April 7, 2020 - Do foreigners in Croatia feel more or less safe sitting out COVID-19 here than in their home country, and what are their experiences? A new series on TCN, with Katsuya Kasai from Japan in Zagreb as our 30th contributor.

Oxford University recently published some research on government responses to coronavirus which showed that Croatia currently has the strictest measures in the world. While inconvenient, this is a good thing in terms of reducing the spread of the virus, and I am certainly not alone in my admiration of the official Croatian handling of this crisis in recent weeks, both in terms of action and communication. 

But what do other expats here think? And how does it compare with the response in their home country? Would they rather sit this one out here or there? In the first of a new series on TCN, we will be featuring expats from all over the world to see what their views are on life in corona Croatia rather than back home. So far we have heard from expats in Croatia from Romania, USA, Ireland, UK, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Singapore, Holland, Canada, India, Hong Kong, Venezuela, Latvia, China, Honduras, Hungary, Moldova, South Korea and Germany. Next up, Katsuya Kasai from Japan in Zagreb.

If you would like to contribute to this series, full details are below. Now, over to Katsuya.

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels.

My name is Katsuya Kasai from Japan. I am currently pursuing an Executive MBA at Zagreb School of Economics and Management during my career break while contemplating how to enjoy the rest of my life. Meanwhile, I have been taking some freelance jobs from foreign firms upon request. Although it deviates from my original plan, it must be good to make my life productive in this difficult period.

I live alone in Zagreb and am doing well by studying and working at home. Having said that, frankly speaking, I am not happy about the current situation because my favorite places, the National and University Library, cafes/restaurants, and badminton places, have been closed. All of which played a crucial role in making my life beautiful. Especially I miss my time playing badminton with my friends of BK Zagreb Maksimir and therefore my fingers crossed for partly lifting the restrictions in the near future.

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue? 

Well, I think virtually everyone in the world downplayed the seriousness of the COVID-19 crisis and I have to admit that I was one of them until I realized the devastating status in Italy. While watching news of Wuhan, China, I merely believed that developed nations including Japan would somehow prevent and control it with limited damages. Needless to say, it was totally wrong. We are sadly facing an unprecedented global pandemic. I strongly believe it is necessary to review and revamp a dysfunctional WHO so as to diminish excessive political influence.

What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis? How safe do you feel?

In my view, Croatia has been doing great which can be confirmed from the relatively small number of cases. I initially expected that Croatia would be severely affected by the virus as Italy is located on the opposite shore. It is however likely that Croatian people have been properly controlling the issue at this point in time. I guess the government has wisely reflected lessons learned from other European countries (i.e. Italy, Spain, Germany, etc.) into its strategy. Thanks to the Croatian people's efforts, I feel safe as long as I follow the recommendations/instructions.

Now compare that to your home country and how they are handling it. What is Croatia doing better/worse?

Seemingly Japan was somehow controlling the virus based on a strategy targetting clusters but the number of cases has been gradually increasing day by day. The number is still small but, given the limited number of PCR tests, it seems there are a lot of infected people having no symptoms at this moment. Some experts said the reasons why Japan does not have as many cases and fatalities as other countries do would be Japan's three advantages: 1) a better medical services; 2) a national health insurance scheme; and 3) a high level of consciousness of hygiene. Nonetheless, however, once outbreaks occur, the collapse of medical service will surely be caused. The Japanese government, therefore, decided to proclaim a national emergency on April 6. Although it has a little legal binding power, I do hope Japanese people will also keep staying home until the situation is settled.

As mentioned above, Croatia is doing well when it comes to controlling the epidemic by restricting economic activities. So the next challenge for the government should be providing private firms/freelances with adequate financial assistance as forms of zero-interest loans and/or benefits. Otherwise, we will end up seeing a lot of bankruptcies and unemployment people.

What about official communications from the authorities, compared to your home country?

I would like to flag an issue on communications between the authorities and foreigners who do not speak Croatian language. Basically I depend on Total Croatia News (Hvala!) and sometimes watch TV news programs though I seldom get clear pictures. I hope that the authorities or media/ZSEM will announce important notices in English in a timely manner.

What's the one thing you wish you had taken with you into self-isolation.

The first thing that came into my mind was my iPhone. On the second thought, my laptop. And my final decision is to take delicious food with beer/wine? Wining-and-dining will certainly be a big player.

One thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis. 

I have realized that I like doing exercise. Although playing badminton is my passion, I usually feel unmotivated to do cardio exercise and muscle training. Very interestingly, I am now eager to do such exercises owing to the current stressful time. Actually I have been doing a little bit of muscle training at home every day.

About others, I have realized that I had misunderstood Croatian people, meaning I have learned from their behaviors during the crisis that Croatian are orderly people. I have witnessed that most people stick to instructions from the government. For instance, people keep enough social distance from each other everywhere and I have not seen any cafes/restaurants illegally working and so on. This was a bit of surprise because Croatian usually look like optimistic and easy-going people. Anyhow, this is a good finding. I appreciate it.

Thanks, Katsuya, stay safe and see you on the other side.

TCN is starting a new feature series on foreign experiences of sitting out COVID-19 here in Croatia compared to their home country. If you would like to contribute, the questions are below. Please also include a para about yourself and where you are from, and a link to your website if you would like. Please also send 3-4 photos minimum to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Corona Foreigner

If you would be interested to record a video version for our partners www.rplus.video please let us know in the email. Thanks and stay safe. 

Foreigners Self-Isolating in Croatia: Do You Feel Safer Than in Your Home Country?

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels.

What do you think about the economic measures the government is taking, are they helping your business? (PLEASE IGNORE IF THIS DOES NOT AFFECT YOU)

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue? 

What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis? How safe do you feel?

Now compare that to your home country and how they are handling it. What is Croatia doing better/worse?

What about official communications from the authorities, compared to your home country?

What's the one thing you wish you had taken with you into self-isolation.

One thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis. 

TCN has recently become a partner in Robert Tomic Zuber's new R+ video channel, initially telling stories about corona experiences. You can see the first TCN contribution from this morning, my video from Jelsa talking about the realities of running a news portal in the corona era below. If you would like to also submit a video interview, please find Robert's guidelines below 

VIDEO RECORDING GUIDE

The video footage should be recorded so that the cell phone is turned horizontally (landscape mode).

There are several rules for television and video news:- length is not a virtue- a picture speaks more than a thousand words

In short, this would mean that your story should not last more than 90 seconds and that everything you say in the report should be shown by video (for example, if you talk about empty streets, we should see those empty streets, etc.).

How to do it with your cell phone? First, use a selfie camera to record yourself telling your story for about a minute and a half. Ideally, it would be taken in the exterior, except in situations where you are reporting on things in the interior (quarantine, hospital, self-isolation, etc.). Also, when shooting, move freely, make sure everything is not static.

After you have recorded your report, you should capture footage that will tell your story with a picture, such as an earlier example with empty streets.

One of the basic rules of TV journalism is that the story is told in the same way as a journalist with his text. Therefore, we ask you for additional effort. Because we work in a very specific situation, sometimes you may not be able to capture footage for each sentence of the report. In this case, record the details on the streets: people walking, the main features of the city where you live, inscriptions on the windows related to the virus, etc.

The same rules apply if you are shooting a story from your apartment, self-isolation, quarantine. We also need you to capture footage that describes your story.

When shooting frames to cover your reports, it is important that you change the angle of the shot (in other words, shoot that empty street from several angles). Also, when shooting a detail, count at least five seconds before removing the camera to another detail.

The material should be about 5 minutes long (90 seconds of your report + frames to cover your story).

After recording everything, send us to Zagreb, preferably via WeTransfer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

April 7, 2020 - Do foreigners in Croatia feel more or less safe sitting out COVID-19 here than in their home country, and what are their experiences? A new series on TCN, with Daniela Rogulj from California in Split as our 29th contributor.

Oxford University recently published some research on government responses to coronavirus which showed that Croatia currently has the strictest measures in the world. While inconvenient, this is a good thing in terms of reducing the spread of the virus, and I am certainly not alone in my admiration of the official Croatian handling of this crisis in recent weeks, both in terms of action and communication. 

But what do other expats here think? And how does it compare with the response in their home country? Would they rather sit this one out here or there? In the first of a new series on TCN, we will be featuring expats from all over the world to see what their views are on life in corona Croatia rather than back home. So far we have heard from expats in Croatia from Romania, USA, Ireland, UK, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Singapore, Holland, Canada, India, Hong Kong, Venezuela, Latvia, China, Honduras, Hungary, Moldova, South Korea and Germany. Next up, TCN's Daniela Rogulj from California in Split.

If you would like to contribute to this series, full details are below. Now, over to Split.

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels.

I’m at home, in Split, with my mother, father, and grandmother, all of whom are high risk. My grandmother is 87 and, as you’d expect, has a lot of underlying health conditions at her age. My father is no spring chicken at 66, while my 59-year-old mother just finished breast cancer treatment.

Our spirits are as good as they can be at the moment. Grandma is (mostly) blissfully unaware, and I would like to keep it that way, since she doesn’t leave her ‘bunker’ of an apartment below us anyway. She’ll ask once or twice a week about the latest news with a troubled expression stretched across her face. I tell her not to let any strangers in and to keep washing her hands. Her daily routine improved, in a way, since we can’t beg her to come out to dinner with us once a month. Any excuse to stay at home. 

As any good Balkan mother would, my mother is often seen disinfecting the house multiple times a day with bleach, in between bouts of CNN and N1, while my recently-furloughed travel agent father now has the time to work through his immense music collection, composed of thousands of records, CDs, and box sets. I’m sure the whole Firule neighborhood could hear the speakers blast from our balconies - 'Tata Quarantino tunes of the day', I call it.

My life has changed a lot and not at all. Being a freelancer in Split for almost five years, I’m used to working from home and already have a routine in place. My mornings still begin with warm lemon water and articles for Total Croatia News, though with all of the corona news we have been covering, I’d say those days roll into the evenings fairly quickly - and the TCN team is easily working upwards of 14 hours/day on average. Since I have no reason to leave the house other than grocery shopping, I’ve converted my bedroom and balcony into my home gym and force myself to get 30 minutes of exercise every day. Fresh air and Vitamin D seem to be doing wonders for my mental health. The warm weather in Dalmatia lately is also a huge bonus - and a foolproof way to bypass burnout. And I couldn't imagine quarantining without my cats.

Keeping in touch with friends has been key, and Zoom chats are increasingly on my agenda -  especially with my boyfriend, a water polo player for Jadran Split, who had to jet back to Australia 24 hours before Croatia went on lockdown… to prepare with the Aussie national team for the Olympics Games, which have been postponed for next summer. I’m not sure when I’ll see him again, but have hope his career will continue in Europe once all is said and done. Going through the corona crisis without your partner has certainly has its ups (I’m too busy for anyone else) and downs (for obvious reasons). 

All things considered, my sanity levels are steady, though the bags under my eyes are growing darker.

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue? 

