who can rip off those who have to stay. Everyone else is leaving.