It's been slightly over 6 months. I can't help but feel really out of place most of the time being not able to speak the language in complete sentences (just 4 words maximum). I tried. I did but it's really hard to pick up this language, Hrvatska.
After months of leaving my name and location in every overseas singaporean venue that I came across online, I thought there is absolutely no Singaporean living in Croatia. Am I the only one? It couldn't be. Finally two days ago, a very kind lady informed me that there is indeed another lady living in the island of Hvar. I couldn't contain my excitement of contacting another Singaporean. I can't wait to see her or talk to her in person to get rid of this feeling of loneliness.
It's really not easy to leave one's homeland and live in another. I've tried London and that was much easier as there were not too many cultural differences between Singapore and UK. But for Croatia, it seems to me like another part of the world. Tucked away from everyone else and not bothering to keep up with the lifestyle of the modernised Western world.
I hope if there's more Singaporean in Croatia, please leave me a comment. Missing home can be so much easier if another familiar voice is close.
After months of leaving my name and location in every overseas singaporean venue that I came across online, I thought there is absolutely no Singaporean living in Croatia. Am I the only one? It couldn't be. Finally two days ago, a very kind lady informed me that there is indeed another lady living in the island of Hvar. I couldn't contain my excitement of contacting another Singaporean. I can't wait to see her or talk to her in person to get rid of this feeling of loneliness.
It's really not easy to leave one's homeland and live in another. I've tried London and that was much easier as there were not too many cultural differences between Singapore and UK. But for Croatia, it seems to me like another part of the world. Tucked away from everyone else and not bothering to keep up with the lifestyle of the modernised Western world.
I hope if there's more Singaporean in Croatia, please leave me a comment. Missing home can be so much easier if another familiar voice is close.
15 comments:
Well...I'm not living in a foreign country but when I spend a few weeks in Croatia with my boyfriend I miss to speak Italian 'cause he works during the day and I'm alone.
But I think that if I could have something to do or someone to talk to I feel less lonely.
Hope you find some Singaporean...
It must be so weird to be the only Asian in a sea of Europeans.
P.S. I am half Chinese and Half caucasian.
PPS AND the pianist is one of my favorite movies too
>>Hi Lilium, are you moving to Croatia anytime soon? I don't speak any Italian. But would love to learn it!
I did find a fellow Singaporean! :D
>>Yes. I'm 10% Indonesian. 100% Singaporean! Hahahahah:)
The Pianist!! That's how I came to know about Adrien Brody! Cool actor!! :D
Actually I will!!
But I don't know how soon.... -_-
For now, once in a month I go to Zagreb, so we could meet if you want ^_-
I'm trying to learn Croatian but, as you know, isn't easy ^_^
So at least there are two Singaporean in Croatia ^_^
:) I surely do hope we can meet up one day! Can't wait for summer to arrive!
Hello Sher,
If Singaporeans are so few in Croatia, try to see if there are other southeast Asian nationals there.
You can befriend a Thai, a Malaysian, an Indonesian, a Filipino, or a Vietnamese. Asians have a lot in common are are generally bonding-oriented when it comes to being alone in a not so popular European destination.
Good luck. Keep posting, so others can follow your progress. Take care too. :-)--Durano, done!
Well Dear Durano, thanks for the comments.
However it's easier said than done. We hardly see a single Asian on the street!!! No one I know (my neighbours) are even foreigners!
And no one speaks English enough to carry on a conversation with me. Those I befriend are too far away from me.
I'm surviving! Yipee!!
sher,
Its never easy to live in another country: and the leap you have made is a huge one. It helps when love guides the way: but seeing the way you get on with your Singaporean friends tells me that there is some loneliness and that Singapore culture is kinda close knit.
You know this, but you _have_ to learn the language.
Croatia is a beautiful place: and your skills are endlessly exportable, but I do understand where you are at. I've changed countries thrice: so I know the deep sense of loss you feel.
It gets slightly better as you age and become more self contained...I think:)
brendan
Yes Brendan. I feel lonely because I feel useless without a proper job. I missed those days when I busy myself all 17 hours in the kitchen! Interacting with people from different countries. That was so exciting and I really missed that!
Over here, I'm alone and I don't interact with anyone because I hardly get out of the house!
Yes I'm trying to learn the language but mate seriously, I'm getting older and learning a 4th tongue is getting really hard!!! Hahahah:P
Hi! You are so brave! Congrats on finding true love and willing to learn a new language and explore a new home.
I am not Singaporean, but I'm Chinese born in M'sia. I'm also dating a former Yugoslavian, and learning some language on the side. The words are totally different from English, and even more so from Chinese! I find it's easier to learn with repetition and just listening in on other people's conversations. However, I'm not sure how my language skills match up if I ever go visit there.
Btw, just wondering from your personal experience, are they open to Asian foreigners/tourists or do you get a negative reaction sometimes? I find that if I travel inland in N.America I get some attitude sometimes...j
Hi J.
Thanks for popping by.
Croatian.. has got to be the toughest language that I've ever learned because of all the grammar!!!
There will lots of tourists in summer. But for other times, asian are not common sight in Croatia. So you'll get a lot of stares.
why dont you try the overseas singaporean unit
http://www.overseassingaporean.sg/
haha its part of the garment plan to woo singaporeans back home of course, but they have a forum that groups singaporeans overseas according to the different states the are in.
Brad Thanks for the suggestion. I've been on the OS portal for couple of months already.
I was surfing randomly and came across your blog (your food blog first really). There is a Singaporean on Hvar indeed, but it seems that you may already have contacted her. I've been planning a trip to Croatia but haven't been able to find the right timing with friends! ARGH!
All the best to your time in Croatia, I'm a Singaporean in Belgium and can't imagine trying to adapt to Croatia!
Merci beaucoup l'oiseaux blue!
Yes.. I'm visiting my dear fellow Singaporean in a few weeks' time!!1 Yipee!!!:D
Bonne chance en Belgique!
Gros Bisous!
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