April 2, 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 Mirza Sarhan from India in Zagreb as our 16th 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 and Germany. Next up, Mirza Sarhan from India in Zagreb.

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

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

I have been doing okay. Carrying on and trying hard to keep my optimism up. Even though you are in self-isolation, time flies by very quickly and in a week or so the routine sets you up but with a routine like this, there is immense mediocrity that scares you. I work & study in Croatia and I have to take my yearly vacation to India. It’s been 2 years, I haven't seen my father and a year since I met my mother. Unfortunately, I had to cancel my trip due to Coronavirus. I had a play for SKAZ at Theatre Knapp; the festival got cancelled. Uncertain future, homesickness and a rush of feelings. Currently, I share my apartment with my girlfriend who is from Croatia.  

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

As I work here in Zagreb, I have to say I am very lucky to be a part of a company that truly cares about its employees. I work as a Community Manager for EX-ALTO Events & Consulting; My employer has been actively involved in ensuring we utilise all the economic reforms the government of Croatia announced and made sure it’s employees don’t suffer. 

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

Generally, I believe I am a person who is vividly curious about the world and current affairs. I have been studying the trace of the virus since first it was discovered in China. I had a sense of assumption that it might go big considering how connected we are as humans today; Though I realised the seriousness of the matter once I saw the outbreak in Italy. As Croatia shares its borders with Italy, I knew, now is the time to react. 

I must admit I truly admire how Croatia as a nation is currently dealing with the pandemic. I believe the numbers speak for itself. Initially, I thought, we are a bit slow in initiating measures, but once the first measures were announced and until today, all I have is appreciation on the way things have been handled. Be it cancelling of events, closing borders and intercity travel, measures like these definitely make you feel safe here. I always follow the everyday live conference by our designated dignitaries.

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

I was raised in the Gulf, but originally I come from India. Coming from such a highly populated country, I believe the comparison won’t be right; Though I can talk about how India is handling it and what could have done better. The Indian government wasn't late at all with taking this virus seriously. Looking at the number of cases, The Indian Government has done a tremendous job of containing the virus. The whole nation is on a lockdown till the end of April; Borders for all kinds of international travel are closed. The government also announced some economic reforms for the poor of the country.

Still, considering its population, I think the job is hard and will take immense cooperation from the citizens of India. The biggest mishap from the Indian Government was a sheer miscalculation of not thinking about the poor of the nation. Huge populations of daily wage labourers were affected and with transportation suspended, couldn't reach their hometowns. I also fear Indians lack the medical equipment for our health workers who are at the front line. Croatia is definitely doing a great job in managing the movement of citizens, maintaining distancing between people and I believe support from the health centers for testing is good too. Croatia also recently ordered tons of health equipment from China and UAE. 

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

All the schools, shopping centers, Cinemas, small and medium-size businesses are shut down, with the international and nationwide ban of movement in India. Grocery stores, pharmacies are open every day. Anyone who violates the isolation is meant to serve a prison term of 2 years. I believe India and Croatia both have very strict measures and hence no major outbreak has happened. 

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

A Playstation 4 for sure! 

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

Patience, belief and perseverance are my biggest values and strengths during a crisis like this. Uncertainty truly scares me; When you have drafted a plan for yourself in 2020 and when everything goes to vain, it’s very hard to be optimistic; But I have slowly learned to accept and slow down. I have understood, now are the times to stop running and enjoy the view. To come closer and learn about our inner soul and the people around you with a conscience of becoming better human beings. 

I have also learned that at the end of the day, no matter who you are, rich/poor, old/young, no matter where you live, we all are one. We all are humans and we are vulnerable together and we can truly come together in need at the mercy of Planet Earth. Thanks.

My name is Mirza Sarhan, originally I am from India but I was raised in the Gulf. Currently, I study acting at the International Art's Centre, Zagreb and work as a Community Manager at EX-ALTO event management and consultancy. As a freelancer, I create videos for my YouTube Channel, write letters for people, design presentations and write articles. I co-founded The Film Society Zagreb. You can learn more about Mirza Sarhan here.

