April 27, 2020 - Summer in Split this year will not traditionally begin with the Mediterranean Film Festival, as the 13th edition is officially postponed.

While we should have announced that there are just 40 days left until the beginning of the Mediterranean Film Festival Split, unfortunately, this summer will not traditionally begin at the Bacvice Summer Cinema.

However, the happy news is that the festival has not been canceled, like many other festivals around the country. Instead, one of the most valuable Croatian cultural summer events has been postponed.

"We should have written to you today that there are still 40 days left until the 13th Mediterranean Film Festival Split and we would certainly publish part of the program on this occasion. Instead, we must confirm what you have already assumed: The 13th FMFS will not take place on the scheduled date of June 4-13. However, it will not be canceled - this summer will not begin with FMFS, but the FMFS will start as soon as possible. The selection is almost done, and we are organizationally more than ready and waiting for a license to operate the cinema. Have a little patience and soon we will be hanging out at the Bacvice Summer Cinema and the Golden Gate Cinema with the best Mediterranean film creations of the past year," the organizers announced on their page.

The organizers told film lovers that they could enjoy their films at VOD and the new Kino Mediteran live option starting Monday, April 27. 

"In our virtual cinema, you will have the opportunity to socialize with music before and after the film, and chatting is possible for those who want it during the screening - the 'chatbots' from the cinema can finally comment without disturbing anyone!

In the film Who You Think I Am, Juliette Binoche stars as Claire, a 48-year-old college professor who is 24-year-old Clara on the Internet, an intern at a fashion events company. She created a fake Facebook profile for Claire to spy on her ex-lover, but soon starts dating the young Alex," writes FMFS on its Facebook page. 

In addition to the announcement, this year's festival visual of Karlo Kazinoti was also published, with the FMFS logo on the playing card of the king.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 27, 2020 - As the 2020 tourism season is in question, the Mayor of Supetar is looking to keep ferry prices fair for locals and potential tourists traveling between Split and Brac this year. 

Dalmacija Danas reports:

"Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the still questionable 2020 tourist season, on Friday, I sent a letter to the Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure and the Coastal Shipping Agency to delay the adoption of the seasonal price list for coastal shipping and to keep winter ferry fares throughout the 2020 business year, intending to create a more favorable framework for the arrival of tourists to the Croatian islands after the eventual cessation of the virus," Supetar Mayor Ivana Markovic said Sunday morning. 

Tourism, along with agriculture, fisheries, and crafts, is the most important economic branch on the Croatian islands, and every contribution we make to facilitating the arrival of tourists to the island is of crucial importance to us at this time, she noted.

"I believe that the islands, as beautiful and geographically isolated units, have always been an essential asset of Croatian tourism and that it will be even more this year if the epidemiological situation soon improves.

We ask the competent Ministry and the Agency to consider what has been requested seriously and to take all the necessary actions that could put this proposal into effect by May 29, 2020, when the winter tariffs for ferry fares expire.

The ticket price for a single individual to Brac by car ferry now costs 28,00 kn plus 124,00 kn if you're traveling with a vehicle (152,00 kn for one way), and after May 29, the summer prices should begin. This would mean that one ticket would cost 33,00 kn plus 154,00 kn to travel with a vehicle, i.e., 187,00 kn for one direction," says Marković.

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 26, 2020 - Together in Split is a new campaign by the Split Tourist Board that will inspire tourists with quizzes, cuisine, videos, and more.

As we announced earlier this week, the Split Tourist Board launched the #TOGETHERINSPLIT campaign to communicate with a narrative and message according to the current situation - stay home, travel later.

To announce the campaign, the Tourist Board released the first video in the campaign, created by a small team of members of the Split Tourist Board, led by director Alijana Vukšić, who was asked about the campaign and its expectations for the season.

"'Together in Split' is the name of a campaign that will, through creative content, inspire people to fantasize about the moment when they will be able to enjoy the beauties of our city and region again. It sends a message to tourists that we are together even though we are separated, which is just the meaning of the name of our city.

