This week, we got an update on life in Croatia from our Give Back scholarship recipient, Erika, on life in Zagreb. If you think things are bad here, they got an extra dose of hardship. As usual, Erika has a lovely perspective and attitude, acknowledging the severity of things while maintaining a sense of humor.
Yesterday was the fourth week of quarantine in Croatia. Nothing works here, except for food stores. It is forbidden to drive to other cities, in order to do that you must have a paper which proves that you have a good reason for that. And in the last two weeks, Zagreb was hit by about 125 earthquakes. The first one was really hard, 5,5 degrees and 30 minutes after that there was one, 5 degrees. The place where my family lives is okay and there were no damages, but a lot of roofs, chimneys and some of the lofts were damaged at the center of Zagreb because those are all pretty old buildings. Even my high school and the building of Faculty were damaged. The biggest pain which citizens felt in Zagreb was for one of the two towers of the Cathedral because it fell down and damaged a hospital for newborn children and pregnant ladies. In the end, one girl died because of the pain she felt after the earthquake, as she was hit by something. Zagreb hasn't been hit by an earthquake of this degree for the last 140 years. It was a really bad experience, but on the other hand, we felt like we are in that Jumanji game. First quarantine, then 20 degrees and sunny, then the earthquake, next day it was snowing and it was -1 degree and everyone was wondering what will be next, Godzilla or something like that, so as long we have the courtesy to make a joke of our situation, we are fine, but we all remember better times, that's for sure.
I have lectures and assignments through one internet platform and students study from home. It seems like it will last until June, but we will see. For me, this is a bit lonely kind of lifestyle, but actually I enjoy it. I finally have time to be relaxed and calm and with myself and my thoughts and feelings, I am trying to work out every day, ride a bicycle, read a book, watch movies, eat tasty and clean. I miss my friends, and colleagues from Faculty and teammates from volleyball and colleagues from my work, but in this fast life of capitalism and constant rush and hurry I enjoy this 'me time' moments.
Thanks, Erika, for keeping us updated on you, your wellbeing, your studies and your home. We are sending so much love to Croatia and to you!