Coffee With Lola

(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.

(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!

Quick Recap: in part 1 of the interview with Miss Irena, we found out about her life, and living in Vienna as it relates to career, lifestyle, and opportunities. In part 2, we find out the juicy!

SEX & RELATIONSHIPS

Lola: Do young people hang out separately or in groups?
Miss Irena: Mostly in mixed groups with both guys and girls.

Lola: Around what age do young Austrians start getting into love relationships?
Miss Irena: Hm.. I like the question. In “my time” it was around 15-16. Now it is around 14.

Lola: What about sex?
Miss Irena: It seems as if the age is lowering. I would say the average is around 16.

Lola: Is sex becoming more casual?
Miss Irena: Yes, although I think that’s a trend in developed countries in the past few decades.

Lola: How is the marriage looked upon in Austria?
Miss Irena: As the divorce rates are high, marriage is not very praised. However, people still do get married and prepare extravagant weddings. Those living in smaller cities get are more likely to marry compared to Viennese.

Lola: What are the weddings like?
Miss Irena: Some people make smaller ones, some prefer something more elaborate. The preparations start at least six months in advance.  Most popular weddings are held outside the city, in the castles, gardens, etc.

Lola: How is cheating looked upon?
Miss Irena: People are quiet and calculating where cheating is concerned. Everyone is bothered with it, and no one wants to experience it!  My opinion is that it happens, but it is not talked about.  One never shares their dirty laundry with the neighbors in Austria.  Everything is discussed between four walls. I cannot speak for every couple in the intimacy of their home, but the statistics are telling us that infidelity happens often, and both men and women cheat.

Lola: Do couples tend to stay together after a huge disagreement or is the divorce the route most taken?
Miss Irena: As I’ve mentioned, the divorce is a regular occurrence. Austrians are less inclined to compromise, and sacrifice, and will often go for something different, or a solo life, if things in the relationship start to bother them.

FASHION

Lola: How important is fashion for women in Austria?
Miss Irena: It’s very important, especially women from ex-Yu who dress really well.  Austrian women like to get dressed up as well, but more casually. Still, when something is fashionable (trend for this winter was black fishnets, black shorts, and high heels), the entire city will go out and buy it. This of course is true for women who like fashion.  Alternative girls, and girls who do not care about fashion (there are a lot of them in Vienna), are completely un-phased by these things. I am speaking here for Vienna, as I do not know about other places.

Lola: How is style different in Austria and other parts of Europe?
Miss Irena: There are a loooooooooot less stores here compared to London, Paris, New York, and “real” world metropolises.  It’s not that there isn’t a choice, everyone can find something that looks good on them, but in the end most girls wear the same things that they bought in similar stores. Everything is uniformed this way.

Lola: Your fave designers?
Miss Irena: Roberto Cavalli, and Versace. Affordable: Zara, Mango.

Lola: Fave Austrian designers?
Miss Irena: I cannot give concrete designer names as Austria does not have a very big fashion scene.

Lola: What accessories could you not live without?
Miss Irena: Earrings, and bags (big and small).

Lola: Fave mag?
Miss Irena: Biggest magazine for women here is WOMAN. I like Cosmo, but Croatian rather than German edition.

Lola: Let’s say you have only $200 budget for wardrobe for the entire next year. What do you spend it on?
Miss Irena: A good pair of boots, few shirts, and accessories.

Lola: Advice for fashionistas?
Miss Irena: Do not run after every new trend as some clothes are not good enough even though they may be popular that month.

BEAUTY SECRETS

Miss Irena: Regular face cleansing is a MUST! I never go to bed with makeup.  Regular caring for the face is also important, with creams that are good for your skin. I go to a cosmetologist who prepares my face cream. Try to stay away from over-the-counter products that you can get at drugstores as the quality is low. Use something you would find at a dermatologist/cosmetologist’s office. High quality makeup is crucial too. I realized it is better to have 10 pieces of high quality makeup than 50 of half-good quality that one ends up throwing away because it went bad. I love peelings (both face and body). It is important to drink a lot of fluids, and to exercise (although I am not very disciplined there).

Lola: Cosmetics recommendations?
Miss Irena: My face cream is Chris Farell – Purell Skin Balancer. It is a cream for oily skin, it smells divinely, and the texture is wonderful.  For body, I use Dove.  As far as shampoos, I buy professional ones, for quality. I like brands Bonacure, and Loreal Professional. I use different kinds of makeup, although I love Biotherm, Clinique, and Dior.  Loreal is also good.  Overall, if you do one good thing for your face, it would be to have a consultation with a dermatologist or a cosmetologist.

