July 15, 2010 0

Women Of The World: Living in Czech Republic

By lola in Interview(s), The Globe, WOW

(From top Left to bottom Left clockwise: 1. Miss Zuzka; 2. The Wallenstein Palace, Prague by cuellar; 3. Strakonice Fortress by Jirka Chomat.)

PRAGUE LIVING

Czech Republic has been a subject of curiosity ever since it painlessly divided itself from Slovakia and established Prague as the Paris of Central Europe.  As most of the former block countries have had a hard transition Czech example needs to be congratulated. Miss Zuzka alleviated my questions, and in the below interview assured me that good life in Czech is possible. From Zuzka we find Czechs achieved such status by seizing new opportunities, not wallowing in the old, and embracing responsibility for their own lives. I thank Zuzka for sharing her story.

COUNTRY: Czech Republic (Central Europe)
CAPITAL: Prague
POPULATION & SIZE: 10.2 Million;  30,450 sq mi (about the size of SC)
PROTAGONIST: Miss Zuzka
LOCATION: Prague
OCCUPATION: Civil Engineer

LOLA: Introductions…
MISS ZUZKA: My name is Zuzana, and I work as a Specialist Technician for a company involved in production of bitumen waterproofing membranes. Some of my hobbies include singing in the choir, and playing sports (tennis, swimming, skating, running, biking, etc). I was born in southern Bohemia, although I now live in Prague. 

LOLA: What inspired this line of work?
MISS ZUZKA: I was always interested in physics, but I also wanted to have a practical occupation with a high earning potential. The field of Civil Engineering offered both.

LOLA: What is your daily life like?
MISS ZUZKA: I get up and go to work, and after work I have some time for my hobbies and boyfriend. I don’t cook during weekdays because I am too busy. However during weekends I quite enjoy it (cooking).

LOLA: Describe your perfect Saturday.
MISS ZUZKA: I’d get up early, and have breakfast – I like having long breakfasts because I don’t have enough time during weekdays. After, I’d do sports with my boyfriend. Depending on the weather I’d either do outdoor activities (biking, skating, inline skating), or indoor ones (squash, and swimming). Later I’d lunch at a restaurant – I really like sushi. In the afternoon I would relax, and in the evening go out with my friends to a pub and have a beer or two.

(From top Left to bottom Left clockwise: 1. Pradubice by LD nahoru; 2. Jested Restaurant, Liberec by stevacek; 3. Olomouc, Turtle Fountain by annahen; 4.  City Hall, Ostrava by sveterCZE.)

YOUR CITY

LOLA: Describe Prague of 2010!
MISS ZUZKA: Prague is a very nice city. Sometimes it can be hectic and stressful – especially during the rush hour when a lot of people are taking public transport (subway, trams, buses), or are driving in the streets. But if you know where to go, it can also be very quiet and romantic.

LOLA: Things you like in particular?
MISS ZUZKA: I like the historical part – the location of some very old buildings, churches, castle and cobblestone roads with small souvenir shops. I also like places/events where the culture meets such as theaters, concerts, and restaurants. I like walking in the suburbs to places I have never been before as well. Finally, one can do any sport activities they want.

LOLA: What’s the city’s atmosphere like?
MISS ZUZKA: It varies depending on where you go.  One can find a lot of young people on the streets in the evening when bars are open. One can also find old people walking dogs in the parks in the morning. Prague has a couple of faces: a historical one, and then a new one with all the new shopping malls and other commercial things.

LOLA: What would you improve and how?
MISS ZUZKA: I would change the main highways to avoid traffic jams, if a solution exists. I would also decrease the criminal activity.  It isn’t safe to leave things visible because poor people can rob it. How to improve this is a hard question.

LOLA: How has Prague changed in the past 20 years?
MISS ZUZKA: I have been living in Prague for 9 years so I can’t say how it has changed in the past 20 years. I am sure now we have cleaner city with a lot of shops, shopping malls, more cars and people.

LOLA: What should one visit in Prague?
MISS ZUZKA: You have to see the historical part, castle, old churches, bridges, visit some very good restaurants, and see a concert in one of the famous concert halls.

LOLA: What other cities should one see? Where within the country do you travel to?
MISS ZUZKA: Hard to say as all are beautiful, but maybe Brno, and Cesky Krumlov. I travel to my hometown Strakonice. I also travel quite a lot for work.

LOLA: Any food specialties you recommend?
MISS ZUZKA: Dumplings with cabbage and pork meat, and all kinds of sour cream sauces with bread dumpling and meat.

(From top Left to bottom Left clockwise: 1. Prague by jackfre2; 2. Dancing House/ Drunk House, Prague by Edgar Barany; 3. Charles Bridge at night, Prague by Philipp Klinger; 4.Wenceslas Square, Prague by jackfre2.)

YOUR COUNTRY

LOLA: Describe your country!
MISS ZUZKA: Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe. We are a quite small country, but there are even smaller countries in Europe.  We have our own language and culture. Czechs are not big-headed, and are quite ordinary.

LOLA: Can you make comparisons of Czech in 1985/1995/2005?
MISS ZUZKA: I was only 3 years old in 1985 so I don’t remember much about that period. After the revolution in 1989 a lot of things changed, and we’ve had a democratic system since then. The economic growth ensued, and now we can spoil ourselves with all kinds of consumer goods. It hasn’t changed much in 2005 and since; except now one can cross the border without passport, and there are EU supported projects such as highways, and refurbishment of state buildings, (schools, etc.).

LOLA: Has democracy crystallized – meaning are people used to the system and able to live well? Good/bad things that came with transition?
MISS ZUZKA: I think more people live more actively overall and have increased opportunities.  One can travel, study, and do anything if they follow some rules. If a person is living badly it is because they do not want to work. This results in a lack of money, and dependence on social welfare. The problem with some older people is they do not want to be responsible; this is why they do not like democracy. Everything was planned out for them during the communist period so they did not have to try to be better.

LOLA: What is the economy like at the moment?
MISS ZUZKA: The economy is recovering after the financial crisis. The crisis was not that bad. Everything is more or less steady.

LOLA: Do most people own or rent homes?
MISS ZUZKA: Most people own.

LOLA: What could be done to improve living?
MISS ZUZKA: Lower taxes and waste less the state money.

(From top Left to bottom Left clockwise: 1. Cesky Krumlov by Franz St.; 2. Brno by Nite Tripper; 3.  Karlstejn Castle by JamesR:Exposure; 4. Pannonian Plain by Kugarth.)

EDUCATION/ WORKFORCE/ LIFE

LOLA: Describe the education system in the country.
MISS ZUZKA: Preschool and elementary schools last 9 years, and are optional. After that one chooses to either attend high school (4 years), or a training school (3 years). After high school the student takes an exit exam – it is very important to pass this. After passing one can apply to attend a university for bachelors and masters. There is also the option of attending trade school that prepares you more for your field.