About a week before my trip to London at the beginning of March. My boyfriend and I had a quick weekender planned March 5-8 as he had no water polo games scheduled at the time (the national teams of Croatia and Montenegro were using the month to prepare for the final Olympic qualifying tournament in Rotterdam). Croatia only had one case at the time, though the outbreak was spreading around Italy - and fast. Paul Bradbury (my lovely TCN boss) seemed to know before everyone that the coronavirus would take off here. I remember him telling me to rethink my London trip as he had a feeling borders would close soon. My mother begged us not to go, either, as she’d been in the middle of the corona buzz since day one, but I often shrugged her off as I thought she was panicking (in those early times, she was). 

We got to London on a half-empty plane and took an Uber to our hotel to avoid public transportation, as that was the one promise I made to my mother, who packed us with gloves and face masks to wear while we were there. Life had not stopped in London, then. While there was a lot of talk, no one really seemed to be taking things too seriously and blamed the media for hype. We went to packed pubs, busy dinner spots, museums and markets, and even a Chelsea game. 

It wasn’t until our flight back that things grew eerie. Heathrow was slower than ever, and our plane empty. When we arrived in Zagreb, the passport control woman asked if we’d been to China or Italy in the last two weeks. We got back to Split late that night and I was convinced that my sore throat was a symptom of COVID-19 - and not due to the fact that I was still nursing a hangover from two days before.

Things escalated in the following two days. Airlines began announcing cancellations in Europe, the Croatian Ministry of Tourism put all marketing activities to a halt, and Croatia went from 1 to eight cases in a matter of days. My mother begged me not to leave the house, and I didn’t. I have been self-isolating since March 11.

What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis? How safe do you feel?

Croatia is very lucky that former Health Minister Milan Kujundžić was dismissed just days before the coronavirus hit here, or else we’d be in big trouble.

Overall, I’m very pleased with how Croatia has dealt with the crisis. The National Civil Protection Headquarters is a team of superheroes and our shining light during this crisis, and they’ve done a brilliant job introducing measures early to keep the infection at bay and the numbers low.

I feel safer than ever as the chances of getting hit by a bus or car are slimmer than ever (we all know how Croatian drivers can be). The streets are empty. The shops are taking proper hygiene measures and only allowing a certain number of shoppers in at once. They are also fully stocked, so IF things got really bad, at least I’d have enough toilet paper to get me through it. It’s rare to see anyone without a mask, and the two-meter rule is mostly taken seriously.

Is there anywhere better than Croatia to self-isolate, anyway?

Now compare that to your home country and how they are handling it. What is Croatia doing better/worse?

Yikes, where do I begin? The United States, as a whole, is a nightmare. They have a president who wanted the churches to be full on Easter, only to retract and say that 100,000 deaths is ‘very good’. The death toll has already topped 10,000. New York is scrambling to obtain ventilators and is already over 130,000 cases - and that’s just one state! I have to tip my hat to Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is doing the best he can given the circumstances. 

I am from California, where Governor Gavin Newsom ordered a mandatory ‘shelter in place’ to all 40 million residents in the state early on. Only grocery stores and essential retail are open, while restaurants and bars are delivery only, large gatherings are banned, and social distance learning is in place for schools. California currently has over 15,000 cases and is 4th in the US. 

Croatia wins on taking measures earlier than the US as a whole, though it’s hard to compare a country of 4 million and 327 million.

What about official communications from the authorities, compared to your home country?

Are we basing this off of the daily White House briefings? Enough said. 

What the Fauci?

Dr. Anthony Fauci curbs his Trump enthusiasm. pic.twitter.com/HRFKKVmuW8

— Lauren Werner ? (@LaurenWern) March 20, 2020

Also, thank you, Paul, for putting me on the live corona updates, so I always know what’s going on in Croatia at any second of the day.

What's the one thing you wish you had taken with you into self-isolation.

My trainers, who have been amazing and publishing all workouts online (thank you F & T). I also wish I brought my will to drink with me, since I haven’t had an alcoholic beverage since March 8, and feel like a chilled gin & tonic would spice up the corona updates nicely during happy hour.

Maybe another sweatshirt to add to my rotation weekly rotation would have been smart, too.

I am grateful, however, that I am a relatively low-maintenance woman who will not suffer too severely from her beauty salon closure, though I do wish I learned how to do my eyebrows properly before all this hit. 

One thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis. 

As I mentioned above, I’ve been more or less self-isolating since March 11, which is nearly a month, and not once have I felt restless or anxious, which is a bit out of character. Maybe I’m numb to it all by now, or maybe I’ve grown into the homebody I always knew I was. But I feel good; a bit tired and nostalgic here and there, but good. It’s important to go with the flow, because we can only live one day at a time right now, and I think that is a massive lesson I've learned through this. 

This crisis also made me a bit more generous. While my bank account certainly isn't growing, I’ve been donating to various animal shelters across Croatia since I am essentially 'saving' money on taxis, coffee dates, and nights out. It’s a win-win, isn't it?

There is a lot of uncertainty in the world at the moment and I feel like I am wrapped up in a lot of my own worries at home, but it is comforting to know that we’re all in this together - and there is a light, somewhere. I want to believe that this is the shift we needed to check ourselves and everything around us. While I never imagined it’d take a global pandemic to get us back to square one, let’s hope that the grass is greener on the other side and we make the most of hitting rock bottom. It can only go up from here (I think).

Thanks, Dani, stay safe and see you on the other side. And thanks for all you do for us at TCN - you have a lot of fans.Thanks, Dani, stay safe and see you on the other side. And thanks for all you do for us at TCN - you have a lot of fans.

TCN is starting a new feature series on foreign experiences of sitting out COVID-19 here in Croatia compared to their home country. If you would like to contribute, the questions are below. Please also include a para about yourself and where you are from, and a link to your website if you would like. Please also send 3-4 photos minimum to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Corona Foreigner

If you would be interested to record a video version for our partners www.rplus.video please let us know in the email. Thanks and stay safe. 

Foreigners Self-Isolating in Croatia: Do You Feel Safer Than in Your Home Country?

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels.

What do you think about the economic measures the government is taking, are they helping your business? (PLEASE IGNORE IF THIS DOES NOT AFFECT YOU)

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue? 

What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis? How safe do you feel?

Now compare that to your home country and how they are handling it. What is Croatia doing better/worse?

What about official communications from the authorities, compared to your home country?

What's the one thing you wish you had taken with you into self-isolation.

One thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis. 

TCN has recently become a partner in Robert Tomic Zuber's new R+ video channel, initially telling stories about corona experiences. You can see the first TCN contribution from this morning, my video from Jelsa talking about the realities of running a news portal in the corona era below. If you would like to also submit a video interview, please find Robert's guidelines below 

VIDEO RECORDING GUIDE

The video footage should be recorded so that the cell phone is turned horizontally (landscape mode).

There are several rules for television and video news:- length is not a virtue- a picture speaks more than a thousand words

In short, this would mean that your story should not last more than 90 seconds and that everything you say in the report should be shown by video (for example, if you talk about empty streets, we should see those empty streets, etc.).

How to do it with your cell phone? First, use a selfie camera to record yourself telling your story for about a minute and a half. Ideally, it would be taken in the exterior, except in situations where you are reporting on things in the interior (quarantine, hospital, self-isolation, etc.). Also, when shooting, move freely, make sure everything is not static.

After you have recorded your report, you should capture footage that will tell your story with a picture, such as an earlier example with empty streets.

One of the basic rules of TV journalism is that the story is told in the same way as a journalist with his text. Therefore, we ask you for additional effort. Because we work in a very specific situation, sometimes you may not be able to capture footage for each sentence of the report. In this case, record the details on the streets: people walking, the main features of the city where you live, inscriptions on the windows related to the virus, etc.

The same rules apply if you are shooting a story from your apartment, self-isolation, quarantine. We also need you to capture footage that describes your story.

When shooting frames to cover your reports, it is important that you change the angle of the shot (in other words, shoot that empty street from several angles). Also, when shooting a detail, count at least five seconds before removing the camera to another detail.

The material should be about 5 minutes long (90 seconds of your report + frames to cover your story).

After recording everything, send us to Zagreb, preferably via WeTransfer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

April 6, 2020 - Do foreigners in Croatia feel more or less safe sitting out COVID-19 here than in their home country, and what are their experiences? A new series on TCN, with Rebecca Echevarria from California in Trogir as our 28th contributor.

Oxford University recently published some research on government responses to coronavirus which showed that Croatia currently has the strictest measures in the world. While inconvenient, this is a good thing in terms of reducing the spread of the virus, and I am certainly not alone in my admiration of the official Croatian handling of this crisis in recent weeks, both in terms of action and communication. 

But what do other expats here think? And how does it compare with the response in their home country? Would they rather sit this one out here or there? In the first of a new series on TCN, we will be featuring expats from all over the world to see what their views are on life in corona Croatia rather than back home. So far we have heard from expats in Croatia from Romania, USA, Ireland, UK, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Singapore, Holland, Canada, India, Hong Kong, Venezuela, Latvia, China, Honduras, Hungary, Moldova, South Korea and Germany. Next up, Rebecca Echevarria from California in Trogir.

If you would like to contribute to this series, full details are below. Now, over to Rebecca.

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels. 

I am alone. Very alone. I am an American digital nomad in my 50s from California, up until now traveling the world and enjoying every minute of it. This is my second spring in Croatia. This year I’m in Trogir. Things could be worse. I am still working online with my clients in the US, but wondering daily when they will either a) get in trouble for violating stay at home rules b) contract the virus. While I worry for them, I also have mixed feelings and am glad they are working, so I can be working.

Before the movement restrictions went into place, I woke at 7, went for a 6-mile walk, attended my swimming aerobics class in Split, shopped at the fish and fruit/veg markets, took in a museum, went to a play or got a massage and possibly went for a drive. My day now consists of sleeping till sometime between 10 am and 1 pm. Spending some time cleaning, pulling weeds in the yard of my cute apartment, watering the flowers, laying in the sun and then getting to work at 4pm when my clients are up and about on the US west coast. I keep promising myself I’m going to learn Spanish but don’t seem to get around to it. Instead I work until midnight or 1 am and then watch Netflix till 3 am, go to bed and start all over again. What is today?

My life is boring but safe and my sanity has always been in question so this really doesn’t affect it much.

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue? 

That’s a mixed question. I don’t’ think anyone realized how serious this situation would become. I watched it intently while it unfolded in China, assuming falsely that the western world would take measures to mitigate the damage before it began. I was wrong. Some countries have done better than others, Croatia being one of the better ones, but overall it was something that could have been prevented, planned for and mitigated against, but wasn’t.

I was in London in February and listening to the way they were blithely ignoring the entire situation and discussing herd immunity made me realize I needed to leave while it was possible. I had a choice, go back to America where health care is costly and difficult to get, where the bottom line of capitalism is measured in lives and where my country is currently run by buffoons in a clown car. The option to continue as planned and spend 3 months in Croatia seemed the smarter move. When I arrived at the airport and they asked us where we have been the last three weeks, it hit me things were getting serious.

