In June, we meet Ebrima. He is a former US Marine who has chosen Zagreb and Croatia for his new home.

I was born in Bakau, The Gambia and moved to Houston, Texas at the age of 1. Moved back to the Gambia for 2 years and then back to Houston again when I was 7-9 years old. Croatia was actually the first European country I came to while I was a US Marine doing security at the embassy and I decided to stay here in Zagreb and attend Rochester Institute of Technology (Croatia).

Image credit: Ebrima Ndure

How did you handle the move?

The move wasn't so bad since I was already used to so much traveling while serving in the military. But I did have to get used to the amount of looks I got once I came here. It's not entirely a bad thing, I know there isn't much diversity here so most people are just curious. What I do love is how some random folks would actually come up to me on certain occasions to greet me and welcome me to their country. That is an extremely nice gesture I enjoy receiving.

What do you love about life in Croatia?

The coffee culture here! In America, it's not common for friends to sit for hours and just chat over a cup of coffee. But I actually grew to enjoy it pretty quickly since it makes it so easy to break the ice with someone new and you're both outdoors enjoying fresh air rather than just being at home. My favorite thing about Zagreb is definitely the friends I have made here. I've met quite a number of people here that just simply enjoy spending time and give off good vibes and positivity.

Have you visited other parts of Croatia?

Yes, I visited Split, Brač, and Brela so far. Brela was my favorite since it was the least packed with people and they all have such beautiful scenery! I was also able to travel to Vukovar, Jelovac, Dezanovac and did a couple of lectures at the American Corner here in Zagreb. Those student visits have been my favorite part of being in Croatia so far. Being able to listen to the thoughts of others and share my own with them is pretty exciting. Also, while studying at university, a few of students, my friends, even took me to Imotski to see a small-town perspective of Croatia.

Image credit: Ebrima Ndure

Are there any negatives about living in Zagreb?

Just like anywhere else in the world nothing is perfect. There have been a few occasions where someone would say something rude in Croatian thinking I don't understand them, but that's rare.

What would you say the biggest differences between Croatians and Americans are?

There is definitely a difference between Croatians and Americans. Americans are more fast-paced and always on the move. While Croatians seem to want to take things a little bit slower and enjoy life more. I actually enjoy that. Things get done when they need to be, but if there’s a bit of time to enjoy what's around you, Croatians definitely take advantage of that. Also, I love how social Croatians are compared to Americans. In the US everyone stays in their own little groups, especially when going out. But here people are more open and willing to communicate and socialize outside of their circle and that’s a huge plus.

Do you speak and understand Croatian?

I have picked up a few words in Croatian (the curse words came first of course) but I'm hoping to reach a level where I can have a full-on conversation with people in the language. The pronunciation isn't so hard for me, it's just the grammar that throws me off.

What are your plans for the future? Are you staying in Zagreb?

I do see myself living in Zagreb, but you can never be too sure. For now, I'm just seeing what opportunities life brings to me and build the happiest life possible for myself.

Header image credit: J. Duval, TZGZ 

Author: Darija Ilić