LOLA: You work in a historically male field. How has this impacted you? Do you feel you have the same rights not only on paper, but also in practice?
MISS ZUZKA: In the beginning it was harder for me, but it is good now. However one can always encounter a prejudiced, non intelligent person.

LOLA: Do women find employment easily after having children?
MISS ZUZKA: Of course, but I heard it is a little bit harder with small children.

LOLA: With the financial power increasing, are couples more likely to divorce if they have life disagreements?
MISS ZUZKA: Actually more people are getting married because they want stability.

WRAPPING UP

LOLA: Overall, how different is your life compared to the life of your parents?
MISS ZUZKA: I have more opportunities and more freedom. I am able to earn more money, and am satisfied with my life.

LOLA: Finally, on a scale from 0 to 10 what would you rank Czech in terms of living a good life?
MISS ZUZKA: 10!

(Lola’s Note: Here are a few websites that may be of help when planning your trip to Czech: Travel Guide;  Prague;  Czech Republic; Videos;  Basics.)

If you liked this article, check out living in Austria & living in Croatia.

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March 26, 2010 0

Thoughts on Abundance and Success

By lola in Abundance & Success

Chess on a street in Sarajevo, by achecchi.

“Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.” Jim Rohn

“My base of operations for creating cash flow was a coffee house. But this plan can be set loose anywhere, if the time is right and you keep alert…I haven’t listed any “traditional” places for business networking, like chamber of commerce mixers, business expos, and other such spots. Here’s why… Those places aren’t conducive to good conversation. EVERYONE has their sales hat on. They’re all in self-promotion mode, shoving business cards into every face they see.

The secret to firing up your cash flow is to uncover opportunities during the natural course of your day, in low-pressure, non-business situations. You’ll find more money-making projects (i.e., problems to solve) chatting with a stranger at the gym than you will at any trade show. You can take that to the bank.”  Fire-Up Your Cash Flow, by Wally Conger. (Get Fire-Up Your Cash Flow for free by going to wallyconger.com.)

“A large advertisement appeared on the financial page of a New York newspaper calling for a person with unusual ability and experience. Charles T. Cubellis answered the advertisement, sending his reply to a box number. A few days later, he was invited by letter to call for an interview. Before he called, he spent hours in Wall Street finding out everything possible about the person who had founded the business> During the interview, he remarked: “I should be mighty proud to be associated with an organization with a record like yours. I understand you started twenty-eight years ago with nothing but desk room and one stenographer. Is that true?”

Almost every successful person likes to reminisce about his early struggles. This man was no exception. He talked for a long time about how he started with $450 in cash and an original idea. He told how he had fought against discouragement and battled against ridicule, working Sundays and holidays, twelve to sixteen hours a day; how he had finally won against all odds, until now the most important executives on Wall Street were coming to him for information and guidance. He was proud of such a record. He had a right to be, and he had a splendid time telling about it. Finally, he questioned Mr. Cubellis briefly about his experience, then called in one of his vice presidents and said: “I think this is the person we are looking for.” How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie.

“As you’re beginning to deliberately train your perspective towards those better feeling beliefs, we always encourage you to start with something easy.  Once you’ve shown yourself that you can easily on most subjects find improved perspectives, then you can focus upon those more challenging situations. In time you will know that you have absolute control over the way you feel, over your point of focus, over your point of attraction, and over everything that comes into your life experience.” The Amazing Power Of Deliberate Intent, by Abraham-Hicks.

“Most people never feel secure because they are always worried that they will lose their job, lose the money they already have, lose their spouse, lose their health, and so on. The only true security in life comes from knowing that every single day you are improving yourself in some way, that you are increasing the caliber of who you are and that you are valuable to your company, your friends, and your family.” Tony Robbins

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March 19, 2010 2

Thoughts on Abundance and Success

By lola in Abundance & Success

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“Just as you deserve an abundance of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, you deserve an abundance of financial health. Money in itself is neither good nor bad, it is neutral. Financial abundance can be used to support tremendous projects  to help save tortured animals, grow trees, protect the land, and heal the planet.

One common attribute of self-made millionaires is that they are doing what they love to do. They love what they do so much that they challenge themselves continuously to achieve the highest levels of success in that field, and the financial abundance followed.”  The Sunfood Diet Success System, by David Wolfe.

“…It is rarely possible-or even particularly fruitful-to look too far ahead. A plan can usually cover no more tan 18 months and still be reasonably clear and specific. So the question in most cases should be, Where and how can I achieve results that will make a difference within the next year and a half? The answer must balance several things. First, the results should be hard to achieve-they should require “stretching,” to use the current buzz word. But also, they should be within reach. To aim at results that cannot be achieved-or that can be only under the most unlikely circumstances is not being ambitious; it is being foolish. Second, the results should be meaningful. They should make a difference. Finally, results should be visible and, if at all possible, measurable. From this will come a course of action: what to do, where and how to start, and what goals and deadlines to set.”  Managing Oneself, by Peter F. Drucker.

“The inner aspect of the new work situation is that each of us has some unique combination of motivation, capability, style, and incidental advantages that represents the work that fits us, the work that we were made for, our lifework. In the old job world this was equally true, but it was essentially irrelevant since jobs were boxes and we trimmed ourselves to fit them. Besides, after that first job got us started, many of us found ourselves on a vocational moving sidewalk that had a predetermined destination. Hopes, preferences, and talents were pretty things, but not very practical.

In the dejobbed world, the truth that each one of us has an inherent lifework is suddenly rich with meaning. Nothing less than finding what you were meant to be and do will give you the motivation and the capability that today’s work world demands. Identifying  your lifework is no longer an escapist fantasy.  It is a condition for being successful. You now have to discover your lifework if you are to have a chance of creating a satisfactory and satisfying work life. ” Creating You & Co, by William Bridges.

“Walking through clutter, grime, and piles of dirty laundry or dishes as you leave the house every morning will rob you of the vitality you need to get through the day. And when it’s the first thing you see when you come home at night, it will drag your energy down no matter how many good things happened to you that day.” Feng Shui, by Stephanie Roberts.

“Just like a computer, your brain has a search function-but it’s even more phenomenal than a computer’s. It seems to be programmed by what we focus on and, more primarily, what we identify with. It’s the seat of what many people have referred to as the paradigms we maintain. We notice only what matches our internal belief systems and identified contexts…

The implication of how this filtering works-how we are unconsciously made conscious of information-could fill a week long seminar. Suffice it to say that something automatic and extraordinary happens in your mind when you create and focus on a clear picture of what you want.” Getting Things Done,  by David Allen.