Mirza, 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 2, 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 Rene Pronk from Holland in Zumberak as our 15th 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, Canada and Germany. Next up, Rene Pronk from Holland, who lives in Zumberak.

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

Thanks Rene, 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 2, 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 Amanda Blanch from the UK on Hvar as our 14th 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, Canada and Germany. Next up, Brit Amanda Blanch in Stari Grad on Hvar.

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

Thanks Amanda, 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 2, 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 Gina Jaram from Canada on Solta as our 12th 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 and Germany. Next up, Canadian Gina Jaram on the island of Solta near Split.

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

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 2, 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 Kathy Steward from the UK in Dubrovnik as our 12th 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 and Germany. Next up, Brit Kathy Steward from Dubrovnik.

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

Thanks Kathy, 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 2, 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 Tim Bourcier from the USA in Split as our 11th 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 and Germany. Next up, American Tim Bourcier from his home in Split.

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

Thanks Tim, 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 2, 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 Clarisse Bay from Singapore as our 9th 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 and Germany. Next up, our first Asian perspective with Clarisse Bay from Singapore, who is now living in Zagreb.

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

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

I am doing well alone. My last job assignment was in December as I went back to Singapore in January this year to spend time with my family and friends during the Chinese New Year. My family had also planned to visit me in Croatia, which was supposed to happen in 3 weeks' time. However, we had to instead spend more time dealing with hotel cancellations and flight cancellations and dealing with travel insurance to retrieve what could not be refunded. 

Currently, I am spending my time in self-isolation to brush up on my Croatian language skills. My daily routine, other than the usual social media, comprises of self-learning Croatian language, watching movies and series on Netflix and chatting with my friends from Singapore. This is basically how I pass the time and remain sane despite being cooped up at home.

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

It is not helping as my business is in the tourism industry, which was the first to be impacted as strict measures were introduced and affected citizens of many nationalities who wished to travel to Croatia. Many businesses like mine which are in the tourism industry are fearing having to close down our business with limited or no help despite being the first and direct impact of this virus. Of course, we understand the government is not to blame and appreciate if any measures would be able to help tide us through this time. However, taxes will be delayed for businesses for 3 months, meaning after this 3 months, we have to pay back the taxes. Delaying the taxes may be a measure, however it means we are expected to work doubly or triply hard to make up for the losses we suffered and the taxes we did not earn, to pay back to the government. 

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

When I went back to Singapore back in January, it was already spreading in Wuhan in China. Being in the same continent, and reading articles about Wuhan residents fleeing in swarms to other countries, I could not help but feel worried, especially as Singapore was one of the top 3 countries the residents fled to. It reminded me of the times when we had SARS. Fortunately for me, I returned to Croatia at the end of January, which I thought was an escape to sanctuary. Life went on as usual for me in Croatia, as I read about the spread of coronavirus in Asia. Less than a month later, it struck Italy and it struck hard. This time, there was no place I could escape to. Croatia started having its own coronavirus patients and the numbers in Singapore were also increasing. It was increasing exponentially around the world, people were dying and reality became a scary thing. When I wake up every morning, the news will be about coronavirus. News of coronavirus is also trending on social media. Countries are in lockdown, airlines are cancelling operations. Now, this is a BIG issue. I belong to the Gen Y and throughout my life, I have never witnessed any countries in lockdown or flights suspending operations. 

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

Croatia is dealing with it well so far, I am very pleased to say. Croatia implemented measures right from the start, instead of waiting for a certain tipping point before implementing those measures. Sometimes it can cause a little bit of inconveniences as public buses are available only for those with passes. However, it makes me feel safe. Sometimes when I do grocery runs, the need to queue up to enter the stores reminds me of the current situation. It hits me hard that the virus is still here and we need to adhere to the preventive measures strictly. I imagine if we were allowed to live life as per usual, most of us would not be constantly reminded of this deadly virus. With all the preventive measures in place, I feel safe. 