FINAL WORDS FOR READERS

Miss Irena: An individual needs to feel hope, love herself, and work on herself throughout her life. Those three things are key! Satisfaction with oneself is the most important thing in life, as without it, one cannot succeed in a career, relationship or a friendship…  a person, then, cannot succeed in any social field without it.  You need to be your own best friend, and strive to know yourself.  I have also come to a conclusion that nothing is eternal, both pain and happiness come, go away, and return again. Life is not one straight line: sometimes you fly, while sometimes you fall. Truly: life is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’ll get. It is up to us to learn from our mistakes, and to try not to repeat them. I believe in justice, and that everything in life – good and bad – comes back. That is why you shouldn’t ponder “why is this happening to me?” because every event has some meaning. With everything we experience we come out smarter, different, and stronger. Be honest with yourself, and listen to your inner voice. Mine never disappointed me!

Awwwwwwww! It’s easy to love Miss Irena! I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did. Please feel free to comment!
<3,
Lola

(The Cathedral)

LIFE IN LAND OF AUSTRIA

It would seem logical our knowledge of life in different countries would expand parallel to the globe becoming smaller. Yet we all could sharpen this image. In an effort to learn more about what it takes to be an Icelander, live in Indonesia, or dance in Canada, CWL is adding a column: „Women Around the World“.  Goal: to interview a young woman from every country on the globe. Motive: to discover her dreams, her life, her country, and of course, her fashion. Secret Motive: to expand the globe by celebrating everyday muti-cultural, successful, sexy women…

First country on the list is Austria, not because of the alphabet, but because the girl I interviewed is so delicious I had to share her with you! We have been friends for over two decades, and I was excited she agreed to be my first interviewee. Without further ado, I present to you MISS IRENA!!!

FIRST THE INTRODUCTIONS!

Lola: Tell us who you are, what you do, and where your passions lie?
Miss Irena: I am a twenty-six years old student of Pedagogy. I also work in the afternoon program of an elementary school. I love to read about politics, religion, and philosophy. My passions include (like most women), clothes, and shoes. I love a fun evening out, and spending time with friends.

Lola: Hobbies?
Miss Irena: I love to read, to watch a good movie, and am about to start practicing yoga soon. I read a lot about it, and it appeals to me, so I’ve decided yoga will be my ‘real’ hobby.

Lola:  Why did you decide to live in Austria?
Miss Irena: I formed my social circle, schooled myself, and integrated myself into this country. I am not sure that I will stay here forever, but currently like living here very much.

Lola: What’s your satisfaction with life in Vienna 0-10 (0=worst, 10=best), and why?
Miss Irena: 7; Vienna strives for complete satisfaction, and there is always a little something that could improve. Especially in Vienna.

Lola: What do you love about the country?
Miss Irena: Austria is a small, but beautiful country. The Alps are very special, gorgeous really, as are the small, soulful towns. Vienna is a good city to live in as there are always some exhibitions, theater productions, and are a lot of places to go out to. There is something for every taste.

Lola: What would you like to see improve?
Miss Irena: I’d love for Vienna to acquire certain characteristics of a big city, like London and Paris – meaning to be infused with creativity (such as fashion, designers, high quality night clubs, and for night life to expand). I don’t want it to sound as if Vienna isn’t a metropolitan, but in my opinion, it is still far from real, worldly metropolitans. Simply, it is not yet boiling with life like other cities.

(Wien)

SCHOOL AND CAREER

Lola: Describe for us the educational system in the country?
Miss Irena: The educational system in Austria looks something like this: all children attend first 4 grades together – sort of like the elementary school. Then comes the division of kids into «Hauptschule» (higher elementary school), and «Gymnasium Unterstufe» (lower level of high school). Both last for four years, and students then transition to a real high school. High school choices are «Gymnasium Oberstufe» (higher level of high school), trade high schools, merchant high schools, economics high schools, and so on. A person can attend university only if they pass high school. Otherwise they have to pass certain subjects to be admitted. The university costs 380 Euros per semester. The admission process for the university practically doesn’t exist except for the programs that are in high demand such as medicine, and psychology. These are not your regular admittance exams, in fact all students are accepted. However the exams select which students can attend classes immediately, and which students have to wait another year for placement.