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March 12, 2010 0

Thoughts on Abundance and Success

By lola in Abundance & Success

<3

Tao Verse 64

Peace is easily maintained while things are still at rest.
Trouble is easily handled before it starts.
What is brittle is easily broken.
What is minute is easily scattered.

Handle a problem before it appears.
Secure order before confusion begins.

A tree as big as a person’s embrace begins as a tiny shoot.
A terrace nine stories high rises from a shovelful of earth.
A journey of a thousand miles begins under your feet.

A person who interferes does harm, and those who grasp lose their hold.
Therefore, the True Person acts without striving and does no harm,
avoids grabbing and never loses hold.

People often ruin their ventures when they are on the verge of success.
So, be as careful at the end as at the beginning,
and your work will not be ruined.

Therefore, the True Person seeks freedom from desire,
does not value things that are hard to come by,
learns without scholarship,
brings people back to what they have passed by,
and assists the ten thousand things to find their own natures;
all without daring to interfere.

“There are people who have money, and people who are rich.” Coco Chanel

“Expanded perception causes expanding wealth. Forgiveness causes the expansion of your perception. When you forgive others and yourself for what you think has been done wrong, you become open to see what you and others truly are. You become open to see the beauty and capability that you may have missed seeing. You become more tolerant and you embrace freedom and love. You start to believe less in conditionality. Many things happen that expand your perception. And expanded perception expands your consciousness, your abilities, your opportunities, your contacts, and a lot more that leads to wealth.”  Happy Pocket Full of Money, by David Cameron Gikandi.

“Apparent financial problems, then, are never about money and always about relationships, and financial relationships invariably have an emotional base. As such, feelings of financial insecurity, while appearing to be about money, may in fact represent a sense of disconnectedness from oneself and others, fear of being left alone, or some other relationship concern. And the willingness to address these issues can prevent lack of funds from becoming a chronic or recurring condition.

Your relationship with money reflects your relationship with yourself. This means that an increased awareness of your personal finances mirrors a deeper understanding of how you have been treating yourself and interacting with the world around you. With this knowledge you will be equipped to make more supportive choices and move toward an increasingly fulfilling position of financial strength.” Build Your Money Muscles, by Joan Sotkin.

“Many people say, “It would be so much easier for me to be happy if I were in a different place: if my relationships were better, if my mate were easier to live with, if my physical body didn’t hurt or if my body looked different, if my work was more fulfilling, if I only had more money… if the conditions of my life were better, I would feel better, and then it would be easier for me to be thinking more positive thoughts.”

Seeing pleasing things does feel good, and it is easier to feel good when a pleasing thing is there, obvious for you to see-but you cannot ask others around you to orchestrate only pleasing things for you to see. Expecting others to provide the perfect environment for you is not a good idea, for many reasons: (1) It is not their responsibility to feather your nest, (2) it is not possible for them to control conditions you have created around you; and (3) most important of all, you would be giving up your power to create your experience.

Make a decision to look for the best-feeling aspects of whatever you must give your attention to, and otherwise look only for good-feeling things to give your attention to and your life will become one of increasingly good-feeling aspects.”  Money and the Law of Attraction, by Abraham-Hicks.

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“The average millionaire can’t tell you who got thrown off the island last night.” Dave Ramsey

“Realize, that if you would study your chosen field for one hour per day, in five years time you would have studied for 45 forty-hour weeks, which amounts to almost a full year of study. Moreover, since you would only be studying for one hour at any given time, you would be able to give the material your undivided attention. Therefore, it would actually be the equivalent of “a full year” of concentrated study. This means that by the end of the first year, you would already have put in nine forty-hour weeks of invaluable study time. Although this amounts to only one hour of study per day, if you were to follow this schedule rigorously, in a relatively short span of time you would stand among your peers like a giraffe in a heard of field mice.” You Were Born Rich, by Bob Proctor.

“THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR PERSISTENCE! It cannot be supplanted by any other quality! Remember this, and it will hearten you, in the beginning, when the going may seem difficult and slow. Those who have cultivated the HABIT of persistence seem to enjoy insurance against failure. No matter how many times they are defeated, they finally arrive up toward the top of the ladder.

Those who can “take it” are bountifully rewarded for their PERSISTENCE. They receive, as their compensation, whatever goal they are pursuing. That is not all! They receive something infinitely more important than material compensation – the knowledge that EVERY FAILURE BEGINS WITH IT THE SEED OF AN EQUIVALENT ADVANTAGE.” Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill.

“One of the reasons many of us have problems related to wealth is that we are all hung up about the money. We have erroneously equated having wealth with having money. One of the most important distinctions you can make is that money is merely a “symbol” of value. There are many types of “value” available to you other than money that can be exchanged for what you want in your life. Further, as you will learn, the last thing you need to worry about is how you are going to get money to create life you want.

Your only job is to know the kind of life you want to live the most, find those things in your lfe that bring you the most joy, and then to keep your attention on those things. That is really all you have to do. This whole book can be summed up in that one statement. Know what you want and ask for it. Then receive it. It is really so simple…and we human beings are excellent at complicating it.” Wealth Beyond Reason, by Bob Doyle.

“When you undervalue who you are, the world will undervalue what you do and vice versa.” Suze Orman

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March 8, 2010 0

Happy Eight of March

By lola in Coffee Break, Sarajevo

<3

Eight of March, also known as Women’s Day, is celebrated throughout Europe. It is a holiday with no prerequisites, except that of it being a holiday for women only. Although its roots are political, by the time I was in elementary school it transformed into the day on which we made love cards for our moms, and sisters. For many girls, myself included, Eight of March is irrevocably associated with receiving a first bouquet of flowers, and coming of age in recognition of our own femininity.

After moving to the US, I’ve been celebrating Eight of March as a gratitude day. Today, let’s be grateful for the opportunities we have,  for careers of our choosing, for rights to our bodies, and ability to freely walk down the street. I heard somewhere to measure the true opportunities of women living in any country means to look at lives of women in the minority groups. The rule applies as much as for women in our countries, as it does to those living in less fortunate corners of the world. So let’s be grateful, and let’s help where we can.

And now,  I leave you with a piece by Semezdin Mehmedinović, (excerpted from Sarajevo Blues) about Sarajevo’s siege, and a fleeting, but irreplaceable meaning of a scarf.