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

Back in Singapore, the virus started on January 23. The first cases in Singapore were actually Chinese tourists in the country and there was no community spreading yet. However, even with new cases surfacing and numbers going up, a couple of clusters, a couple of unlinked cases sometimes, Singapore did not implement preventive measures as strictly as Croatia did. For now, Singapore has 1000 cases and the ministry has implemented social distancing measures. In Singapore, everything is working as per normal except for entertainment outlets such as night clubs, movie theatres and the likes which will remain closed until the end of April. People are still allowed to go out as long as they maintain social distancing, shopping centers and restaurants are open. Measures may be in place, however some people feel they are still allowed to go out, and that is not helping to curb this virus from spreading. 

In fact, when I heard about the measures that were going to be implemented here, I hesitated and pondered about returning to Singapore, where I would just have to serve a 14-day Stay Home Notice upon arrival and after that, I could live a normal life, to go out with friends and family. It sounded attractive enough until I looked into the seriousness of this issue. I realized the privilege of being allowed to go out is for people who really needed to go out for valid reasons, that they did not have to apply for permits to go out like in some areas of China and Italy. That was when I decided to be responsible and stay in Croatia instead of being selfish to return to Singapore just so I could lead a "normal life" while hindering the efforts of the rest of the world trying to curb this virus.

Having said that, the Singapore government has come up with a huge sum of almost $55b to aid its citizens through these tough times and I am really proud that Singapore is looking after all its citizens in times of recession. 

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

The statistics of the virus are updated at the end of every day via the evening news aired on TV. Other than that, if one is affected by self-isolation measures, stay home notices or a close contact of a newly tested patient, all communications are done swiftly and clearly. I will say in Croatia and Singapore, official communications from authorities are clear. 

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

Nothing. My phone is the most important thing for me and it is always with me. With my phone, I can get in contact with anyone I want to, thanks to technology. 

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

I have learned that many things in life are just 'wants' and not 'needs'. In this time of self-isolation, practically nothing is working and I can still live without entertainment outlets such as shopping, cinemas and bars. 

Honestly, I feel like I am living in my own world now and I have not spent enough time with anyone to learn about others. However, I am still grateful for very kind people during these times, who actually start free online lessons such as language or yoga lessons. That is really wonderful!

Thanks Clarisse, 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 2, 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 Celia Abril Paredes from Spain in Zagreb as our 8th 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 and Germany. Next up, one of the worst-affected countries by VOVID-19 - Spain. How is it going with Celia Abril Paredes in Zagreb?

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

My name is Celia Abril, I’m 26 and I am from La Coruña, Spain. I moved to Zagreb almost 4 years ago because of my boyfriend who is Croatian and works in Zagreb. During my first year here I did an internship at the Spanish Embassy, then I started teaching Spanish and I recently opened my own business, is a Spanish igraonica (Ludoteka Abril www.ludotekaabril.com) for children aged from 1 to 12 years old to learn Spanish through play, art and dance.

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

I am with my boyfriend and our dog. Since we are allowed to walk him every day we have been able to get some fresh air and that helps a lot. So in general I can say that I am okay, although I am feeling a bit anxious about the whole situation, especially for my family and friends back in Spain, because over there things are particularly dangerous.

This situation has affected both my personal and my business life, because I was going to get married here in Zagreb at the end of June, but we have decided to postpone it as we don’t think it is going to be safe. We had over 100 guests coming over from Spain, including children and elders. It was a sad and difficult decision to make but it was the right thing to do.

I also had to close my business which I opened last September (I own a Spanish igraonica located in Zagreb). I decided to close as soon as the government closed all the schools, and this has been especially hard because we were just beginning to get everything going. 

However, overall I am feeling grateful that me and all my family and friends are well and healthy.

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

I did apply for the economic help that the government is providing although I am still waiting for the resolution. I personally think they are good measures considering the circumstances, and much better than the help that is being offered in Spain for business owners.

