March 25, 2023 - Every Tuesday at noon, a dozen Germans and Austrians, mostly pensioners, jump into the pool of the Visnjik Sports Center in Zadar. Under the watchful eye of a physiotherapist, of course. All of them chose Zadar or its surroundings as their second home, and many are choosing to spend their retirement in Croatia.
As HRT writes, Disciplined and punctual, as befits the Germans, they wait for everyone to gather in front of the pool. But the atmosphere is relaxed in the Mediterranean way. Some of these people have lived there for several years and have become used to the environment and lifestyle. They are full of praise for Croatia, and they are also starting to learn the language.
"Riba ribi grize rep," says Astrid from Austria, and Anja Schneider from Germany repeats.
Anja has been living in Zadar for almost two years. She can do that because she is a digital nomad. Since she worked as a waitress most of her life, she has problems with her knees, so she is happy swimming in the pool.
"I'm here on my own, but Croatia is so amazing. I don't know how long I will stay here, as long as I can", she pointed out.
Renate Nusser from Germany is now retired. She rented an apartment in Nin and doesn't want to return to Germany.
"I don't like Germany anymore. It's too crazy, too expensive, the weather is bad, and people are constantly under stress", said Renate Nusser.
A group of foreigners at the Zadar swimming pool every Tuesday. That was the idea of the pool receptionist Senka Marin.
"Our happy company at the pool is a group of foreigners who bought houses in Zadar or nearby and settled in our city. The pool has existed for 14 years, and our people have slowly created a pool culture; there are more and more of them, and the capacities are full. Of course, we also have our retirees who say they come to do something for themselves, and I love that, said Senka Marin.
"Well, I would say that they like to work. They have a dose of discipline. When I tell them, "we are working now," then there is no messing about; they will do it the German way. But they also like a dose of humor thrown in because, above all, the point of this is to hang out and have fun", said physiotherapist Jakov Žuga.
New members are expected to join them, and the number of hours spent in the pool will also increase.
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