INNOCENT CIVILIANS

In front of the Theater-I almost bumped into her-a young woman pops out, spreading a  cloud of perfume around her. Her tight skirt cuts her steps short. But this fantastic spectacle-like a spread in a fashion magazine-is only completed by a freshly bathed dalmatian trotting over the crushed cement and broken windows. He runs and weaves happily in her path over the shards of glass: she’s beautiful, and the dog is beautiful. Don’t they care about the war? They do, because shells are falling here: here, right where they are. Of course she’s an innocent civilian, but not all civilians are innocent. There are those who, like retired couples, go out hand in hand for an evening walk in the middle of a war they inspired, the course of its future in their hands. Of course, this business about civilians can get very complicated. You might run int a soldier pointing at the tip of his sneaker and the coagulated blood there that once belonged to a professor who thought that five thousand Muslim kids ought to be killed. Which means if civilians are innocent, soldiers are sinful and guilty. But soldiers, in a normal distribution of power, are just young people whose interests should be protected by some kind of youth movement. Of course nationalistic-macho power cubed (power x power x power) holds generational interest beneath contempt since it conceives of thing in millennial and mythological dimensions. As for feminism, that is, for women who-at least in light of this formula-are simply there to be demeaned, there’s little use in war. In other words: just by looking at nationalistic attitudes regarding generational and gender interests you could see that war was inevitable. But you couldn’t have foreseen that in such a short span of time, a young woman in front of the Theater could arouse the almost forgotten memory of a world in which something whole, beautiful and fragrant exists. Something like a silk scarf.

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February 23, 2010 0

Ten Tips for Retaining a Language

By lola in Advice

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Eighty five year old Boa Sr died earlier this year in the Andaman Islands (Bay of Bengal), taking with her the language Bo. Buried with Boa, and the language Bo, are also customs and a way of living.  Language is nation’s most valued treasure – it is a communication wheel and an expression of culture. While cause of language Bo’s extinction was colonization, nowadays an increasing number of people put their native language on a worrisome temporary postponement.

People naturally lose some of their first language when they move to a new country. It suffers whether the move lasts one year, or forever. Accents disappear first, and then word pool decreases in volume. A person finds herself drumming to different slang, and wondering why getting coffee has some other meaning.

In physical sense language is a muscle that weakens if not ‘exercised’ regularly. Don’t exercise it for a few months, and there is a price to pay. Same muscle qualities, however, allow it to resurrect with renewed practice. It doesn’t have to be hard: a newspaper here, a book there, and very quickly one can be in the best (language) shape of their life. Try the tips below!

1. READ
If you move from your country of origin at the age of ten, you will have a vocabulary of a ten year old in your native language. If you leave at nineteen, the vocab stays at nineteen as well. You have to read to improve volume of the words you use. Start reading websites, news portals, articles, and blogs. Web is a limitless resource in every language imaginable. Continue on with a few classics in your language. Try reading Dostoevsky, or read books written by the country’s great writers.

2. SPEAK
Once I arrogantly laughed at a French professor who warned that if I didn’t take time to speak Bosnian every day, I could get into a habit of forgetting it.  He believed speaking was a sure way to cultivate language knowledge, and flow. He was right,  (so thank you Mr. Fitzgerald, I dedicate this post to you)!  When you move to a different environment, and immerse in a new life, you pick up that environment’s customs, language, and thoughts. Not practicing your first language results in a deficit. Pretty soon you will be translating thoughts word for word. Literal translations lose the meaning, aid the loss of words, and cause the flow of language to be choppy. So – speak at every opportunity you get, and create opportunities to speak in your first language when there are none. Call up a friend that speaks the same language. Get in touch with your family. Talk with your mother! If you’ve gotten into a bad habit of speaking your second language with the fam, take every effort to change this. (Even if it means stopping mid-sentence and starting over again.) Take a friend from your country of origin to dinner. Start a book club, an appreciation group, or Skype with someone! Remember that each time you take the easy route, you are that much poorer.

3. WRITE
Writing is the third most important tool in keeping up to date with your first language. The act of putting words on paper, and later reading them helps you practice the alphabet, format your thoughts logically, and brush up sentence construction. If you wanted to start a journal to document your road to success this is your chance. All you need is a notebook / writing pad, and a pen. If you prefer typing, start a blog about something that interests you. (Example: recipes, fashion, design, history… ) You can also contact a newspaper, or an online news portal and market your articles.  If you are a private person who prefers to communicate with a few people, then stick to emails or snail-mail. Find a pen-pal. Just make sure you spend time writing weekly.

4. TRANSLATE
If you have a mastery of grammar and sharp writing skills, then translating may be a perfect way for you to maintain your language skills. To translate, you will not only be using the first three tips excessively, but you will have to translate the meaning of the matter you are translating.  Finding adequate words that translate meaning from one language to another also commands a knowledge of cultures.  If you feel confident with the above requirements, start translating small pieces for free, and progress from there. Most places will not require you to have an interpreter’s degree if the quality and volume of your work is of a high caliber. Once your portfolio is polished start charging for your language skills.

5. ELEMENTARY GRAMMAR
By the time a child finishes elementary school they have been provided the opportunity to learn correct grammar of their first language. If you’ve forgotten some basic grammar rules ask a friend to send you an elementary school language book, and a practice workbook. Dedicate a couple of hours to it weekly. It is not embarrassing to forget the things you no longer use, what’s embarrassing is knowing you forgot and not doing anything about it.

6. LISTEN
Put on some nostalgic old music. Scout out new bands and singers. Most radio stations with websites stream live which means that you can now listen at the same time as it’s being broadcast. Ask a friend to recommend a radio show, or a station, and tune in.

7. WATCH
Same as radio stations: some TV stations stream, and there is always the satellite dish. Also, Netflix carries a great amount of foreign films, so grab your country’s classics.

8. NEW CONCEPTS
Just as you leave your country of origin with a certain vocabulary, you also leave it with the knowledge you’ve acquired until that point in time. We learn something new every day, and the worst thing to assume is that concepts translate word for word. When you learn a new concept or a historical detail, strive to translate it right away. Grab a dictionary, encyclopedia, or a history book, and learn what the event/person/place/thing is called in your first language.  Concepts and history are interpreted in different ways across the globe, and although most concepts will be the same this is not the rule. By translating new concepts you not only improve your language skills, but your general knowledge as well.

9. TUTOR
There is a saying that a teacher appears when you are ready to learn. This works both ways. When you are ready to teach, a student appears. Believe it or not, there are people at this very moment who want to learn your native language for fun, as a  job requirement, or both. Do local colleges in your area offer your first language? If yes, would they hire a tutor, or allow one to post fliers on campus? If no, has there been an interest in the language?  To teach at most universities, you will have to have a degree /certificate, however you can always meet the professor and ask for a short spot in class, introduce yourself to the students, and offer your tutoring services.  Additional tip: State Department language schools can be a good place to start tutoring also.