What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis? How safe do you feel?

I think Croatia as a whole is handling the situation very well. Certain individuals have flouted the restrictions and recommendations and endangered others, but the government overall seems to know who they are and is taking appropriate measures. I feel safe in my little corner of the world. I do get frustrated though with others who are not taking this situation seriously even now. As an example I was in Lidl today. The workers were congregated in front in a tightly packed group enjoying a smoke break with no masks or gloves. The clerk grabbed my card from me to put in the machine even though I wanted to do it myself and there is no one monitoring how packed the store gets. So I wipe, wipe, wipe with disinfectant and keep my distance as best I can while limiting my visits to the store.

Now compare that to your home country and how they are handling it. What is Croatia doing better/worse?

My daughter who is stuck in Dublin due to her University being closed and I discussed whether or not we should seek asylum as health refugees. The US is a complete disaster. My friends who work in healthcare are afraid. Most have already contracted the virus, but were still pushed to work with patients. The bottom line is the most important thing in America. Adding insult to injury the unemployment now being driven by measures met to save Americans is not followed up with public health and food insecurity measures. I have scarred lungs from untreated Valley Fever as a child and Hashimoto’s disease. Normally nothing to be concerned or worried about. I honestly feel if I had flown home to the US I would be dead now. The inability of my country to do much of anything at the federal level at this time is borderline criminal and costing lives. I worry about my son and his wife (a medical doctor) in California due to having their first child in a few weeks.

Croatia seems to understand, not just as a government, but most citizens that a group effort is needed to keep this health emergency under control. I’m hoping the measures in place, such a limiting movement from town to town, social distancing and tracking will keep paying off. I feel infinitely safer here than I would in the US.

What about official communications from the authorities, compared to your home country?

This has been a bit of an issue because I do not speak Croatian. I keep an eye on Total Croatia News to keep me informed. My landlady has been helpful as well in keeping me up to date. I still can’t figure out where to get an actual medical mask from. People seem to have them, but I have had no luck in tracking one down.

I also think there is a bit of an issue with people believing masks and gloves make them immune from catching the disease. A pharmacist in Trogir actually told me a cotton mask would be better than a medical mask because I can wash it. I was dumbfounded he would say that. There seems to be a lack of education on how, why and when masks and gloves work, and how, why and when to use them.

What's the one thing you wish you had taken with you into self-isolation.

BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS. I loved to read and this seems like the perfect opportunity to do so. My children admonish me and tell me to read them on my iPad, but after a day of staring at the computer, looking at another screen just doesn’t hold any appeal to me.

One thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis. 

About myself I’ve learned I am fully capable of entertaining myself. I started writing a book since I can’t read one and figured out how to do yoga on my living room floor using spare carpet squares. I’m adapting.

About others I’ve learned that we are all interconnected in so many more ways than we realize. That each life is inadvertently affected by what happens on the other side of the world, so our choices and actions affect more than just our bubble. We have a unique opportunity here to affect those outside of our normal with the smallest of actions. We need to take advantage of the opportunity and come out of this situation, not smaller but wiser, with more compassion, more resilience and more love.

Thanks, Rebecca, stay safe and see you on the other side.

TCN is starting a new feature series on foreign experiences of sitting out COVID-19 here in Croatia compared to their home country. If you would like to contribute, the questions are below. Please also include a para about yourself and where you are from, and a link to your website if you would like. Please also send 3-4 photos minimum to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Corona Foreigner

If you would be interested to record a video version for our partners www.rplus.video please let us know in the email. Thanks and stay safe. 

Foreigners Self-Isolating in Croatia: Do You Feel Safer Than in Your Home Country?

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels.

What do you think about the economic measures the government is taking, are they helping your business? (PLEASE IGNORE IF THIS DOES NOT AFFECT YOU)

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue? 

What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis? How safe do you feel?

Now compare that to your home country and how they are handling it. What is Croatia doing better/worse?

What about official communications from the authorities, compared to your home country?

What's the one thing you wish you had taken with you into self-isolation.

One thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis. 

TCN has recently become a partner in Robert Tomic Zuber's new R+ video channel, initially telling stories about corona experiences. You can see the first TCN contribution from this morning, my video from Jelsa talking about the realities of running a news portal in the corona era below. If you would like to also submit a video interview, please find Robert's guidelines below 

VIDEO RECORDING GUIDE

The video footage should be recorded so that the cell phone is turned horizontally (landscape mode).

There are several rules for television and video news:- length is not a virtue- a picture speaks more than a thousand words

In short, this would mean that your story should not last more than 90 seconds and that everything you say in the report should be shown by video (for example, if you talk about empty streets, we should see those empty streets, etc.).

How to do it with your cell phone? First, use a selfie camera to record yourself telling your story for about a minute and a half. Ideally, it would be taken in the exterior, except in situations where you are reporting on things in the interior (quarantine, hospital, self-isolation, etc.). Also, when shooting, move freely, make sure everything is not static.

After you have recorded your report, you should capture footage that will tell your story with a picture, such as an earlier example with empty streets.

One of the basic rules of TV journalism is that the story is told in the same way as a journalist with his text. Therefore, we ask you for additional effort. Because we work in a very specific situation, sometimes you may not be able to capture footage for each sentence of the report. In this case, record the details on the streets: people walking, the main features of the city where you live, inscriptions on the windows related to the virus, etc.

The same rules apply if you are shooting a story from your apartment, self-isolation, quarantine. We also need you to capture footage that describes your story.

When shooting frames to cover your reports, it is important that you change the angle of the shot (in other words, shoot that empty street from several angles). Also, when shooting a detail, count at least five seconds before removing the camera to another detail.

The material should be about 5 minutes long (90 seconds of your report + frames to cover your story).

After recording everything, send us to Zagreb, preferably via WeTransfer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

April 6, 2020 - With as many Croatians living abroad as in the Homeland, what are the diaspora experiences of self-isolation? In the fourth of a new series, Corona Voices in the Croatian Diaspora, here is Aleksandar Bulajic from New York City. 

Last week TCN started a feature series called Foreigner Self-Isolation In Croatia: Do You Feel Safer? I can honestly say we have never had such a response or so many incredible contributions. The countries of origin of these expats in Croatia literally from all over the world. So far we have had submissions from expats from Romania, USA, Ireland, UK, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Singapore, Holland, Canada, India, Hong Kong, Venezuela, Latvia, China, Honduras, Hungary, Moldova, New Zealand and Germany. You can see all their stories here. 

Given the success of the series (still going strong) and large interest, it made sense to expand it to look at this from another angle - how Croatians abroad are coping where they are. If you would like to contribute your story to Corona Voices in the Croatian Diaspora, please find the submission guidelines below. And now, the view the centre of the pandemic currently - New York City. We are very grateful to New York resident Aleksandar Bulajic for this account of his current reality and view of Croatia. 

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels.

I’m living with my partner DJ, she’s American, along with our two cats, Jožek and Arlo. My teenage son Luka lives in Columbus, Ohio, with his mom. Luka and I would typically see each other once a month, at least until now. All-in-all, we’re doing, ‘knock-on-wood’, well. Monday, April 6, 2020 marks the start of our fourth week in self-isolation.  

Like many others in the restaurant business, I lost my job when our restaurant closed its doors. Delmonico’s first opened in 1837 - and as a cultural institution and barometer of NYC health, we’re hoping it and other businesses open soon again.

Thankfully, DJ is still working full-time. She’s an architectural and graphic designer with the international firm Rockwell Group. It took some adjusting for us to be working from home, though so far we’re handling this unprecedented situation fairly well.  

When did you realize that coronavirus was going to be a big issue?

When Italy started falling apart — it was I think in the first week of March, when the number of deaths started going up like crazy — that I realized the coronavirus was going hit the US and the world like a tsunami. 

When did you realize that coronavirus was going to be a big issue in New York in particular?

When prominent restaurants (like Le Bernardin) and restaurateurs (Danny Meyer, Eric Ripert) began closing their doors, which happened in the first half of March, is when it struck me that this would hit NYC hard. It was like a point of no return. And, in just a matter of days, one of the most populated cities in the world was abruptly a ghost town. To me, it seemed inevitable; there’s no way we can keep such a dense and bustling city as New York out of this pandemic.    

Give us a timeline on when and how life changed.

March 16, the day when Delmonico’s ceased operations and I lost my job of seven years. DJ’s office had also started a work-from-home policy on that day. Only days prior, it was merely a discretionary policy, but within two days became part of mandatory office closings throughout New York City.

Tell us about your day. Do you/can you leave your apartment?

Day-to-day, we can leave our apartment, but we try not to unless absolutely necessary. We typically order groceries for delivery, though that is becoming difficult as less people are available to do that job, and shelves are lacking basic goods. Typically when we place an order for groceries, the expected delivery is in three weeks. A small, family-owned grocery store across the street from our apartment has recently closed, and is no longer an option for staples such as toilet paper or milk. If we must go outside, it’s with masks, gloves, and a hat to cover our hair.  

Any delivered groceries or packages from outside go through a thorough routine involving both DJ and I to ensure the virus doesn’t enter the apartment.

Living in a NYC apartment building is also a bit tricky in the age of coronavirus. We attempt to avoid neighbors as much as possible — for both our safety and theirs, as the hallways are narrow and shared doorknobs not cleaned since mid-March.

On the brighter side, I’m cooking as never before. Yes, I’m definitely stress baking, though I’m grateful to have small pleasures at this time. And luckily we have a modest backyard that allows for some fresh air, table tennis, and soccer ball practice.

How are the authorities doing at handling the situation?

We are really grateful for having Andrew Cuomo as our Governor. His daily press briefings are delivered with direct honesty and leadership. We truly feel he is fighting for New York State. He’s direct, eloquent, calm, and most importantly, Cuomo is well-informed. He also knows to surround himself with professionals that can address the myriad aspects of how a city is - or may be - affected by this pandemic.  

I wish I can say the same for the President of the United States who, by his inaction, is responsible for the exponential spread of this deadly virus that has and will cost numerous lives.

You obviously keep an eye on your homeland. What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis?

Kudos to the government of Croatia, both federal and local. Kudos to everyone in my homeland who is doing a great job with self-distancing, self-isolating, and taking this horror seriously. The right leadership in the right place at the right, critical time. Yes, I’m biased, though it looks like my county Istria — which is the closest one to Italy — is doing a great job.  

Compare and contrast the responses of Croatia and USA. Who is doing what better?

Croatia is doing a much better job in fighting this disease than the US, mostly because our federal government has failed in acting on time to curtail this pandemic. 

What about official communications from the authorities, compared to your home country? 

The daily press conferences by the New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, are strait-forward, concise, and delivered with knowledgeable leadership. It’s no small wonder that many are asking him to run for the Presidency of the US.

What's the one thing you wish you had taken with you into self-isolation?

More beer for sure. It’s sometimes the small pleasures that make isolation a bit easier.

One thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis.

I used to be a full-time journalist, starting in 1997 with Glas Istre, a Croatian daily newspaper. As my late ex-boss Željko Žmak once said to me, “when you got ink under your nails, there’s no way you can get rid of it”. That’s absolutely true. One thing that has shifted is my daily need, and time to write again. I’ve focused on my website Croatian In New York http://croatian-in-new-york.com which had been dormant for two years. I think we all need a way to express ourselves during this time, and thankfully words are flowing —  and It is fulfilling 

If you could be self-isolating in Croatia, where would it be, and why?

There’s only one place where self-isolation would be a gift and not punishment: the Island Unije. Back in 2015 DJ, Luka and I spent the most incredible 14 days of our life there. I believe that time spent on islands has a powerful effect on relaxing the mind and body, compared to time spent on a continent. I’m talking about small, tiny islands where one is completely surrounded by the sea. Time slows on islands, where one day of vacation on the island feels like two on the continent. 

Thanks, Aleksandar. Stay safe and see you on the other side. You can see all the stories in both this diaspora series, and the one on expats in Croatia on this link. 

TCN is starting a new feature series on Croatian diaspora experiences of sitting out COVID-19 abroad and comparing your experiences to the situation in Croatia. If you would like to contribute, the questions are below. Please also include a para about yourself and where you are from, and a link to your website if you would like. Please also send 3-4 photos minimum to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Corona Diaspora

If you would be interested to record a video version for our partners www.rplus.video please let us know in the email. Thanks and stay safe. 

Self-Isolation Voices from the Diaspora 

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels.

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue?

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue in New York in particular?

Give us a timeline on when and how life changed.

Tell us about your day. Do you/can you leave your apartment?

How are the authorities doing at handling the situation?

You obviously keep an eye on your homeland. What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis?

Compare and contrast the responses of Croatia and USA. Who is doing what better?

What about official communications from the authorities, compared to your home country?

What's the one thing you wish you had taken with you into self-isolation?

One thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis.

If you could be self-isolating in Croatia, where would it be, and why?

TCN has recently become a partner in Robert Tomic Zuber's new R+ video channel, initially telling stories about corona experiences. You can see the first TCN contribution from this morning, my video from Jelsa talking about the realities of running a news portal in the corona era below. If you would like to also submit a video interview, please find Robert's guidelines below 

VIDEO RECORDING GUIDE

The video footage should be recorded so that the cell phone is turned horizontally (landscape mode).

There are several rules for television and video news:- length is not a virtue- a picture speaks more than a thousand words

In short, this would mean that your story should not last more than 90 seconds and that everything you say in the report should be shown by video (for example, if you talk about empty streets, we should see those empty streets, etc.).

How to do it with your cell phone? First, use a selfie camera to record yourself telling your story for about a minute and a half. Ideally, it would be taken in the exterior, except in situations where you are reporting on things in the interior (quarantine, hospital, self-isolation, etc.). Also, when shooting, move freely, make sure everything is not static.

After you have recorded your report, you should capture footage that will tell your story with a picture, such as an earlier example with empty streets.

One of the basic rules of TV journalism is that the story is told in the same way as a journalist with his text. Therefore, we ask you for additional effort. Because we work in a very specific situation, sometimes you may not be able to capture footage for each sentence of the report. In this case, record the details on the streets: people walking, the main features of the city where you live, inscriptions on the windows related to the virus, etc.

The same rules apply if you are shooting a story from your apartment, self-isolation, quarantine. We also need you to capture footage that describes your story.

When shooting frames to cover your reports, it is important that you change the angle of the shot (in other words, shoot that empty street from several angles). Also, when shooting a detail, count at least five seconds before removing the camera to another detail.

The material should be about 5 minutes long (90 seconds of your report + frames to cover your story).

After recording everything, send us to Zagreb, preferably via WeTransfer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

April 6, 2020 - With as many Croatians living abroad as in the Homeland, what are the diaspora experiences of self-isolation? In the second of a new series, Corona Voices in the Croatian Diaspora, Goran Krolo on the current realities in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China. 

Last week TCN started a feature series called Foreigner Self-Isolation In Croatia: Do You Feel Safer? I can honestly say we have never had such a response or so many incredible contributions. The countries of origin of these expats in Croatia literally from all over the world. So far we have had submissions from expats from Romania, USA, Ireland, UK, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Singapore, Holland, Canada, India, Hong Kong, Venezuela, Latvia, China, Honduras, Hungary, Moldova, New Zealand and Germany. You can see all their stories here. 

Given the success of the series (still going strong) and large interest, it made sense to expand it to look at this from another angle - how Croatians abroad are coping where they are. If you would like to contribute your story to Corona Voices in the Croatian Diaspora, please find the submission guidelines below. And now, the view from China.

Goran Krolo is a physiotheropist and drummer from Vinkovci in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China, working with a women's' Premier league football club.

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels.

I am fine but alone in China for two years now.  My situation is relatively good as I work in a football base which is pretty much isolated from the rest of the town due to its location so it hasn't been such a critical situation 

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue?

Guangdong province where I am is the second most affected by Covid-19 in China but that is nothing compared to what has happened in Wuhan. At the end of January, I had a holiday and went to Hong Kong for the Chinese New Year for a week, and there I didn't feel any threat, but when I returned I saw differences that showed me that the situation was very serious, like the railway station in Hong Kong being totally closed after I left. At the railway station, I saw medical staff monitoring the temperature of people arriving, taking swabs and even blood, especially of those who had been in mainland China in the last three weeks. I was forced to be tested.

Arriving back in Guangzhou, which is a huge city of over 13 million, when I came out of the railway station, there wasn't a single person to be seen. I was totally alone like the last survivor of some apocalypse film. I realised then that this was something very serious indeed.

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue in your location in particular?

On my return to the Football complex, I noticed that some of the players had not been allowed to return due to health problems. Those who tested negative returned to the base, and from that moment on and up to now, we have been in total lockdown and unable to leave the complex. We from the medical staff are allowed to leave, so it is easier for us and if we do get to leave, masks are absolutely required. You are not allowed in any building without one. At the entrance to any building or transport, people are measured for temperature.

Tell us about your day. Do you/can you leave your apartment?

As I said we can move about but for the first few weeks it was only in the neighbouhood where we lived. There were checkpoints at every area which were manned 24 hours a day and travel between the various suburbs was not permitted at all. This has been relaxed somewhat now.

At first, most shops were closed and we were not allowed to move around the streets or we would be forced to return home. Now most shops are open again and I am even able to visit restaurants once more. Prior to that those restaurants that were still working only allowed delivery.I am still doing my job but with stricter sanitary control.

How are the authorities doing at handling the situation?

China is an authoritarian state and what the authorities say, the people comply. In Wuhan, the citizens were physically locked in their homes and one person was allowed out each week to buy supplies. Elsewhere private citizens organised neighbourhood watches to control the population.

You obviously keep an eye on your homeland. What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis?

Regarding the situation at home, which seems to be good, but I think that it is more due to good luck than the fruit of good organization. People should follow the instructions given them by the authorities, it has worked for China.

Compare and contrast the responses of Croatia and where you are. Who is doing what better?

You cannot compare China with Croatia. In Croatia, the people are given strong advisories, but in Chima, if you do not follow the restrictions, you go to jail.

One thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis.

I am not in self-isolation because of this virus, I have been in self-isolation here for two years, and I recommend that everyone should try it, as you find out a lot about yourself in the process. I have books, music and the internet, that's it.

If you could be self-isolating in Croatia, where would it be, and why?

I would lock myself away with a nice girl and then it could potentially end up being more fun!

Thanks, Goran. Stay safe and see you on the other side. You can see all the stories in both this diaspora series, and the one on expats in Croatia on this link. 

TCN is starting a new feature series on Croatian diaspora experiences of sitting out COVID-19 abroad and comparing your experiences to the situation in Croatia. If you would like to contribute, the questions are below. Please also include a para about yourself and where you are from, and a link to your website if you would like. Please also send 3-4 photos minimum to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Corona Diaspora

If you would be interested to record a video version for our partners www.rplus.video please let us know in the email. Thanks and stay safe. 

Self-Isolation Voices from the Diaspora 

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels.

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue?

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue in New York in particular?

Give us a timeline on when and how life changed.

Tell us about your day. Do you/can you leave your apartment?

How are the authorities doing at handling the situation?

You obviously keep an eye on your homeland. What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis?

Compare and contrast the responses of Croatia and USA. Who is doing what better?

What about official communications from the authorities, compared to your home country?

What's the one thing you wish you had taken with you into self-isolation?

One thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis.

If you could be self-isolating in Croatia, where would it be, and why?

TCN has recently become a partner in Robert Tomic Zuber's new R+ video channel, initially telling stories about corona experiences. You can see the first TCN contribution from this morning, my video from Jelsa talking about the realities of running a news portal in the corona era below. If you would like to also submit a video interview, please find Robert's guidelines below 

VIDEO RECORDING GUIDE

The video footage should be recorded so that the cell phone is turned horizontally (landscape mode).

There are several rules for television and video news:- length is not a virtue- a picture speaks more than a thousand words

In short, this would mean that your story should not last more than 90 seconds and that everything you say in the report should be shown by video (for example, if you talk about empty streets, we should see those empty streets, etc.).

How to do it with your cell phone? First, use a selfie camera to record yourself telling your story for about a minute and a half. Ideally, it would be taken in the exterior, except in situations where you are reporting on things in the interior (quarantine, hospital, self-isolation, etc.). Also, when shooting, move freely, make sure everything is not static.

After you have recorded your report, you should capture footage that will tell your story with a picture, such as an earlier example with empty streets.

One of the basic rules of TV journalism is that the story is told in the same way as a journalist with his text. Therefore, we ask you for additional effort. Because we work in a very specific situation, sometimes you may not be able to capture footage for each sentence of the report. In this case, record the details on the streets: people walking, the main features of the city where you live, inscriptions on the windows related to the virus, etc.

The same rules apply if you are shooting a story from your apartment, self-isolation, quarantine. We also need you to capture footage that describes your story.

When shooting frames to cover your reports, it is important that you change the angle of the shot (in other words, shoot that empty street from several angles). Also, when shooting a detail, count at least five seconds before removing the camera to another detail.

The material should be about 5 minutes long (90 seconds of your report + frames to cover your story).

After recording everything, send us to Zagreb, preferably via WeTransfer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

April 6, 2020 - Do foreigners in Croatia feel more or less safe sitting out COVID-19 here than in their home country, and what are their experiences? A new series on TCN, with Daeun Hong from South Korea in Zagreb as our 27th contributor.

Oxford University recently published some research on government responses to coronavirus which showed that Croatia currently has the strictest measures in the world. While inconvenient, this is a good thing in terms of reducing the spread of the virus, and I am certainly not alone in my admiration of the official Croatian handling of this crisis in recent weeks, both in terms of action and communication. 