My team and I have been planning this campaign and the right time to launch it since day one of the crisis. With this campaign, apart from the message of community to the tourists, we want to send the message of community to all tourist workers in Split. We invited all our agencies, hotels, museums, travel guides to join the campaign. We aim to increase the visibility of Split through our joint efforts, primarily on social networks and communicate with other digital channels, as this form of communication is currently crucial,” said Split Tourist Board director Alijana Vuksic. 

So, how will the new campaign evolve?

HRTurizam writes that the first phase of the campaign will run until the end of June, while in the second phase, depending on the situation, the emphasis will be on local guests.

“This is a very difficult time for all of us, but together we can turn something negative into a positive. We decided to replace our fears for our own health and the health of our loved ones, insecurity, existence and other fears with community, positive attitudes, expertise, creativity and friendship. The result is the #TogetherInSplit campaign. We invite everyone to join us in this campaign by sharing videos and creating and sharing content that we will publish on our profiles,” said Alijana Vukšić.

Thus, according to the campaign plan, every day, different content will be published on the Tourist Board's Facebook.

Namely, Mondays are reserved for a 'Heritage Quiz', through which the cultural heritage and exciting contents of the Split museums are presented. Tuesdays are for ‘Virtual Split’, showcasing videos from travel agencies to videos about Split and content that shows how to social distance while traveling (through active tourism, nautical tourism, family facilities.)

On Wednesdays, gastronomic tours and gastronomic offers of local restaurants and hotels are promoted through recipes, photos and videos in the ‘Cook O’Clock segment, while on Thursdays, the Tourist Board showcases all services keeping the city safe - like doctors, police officers, traders, and volunteers, through stories about individuals or by posting their pictures and videos (i.e.,  Red Cross workers dancing) for ‘Thank You Thursday’.

On Fridays, ‘Friday Story’ will share interesting stories about Split and its inhabitants.

On Saturdays, the ‘Conference Call’ segment will feature travel guides sharing unique stories about Split.

On Sundays, ‘Take me back to Split’ will ask followers to send their pictures from trips in Split and encourage their daydreams about coming back to Split.

Thus, the Split Tourist Board is the first of all Croatian tourist boards to launch a concrete campaign and communication during the coronavirus crisis. 

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 26, 2020 - Promet Split is back in action on Monday. A look at the timetables, ticket prices, and rules. 

According to the decision of the National Civil Protection Headquarters, public transport is back from Monday, and the same applies to Split, where only special lines have been valid until now, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.

As of Monday, Promet Split is almost back to its old ways. Bus tickets will be charged according to the usual price list, all Promet points of sale will operate at regular business hours, and tickets will also be available on buses at the driver's window.

Promet announced that regular public transport came to a halt on March 22, and all passengers who purchased March tickets have the right to ride with his ticket until Sunday, May 10, 2020. All passengers who purchase a May ticket will be stamped with the number four instead of the number five.

Specifically, to reduce operating costs, stamps that were printed for April will be used, but due to the interruption of bus operations, they have not been put on sale. Following the directions of the Headquarters, passengers are requested to use protective masks when using city buses.

Starting Monday, line #1 will run at 5, 6, 7, 8.30, 10, 11.30, 13, 14.30, 16, 17.30, 19, 20.30 and 22 hours. Line 2 from the Airport departs at 6.20, 8.55, 11.15, 13.30 and 16 hours, and from Split at 7.45, 10.05, 12.20 and 15 hours, while line 2A will not operate.

Line #3 from Lovrinac to Brda will operate at 5, 5.40, 6, 6.20, 6.40, 7, 7.20, 7.40, 8, 8.30, 9, 9.30, 10, 10.20, 10.40, 11, 11.20, 11.40, 12, 12.20. 12.40, 13, 13.20, 13.40, 14, 14.20, 14.40, 15, 15.20, 15.40, 16, 16.30, 17, 17.30, 18, 18.40, 19, 19.20, 20.00, 20.30, 21.30, 22 and 23. From Lovrinac, it will depart at 5, 5.20, 5.40, 6, 6.20, 6.40, 7, 7.20, 7.40, 8, 8.30, 9, 9.30, 10, 10.20, 10.40, 11, 11.20, 11.40, 12, 12.20. 12.40, 13, 13.20, 13.40, 14, 14.20, 14.40, 15, 15.20, 15.40, 16, 16.30, 17, 17.30, 18, 18.20, 18.40, 19.20, 19.40, 20, 20.45, 21.15, 22.15 and 22.45.