10. KIDS
Many people fail to teach their first language to their kids. Understand that your laziness is robbing your children of an invaluable resource, and get to work! Studies say it is best to speak to child in your native language only, and to never switch. For example: if you speak French, and your partner speaks English, (and you’re living in an English speaking country) you would speak to your children in French only, and your partner in English only. If for both of you French is the first language (and you live in an English speaking country), pick who will speak in French, and who in English. If you haven’t been consistent, your kids are probably going to pout about having to learn. Give it a few years. They’ll love you when they’re all grown up and bilingual.

<3,
LOLA

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February 18, 2010 0

(Bosnian) Recipe: Stuffed Peppers Version 1 (Punjene Paprike)

By lola in Bosnian Recipes, Recipes

Until recently I was a kitchen atom bomb. I’ve since learned a few tricks of the trade and will share them.  Below is a finger-licking Stuffed Peppers recipe a 10 year old could easily prep. Stuffed Peppers are a staple of Bosnian cuisine/ food.  Classic recipes involve rice & beans stuffing.  My sister puts a spin on hers and stuffs them with grated potatoes. She graciously agreed to let me post it. Thank you Saša!

Lola’s Tips:
1. Always wash your vegetables well.
2. Do not wear mascara during the grating process.
3. Vegetable oil is a must for this recipe.
4.  Find the smallest sweet peppers you can. Stay away from gargantuan grocery store peppers with a diameter of a small country. Farmer’s Market, or Whole Foods are potential places to look. Peppers in the photos are about 1-2 inches in diameter, and about 4-7 inches long.

Stuffed Peppers Version 1

Prep Time: 20-30 min
Baking Time: 30 min

Ingredients:

10-15  Small Sweet Peppers
1  Red Onion
2  lbs of Potatoes
2-3  Pinches of Ground Black Pepper
2-3  Pinches of Salt
Vegetable Oil
1  Sour Cream
1  French Baguette

Cut the pepper stems, & clean out the seeds (Photo 1).  After peeling the potatoes and onion, grate them into a pot half filled with water. After grating, squeeze the grated onion & potatoes to get the starch out, and place into an empty bowl. Add salt, pepper, and 1 tsp of vegetable oil and mix it in (Photo 2).  Put a tiny bit on a teaspoon and lick to see whether it is salty/peppery enough for your taste. Stuff the peppers with the mixture (Photo 3).  Stuff only 75% of each pepper as the stuffing expands when baked. Place in a generously pre-oiled baking pan (Photo 4).

Preheat oven to 400F degrees and put the peppers in. Lower to 350F after 10 minutes when the peppers start to blush. The peppers will be done quickly; while the stuffing takes longer so lowering the heat gives stuffing time to be done.  Keep checking your peppers.  You will know they are done when they are soft, and the stuffing is coming out a little bit.  This happens approximately after 25-35 minutes of baking.

Take the peppers out and let cool for a few minutes.  Serve them with sour cream. Cut up the baguette and dip in the remaining oil in the pan. Serve with peppers. Voila!


You don’t have to eat 9. I was really hungry that day.

<3, Lola.

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February 16, 2010 1

Women Of The World: Croatia Part 2

By lola in Interview(s), WOW

(From top Left to bottom Left clockwise: 1.Osijek via via-tours; 2. Dubrovnik by Sandro Mancuso;  3. Plitvice in snow by blagi;  4. Zagorje;  5. Varaždin by jamsklee kite; 6. Split via fesb-hr; 7. Krk by been around.)

LIFE IN CROATIA

(Continuation of Women Of The World: Croatia Part 1)

LOLA: How possible is it to lead a good life in Croatia? (Let’s define ‘good’ as a regular middle class life: opportunity to find a satisfying job that pays enough to cover expenses, being able to go on vacation, send kids to school, etc.)
MISS SNJEŽANA: A good life in that context sounds very SciFi. If you do not have parents who will help you buy an apartment/home, it is questionable that you will ever be able to afford it. If you are lucky to find a job paying $1,000/mo, more than 1/4 goes on food&hygiene, and you don’t need to follow a diet on this budget. Another 1/4 goes to utilities, and more than 1/4 goes to rent. Finally, there are transportation expenses, public transport mainly as you have to be rich to drive a car. One liter of gas is $1 (Lola’s note: about $4/gallon). The rest you can spend on a pair of jeans, and an occasional outing at McDonald’s.

LOLA: What annual salary would provide for a good living?
MISS SNJEŽANA: $20,000 sounds realistic for a couple to live a normal life. A single person would need twice as much as they cannot get loans easily. (Lola’s Note: $20,000 after taxes.)

LOLA: Do other cities or towns in Croatia offer opportunities for a good life?
MISS SNJEŽANA: I ran away from one of those cities, and my answer is no. Exceptions are to be congratulated; those exceptions are people in the tourism, or people who do not miss the city at all. This is a small group of people as everything is centralized in Zagreb. Of course some have good luck to live in the country and do farming as they prefer this type of life, but even in this instance it’s hard to start from scratch.

LOLA: You’ve somewhat covered this before but what are the opportunities for home ownership?
MISS SNJEŽANA: One sq meter of real estate is $1,750-$2,700. Not doable for a regular person. This recession has brought down prices, but it is harder to obtain loans now, so in effect nothing changed. Parents generally leave apartments to, or buy apartments for their children if they are able to do so. Other people rent. Most cannot afford an apartment.

LOLA: How did the two decade old change in the socioeconomic system affect the country and people?
MISS SNJEŽANA: One can still sense communist way of thinking. Croatians are not motivated employees. They look for ways to work less, and if possible find someone else to do their job masked under ‘team work’. Cheating is widespread in schools and on exams. Diploma is a valued source, instead of the knowledge, so everyone is running after that.

The country is filled with uneducated rich, (who under no circumstance fall under the category of intellectuals), but they own properties and businesses they bought for $1 because they were in the right place during privatization. The population is becoming illiterate – I mean proper diction, proper writing, and such. Even the TV anchors do not speak proper Croatian literary language, which is shameful, while the language experts cannot agree about simple rules. Natal rate is low, and it’s hard to see a child on the street. Kindergartens are full to capacity, some schools work in three shifts, yet others are completely empty. Everything is expensive. We import everything, and buy because we are in the ‘want’ of everything.

The car is a status symbol, as is an apartment. For some, name brands are a status symbol. It is full of contradictions: you wonder how are shopping centers full, how everyone has enough to look exquisite, get their hair, nails and make-up done, and are out and about.  Yet others are marginalized, hidden in their own poverty, and do not know whether they will pull out from this. There are a lot of humanitarian projects: generally it is the citizens funding what the state should be responsible for. Outer appearances are important, and the insides are rotting.