In totality Austrian system of education is somewhat old comparing to other countries, due to its a certain characteristic of inequality. Children from higher social structures have a better chance for higher quality education.  Children from lower social stratus are encouraged to attend «Hauptstchule» which means there is already a cut; they are already being predisposed to a more limited future. For example not very many of those kids attend high school, nor university. This early selection, at 10 years of age, immediately splits children into two different classes of people.

Lola: Can one change their career if they are dissatisfied?
Miss Irena: The system is somewhat flexible, and you can transfer from one branch to another, but career cannot be completely changed. Most people stay in their own routine jobs/fields.

Lola: What are some popular careers for women?
Miss Irena: As far as trade careers definitely those of the hair stylist and secretary. This is the business choice for many young women, and they educate themselves accordingly. As far as academic jobs marketing, consulting, and economics are popular. This is shown by the number of girls in the field of economics in Vienna. There is also the classic medicine or law road. I mean these are all examples – I cannot be concrete as career is such a personal subject, and every woman would answer this question very differently.

Lola: What kind of annual income can give one a decent life in Vienna?
Miss Irena: I’d say 20,000€/year allows for a good life in Vienna. Average income is about 1,300-1,600€ monthly + 1 pay for summer/Christmas vacation. So let’s say 1600€ is enough for a single person to have a carefree life.

Lola: Do most young people live by themselves, or with parents?
Miss Irena: Most young people live by themselves. Relative move-out age depends from person to person, and whether the young person went straight into the work force at 19, or continued on to the university. If they decided to work they are likely to move out earlier. If they chose to attend the university some students move out right away, and some later during the schooling. Young people who come from the province into Vienna for the university live by themselves, or with roommates. Living with roommates is very popular for students in Vienna, regardless whether they are Viennese or «from the side», «Wohngemeinschaft». This generally involves a big apartment with four roommates, or living in dorms.

RIGHTS & OPPORTUNITIES

Lola: What are the opportunities for home ownership?
Miss Irena: There are many different opportunities. State-owned apartments are somewhat more affordable than renting. Every Austrian has a right for one of those up until the age of 30, as do big families, lower-income individuals, etc… One waits about 1-2 years for these.  There is the regular renting, and something we call «genossenschaft», a down payment while the building is in construction, but once you move in you would pay about 100-200 less than renting. There is a good supply of apartments, but like in most European cities, they are expensive.

Lola: How do women live in Austria? How does the equality play out in reality?
Miss Irena: Women in Austria live well in comparison with many of the world’s countries. Of course this in large depends on the kind of job, and social structure the woman lives in. However, one can say that overall there are a lot of opportunities, and rights for women here, starting with schooling, jobs, and state help for stay at home moms. A big problem is the eventual re-integration into job force once a woman returns from maternity leave. This is something the country is working on though. Some statistics say women earn less than men in certain branches, but in my opinion Austria is one very «frauenfreundlich» country – country good for women.

Lola:  How do other minorities live?
Miss Irena: People more or less live in their own communities. There are no «ghettos» such as in France, but there are migrant neighborhoods. The problem of integration is alive in Austria. It is a complicated issue, one of the egg and the hen. Do the immigrants really want to integrate into Austrian society? Did Austria give them a fair ability to do so? It’s a never ending topic. Other minorities such as people with disabilities, and gays live well. They have many organizations, and are well protected by the state. For example gays have a great status in the society, and the anti-discriminatory laws based on sexual orientation are in practice. However, they still do not have a right to marry, or to adopt children. People with special needs, along with people with disabilities are very well integrated into Austrian society.

(Passage, Museumsquartier)

VIENNA LIFESTYLE & NIGHTLIFE

Lola: Where does one go out in Vienna, and what does one do in their spare time?
Miss Irena: That question is hard to answer globally. «In» places change, but lately there is a popularity of «Museumsquartier» places consisting of a few museums with well known coffee shops, bars, clubs, and restaurants. In the middle of the complex there is generally a park with nicely designed benches. As far as nightlife, there are many discotheques/clubs for every type of music, and public preference.  «Passage» is sort of a hipster club filled to capacity on weekends. One has to wait up to an hour to get in. The entire city goes out there right now, and if a celebrity visits Vienna, this is a place they will visit. Next door is «Volksgarten», one older and well known club with different music every night. Alternative bars and clubs are b72, and Chelsea.

(Danube)

A few months ago coffee shop/bar/restaurant «Freiraum“ (free room) opened. It immediately became very popular. Their philosophy is: «cocktail in the restaurant, steak at the bar, breakfast at midnight, champagne on the old couch». Which means the entire area is a bar, coffee shop, and the restaurant. This innovative idea works very well.