Line #3 will run at 5.20, 6.20, 7.20, 8.30, 9.40, 10.50, 11.55, 13.10, 14.20, 15.30, 16.40, 17.50, 19, 20, 21 and 22 hours, while line #6 will depart at 5.20, 5.50, 6.15 , 6.45, 7.15, 7.50, 8.15, 8.45, 9.20, 9.50, 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 11.45, 12.15, 13.15, 13.45, 14.15, 14.45, 15.15, 15.45, 16.15, 16.45, 17.15, 18.15, 19.15, 20.15, 21.15 , 10.15 pm.

Line #7 from Žnjan to the West Coast starts at 5.30, 6.35, 7, 7.45, 8.30, 9.15, 10, 10.45, 11.30, 12.15, 13 and 14.30, and from the West Coast at 6.10, 7.05, 7.45, 8.30, 9.15. 10, 10.45, 11.30, 12.15, 13, 13.45 and 15.10.

Line #8 from Znjan departs at 6, 7.20, 7.50, 8.50, 9.20, 10.20, 10.15, 11.50, 12.20, 13.20, 13.50, 14.50, 15.20, 16.20, 16.50, 17.50, 19.20, 20.50 and 22.20, and from Zvončac at 5.25, 6.45, 8, 8.30, 9.30, 10, 11, 11.30, 12.30, 13, 14, 14.30, 15.30, 16, 17, 17.30, 18.30, 19, 20, 20.30, 21.30 and 22.00.

Line #9 runs at 5.30, 6, 6.20, 7, 7.20, 8, 8.20, 9.15, 9.40, 10.20, 10.40, 11.20, 11.40, 12.20, 12.40, 13.30, 14, 14.30, 15, 15.30, 16, 16.30, 17, 17.30 , 18, 18.30, 19, 19.30, 20, 20.30, 21, 21.30, 22 and 22.30. Line #10 (Japirko - HNK - Japirko) will depart at 5.10, 6.05, 7.10, 8.10, 8.50, 9.40, 10.5, 11.55, 13.25, 14.55, 16.25, 17.55, 19.25, 20.55 and 22.25.

Line #11 (Ravne njive - Pujanke - HNK - Ravne njive) runs at 5.55, 6.55, 9, 10.15, 11.30, 12.40, 13.50, 14.55 and at 15.55.

Line #12 (Sv. Frane - Bene - Sv. Frane): at 5.50, 6.30, 7.10, 7.45, 9, 10.15, 11.30, 12.45, 14, 15.15, 16.30, 17.45, 19, 20.15, 21.30 and 22.45, while line #14 (Brda - Kopilica - Žnjan - Duilovo - Brda) does not operate.

Line #15 (Duilovo - Žnjan - Ferry Port - Duilovo) operates at 5.05, 5.30, 6.05, 7.05, 8.05, 9.35, 10.35, 11.35, 13.05, 14.05, 15.05, 16.05, 17.05, 18.05, 19.05, 20.05, 21.05 and 22.05 and #16 departs at 5, 6, 7.10, 8.45, 10.15, 11.45, 13.15, 14.45, 16.15, 17.45, 19.15, 20.45 and 22.15.

Line #17 (Spinut - Lora - Trstenik - Lora - Spinut) departs at 5.30, 6.35, 7.45, 9.25, 10.40, 11.55, 12.45, 13.10, 14.40, 15.15, 17, 18.10, 19.20, 20.30 and 21.40. Line #18 (Brnik - HNK - Brnik) runs at 5.15, 6.20, 7, 7.20, 8, 8.20, 9, 9.30, 10.20, 10.40, 11.20, 11.40, 12.20, 12.40, 13.20, 13.40, 14.20, 14.40, 15.20, 15.40 , 16.20, 16.40, 17.30, 18, 18.40, 19, 19.40, 20, 20.40, 21.10 and 22.10. Line #20 (Ravne njive -  Zvončac) does not operate.