But what do other expats here think? And how does it compare with the response in their home country? Would they rather sit this one out here or there? In the first of a new series on TCN, we will be featuring expats from all over the world to see what their views are on life in corona Croatia rather than back home. So far we have heard from expats in Croatia from Romania, USA, Ireland, UK, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Singapore, Holland, Canada, India, Hong Kong, Venezuela, Latvia, China, Honduras, Hungary, Moldova and Germany. Next up, Daeun Hong from South Korean in Zagreb.

If you would like to contribute to this series, full details are below. Now, over to Daeun.

Firstly how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels. 

Well, it is like it is. Or, maybe not so good. I'm feeling bored since I can't really leave my house. I am missing going outdoors. Also, that earthquake hasn't left a good memory. I have trauma if I can say it that way because I never felt that before. Since then, I don't sleep with my light turned off.

Although I'm living alone, my Croatian and foreign friends often call me to check how I'm doing. I'm glad to have them in such a situation. 

When did you realize that corona was going to be a big issue?

To be honest, I didn't realize this would become such a thing, not even when our faculty closed. But when public transport stopped and when I saw police on the street, telling people they should stay inside, that was the moment I realized that the situation is getting more serious from minute to minute.  

What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis? How safe do you feel?

At the very beginning of the appearance of Coronavirus, the Croatian government didn't take it so seriously. They even criticized other countries, how they have problems. I think that is the moment when the government should have taken the first steps to prepare the country for the crisis. My opinion is that they should have made preparations sooner. 

And about me feeling safe, well, I feel safe because I'm never leaving my house. 

Now compare that to your home country and how they are handling it. What is Croatia doing better/worse? 

When I compare South Korea and Croatia, it would be better for Croatian people to take this situation more seriously. Although many Croatians are aware of what they should be doing, I feel like Croatia is not ready for such an epidemic. Our (South Korea) government is doing great work, and the whole medical system is impressive. But at the same time, people there are maybe too relaxed. As they are thinking, they are entirely safe.  

What about official communications from the authorities, compared to your home country? 

I must say I'm pretty satisfied with government communication with people. I think it's great that every few hours, they publish new information through every single media platform. Also, I have noticed they show their care for Croatians abroad. The South Korean Embassy is also doing a great job. Every evening, they send me new information about flights to my country. Like, the schedule of flights, through which countries I can go to Korea, which time, which airplane companies... 

What's the one thing you wish you had taken with you into self-isolation. 

Well, I have electricity, internet, mobile phone to communicate with my family, I have food... So, I would say I have everything. Then again, my cat, who is now in Korea, would have been lovely company during these lonely days. And, if I can be 100% honest, I would love to have Korean food around the corner. A whole store, if it is possible. I really miss Korean food. 

One thing you have learned about yourself and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis.

In this time of crisis and global epidemic, I realized how precious are the people around me. The same thing goes for a normal life - which I had before all of this mess. I think I have learned to respect more everyday things we take for granted.

The fruit of boredom: I have planted leeks. 

Thanks, Daeun, stay safe and see you on the other side.

TCN is starting a new feature series on foreign experiences of sitting out COVID-19 here in Croatia compared to their home country. If you would like to contribute, the questions are below. Please also include a para about yourself and where you are from, and a link to your website if you would like. Please also send 3-4 photos minimum to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Corona Foreigner

If you would be interested to record a video version for our partners www.rplus.video please let us know in the email. Thanks and stay safe. 

Foreigners Self-Isolating in Croatia: Do You Feel Safer Than in Your Home Country?

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels.

What do you think about the economic measures the government is taking, are they helping your business? (PLEASE IGNORE IF THIS DOES NOT AFFECT YOU)

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue? 

What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis? How safe do you feel?

Now compare that to your home country and how they are handling it. What is Croatia doing better/worse?

What about official communications from the authorities, compared to your home country?

What's the one thing you wish you had taken with you into self-isolation.

One thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis. 

TCN has recently become a partner in Robert Tomic Zuber's new R+ video channel, initially telling stories about corona experiences. You can see the first TCN contribution from this morning, my video from Jelsa talking about the realities of running a news portal in the corona era below. If you would like to also submit a video interview, please find Robert's guidelines below 

VIDEO RECORDING GUIDE

The video footage should be recorded so that the cell phone is turned horizontally (landscape mode).

There are several rules for television and video news:- length is not a virtue- a picture speaks more than a thousand words

In short, this would mean that your story should not last more than 90 seconds and that everything you say in the report should be shown by video (for example, if you talk about empty streets, we should see those empty streets, etc.).

How to do it with your cell phone? First, use a selfie camera to record yourself telling your story for about a minute and a half. Ideally, it would be taken in the exterior, except in situations where you are reporting on things in the interior (quarantine, hospital, self-isolation, etc.). Also, when shooting, move freely, make sure everything is not static.

After you have recorded your report, you should capture footage that will tell your story with a picture, such as an earlier example with empty streets.

One of the basic rules of TV journalism is that the story is told in the same way as a journalist with his text. Therefore, we ask you for additional effort. Because we work in a very specific situation, sometimes you may not be able to capture footage for each sentence of the report. In this case, record the details on the streets: people walking, the main features of the city where you live, inscriptions on the windows related to the virus, etc.

The same rules apply if you are shooting a story from your apartment, self-isolation, quarantine. We also need you to capture footage that describes your story.

When shooting frames to cover your reports, it is important that you change the angle of the shot (in other words, shoot that empty street from several angles). Also, when shooting a detail, count at least five seconds before removing the camera to another detail.

The material should be about 5 minutes long (90 seconds of your report + frames to cover your story).

After recording everything, send us to Zagreb, preferably via WeTransfer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

April 5, 2020 - With as many Croatians living abroad as in the Homeland, what are the diaspora experiences of self-isolation? In the second of a new series, Corona Voices in the Croatian Diaspora, Lidija Ivanek SiLa on the current realities in Ireland. 

Last week TCN started a feature series called Foreigner Self-Isolation In Croatia: Do You Feel Safer? I can honestly say we have never had such a response or so many incredible contributions. The countries of origin of these expats in Croatia literally from all over the world. So far we have had submissions from expats from Romania, USA, Ireland, UK, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Singapore, Holland, Canada, India, Hong Kong, Venezuela, Latvia, China, Honduras, Hungary, Moldova, new Zealand and Germany. You can see all their stories here. 

Given the success of the series (still going strong) and large interest, it made sense to expand it to look at this from another angle - how Croatians abroad are coping where they are. If you would like to contribute your story to Corona Voices in the Croatian Diaspora, please find the submission guidelines below. 

And now, let's hear how Lidia Ivansk SiLa is getting on in Kinsale, Ireland.

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels.

We are doing well, thank you. I live with my husband and we get along really well even in these extraordinary, confining situations. I know that some of my friends have reported having issues with their spouses, “colliding energies” that’s what they said. I guess, our “normal” is connected with technology and the Internet and that is not changed during corona. As I am a digital artist and he is in IT, so that helps a lot to continue with some routine, some normality in everyday life. Our Internet connection is great, fibre (1Gb) so all is well.

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue?

The first time I heard Taoiseach Leo Varadkar addressed the nation at the beginning of March. The Irish prime-minister is not often in the media and this was his 7^th public appearance. This meant it is very serious. He started his speech with: “I need to speak to you about Coronavirus and Covid-19.” It was the day after the World Health Organisation formally described Covid-19 as pandemic and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) updated its guidelines advising all to act early to be effective.

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue in Kinsale in particular?

It’s not a big issue. It is an issue. It is what it is for the whole of Ireland. We haven’t had any cases in Kinsale yet and I hope it will stay that way. Kinsale is not a big town and the people, 99% of them, are obeying advice given by the government.

Close to Kinsale is the bigger city of Cork, and as any big city it has more problems as the population lives in closer proximity. Cork, by number of cases is in second place while Dublin leads.

Give us a timeline on when and how life changed.

After the Taoiseach’s first speech (I think it was on 12^th March) about corona, he announced that schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close until 29 March because of Covid-19, and indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor mass gatherings of more than 500 should be cancelled. That was the first time we were introduced with the term “social distancing” and the rule of two meters apart.

The second Taoiseach’s speech was on St. Patrick’s Day (17^th of March) and it was the hardest and saddest celebration of St.Patrick’s ever. We listened with a knot in our stomachs to these words: ”So far the number of cases in Ireland has been relatively small. However, we believe that number will rise to fifteen thousand cases or more by the end of the month and rise further in the weeks thereafter.

"The vast majority of us who contract Covid-19 will experience a mild illness, but some will be hospitalised and sadly some people will die. We cannot stop this virus but working together we can slow it in its tracks and push it back.” At that point, the measures become more strict. Large public gatherings were cancelled. All pubs and bars were shut. Work from home whereever possible became the new policy. And a new motto was introduced ‘Come together as a nation by staying apart’

The third speech from the Taoiseach announced further Covid-19 restrictions, on 27^th March, and everybody had to stay at home except in specific circumstances. This is where we are now. The restriction is until 12^th April, but it can be prolonged. Specific circumstances means going to the store, pharmacy, doctors, essential work and 2km radius for brief physical exercising (alone or family living together). Other exemptions include farming, the care of animals and leaving home for vital family reasons such as providing care for the elderly or vulnerable.

Tell us about your day. Do you/can you leave your apartment?

We both work from home (as advised by the government). Having a job that is still ongoing during the crisis is a blessing. Not only a financial blessing, but also for our wellbeing, our mental health. We work the normal 8 hours a day. The only difference is that I need to cook more meals, lol, as my hubby is at home during his lunch breaks. My husband is going grocery shopping once a week as he can pay with his phone. It is advised not to pay with money, but by tapping a card or phone. The shops are well stocked.

After initial panic buying, yeah we did have that here too, almost every item is back in stock (still lacking sanitisers, some cleaning stuff, masks and gloves). It is so funny what people think it is necessary to stockpile. Our stores have specific times that are only for the elderly so they can have more protection. Weather permitting once a day we are going for a brief walk in a 2 km radius. We have some wonderful scenery in those 2 km. The only thing we are missing is people. Kinsale Baptist Church which we are members of is gathering through Zoom meetings online. Our social life is now mainly online. We had a surprise visit from our friends the other day. They live in the 2km radius from us. They walked their dog to our place and we talked through the balcony. We live in a building with 10 apartments. The door of the building now stays open all the time, so there is no need to touch the handle. Delivery services are working with no or slight delays. So far so good.

How are the authorities doing at handling the situation?

Every resource and help is used to fight it. Medical staff are working to the maximum. A lot of retired medical stuff even last year students joined in. The problem that Ireland has was from way back and that is a lack of beds in hospitals, lack of hospitals in general and lack of staff. That is our bottleneck. That is why is so important to flatten the curve and reduce the numbers. The authorities are doing their best in the given circumstances.

Another thing that mustn't be neglected is the significant impact on the economy. Ireland is in a very good position there. Ireland has the ability to pay welfare for all the people that can’t work anymore as a lot of businesses closed and a lot more will close in the future. And that welfare is not just “on the paper” as I first handedly know that it is already been delivered to some of my friends. Also, the Government is helping businesses to keep on working, there are several schemes that they can get the help needed.