LOLA: What positive trends have you noticed in the past ten years?
MISS SNJEŽANA: We are slowly on the way to become a part of the European Union. Very slowly. We brought the Internet into everyday life, and everyone has a cell phone, (some more than one), and a land line. This is a positive byproduct of selling the only telecommunications company to foreigners. A lot of new shopping centers opened, and there is no need to travel outside the country for certain goods anymore.

LOLA: How do you think will EU influence the country, and contentment with life?
MISS SNJEŽANA: Admittance into the EU is our only option for survival and normalization. Some citizens are afraid of becoming slaves coming into the union, but this is the result lack of  basic economics’ knowledge. Some are afraid that they will have to start to work at last, (most government workers), while some are excited their talents are finally going to pay off.

LOLA: How can a country change for better: by people and a new awareness, by changing political structure, or something entirely else?
MISS SNJEŽANA: There is a proverb that people have a leadership they deserve. If people and their consciousness changed, political structures, and the rest would change as well. In Croatia they made it illegal to picket in front of government facilities, and this is why there are no demonstrations. Not even college students want to demonstrate and get on the streets. It was the High School students that organized latest demonstrations, and won the right to extend state examination dates. Younger generations could potentially change a lot of things.

LOLA: How do the elderly, and minority groups live?
MISS SNJEŽANA: I’m surprised they are still alive. However it is great that one of our Big Brother winners was Romani, and that Romas and Muslims have a representative in the parliament. Seventeen Roma attend universities in Zagreb. As far as the elderly, only those who earned their pensions in the West live with dignity.

FASHION

LOLA: Is fashion important to you?
MISS SNJEŽANA: I am not “overwhelmed” with fashion in the sense that I do not follow trends, but I like to dress well. If I could afford it, I would definitely invest in a few quality items.

LOLA: You have 500 Euros, and an hour at the mall, what items do you pick up first?
MISS SNJEŽANA: I like the classic look that is always in. I love monochromatic clothing, and minimalism. I would buy black pumps, one cocktail dress, a Guess bag, & Chanel shades. I think that would cover it.

LOLA: Most women in Croatia are always so put together and beautiful. What is the secret? Are there rituals, or do people expect one to look good?
MISS SNJEŽANA: As I mentioned outer appearance is important.   People are not relaxed due to other peoples’ opinions regarding their look.  Although I would not agree that others expect you to look great, people are often envious. I think that the secret in the everlasting beauty that prevails in the Balkans is connected with primitivism, as the dream of many women is to marry rich. Therefore they are brought up in the spirit of always looking good if they are to win over, and keep the man.

LOLA: Any suggestions for cosmetics?
MISS SNJEŽANA: Prepared cosmetics: natural olive oil with a drop of lemon juice is the law for skin! Everything else poisons more than helps, but marketing experts always excite us with another item. Decorative cosmetics: Chanel and Shiseido.

LOLA: Favorite designers?
MISS SNJEŽANA: Armani, Lagerfeld, Ferre, Valentino (I like all of them very much).

LOLA: Favorite Croatian designer?
MISS SNJEŽANA: I dislike them all very much.  :) I couldn’t really say as they plagiarize each other.

LOLA: Who is your fashion icon and why?
MISS SNJEŽANA: I don’t have one. Why? I don’t need a leader in that sense.

HOT THEMES

LOLA: What do people do in their free time?
MISS SNJEŽANA: They hang around coffee shops, and go shopping.

LOLA: Hanging out…
MISS SNJEŽANA: Younger ones go out in groups, but they tend to separate after they find partners. There are no rules though.

LOLA: When do people start dating?
MISS SNJEŽANA: Starting in High School, at perhaps 16. At least that was the trend in ‘my time’.

LOLA:  What about sex?
MISS SNJEŽANA: One recent study suggested that on average 17 is the age boys get intimately involved, and 18 for girls. But I am a skeptical. I think it’s earlier.

LOLA: Is sex discussed between friends/family?
MISS SNJEŽANA: Depends which friend. As far as parents, they’d rather not think about it. It took long to introduce sexual education in schools. Church influence is strong. As of recently even the shops were closed on Sundays.

LOLA:  What is the average marrying age?
MISS SNJEŽANA: When the girl gets pregnant. :)   People with college education tend to get married later. Some couples date for years, some marry after one, it all depends.

LOLA: What are the weddings like?
MISS SNJEŽANA: A lot of pomposity so others see how much was spent, or to show families’ prosperity.  All the guests sound car horns of kitschy decorated cars as the bride and groom are sent on their way. It is a very primitive custom of ‘father selling his daughter to groom who offers most’ type, and the groom of course seems like he’s offering most – awful! Of course there are exceptions for those that want a private, tasteful wedding.

LOLA: How is divorce looked upon?
MISS SNJEŽANA: Divorces are more common nowadays, but not as common as in the US. Although the environment is somewhat conservative, I didn’t notice any prejudices against the divorcees in society, (except by the Church).

LOLA: Tell us about your relationship!
MISS SNJEŽANA: My boyfriend and I have been together for two years, and living together for that long as well. We met on the internet.

LOLA: Five best things about your partner are…
MISS SNJEŽANA: He is exactly like me. :) Just kidding.   He is very cultured, perhaps even too much for these spaces. He is dependable, responsible (you can really rely on him). He is incredibly intelligent.  He has a great sense of humor, and he is fun.  He practices equality with me, (it is normal for him as a man to cook and clean).

LOLA: Anything you’d like to change?
MISS SNJEŽANA: He is very temperamental and can get upset about simple things. I’d like for him not to get so stressed out over little things.


THE FUTURE & MISS SNJEŽANA’S RECOMMENDATIONS

LOLA: Where do you see the future of the country?
MISS SNJEŽANA: In the EU.

LOLA: Closing thoughts?
MISS SNJEŽANA: I answered the questions in the most honest way I could as I do want to translate the most realistic picture possible. It stands that some things were more depressing – I tried to soften them, but I believe that many peoples around the world are seeing similar phenomena with variations from culture to culture. Everything is relative here: there is a Balkan influence, and that of the Western Europe, but the Balkan influence is stronger. I did not mean to insult anyone, and I deeply apologize to those who many find this hurtful.

Lola’s Notes:
Again, I am grateful to Snježana for an open dialogue. The situation in Croatia is shared by many if not most of the countries in transition. Big upheaval happens during time of big changes and they are most felt in lives of regular people.  It is my hope that by taking a look at ourselves and others we can inspire progressive ideas & solutions for living, while being thankful and take note of those things that are working well.