Line #21 (Sv. Frane - Meje - Sv. Frane) departs at 9.45, 11, 12.15, 13.30, 14.45, 16, 17.15, 18.30, 19.45, 21 and 22.15.

The timetable of the other lines can be checked on the Promet website.

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 21, 2020 -  The Split Tourist Board has launched a video campaign to inspire future tourists. Introducing 'Together in Split'!

We were delighted to announce a new video campaign by the Split Tourist Board, which was published on the VisitSplit Facebook page today. This video is an introduction to the #TogetherInSplit campaign created by a small team of members of the Split Tourist Board, led by director Alijan Vukšić, who was asked about the campaign and its expectations for the season.

 A press release from the Split Tourist Board director:

"'Together in Split' is the name of a campaign that will, through creative content, inspire people to fantasize about the moment when they will be able to enjoy the beauties of our city and region again. It sends a message to tourists that we are together even though we are separated, which is just the meaning of the name of our city.

My team and I have been planning this campaign and the right time to launch it since day one of the crisis. With this campaign, apart from the message of community to the tourists, we want to send the message of community to all tourist workers in Split. We invited all our agencies, hotels, museums, travel guides to join the campaign. We aim to increase the visibility of Split through our joint efforts, primarily on social networks and communicate with other digital channels, as this form of communication is currently crucial.

It is a fact that the expectations from this season are only 10% to 15% lower than the record last year, but according to the estimates of the Institute of Tourism, significant market stabilization will be at the end of next year, so we will direct certain activities accordingly. Of course, I note that day-to-day changes are possible, so we regularly monitor changes in all markets. We will all bear the brunt of this crisis and the system of tourist boards remains without income, but I am sure that together we will overcome this situation with the help of all measures and the government, as well as the local authorities, or the City of Split. We are ready to do our best to bring benefits to our local community with minimal investment.

Finally, I quote the message of our campaign that we want to send a message of encouragement because my team and I, above all, see in this situation an opportunity for new beginnings, new ideas and, above all, an opportunity for the community that we all often miss.

The world stopped because it was the only way to move forward. People parted ways because only in that way could they help one another. But soon, travel will bring strength and love back into our lives; it is in human nature to move and to travel. And then, Split is here to offer you its beauty, heritage, lifestyle. We are waiting for you, and we will be together again in Split."

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 21, 2020- The coronavirus pandemic is causing significant damage to all segments of the Croatian economy, with the tourism sector among the most affected. For tourist boats in Dalmatia, this year will be especially tough.

Dalmatinski Portal writes that in proportion to the number of new ships on the market, the number of passengers in the traffic of tourist boats increased from year to year, and according to the data of the port of Split, the third-largest in the Mediterranean, the number of passengers increased by 20% last year. This growth was expected this year, when an estimated 15 new tourist vessels were to sail in Split-Dalmatia County and five more from other coastal counties.

"At the moment, in the situation caused by the coronavirus, Dalmatian tourist boat companies are struggling to keep their reservations so far as they are being postponed to future dates, and by subscribing to Government measures and agreements with banks, regarding the extremely large loans that are a condition for building, renovating and preparing boats for the season, they are trying to overcome this difficult and uncertain period," says the President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy - Split County Chamber Joze Tomas, where the headquarters of the National Association of Tourist Boaters of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce is. According to the information received from the boat owners, the works on boats under construction have been stopped.

The President of the Association of Tourist Boaters of the Croatian Chamber of Economy, Ante Rakuljić, emphasizes that these boats are a real Croatian product, from construction and equipping to servicing in Croatian shipyards, employment of almost exclusively Croatian seafarers and supply of local food and Croatian products. Therefore, boating companies hope that their needs will be met and that banks will have an understanding and approve a moratorium on loans for a minimum of one year. For boat owners not in credit obligations, this situation will force them to take out loans to cover current liabilities and retain their workforce.