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

I honestly never expected it to be this big, but I realised it back at the end of February as I traveled to France and just when I got back at the airport they made sure I didn’t come from any of the countries which by then were the most affected ones. At that moment it really hit me that we were going to face something big.

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

I think Croatia is doing a great job, and I am proud and amazed by how quickly they reacted. They took great preventive measures and they didn’t wait for the problem to gt out of hand. However, I do think that it would be good if Croatia added more control over people who manage to gather in groups and don’t respect the social distancing. It is hard to believe, but some people still don’t take it seriously.

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

In Spain the government has handled it incredibly badly, so it is the opposite scenario to Croatia. Instead of carrying out preventive measures as they did in Croatia, they let the situation get out of control. They kept denying the danger and allowed large group gatherings such as sporting events and manifestations (such as the one for International Women's Day on 8th March) until very recently. They only imposed measures when it had already become a health emergency. 

I think here in Croatia the authorities have being doing a good job and in general people has trust in the management, but as the coronavirus advances in Spain and the number of infected and deceased rises, the confidence in the Spanish government's management is falling and all the appreciation is concentrated on the health workers, the state security forces and the Armed Forces.

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

Regarding the issue of the number of cases, I believe no country is being 100% honest and that in general the number of infected is much higher than the official figures.

For example, a study showed that in Spain 31.6 percent of the population showed that they know a case of infection in their closest circles or work environment. According to this fact, there would be almost 15 million people who would have some case of infection in their closest environment, so this figure that does not match the official number of confirmed coronavirus infections.

Regarding daily communications on measures and restrictions, I am more focused on those issued by Croatia because they affect my life more directly, and I think health authorities have been very specific and clear when addressing citizens, as opposed to Spain, where communication has been rather confusing.

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

My family.

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

One positive thing I learned about others, especially from the Spanish, is that even though citizens inside the same country may be very different, with different beliefs and points of view, when things get really ugly they are capable of focusing on what is really important and come together to help and support each other.

And one thing I personally learned from this awful situation was to value more the little things that I normally take for granted, such as just going out with my friends or being able to travel to Spain to see my family whenever I want. When these things were suddenly taken away from me I realised just how much I had taken them for granted.

Thanks Celia, 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 1, 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 Jo Ahearne from London on Hvar as our 7th 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. Having started with an excellent contribution from Romanian Mirela Rus, American/Irishman Jason Berry, Tin Bojanic from Argentine and Gabriela Lopez Zubiria from Mexico, all in Split, Steve Gaunt in an English pub in a field in the middle of nowhere near Vinkovci, Barbara Grauning from Munich in Istria - a first look at self-isolation on a Croatian island, thanks to Master of Wine Jo Ahearne, who is feeling a little safer in Stari Grad on Hvar than Borisland... 

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

Last night before self-isolation.

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

I think sanity levels really change not just day to day but at times hour to hour. I live alone in an apartment in Stari Grad. I’m lucky as it has a nice south-facing balcony with a view over the town and the hills. That makes a huge difference. I oscillate between panic and acceptance to be fair. I’ve pretty much run out of wine to sell and can’t bottle new vintages so that’s an issue but the world is full of closed restaurants so there’s no customers anyhow. I consult in Sicily and India so that’s ground to a halt as well. But I know there are so many people in much more dire situations and with Spring arriving at least the sun is there to warm you up and cheer your spirit. And I have my daily walks by the sea to bring me some sanity.

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

To be honest I’ve found out most of my information from the great interview you did with Mirela the other day and am looking into if I can apply for help. If I can it will save me big time. The Croatian government seems to be acting swiftly.

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

I think when the Italian government put the first eleven municipalities into quarantine in February really made me sit up and take notice that it was going to be a global problem.

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

Super impressed with how Vili Beros and Alemka Markotic are communicating and being pro-active. Early self isolation for travellers from infected regions swiftly followed by imposition of quarantine for those people.Super impressed with how Vili Beros and Alemka Markotic are communicating and being pro-active. 