In their free time people visit each other, they go on the Internet, go shopping, or for a walk. When it is warm the Danube has a million possibilities for sports and recreation. The Danube and Viennese have a very deep connection. There is «Donauinsel» , the Danube-Island, where people practice sports, etc.. There are also bars and clubs opened only during summer time;  it is magical to spend an evening in one of those – you have a feeling that you are on the seaside. There are a few international restaurants (Greek, Mexican, etc), and coffee shops (Jamaica, Caribbean, etc.).  All are very well designed, and have become well known with tourists and Viennese alike.

Also, let’s not forget the biggest Open-Air Festival in the world, the «Donauinselfest» happening every June for the past twenty years. It lasts three days, with two million visitors.

(Freiraum)

Lola: Where do you go out to?
Miss Irena: Clubs Volksgarten,Babenberger, and Passage. As far as restaurants/coffee shops I visit Freiraum, and Stylez.

Lola: Additional places you suggest for a tourist visiting?
Miss Irena: Well, there is the classical sightseeing: city’s center, the Cathedral, the opera, few museums, (most definitely MQ – Museumsquartier), Mariahilferstrasse – longest shopping street in Vienna. It is interesting that the greatest shopping center in Europe is here. It is incredibly big and supplied with everything!

Lola: Are there holidays original to Austria?
Miss Irena: No, but we celebrate the February carnival «Fasching». Halloween is becoming more popular by the year. The most celebrated holiday is Christmas. During the time of advent, Vienna holds a huge Christmas market. People go there to buy ornaments for their Christmas trees, sweets, and they drink punch or cooked wine.  Then the season of balls begins, from middle of January until the end of February. This is a huge tradition! There is a ball for everyone: police ball, student ball, bakers ball… Apex of the balls is, of course, the «Opernball», or Vienna Opera Ball visited by the VIPs, politicians, and stars.

(Stay tuned for PART 2 in which we discuss love, fashion, and sex!)

<3
Lola

First time I watched a Dave Childerley EFT video on youtube, I was swept away by his confidence, helpfulness, and warmth. He and Michelle, his wife, are my two favorite EFT success coaches. To my utter delight, Dave agreed to do an interview for CWL. Here it is!

LOLA:
Would you give us more detail about your new upcoming “Self Empowerment Show”: what inspired you to create it, what do you and Michelle hope to accomplish through such a show, and who is the audience you are targeting?

DAVE:
The new show is about helping people become self empowered by sharing the truth with them. The truth of who they are, why they feel the way they do and why self love is so important to the immune system and eliminating poor health. The new show will be interactive and will feature special guests that will answer viewers’ questions.  My goal is to tell people the truth as fear is generated by lack of knowledge.

Empowered with new knowledge, people can change their lives fast using new easy-to-use energy techniques like EFT and the Huna. The show will appeal to everyone who feels emotions from children right up to the elder generations. The show is about teaching people to detach from the world drama and learning to take back their power to create love and peace within. It is my intention that the show will reach the masses with a global self-empowering message of truth and hope.

It is also my intention during 2009, that my new ’self empowerment’ TV web show is broadcast on mainstream TV so that it really starts to reach the masses for free. This is my dream, to reach the masses with free truthful knowledge that empowers them from within. This is my challenge and I will succeed because I expect it to and I am going to allow it to happen with no resistance from me. This how I manifest my wants, I simply want them, allow them to unfold and do not offer any resistance to my wants flowing to me. I just believe they will come if I want them enough. It’s no magic, it’s just the self belief that I deserve and nothing is impossible in my world. If everyone thought this way, what a world we could create!

LOLA:
I love your website www.myGenie.tv as it is based on a concept of this great digital library where one can choose a video to tap along to from their living room. (It’s also worth mentioning that you are tackling a lot of different issues other EFT coaches are afraid to delve into (such as sexual dysfunction, etc…)) If one is a beginner, and wants to improve in few areas what would you recommend as a course for such an individual?

DAVE:
The myGenie.tv provides all the self help tools needed to break free from self limitations, fear, and poor health. We also help members with sexual challenges as I feel that this is a big issue in most people’s lives. I have even been criticised by other EFT coaches who feel offended that I should be so open and public with my offerings!! Simply, I do not care what they think as it’s none of their business. I only care what my members think and they are asking for help with these issues. Also, if I give all the answers out online, who will pay ‘$200 an hour plus’ for their best advise?