Like the rest of the business world, small tourist boat companies are keeping a close eye on the situation and are adjusting their plans day by day. A problematic business year and a possible complete absence of the season for boaters is certain. Unless the full return is possible, tourist boat companies believe that they will be able to adapt to new business conditions in terms of maintaining distance and hygiene, but this will require additional changes and investments, which means new responsibilities and reduced capacity and number of passengers.

At the moment, they are at a standstill. The current loss is also confirmed by one of the leading travel agencies in Croatia, the Katarina line, known precisely for cruising the Adriatic in luxury ships, which during normal circumstances, would have already been 15 days into the season, welcomng the first guests and groups.

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 21, 2020 - Scenes from an empty Split in spring. 

Dalmacija Danas reports that not even Croatia could escape the effects of the global coronavirus pandemic, though, with 1881 cases and 47 deaths so far, we are doing better than many other parts in Europe and the world.

Although Split-Dalmatia County is among the leading in Croatia by number of cases, over the last few days, there has been a significant decrease in the number of newly infected people, and due to the improved situation, we can now move freely within the borders of our county, excluding the islands.

The corona crisis already established a new normal and has completely shifted what we are used to in everyday life. 

While we’d normally be embracing a sunny preseason spring, the measures in place by the National Civil Protection Headquarters to ban gatherings in public areas, public transport, and international travel, all while social distancing, have made Dalmatia unrecognizable in recent weeks.

While we’re used to welcoming the start of the preseason after Easter, this year, the tourist season in April is a loss. Because of this, some parts of the city are deserted, which was even more pronounced in March and early April.

A video was released by the City of Split showing just that - the streets empty and eerie, an image we hope never to see again.

On April 17, 2020, the City of Split sent a message to citizens:

"Dear fellow citizens of Split,

Thank you for following the instructions, measures, and decisions of the National Civil Protection Headquarters. Field reports confirm this, and hopefully the same will soon be seen in the growing number of people infected in our city.

We have a sunny weekend ahead, so once again we invite you all, no matter the weather, do not leave your homes without a real need. If you have to, then please keep an eye on social distance, keep a distance from each other. Do not go to public areas where it is strictly limited, beaches, playgrounds, parks, and sports grounds.

It is still extremely important to adhere to all instructions and decisions of the National Staff and to keep in mind that the success of all anti-epidemic measures depends primarily on ourselves."

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

April. 18, 2020 - HNK Hajduk has agreed with all first-team players to reduce wages as the competition is stalled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Split club reports that first-team players have accepted Hajduk's proposal to receive 40 percent of the contracted earnings over the next six months, the additional 40 percent will be deferred for six months and the remaining 20 percent will be permanently waived. Furthermore, the Club offered its players the chance to automatically reinstate the contracts from the time before the pandemic, in full, in the event they place in a European competition.

"HNK Hajduk thanks the players for their understanding and cooperation in reaching an agreement on reducing salaries in times of crisis in order to ensure the financial stability and sustainability of the Club in the long run. In such an atmosphere of mutual respect and unity within the Club, we are sure that the desired sports result will not be missed. We completed the contract process in record time. The management and part of the higher-income working community will also share the fate of the players," said Hajduk president Marin Brbić.

"We believe that we have negotiated with the players as responsibly and correctly as possible. We did not rush to make a decision and neither did it unilaterally, but through an agreement with the players, we wanted to achieve synergy. We decided not to communicate the draft agreement publicly, allowing players to peacefully consider all the circumstances affecting the Club and football in Croatia and to make their decision accordingly. We thank them once again for the demonstrated team spirit and solidarity they have shown in this situation where, in addition to donated funds in our humanitarian actions, they have once again shown great responsibility to our Club and the entire community," added the sports director Ivan Kepčija.

Led by captain Mijo Caktaš, Hajduk players showed exceptional understanding and solidarity in the agreement.

"This is a situation that happens once in history and in which we all have to bear our burden to keep the Club stable. I am especially pleased that the team showed their understanding of the new circumstances after the first meeting, and there was really no doubt that we players should stand in solidarity with the Club at the moment when football activities around the world stopped. The conversations were very fair, we all showed a great community together, and I would like to thank all the teammates for that once again. I believe that we as a team and Hajduk as a Club will come out stronger from all this," said Caktaš after the agreement with the players was officially signed.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 17, 2020 - A new victory has been achieved thanks to the unity and giving hearts of Hajduk fans around the world. 