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February 15, 2010 4

Women Of The World: Croatia Part 1

By lola in Interview(s), WOW

(From top Left to bottom Left clockwise: 1.Tkalčić street by Vjekoslav1; 2. Miss Snježana; 3. Fireworks by DeymosD; 4. Streetcars by seanfderry-studenna; 5. Croatian National Theatre by LusoFox; 6.The fountain Manduševac by Polježičanin; 7. Gornji Grad via hrphotocontest.)

LIVING IN ZAGREB

Women of the World: Croatia segment was completed over a year ago. Due to a hiatus from CWL I am just now posting it.

Central and Eastern Europe witnessed great economic, and other changes during the nineties. Some people benefited, but for the vast amount of people adaption to this new reality has been difficult. Snježana was my choice for the interview because she gave reliable and honest insight into Croatian life in the period of transition.

Snježana is an educated, smart, beautiful, and opinionated urbanite. She has a sharp mind of an individualist who lives with a well-developed personal code of ethics. She also has a wicked sense of humor which is her most endearing quality. I thank Snježana for patience, and willingness to share her daily life.

COUNTRY: Croatia (Central and Southeastern Europe)
CAPITAL: Zagreb
POPULATION & SIZE: 4.5 Million;  22,000 sq mi (about the size of WV)
PROTAGONIST: Miss Snježana
LOCATION: Zagreb since 2000
OCCUPATION: Graduated Economist, & Make-Up Artist (Lola’s note: she graduated since the interview)

MISS SNJEŽANA: Regarding the occupation question, I have always been dedicated to more than one profession. Since I am currently studying, you could say I am primarily a student of Economics. I also have a degree in Tourism Hotel Management, but since I changed my living location my days in the tourism industry are over.

LOLA: One day in Snježana’s life goes like..?
MISS SNJEŽANA: Ha ha… Well… Since my classes ended, it seems as if I am doing absolutely nothing, yet my days are too short for everything I would like to do. First thing after waking up is a cup of coffee with my boyfriend. This is a real ritual without which my day is lopsided. After coffee I prepare lunch, and study. Studying takes up most of my day. I may go shopping,  go out to the city for a walk, or a night out on town. Come to think of it I live like a (studying) housewife. :)

LOLA: What do you do in your free time?
MISS SNJEŽANA: My greatest passion is art in any shape or form: painting, graphics, interiors, landscape design, aquarium design. Anything to do with aesthetics. The art of film is my favorite medium (from documentaries to action movies), followed by comic books. I must admit that I am also quite a gourmet chef. I would love to be able to say I have time to read, but after continuous studying, my eyes grow tired. It’s ‘easier’ to relax, and watch a movie or a TV series. (Although watching TV also has its effect on the eyes.)

LOLA: Dearest writer?
MISS SNJEŽANA: Gabriel Garcia Marquez. His One hundred years of solitude is by far my favorite book. This book has such vibrant atmosphere that I literally ‘lived’ there while reading it. As far as authors, I definitely like Eckhart Tolle, and all his books.

LOLA: What made you move to Zagreb?
MISS SNJEŽANA: I came to Zagreb because I could not find work in Dalmatia, where I lived before. (Lola’s Note: Dalmatia is Croatia’s coastal region on the Adriatic Sea.) I heard that Zagreb had greater opportunities, (for employment). Since I had no offers upon arriving, I had to search for them myself. A great thing about Zagreb is absolutely everything in the country is concentrated here. I was happy for a while. However, after I experienced European metropolitan cities, I can safely say Zagreb cannot yet be called a metropolis as it lacks aspects to be given that title just yet.

LOLA: What are five best things about living in your city?
MISS SNJEŽANA: 1. Unlike most other cities in Croatia, Zagreb has a great public transportation. It doesn’t have a subway yet, but still there is a street car system that runs all night.  2. Almost all of country’s universities are located here.  3. It is easier to find a job as most of the country’s resources and investments are also here.  4. Also, there are many shopping centers quickly becoming the cheapest and only way to have fun for an average citizen.  5. One fourth of all Croatians live in Zagreb, yet it is easy to run into a friend while you’re in the city.

LOLA: What places in Zagreb should one visit?
MISS SNJEŽANA: The main square, and the narrow core of Zagreb has an incredible atmosphere, especially Gornji Grad.  Marija Jurić Zagorka, our first female journalist, described the history of Gornji Grad in her novels. Zagreb was the first city in Europe to build a public toilet, and it exists to this day. (Tip: it is immediately in the center of the city, so if you have to go, perhaps you’ll have to visit it. :) ) I recommend a walk in Maksimir (forest-park), and the Botanical Gardens. In fact, there are very many places you can visit in a day because you only need a few hours to see the Zoo, Botanical Gardens, or a museum.

Another special place is Hrelić. That’s a flea market located near wasteland, open only on Sundays. You can buy absolutely anything there. Some of the more bizarre things are: half-spent toothpaste, old LPs, tapes, old double-deck player which (of course) still works, old clothes and shoes, autos, second hand books, old mags… In short: a kaleidoscope of stuff thrown away. A visit to Hrelić, of course, is not a visit motivated by shopping, but by fun because you can smile/laugh when you see some faraway objects of your childhood being sold for a cent.

For hipsters there are a yuppie bars: Peoples, Fly, & Papaya, and for the alternative crew there are smaller places: Močvara, Route66; there is also a bar just for bikers: Purgeraj. A trend for turbo-folk music has to be mentioned, as it is changing the atmosphere in many bars.

Zagreb isn’t overly ‘tourist friendly’ as it’s easy to get lost in the traffic. What does make it friendly is that many people speak English (especially younger generations), and they are very ready to help. If you get lost just ask around.  City center is tourist friendly as it is walkable, and this is where most notable things are located anyway.  My recommendation to a newbie: buy a map of Zagreb and discover the city for yourself. This way you will see some of city’s extremely interesting highlights that did not necessarily make it into a tourist guide.

LOLA: Where does one go to experience the skyline and moonlight?
MISS SNJEŽANA: One option is Gornji Grad, as it is easy to get to. Second is somewhat far away, from the top of Sljeme.

LOLA: The most beautiful things about Croatia are?
MISS SNJEŽANA: Croatia has the coast, sea, and islands with an uncorrupted nature. Once you leave the city it is possible to see cows, sheep, goats, chickens, and other animals. (Sometimes it is possible to see them at your neighbor’s as well.) I am alluding to the connection between tradition and life, meaning you can still find healthy, naturally produced food in your grocery store.

Also the Croatian national foods such as Roast Turkey with Baked Noodles, (Purica s mlincima), and Zagroje Cheese Strukli (Zagorske štrukle). On the coast there is the Dalmatian Stewed Beef Dish (Pašticada s njokama), my very favorite Sheep Cheese from the island of Pag (Paški sir), and the perfect Kabola wines.