This pandemic has a huge impact on so many levels and the Irish government by my humble opinion is doing the best in given circumstances.

You obviously keep an eye on your homeland. What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis?

I know that numbers in Croatia are low, which is really good. Whether these numbers are a good indicator or not probably depends about the number of tests each country is able to perform, or are the deaths linked to the death by coronavirus. I try not to read Croatian newspapers in the same way I avoid reading about corona here. Too much negative information is just not healthy. My main information about the situation in Croatia is from my family and friends and our conversations. I know that they are indoors, that schools are closed and that permits have been introduced. So apart from permits, it is similar to Ireland. My parents live in Zagreb and it was terrifying to listen and watch images after the earthquake. I was and still am worried about them and their health. Everything went well during the earthquake, none of my relatives and friends were hurt. As my parents are elderly, for me to be so far away and without the ability to visit them is hard. We had to cancel our flight to Zagreb in May. When we will be able to fly there is unknown. Scenes from Zagreb after the earthquake were worse than during the war. The devastation and empty streets painted an awful picture. My parents have support from neighbours and they can call doctors, there is the advantage of an electronic prescription for medicines and I know that contact with others is reduced. That is all good news for them and at the same time it is bad news as social isolation for the elderly is even tougher.

Croatia had a really excellent healthcare system. How much of that excellency is left after so many quality doctors left the country for better life in other countries, that I do not know.

Compare and contrast the responses of Croatia and Ireland. Who is doing what better?

This question is so competitive, so very Croatian.

The pandemic is an awful situation, where people's lives are in serious danger, not only because of the virus, but the potential collapse of the economy. In the beginning, when the situation started to develop in Europe, I had words similar to your question from my Croatian friends – who is (doing) better. It is so unlikely to hear something like that in Ireland. It is in the Croatian soil probably, the need to compete, I’m sure that is the reason that we are so good at sports, but this isn’t a sport.

This pandemic tests every single person, every government, and healthcare in the world. The response from Croatia and response from Ireland vary depending on the resources and abilities that are available. It also depends on the culture and landscape. If it’s more rural or a denser population it will make a difference. The things that I can talk about is how I dread for my Croatian friends who are already put on minimal wages the amount which in Croatia is not enough for a normal living. I worry about my friends whose sole living depends on tourism and now there is no tourism.

And I know that the Croatian government is not in the position to give those people enough financial help and on time which is also a crucial factor. I worry about my elderly friends in Ireland if they’ll end up in hospitals if it’s going to be enough respiratory ventilators, enough beds. These are the things that we can talk about. We can compare how heroic individuals are giving all their talents and abilities to help fellow citizens which is happening in Ireland as well as in Croatia. We can laugh at memes and jokes of panic buying or funny ways to survive the isolation that are ongoing in both countries. Good and positive stories in the midst of terrifying circumstances.

What about official communications from the authorities, compared to your home country?

I think that they both do a great job. The public is well informed and there is not much to say about the topic.

What's the one thing you wish you had taken with you into self-isolation?

Nothing actually. We have pretty much everything. Oh, no one thing I am missing, lol, henna. I have a though time to get a supply of henna dye for my hair. Now without hairdresser services I need to maintain my hairstyle as best I can (as many women today). Lush was my official supplier of henna and it is closed now and I really wish I had bought more of it while I had a chance.

One thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis.

This is not my first major crisis that affects the whole nation. I learned before how different people's reactions can be. I learned how precious life is and how short it can be. Man is not in control of anything. Again and again, I see how some react selflessly, giving to society all they can and also the opposite, totally selfish actions. And then there are the special category of people which looks at how to gain profit from crisis – we saw plenty of them during the Croatian war – the lowest of the low.

If you could be self-isolating in Croatia, where would it be, and why?

The immediate answer would be on a fully stocked sailboat with good and unlimited Internet moored somewhere near one of many unpopulated islands in Croatia, haha, that’s the dream so many of us dream. Especially with summer coming and no way to see the Adriatic soon. But the reality is that closer to my parents would be great, so Zagreb would be the answer.

Thanks, Lidija. Stay safe and see you on the other side. You can see all the stories in both this diaspora series, and the one on expats in Croatia on this link. 

TCN is starting a new feature series on Croatian diaspora experiences of sitting out COVID-19 abroad and comparing your experiences to the situation in Croatia. If you would like to contribute, the questions are below. Please also include a para about yourself and where you are from, and a link to your website if you would like. Please also send 3-4 photos minimum to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Corona Diaspora

If you would be interested to record a video version for our partners www.rplus.video please let us know in the email. Thanks and stay safe. 

Self-Isolation Voices from the Diaspora 

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels.

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue?

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue in New York in particular?

Give us a timeline on when and how life changed.

Tell us about your day. Do you/can you leave your apartment?

How are the authorities doing at handling the situation?

You obviously keep an eye on your homeland. What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis?

Compare and contrast the responses of Croatia and USA. Who is doing what better?

What about official communications from the authorities, compared to your home country?

What's the one thing you wish you had taken with you into self-isolation?

One thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis.

If you could be self-isolating in Croatia, where would it be, and why?

TCN has recently become a partner in Robert Tomic Zuber's new R+ video channel, initially telling stories about corona experiences. You can see the first TCN contribution from this morning, my video from Jelsa talking about the realities of running a news portal in the corona era below. If you would like to also submit a video interview, please find Robert's guidelines below 

VIDEO RECORDING GUIDE

The video footage should be recorded so that the cell phone is turned horizontally (landscape mode).

There are several rules for television and video news:- length is not a virtue- a picture speaks more than a thousand words

In short, this would mean that your story should not last more than 90 seconds and that everything you say in the report should be shown by video (for example, if you talk about empty streets, we should see those empty streets, etc.).

How to do it with your cell phone? First, use a selfie camera to record yourself telling your story for about a minute and a half. Ideally, it would be taken in the exterior, except in situations where you are reporting on things in the interior (quarantine, hospital, self-isolation, etc.). Also, when shooting, move freely, make sure everything is not static.

After you have recorded your report, you should capture footage that will tell your story with a picture, such as an earlier example with empty streets.

One of the basic rules of TV journalism is that the story is told in the same way as a journalist with his text. Therefore, we ask you for additional effort. Because we work in a very specific situation, sometimes you may not be able to capture footage for each sentence of the report. In this case, record the details on the streets: people walking, the main features of the city where you live, inscriptions on the windows related to the virus, etc.

The same rules apply if you are shooting a story from your apartment, self-isolation, quarantine. We also need you to capture footage that describes your story.

When shooting frames to cover your reports, it is important that you change the angle of the shot (in other words, shoot that empty street from several angles). Also, when shooting a detail, count at least five seconds before removing the camera to another detail.

The material should be about 5 minutes long (90 seconds of your report + frames to cover your story).

After recording everything, send us to Zagreb, preferably via WeTransfer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

April 5, 2020 - Do foreigners in Croatia feel more or less safe sitting out COVID-19 here than in their home country, and what are their experiences? A new series on TCN, with Tash Pericic from New Zealand in Dugi Rat as our 27th contributor.

Oxford University recently published some research on government responses to coronavirus which showed that Croatia currently has the strictest measures in the world. While inconvenient, this is a good thing in terms of reducing the spread of the virus, and I am certainly not alone in my admiration of the official Croatian handling of this crisis in recent weeks, both in terms of action and communication. 

But what do other expats here think? And how does it compare with the response in their home country? Would they rather sit this one out here or there? In the first of a new series on TCN, we will be featuring expats from all over the world to see what their views are on life in corona Croatia rather than back home. So far we have heard from expats in Croatia from Romania, USA, Ireland, UK, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Singapore, Holland, Canada, India, Hong Kong, Venezuela, Latvia, China, Honduras, Hungary, Moldova and Germany. Next up, Tash Pericic from New Zealand in Dugi Rat. 

If you would like to contribute to this series, full details are below. Now, over to Tash.

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels.

I am doing ok, I am isolated with my husband and two fur babies in Dugi Rat, just outside of Split. Our circumstance is actually very surreal because we have been working in tourism (on yachts) for years and were in the process of trying to buy our own yacht but the deal fell through. At the end of last year, we signed an agreement to work as crew for a private owner (so, not reliant on tourism). We never could have predicted this pandemic but are obviously very fortunate. At the beginning, I actually felt guilty for being ok financially but then I realised guilt helps no one. We are thankful to be in a position where we can help others and feel even more driven to do so.

We should be sailing right now...

We have been in self-isolation for 3 weeks now and honestly, it has gone quite quickly. However, we can’t complain as our situation is different to many: we have our health, we don’t have kids, we own our apartment and our income isn’t affected (for now). I am not saying this to be a smug son of a b*tch, I am saying this to preface and explain that isolation for us, doesn’t come with most of the stresses many are facing; hence, we have the energy to try and use this time productively.

This means our sanity levels are also fine. While I am definitely a social person; we work seasonally, so every winter we typically ‘self-isolate’ for a period and are used to finding ways to keep ourselves occupied. Luckily, we have a small radionica (workshop) in our basement to keep my husband busy – building furniture is his side passion. For myself, I have my writing (I recently penned an article about hope in these times) and have just started Croatian lessons via Skype; so, this is more than enough to occupy my time.

My husband keeping busy in his workshop

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue? 

Like many, I think I honestly didn’t take it seriously until measures were announced to start closing borders and then came lockdown. It feels like it all happened so fast. Maybe it is a sign of our times that we are so desensitised to news but I feel that no one (or not many) comprehended and could have predicted the situation we are in. We’ve heard of the Spanish flu but this still feels unprecedented; not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this, yet here we are.

What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis? How safe do you feel?

I am beyond impressed with how Croatia is handling this crisis. Honestly, I really didn’t expect such a response and I definitely didn’t expect people to take it so seriously. Yet, after the news was announced about being on lockdown, people were immediately off the streets where I live, the local playground was closed and covered, and social-distancing measures were put in place in the local supermarket, post office etc. While it all still feels a little eerie, I feel extremely safe living here in Croatia right now. Svaka čast Hrvatska!

Our local park has been child-free since lockdown began

Now compare that to your home country and how they are handling it. What is Croatia doing better/worse?

I feel safe and happy to be living in Croatia; however, New Zealand is also handling it well. I think the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, is one of the finest examples of leadership that we currently have in the world. Ardern’s communication is clear, concise and compassionate; they are also in lockdown, whereas their neighbour Australia is sending mixed messages and seems reluctant to take a strong stance one way or the other. I do have to boast, does anything really beat seeing the Prime Minister of a country doing live Q&A sessions on Facebook in comfy home clothes?