A humanitarian action to help KBC in Split combat the coronavirus pandemic called "Breathe as One", organized by HNK Hajduk and HKNH "Bilo srce", raised HRK 870,003.59, with a total of 487 individuals, associations and companies participating.

"Aid, solidarity, love and unity are the only ways to fight in these challenging times that have down to us to fight the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic. And we are proud to succeed," said Hajduk on its official website.

The action began with donations from Hajduk players and employees and was joined by numerous members of the Hajduk family - members of the Supervisory Board, former players and employees of the Club, supporters, sponsors, public figures and media professionals. Everyone paid as they could, so donations ranged from 10 kuna to 200,000 kuna, and Hajduk equally thanked everyone for their solidarity and great Hajduk heart.

A number of former club players of all generations responded to Hajduk's call: Danijel Subasic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Andrija Balic, Ante Palaversa, Anton Maglica, Domagoj Bradaric, Darijo Srna, Slaven Bilic, Ivica Surjak, Karlo Letica, Goran Milovic, Goran Vucevic, Mario Maloča, Nikola Jerkan, Zlatko Vujovic, Luksa Poklepovic and many others.

Numerous Hajduk supporters aided in the success of the action, and donations came from all over the world, from South America to Portugal and Germany, from individuals to the Friends of Hajduk and Torcida affiliates.

Former leaders of Hajduk also responded to the action - President Jasmin Huljaj, Vice President Luksa Jakobusic, Coach Damir Buric, Sports Director Sasa Bjelanovic, numerous public figures such as Mladen Grdovic, Gibonni, Jole, Tonci Huljic, Alen Nizetic and sponsors of the Spectrum travel and Apfar.

The total donation will be used to purchase medical devices and equipment that will be assembled by KBC Split according to their needs in the Intensive Care Unit of the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of the Split hospital, which serves the most severe coronavirus infected patients.

HNK Hajduk Split once again gives thanks to all the donors who have contributed to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 12, 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 Total Croatia News, with Dr. Stefan Gillow Reynolds from UK/Ireland in Split as the 37th 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? 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, Japan, the Philippines and Germany. Next up, Dr. Stefan Gillow Reynolds from UK/Ireland in SplitIf you would like to contribute to this series, full details are below this interview.

Dear Total Croatia News,  

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

I was due to go back to Ireland after Easter, however, am now staying on in Split. I am well though, and happy to be with my wife Tamara. Turns out we are having a longer honeymoon than we thought, but no complaints. We have a tenth floor flat so have beautiful views, we go out for a short walk every few days and once a week visit Tamara's mother who lives in Podstrana, just within the travel ambit of Split. 

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

I realised Corona was going to be a big issue when travel restrictions started. 

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

Croatia is dealing very well with the crisis, I feel. We feel safe.

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

Ireland is also doing well. On the whole they are stricter on inclosure in Ireland, people are not allowed to travel out except for shopping and there are guards enforcing this, more than in Croatia, and a strict 2km travel limit from your house (unless food shops are further away). There are more cases though in Ireland than in Croatia, so I do feel that the response here is appropriate. In the UK I feel they reacted too late and have lost control of the situation. My parents are living in London and I worry about them although they are cared for by my brother. Croatia and Ireland were quick to act and trace cases, the UK has been slow at testing, slow at containing group activities and is now unable to trace cases as there are so many. 

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

I have nearly everything. Only miss some sandpaper for burnishing clay on Icons!

What is one thing you have learned about yourself, and one thing you have learned about others during this crisis?

I have learned I am happy to stay at home, and enjoy Zoom activities (which I had never done before!). Now we have Zoom liturgy, yoga, tai chi, meditation courses.... 

Thanks, Stefan. Stay safe and see you on the other side.  You can connect with Stefan via his very interesting Facebook page, Icons, Books, Talks.

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.

Wash your hands.