Clarity of which regions are to be quarantined and which self isolated. Closing the schools on 13th March followed by restaurants, bars, shops etc and public transport less than a week later. At that time there hadn’t been any deaths and very few positive tests. Acting so quickly, decisively and firmly has saved many lives.

I definitely feel safe. At first people were still congregating. You could see people all sitting on the terraces of closed cafés chatting. Supermarkets didn’t use gloves when handling food. But really quickly that changed. Now only 3 people are allowed in a shop at one time, everyone wears gloves, you get your hands sanitised on entry and (mostly) people obey the 2m rule if you do happen to come across someone while you’re out.

No one is panic buying on the island. I just would not be able to keep such a distance in London however much people are now trying to do so. Too many people and not enough space.

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

The UK has been a total disaster  Boris Johnson should be ashamed of himself. His party has systematically undermined and underfunded the NHS for a decade and now he has exhibited such a cavalier attitude it’s frightening. He merrily told everyone he was shaking hands with people with coronavirus. Talk about lead by example!

He makes jokes about ‘operation last gasp’ when discussing to production of much-needed ventilators while his government stated they refused to take part in an EU order that would have seen 30,000 machines come to the UK because we are no longer part of the EU. Then days later when they realised the population were a tad upset they put Brexit before breathing they changed the story and said the ‘email from the EU got lost’.

And then there was the concept of ‘herd immunity’ he spouted for a few weeks till someone did the maths in anticipated number of deaths from this approach and that was quietly sidelined. Ditto ‘people at home don’t need to be tested’ followed a few weeks later by we shall ramp up testing to 25,000 a day’. Meanwhile staff at hospitals don’t have enough masks and protective clothing. Or indeed tests.  

Even the FA suspended Premiership football by 13th March while on the 16th Johnson was still advising people best not to travel and to work from home.  Businesses were begging him to make a clear policy so they could act. At this time there was still only 35 deaths.  He didn’t close schools till the 18th, bars etc on the 20th and lockdown not till 23rd. As of today there have been 2,352 deaths - a rise of 563 on the previous day.

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

I think I’ve covered that above. It’s the lack of leadership in the UK, the lack of clarity, the lack of decisiveness and the lack of empathy. Meanwhile here I’ve seen the complete opposite. Obviously I’m reading translations from the team at TCN but I feel the tone is supportive and empathetic. Great job on keeping the non-Croatian speaking residents up to speed by the way.

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

 It’s not realistic to have all my family and friends with me in isolation so I guess it’d be a time machine so I could go back to give everyone the biggest hug before we all got locked away.

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

I pretty much had two years of isolation when I first moved to Hvar so I had already learnt that I am a social being and need people. I guess I’ve realised how ever much I tell myself I’ll read all those books I end up binge-watching Netflix like the sloth that I am. I think we all knew that the human race is a dichotomy. We see acts of selflessness equally balanced by people behaving selfishly - be it panic buying or continuing to go out. The one thing that I has surprised me is the world’s obsession with toilet paper.....

Thanks Jo, stay safe and see you on the other side.  We will all be ready for a bottle or three of quality vino when this is all over, and there are few bottles better than the range produced by Jo Ahearne MW - have a look and follow at what lies in store at Ahearne Vino Facebook Page.

You can find more foreigner corona stories in our dedicated section here.

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 1, 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 Tin Bojanic from Argentina our sixth 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. Having started with an excellent contribution from Romanian Mirela Rus, American/Irishman Jason Berry in Split and Gabriela Lopez Zubiria from Mexico, Steve Gaunt in an English pub in a field in the middle of nowhere near Vinkovci, Barbara Grauning from Munich in Istria - time to go back to Split via Buenos Aires with Tin Bojanic, the popular owner of Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar. 