I can’t say that Croatia is handling things better or worse than New Zealand; I haven’t studied all communications and policies but from where I stand, both are doing an exceptional job at trying to flatten the curve, communicate clearly and take care of their citizens. I believe new economic measures are to be announced tomorrow in Croatia for ways the government plans on helping businesses. Considering a substantial chunk of Croatia’s GDP is reliant on tourism (around 20%), I am sure the Croatian government understands that it is in their best interest to protect their people and business owners; I am hoping for the best for all.

What about official communications from the authorities, compared to your home country?

Again, I think both countries are doing this well, there is clear information coming from both countries frequently and both seem to be using technology to their advantage – using all forms of media and social media to get their messages across. I watched TV for the first time yesterday and noticed that all of the ads are geared around staying inside and there is even a permanent watermark in the corner saying to stay home #ostanidoma. This blew me away. As a foreigner, I obviously can’t keep up with all of the Croatian news but thanks to TCN I feel informed. I also need to mention the articles by Igor Rudan which are some of the best articles I have read about Covid-19 and the situation we are in; these articles helped me comprehend the situation better – thank you Igor (and Lauren for translating)!

What's the one thing you wish you had taken with you into self-isolation?

Some resistance bands for training and a ukulele. The resistance bands explain themselves and I’ve always wanted to learn to play the ukulele. Mind you, writing and studying Croatian is keeping me busy enough, so it probably would have ended up on a shelf gathering dust like my guitar…

I'll settle for yoga with my fur babies.

One thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis. 

Big question, how long do you have? Seriously, I have learned a lot, this stillness is a great time to pause and reflect. I saw a post which read: “I feel like we’ve all just been put on the naughty step and been told to think about what we’ve done.” Which kinda sums it up; none of us would choose to be in this situation but now that we’re here, I believe we need to take the time to question our lives and values.

I have been doing a lot of digging into myself and questioning whether I am living out my values. While I feel ‘on track’ in a general sense, something that has come up for me is that I realised that I am still holding myself back in many ways. We all have that little voice that tries to keep us playing ‘small’ where it’s safe and I realised that I have been listening to it too often. One big positive that has come out of this for me is that I have glimpsed the absurdity of fear and self-doubt; considering everything can be taken away in the blink of an eye, protecting ourselves by playing small is ridiculous. And, considering everything going on in the world – does fear of what others think or self-doubt really have legs to stand on? For me, the answer is no.

What I have I learned about others during Crisis? I have learned that we all respond differently in crisis; it is even likely that we will flow between various stages during this period: disbelief, anger, frustration, helplessness, acceptance…  In fact, it is very similar to the stages of grief. Perhaps it is a sort of grief we are experiencing, grieving over the world we have ‘lost’ and confused about how to begin again. This time will undoubtedly bring out the best and worst in people – I see initiatives to help community cropping up, just as I see actions of greed and selfishness (the whole toilet paper drama is a good example of this), I see kindness and support on social media, just as I see judgment and criticism. What stands out to me through all of this is that now more than ever, we need to practice compassion – compassion for ourselves and others. It is a strange time for all of us, so I am trying to be far kinder to myself and find compassion for others. If I see behaviour I don’t agree with, I have been reminding myself “maybe they aren’t their best right now, you don’t know what they’re struggling with” – ironically, isn’t this how we should always treat people?

This is what has been coming up for me, as you can see, with less stresses, my mind has switched to the philosophical element of it all.

Thanks, Tash, stay safe and see you on the other side.

TCN is starting a new feature series on foreign experiences of sitting out COVID-19 here in Croatia compared to their home country. If you would like to contribute, the questions are below. Please also include a para about yourself and where you are from, and a link to your website if you would like. Please also send 3-4 photos minimum to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Corona Foreigner

If you would be interested to record a video version for our partners www.rplus.video please let us know in the email. Thanks and stay safe. 

Foreigners Self-Isolating in Croatia: Do You Feel Safer Than in Your Home Country?

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels.

What do you think about the economic measures the government is taking, are they helping your business? (PLEASE IGNORE IF THIS DOES NOT AFFECT YOU)

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue? 

What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis? How safe do you feel?

Now compare that to your home country and how they are handling it. What is Croatia doing better/worse?

What about official communications from the authorities, compared to your home country?

What's the one thing you wish you had taken with you into self-isolation.

One thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis. 

TCN has recently become a partner in Robert Tomic Zuber's new R+ video channel, initially telling stories about corona experiences. You can see the first TCN contribution from this morning, my video from Jelsa talking about the realities of running a news portal in the corona era below. If you would like to also submit a video interview, please find Robert's guidelines below 

VIDEO RECORDING GUIDE

The video footage should be recorded so that the cell phone is turned horizontally (landscape mode).

There are several rules for television and video news:- length is not a virtue- a picture speaks more than a thousand words

In short, this would mean that your story should not last more than 90 seconds and that everything you say in the report should be shown by video (for example, if you talk about empty streets, we should see those empty streets, etc.).

How to do it with your cell phone? First, use a selfie camera to record yourself telling your story for about a minute and a half. Ideally, it would be taken in the exterior, except in situations where you are reporting on things in the interior (quarantine, hospital, self-isolation, etc.). Also, when shooting, move freely, make sure everything is not static.

After you have recorded your report, you should capture footage that will tell your story with a picture, such as an earlier example with empty streets.

One of the basic rules of TV journalism is that the story is told in the same way as a journalist with his text. Therefore, we ask you for additional effort. Because we work in a very specific situation, sometimes you may not be able to capture footage for each sentence of the report. In this case, record the details on the streets: people walking, the main features of the city where you live, inscriptions on the windows related to the virus, etc.

The same rules apply if you are shooting a story from your apartment, self-isolation, quarantine. We also need you to capture footage that describes your story.

When shooting frames to cover your reports, it is important that you change the angle of the shot (in other words, shoot that empty street from several angles). Also, when shooting a detail, count at least five seconds before removing the camera to another detail.

The material should be about 5 minutes long (90 seconds of your report + frames to cover your story).

After recording everything, send us to Zagreb, preferably via WeTransfer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You can find more musings from Tash on her website or Instagram.

April 5, 2020 - With as many Croatians living abroad as in the Homeland, what are the diaspora experiences of self-isolation? In the first of a new series, Corona Voices in the Croatian Diaspora, Emanuela Peric on the current realities in Vietnam. 

Last week TCN started a feature series called Foreigner Self-Isolation In Croatia: Do You Feel Safer? I can honestly say we have never had such a response or so many incredible contributions. The countries of origin of these expats in Croatia literally from all over the world. So far we have had submissions from expats from Romania, USA, Ireland, UK, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Singapore, Holland, Canada, India, Hong Kong, Venezuela, Latvia, China, Honduras, Hungary, Moldova and Germany. You can see all their stories here. 

Given the success of the series (still going strong) and large interest, it made sense to expand it to look at this from another angle - how Croatians abroad are coping where they are. If you would like to contribute your story to Corona Voices in the Croatian Diaspora, please find the submission guidelines below. 

I contacted some of my favourite people in the diaspora to get the series started. And what better way to start than on an idyllic beach in Vietnam, with one of the craziest Croats I know - Emanuela Peric from the island of Rab. 

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels.

Xin Ciao from Nha Trang, a coastal city on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. I am currently living in a beautiful villa with four others. I am using the word “villa” here as a reminder to myself not to complain!

My roommates are my colleagues and my boss who always finds ways to keep me busy. Some I have known for years now and that gives me a “safe” feeling – it really helps with the sanity part.

Our project has been currently suspended, as have many others, and we are now focused on what to do in lockdown and we can’t (and really don’t want to) go home (Croatia, Germany, Philippines nationalities in this little self-isolation unit).

When did you realize that corona was going to be a big issue?

After spending a few months in Europe, I came back to Vietnam on 6^th of February just when it was all starting, and at that time I was sure China would contain it and the worst-case scenario would be sightseeing without Chinese guests (that didn’t sound so bad to me). But then Italy happened and each morning I woke up to a different situation in Europe, realizing more and more what’s happening and getting used to words like self-isolation, quarantine, lockdown, curfew …

I’m strolling down this beautiful beach and all of a sudden it’s like a bad movie – pandemic, deaths in Italy and then an earthquake in Zagreb!

When did you realize that corona was going to be a big issue in Nha Trang in particular?

Nha Trang and the entire Khánh Hòa Province (officially) had only one case from February 2. Life was in a way normal here until April 1 when the national lockdown started.

There were no guests, hotels and restaurants were closing down, which mostly focused on the Chinese market which is the majority in my city. We still spend days on the beach, going for dinner, drinks. It was like wintertime in Croatia only no winter and we can afford to eat and drink outside.

Give us a timeline on when and how life changed.

The Vietnamese government closed the borders with infected countries, one by one and we had only 25 cases. Then and now I still believe this is one of the safest places on Earth, from COVID-19.

At the begging of March, locals who were traveling in Europe started coming back home and bringing unwanted souvenirs. Again something from the West bothering Vietnam. With a low number of cases they announced a nationwide lockdown for the entire month of April, not taking any risks. Meaning no gathering, beaches are closed, food stores still work and food delivery.

People started washing their hands and respecting personal space – not complaining about that!

Life was cheap here, and now it's even cheaper. Prices are going down like crazy, but of course so is the unemployment rate.

Tell us about your day. Do you/can you leave your apartment?

Hello, it’s a villa! And yes, I can go out, have a walk, do some jogging, go to a local store.

I’m trying to maintain a routine, treat working days as that and weekends for drinking, and sleeping longer.

With the internet there are so many things to keep you busy and there are also house chores. Then you have Netflix. It’s time to learn yoga and finish that Russian course. All those books I got for my Kindle will have their turn. Finally I have time to edit all those GoPro videos, and I’m learning how to play chess.

I have been promoted to Executive Laundry Manager of our little house. One bin for white, one for black and one for color!.

How are the authorities doing at handling the situation?

This is a Communist state – I think that speaks for itself... There is no joking around and they don’t say something twice, particularly if you are a foreigner. I’m not playing western music too loud lately...

All jokes aside, Vietnam is doing well controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. There are 239 confirmed cases as I’m writing this, in a country of 96 million.

You obviously keep an eye on your homeland. What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis?

What should I say about this that will not make my blood pressure jump?

COVID–19 is not the problem, UHLJEBI are the problem. We got the middle finger from our embassy in Malaysia while other countries are localizing their citizens around the world, evacuating them, making them feel like there is someone thinking of them.

The crisis is yet to come, hopefully a big change too.

Compare and contrast the responses of Croatia and Vietnam. Who is doing what better?

Difficult to compare, it’s easier to close borders here and I’m not fully familiar with all the economic measures Vietnam is doing to help the locals but I’m sure there is a lot less paperwork involved.

The good thing for both countries is that they reacted quickly, but the Croatians still seem a bit unaware that they need to stay inside.

What about official communications from the authorities, compared to your home country?

Expat community here has clear information and the locals as well. We all know what we can and cannot do. We get SMS daily with reminders to stay at home and to wash our hands. As back home, there is a van with speaker driving around and reminding people to go home. Police is everywhere, making sure you don’t brake social distancing rules.