Croatia also possesses very special architecture influenced by architect Hermann Bolle.  Finally, cities and coffee shops are always full of people, even during work hours, and there lingers a high presence of city life.

LOLA: What are some not so good things about living in Croatia?
MISS SNJEŽANA: The infrastructure is bad, especially the highway infrastructure. Also, the traffic is insane. If you don’t live in the center of the city and you are using public transportation, then your trip to work or university becomes a real adventure.

There is an absence of real values – meaning that culture, education and friendship are categories that are becoming extinct. Money and power are the only important things nowadays. “Take the money and run!” is a great way to characterize countries in transition. Nepotism and corruption are present in all spheres of life. Inertness of politicians on top causes bad economy politics, bad social politics, and an awful administration/ bureaucracy. Finally, the education system is bad.

LOLA: What do you see as a solution for these?
MISS SNJEŽANA: Plans for the subway system are underway, although it will require some ten years. The media could, at last, give attention to real values instead of exaggerating consumerism, power, and politicians. The corruption is, slowly but surely, being uncovered. Nepotism, however, is a greater illness that cannot be uncovered as easily. My hope is that with entering the European Union we will have to vote for those able to lead instead of voting for cousins and neighbors. As far as inertness, it is not so easy to answer. I’m not sure if anyone knows how to fix this – perhaps if the politicians would start to listen to field experts.

(From top Left to bottom Left clockwise: 1. Cheese from the island of Pag (Paški sir) via photoforumistria; 2. Zagreb City Map via kod-kazalista; 3. Kabola Wine; 4. Croatian Prosciutto (Pršut) via dalmatiancooking; 5. Zagroje Cheese Strukli (Zagorske štrukle) via zombieboy; 6. Stewed Beef Dish (Pašticada s njokama) via coolinarika; 7. Roast Turkey with Baked Noodles (Purica s mlincima) via ladysram.)

EDUCATION/ SCHOOL SYSTEM/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

LOLA: Describe the education system in the country.
MISS SNJEŽANA: After 8 years of elementary education (Lola’s note: elementary and middle schools are combined into one) one takes exams to get into high schools based on their area of interest. General high schools, and high schools for tourism, economics, medicine, and the electro-technical fields are 4 years long. Trade schools take about 3 years (cosmetology, cooking, auto-mechanical, etc).

Until recently one could skip high school, but it is now required by law to get a high school education. After high school there is a national graduation exam. If you pass, you are able to go on to the university.

LOLA: What are the opportunities for attending university & is it necessary to have a college education to live a decent life?
MISS SNJEŽANA: Whoever can afford it is now doing it, even people who would not otherwise consider going to college. Tuition, and room&board expenses doubled within the last few years, while the standard of living stayed the same. This is unusual as before this period institutions of higher education were affordable.

Having a university degree is not necessary to live. In fact most employers do not appreciate good education, and salaries cannot make up for time and expense invested into education. There are of course individuals who rely on their education. This all depends on the type of degree, and how much practical knowledge it is offering. Our education system bases itself on the memorizing theoretical information, and not on the use/practice of actual knowledge.

LOLA: How many years does it take to get a degree, and what is the money investment?
MISS SNJEŽANA: An average degree, let’s say a degree in economics, is obtained in 4 years, while ‘stronger’ degrees such as law or medicine, can take from 6 to 10 years. (‘Formally’ these also are supposed to last 4 years.) There is a difference between semester requirements, and time taken to do the exams.

The process is underway to transform the system to the Bologna system where one university degree would take 3 years to obtain, with the option to attend additional 2 years and get a Master’s degree. However, it is still unknown what this will do to the job market. For example I am studying based on the old 4 year system and still don’t know which title I will obtain.

One year consists of 2 semesters. Price for one year is about $1,000. Statistics note that the average income in Croatia is about $900/mo. Many with a college degree earn $950/mo, while some without any degrees earn up to $1200/mo. There are no rules.

LOLA: What are the job opportunities like after college?
MISS SNJEŽANA: If you have a recommendation then you have a good chance of getting hired. However, if you have no connections it is very hard to find a decent job. You can always get an underpaid job with bad working environment, bad human relations, and a high turnover rate. In these situations no one is satisfied. People here cannot choose to do what they love so they often school themselves for the professions based on market needs as this guarantees an easier job placement.

LOLA: What do people do if they lose their job?
MISS SNJEŽANA: They hope to get a new one… Hope dies last.  :) Some get help from the state funds that cannot even cover one month of food. Some apply for a different type of welfare, providing even less money, but one is eligible for this only if they have absolutely nothing. Final and most often occurring scenario is that people ask for help from family as otherwise they would end up homeless.

LOLA: Is a career change doable at let’s say 35?
MISS SNJEŽANA: It depends. For men, this isn’t a hurdle, but if you are a woman with children this is hard. It is hard to achieve a career as is, and when you achieve something not many people would opt out to risk and change this – people aren’t flexible enough.

LOLA: Are women treated equally in the society? (Not only on paper.)
MISS SNJEŽANA: Again, this depends on the situation. Some branches are typically female, and men “have nothing to do there”.  While many men may apply for an administrative assistant position, they will not get the job if the boss is male. I don’t remember ever seeing a guy that was on a cleaning crew, except in auto shops. Also, I’ve seen zero women doing construction, or some other typically male profession, as she would not be taken seriously. My own passion for wall painting failed because of this, even though I am talented enough to paint better than the ‘conventional maestros’. :)

Some firms prefer women and consider them better employees, yet the man who works for the same firm doing the same job will have a higher salary. I personally have not witnessed that women have a smaller chance for success, but women are often let go after pregnancy, and they will have a hard time finding a job after 30 especially if they are without a degree.

Statistically women comprise most of unemployed persons, but I think that younger, educated, and ambitious women can rise up the ranks easier than men. Yet, most leadership and managerial positions are dominated by men as they generally own the firms. However I believe this to be a result of affinity, not sexism. The society still values men more. Every father wants a son, women are still homemakers.

Although with younger generations this trend is slowly dissipating.

LOLA: How much influence do women have in a Croatian everyday life? (Societal, rather than familial influence.)
MISS SNJEŽANA: There are only a few women politicians, and influential women in general. Women influence is almost undetectable. Often women are women’s worst enemy, so I do not expect greater changes in the field of women’s rights. In Croatia an unmarried woman, or a woman living by herself cannot undergo a fertility treatment. Yet the natal rate is devastatingly low. That says enough.

Lola’s Note: Stay tuned for Part 2 in which we discuss politics, sex, and fashion!

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February 5, 2009 0

Quote – Marcel Duchamp

By Lola in Narrative

“I have forced myself to contradict myself in order to avoid conforming to my own taste.“- Marcel Duchamp

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