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

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

I am like everyone I guess, wishing that this nightmare would finish as soon as possible. I am with my family and we are all good. I own a bar (Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar) in Split’s Old Town, and apart from financial losses, the big issue these days is that the City looks like it does at Christmas or New Year’s, a ghost town, and there are no police around, so crime is enjoying a big party. To protect our businesses, we arranged with other owners, to walk around town checking on our properties and trying to clean the trash a little bit from the previous evening.

Also, there is a park where I live which has people drinking all night long, fighting each other and not allowing us to sleep, and leaving big amounts of trash behind that nobody ever will come to pick up or clean.

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

I do remember the previous flu viruses when I was living in Madrid, so it is not new to me to see people with masks around town. But I realized this one was different in February at Rome airport when I went through security in one minute because it was almost empty. And I started to get worried when politicians started to talk over scientists: nothing scares people more than that.

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

I understand that nobody was prepared for this around the world; this are times where people should understand the importance of choosing good leaders.

I follow the idea that you have to pause this horror movie so you can organize the health system for when you will have to press play again. The virus is not going to disappear, and you will have to deal with that. My main concern is that Dalmatia, in this case, cannot get through without a season, and unfortunately Croatia cannot isolate itself as it does not produce all goods needed for its people (hopefully we learn from this too).  

But I feel cheated when I do my part, staying home, and only going to check on the bar for protection, and then I see all older people - who are at the biggest risk- during daylight sitting on the park in front of my house, and at night, as there are no bars, people drinking on the streets. Why I am paying taxes if bars cannot sell alcohol but stores are good for that? No controls, more trash, and beers being sold without receipts.

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

I am from Argentina -and Croatian as well- and I am in contact with my people and very well informed about what is going on there. The quarantine is stricter there than here, but the army and security forces are doing their job.  Argentina is better in that, if the government is smart enough, it can satisfy all needs and goods for its people as the country produces all, but there are many poor neighborhoods that if this virus gets in will be a total disaster.

On the other hand, in Argentina are talking about very low salaries of politicians and to deal with taxes in a circumstantial way. Here there are no clear rules of what is going to happen regarding that and that was always the main problem for business in Croatia.

It is good that here they understood that running is very important as runners are in low risk to get the virus. In some countries they did not allow it at the beginning and now they make it happen again as they have learned. The world is learning day by day.

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

Up to now all the information that I got was by word of the mouth as on media is very confusing and they contradict themselves. To be honest, TCN was always one of my sources of news, and nowadays it has become a landmark against fake news.

In Argentina politicians are using this mess to position themselves trying to look they have an answer to everything and doing most of things wrong; but here in Croatia I think politicians would love to hide away and not face this situation.

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

My friends say to me that I should do the self-isolation at the bar where I have everything to survive: music, cinema, alcohol, cheeses and prosciutto…

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

As a journalist I have been in conflict zones so is not the first time that I have to adapt myself to what is going on around. If I can read, I am good.

My concern is that for most people is going to be hard to be all day at home, especially in Dalmatia where people love to be on the streets. But the main thing is going to be - if quarantine is extended-  that who is not going to run the risk of a virus if you are hungry or you need a job? If this goes on you will see few heroic acts and many miserable actions between people.

Not to finish on a depressing note I would like to say that we will make it through and Croatia will proclaim independence once again, this time from a miserable invisible enemy.

ABOUT MYSELF. I am a Croatian citizen and I was borne in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I am a writer and journalist and I always had businesses like restaurants, magazines, editorials... and bars.  My grandmother was from Stari Grad Hvar, and years ago I came to Croatia looking for to do something here. I found the House of Marulic destroyed in the Old Town of Split and I decided to refurbished and to take care of the building. Now, to tribute the Father of Croatian Literature, I opened 6 years ago a Library Jaz Bar, where the jazz was my decision as it would not work out with only medieval music. Now Croatia is my home too.

Thanks Tin, stay safe and see you on the other side.  You can follow events at his bar and join him for a drink when all this over via the official Facebook page.

You can find more foreigner corona stories in our dedicated section here.

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.