If there is a difference to mention then is that of Face Masks, Vietnamese and most South East Asians wore them religiously before so of course more so now.

What's the one thing you wish you had taken with you into self-isolation?

Hahaha.. I would have gotten myself a boyfriend, weed and more alcohol!

One thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis.

I do panic sometimes and I too get scared.

Those who didn’t have time for a video call before COVID-19 don’t have time now as well.

And I’m super interested in what is going to happen to our Uhljeb’s!

If you could be self-isolating in Croatia, where would it be, and why?

You mean spend another winter on a Croatian island ??

I don’t want to be in Croatia, isolation or not! Unless we are throwing Molotov cocktails at St. Mark’s Square!

Thanks Emanuela, nice to see some places are safe and life still almost a little normal. Stay safe and maybe I will join you on St. Mark's Square when the time is right... 

TCN is starting a new feature series on Croatian diaspora experiences of sitting out COVID-19 abroad and comparing your experiences to the situation in Croatia. If you would like to contribute, the questions are below. Please also include a para about yourself and where you are from, and a link to your website if you would like. Please also send 3-4 photos minimum to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Corona Diaspora

If you would be interested to record a video version for our partners www.rplus.video please let us know in the email. Thanks and stay safe. 

Self-Isolation Voices from the Diaspora 

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels.

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue?

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue in New York in particular?

Give us a timeline on when and how life changed.

Tell us about your day. Do you/can you leave your apartment?

How are the authorities doing at handling the situation?

You obviously keep an eye on your homeland. What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis?

Compare and contrast the responses of Croatia and USA. Who is doing what better?

What about official communications from the authorities, compared to your home country?

What's the one thing you wish you had taken with you into self-isolation?

One thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis.

If you could be self-isolating in Croatia, where would it be, and why?

TCN has recently become a partner in Robert Tomic Zuber's new R+ video channel, initially telling stories about corona experiences. You can see the first TCN contribution from this morning, my video from Jelsa talking about the realities of running a news portal in the corona era below. If you would like to also submit a video interview, please find Robert's guidelines below 

VIDEO RECORDING GUIDE

The video footage should be recorded so that the cell phone is turned horizontally (landscape mode).

There are several rules for television and video news:- length is not a virtue- a picture speaks more than a thousand words

In short, this would mean that your story should not last more than 90 seconds and that everything you say in the report should be shown by video (for example, if you talk about empty streets, we should see those empty streets, etc.).

How to do it with your cell phone? First, use a selfie camera to record yourself telling your story for about a minute and a half. Ideally, it would be taken in the exterior, except in situations where you are reporting on things in the interior (quarantine, hospital, self-isolation, etc.). Also, when shooting, move freely, make sure everything is not static.

After you have recorded your report, you should capture footage that will tell your story with a picture, such as an earlier example with empty streets.

One of the basic rules of TV journalism is that the story is told in the same way as a journalist with his text. Therefore, we ask you for additional effort. Because we work in a very specific situation, sometimes you may not be able to capture footage for each sentence of the report. In this case, record the details on the streets: people walking, the main features of the city where you live, inscriptions on the windows related to the virus, etc.

The same rules apply if you are shooting a story from your apartment, self-isolation, quarantine. We also need you to capture footage that describes your story.

When shooting frames to cover your reports, it is important that you change the angle of the shot (in other words, shoot that empty street from several angles). Also, when shooting a detail, count at least five seconds before removing the camera to another detail.

The material should be about 5 minutes long (90 seconds of your report + frames to cover your story).

After recording everything, send us to Zagreb, preferably via WeTransfer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

April 5, 2020 - Do foreigners in Croatia feel more or less safe sitting out COVID-19 here than in their home country, and what are their experiences? A new series on TCN, with Tamara Shatkova from Moldova under quarantine on Murter as our 26th contributor.

Oxford University recently published some research on government responses to coronavirus which showed that Croatia currently has the strictest measures in the world. While inconvenient, this is a good thing in terms of reducing the spread of the virus, and I am certainly not alone in my admiration of the official Croatian handling of this crisis in recent weeks, both in terms of action and communication. 

But what do other expats here think? And how does it compare with the response in their home country? Would they rather sit this one out here or there? In the first of a new series on TCN, we will be featuring expats from all over the world to see what their views are on life in corona Croatia rather than back home. So far we have heard from expats in Croatia from Romania, USA, Ireland, UK, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Singapore, Holland, Canada, India, Hong Kong, Venezuela, Latvia, China, Honduras, Hungary and Germany. Next up, Tamara Shatkova from Moldova under quarantine on Murter.

If you would like to contribute to this series, full details are below. Now, over to Tamara.

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels.

We are very well, thank you! My husband, 7-year-old daughter and I live in Murter, which as you probably know and saw on the news is under strict quarantine! We cannot leave the island and actually are advised to not even leave our houses unless we need to go to the grocery shop or pharmacy. I personally have not left the house for 20 days. My husband does all the shopping for us and is also volunteering at the local Civil Protection Headquarters.

In my opinion, Murter has done an amazing job to slow down the spread of the infection and to keep its citizens safe.

One nice addition to our daily routine happens at 15:00 when we all sing the Murter anthem, and at 20:00 we all get out and send bengaljke (flares) into the air!

Everything has been closed since March 16^th, even before the lockdown in Zagreb and the rest of Croatia with quite strict restrictions: no more than 5 people can enter the grocery shop at the time, everyone needs to keep a distance of minimum 2 meters, wear face masks, gloves and disinfect your hands and shoes. We try to keep it the same at home: no shoes or jackets from outside, wash hands regularly and stay healthy! Lots of hot liquids and vitamin C!

(Beautiful Murter on April 2, 2020)

What do you think about the economic measures the government is taking, are they helping your business?

My husband has a restaurant and I’m a wedding planner, so we are totally depending on tourism, which is currently one of the most affected sectors not just in Croatia, but all over the world. My parents who are in Moldova are facing similar problems, all apartment bookings have been cancelled all the way until June, as the country is also in complete isolation.

As for weddings, so far most of the couples who planned May and early June weddings have postponed them to later dates in September, October or moved them to 2021. We all know it's going be a difficult season, but I'm always staying positive and hope for the best!

In terms of financial help from the government towards small business, so far, we have not received any support, but we have filled out the application form and are waiting for a response.

Back home, in Moldova, no funding or extensions were provided for business and everyone is obliged to pay the salaries and taxes even though everything has been shut down. So far, there is only talk and no real actions or help from the Moldavan government.

What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis? How safe do you feel?

I don’t watch much TV, but what I have seen so far, I’m pretty impressed at how the Croatian Government is handling the pandemic and communicating to the public. Huge applause to Vili Beroš and Alemka Markotic. I feel very safe and am looking forward for this to be over.

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue? 

On the morning of 16th March we went out for a coffee and we were told that tby15:00 everything would have to be closed down, including all F&B outlets. We had just opened our restaurant for the season two days before. Murter was full of tourists and preparing for big regattas. We never thought this was going to last so long, and I was hoping that they would solve it in a few weeks and we could get on with our lives, but since then a lot has changed. All spring regattas have been cancelled, and the island now has few coronavirus cases and we are in complete isolation under quarantine.

Now compare that to your home country and how they are handling it. What is Croatia doing better/worse?

I think both Croatia and Moldova are doing a pretty good job.

Moldova stopped all flights from Italy as soon as we got the first few cases of coronavirus. I think they reacted really quickly and that has helped to keep the numbers quite low. Plus they have put big fines for those who leave self-isolation and for businesses who keep working. In Croatia, this came at a much later stage. Here in Murter in March, we had tourists from nearby European countries who were supposed to be in self-isolation but they were going out and drinking with locals. I wish they have brought up self-isolation restrictions and fines at a much earlier stage.

My advice what to do:

Always stay positive and be thankful for what you have! Use this time to spend with your family and kids! Do something that you didn’t have time to do before! Read, take an online course or perhaps start learning another language! See what else you are good at and how you can make your business even better, as the world won’t be the same after this is over! Nowadays, there are so many opportunities so use this time wisely!

Thanks, Tamara, stay safe and see you on the other side. If you are thinking of tying the knot and are looking for a fabulous wedding planner to help you along the way, look no further than Tamara and Adriatic Weddings Croatia.

TCN is starting a new feature series on foreign experiences of sitting out COVID-19 here in Croatia compared to their home country. If you would like to contribute, the questions are below. Please also include a para about yourself and where you are from, and a link to your website if you would like. Please also send 3-4 photos minimum to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Corona Foreigner

If you would be interested to record a video version for our partners www.rplus.video please let us know in the email. Thanks and stay safe. 

Foreigners Self-Isolating in Croatia: Do You Feel Safer Than in Your Home Country?

Firstly, how are you? Are you alone/with someone? Tell us a little about your situation and sanity levels.

What do you think about the economic measures the government is taking, are they helping your business? (PLEASE IGNORE IF THIS DOES NOT AFFECT YOU)

When did you realise that corona was going to be a big issue? 

What is your impression of the way Croatia is dealing with the crisis? How safe do you feel?

Now compare that to your home country and how they are handling it. What is Croatia doing better/worse?

What about official communications from the authorities, compared to your home country?

What's the one thing you wish you had taken with you into self-isolation.

One thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis. 

TCN has recently become a partner in Robert Tomic Zuber's new R+ video channel, initially telling stories about corona experiences. You can see the first TCN contribution from this morning, my video from Jelsa talking about the realities of running a news portal in the corona era below. If you would like to also submit a video interview, please find Robert's guidelines below 

VIDEO RECORDING GUIDE

The video footage should be recorded so that the cell phone is turned horizontally (landscape mode).

There are several rules for television and video news:- length is not a virtue- a picture speaks more than a thousand words

In short, this would mean that your story should not last more than 90 seconds and that everything you say in the report should be shown by video (for example, if you talk about empty streets, we should see those empty streets, etc.).

How to do it with your cell phone? First, use a selfie camera to record yourself telling your story for about a minute and a half. Ideally, it would be taken in the exterior, except in situations where you are reporting on things in the interior (quarantine, hospital, self-isolation, etc.). Also, when shooting, move freely, make sure everything is not static.

After you have recorded your report, you should capture footage that will tell your story with a picture, such as an earlier example with empty streets.

One of the basic rules of TV journalism is that the story is told in the same way as a journalist with his text. Therefore, we ask you for additional effort. Because we work in a very specific situation, sometimes you may not be able to capture footage for each sentence of the report. In this case, record the details on the streets: people walking, the main features of the city where you live, inscriptions on the windows related to the virus, etc.

The same rules apply if you are shooting a story from your apartment, self-isolation, quarantine. We also need you to capture footage that describes your story.

When shooting frames to cover your reports, it is important that you change the angle of the shot (in other words, shoot that empty street from several angles). Also, when shooting a detail, count at least five seconds before removing the camera to another detail.

The material should be about 5 minutes long (90 seconds of your report + frames to cover your story).

After recording everything, send us to Zagreb, preferably via WeTransfer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.