It’s important to remember that there are many success coaches and therapists out there who are not in truth with themselves and they see me as a real threat to their income.

These ‘old-school’ therapists see each new client as a revenue stream for so many sessions. During these sessions they intentionally stir up the emotional pot to extend the amount of therapy sessions they get paid to help with. This is the ’standard-old-school’ therapy model that is dying, and is becoming obsolete because it was built on unethical foundations and was bound to fail as the people realised the scam. I believe now is the time for a change in how people develop themselves and myGenie.tv is here to provide the online low cost solution needed.

I always recommend that new members start with a video series called ‘7 days to freedom’ that features the EFT or emotional freedom technique. This video series will educate you about you and quickly show you how to overcome your current situation so that you can restore balance and harmony to your life.

Each video recommends a period of days that the technique should be practised for quickest and best results although this is flexible. The members work at their own pace and can use the videos over and over again or until they feel better. Some people let go quicker than others so the site allows everyone to develop at their own rate that feels good for them. The ‘7 days’ program is an excellent place to start and by the time you’re finished, you’ll know what your main success blocks are and can then select the appropriate video to work with.

New members also have access to the sites unique and very popular ‘Q&A forum’, where they can ask personal questions and receive fast responses from a team of qualified therapists and success coaches including myself.

LOLA:
How much of your success today can be contributed to practicing EFT on yourself?

DAVE:
All of my success today is down to me.

EFT was one of many external self help tools that I used to access my real power within. This is what most people miss in the self help process because they believe that the external tool, in this case EFT, will cure them and if it doesn’t they tell others that EFT does not work. EFT is only an external tool used to access your power within. If EFT doesn’t do it for you, find another tool and try that. Sooner or later you will find a tool that resonates with you and it will enable you to connect to your inner power so that you can start moving forward in your life.

My success is down to me investing the time to explore different techniques until I found one that resonated. I must say though, EFT is by far the most powerful tool out there right now. EFT helped me clear the bulk of my issues fast and I still use the technique every day to keep me on track. I see it like brushing my teeth, every day I take 5 minutes to balance my energy and to say thanks for my connection to myself.

In my world, no one external tool or self development technique is any better than the other. It is your thoughts about them that makes the difference to the results you get.  That’s why everyone has different experiences. People try many different therapies but sooner or later they find one and their belief changes about what is possible for them and off they go saying that therapy is the best around.

Put simply, the therapy ‘technique’ is just a tool to help you to access your inner power to heal the self and to release inner negative emotions.  If you have any thoughts that it will not work for you, it won’t. Your beliefs are far more powerful than any ‘technique’ outside of you. The real power to heal yourself is within you. The techniques just allow you to connect internally, release and move on.

(LOLA’s Note: Now you see why Dave’s absolutely best! I used to wonder how very successful people got where they are before EFT, but then I remember that everyone has their own tool to access the inner power. This power to live magical lives is already within us, and EFT is one of many tools to help us get there. If it doesn’t work, something else will. And whatever tool helps you do it is the tool for you, because all the success is already within. Our only task is to access it.)

LOLA:
What other techniques do you find crucial in self development?

DAVE:
An open mind and self love are the two crucial components to self development. Most people develop slowly because they hold themselves back by their own beliefs about what is possible for them. They believe that only external help can cure them. They slowly get there in the end but only after they realise that they held the power within all the time and that nothing external from them will cure them. An open mind allows the individual to be guided within for help and to move away from external guidance.

Self love is your key to unlock who you really are and spend the rest of your life in happiness and bliss. The human body is simple to understand… We all have 2 choices in life.

1) If you love yourself… you will be healthy, loving and in a permanent state of joy.

2) If you hate yourself or any part of yourself… you will become unhealthy, depressed and in a permanent state of fear and worry.

You have tried… ‘not loving yourself’ and it clearly doesn’t work so why not now try the opposite and see if that works better. Try loving yourself just the way you are and experience amazing miracles happen in all areas of your life.

LOLA:
Within the practice of EFT a lot of importance is being placed on being specific when resolving energy blocks. What are the benefits of tapping on the specific issue without necessarily wanting to go back to the first time that the issue came about?

DAVE:
When using any external tool such as EFT, it’s important to remember that no one needs to relive the original trauma again in order to release it and move forward. Your unconscious mind knows exactly what caused the original trauma and has been protecting you from reliving it for a good reason… you do not need to know! A higher part of you already knows and is prompting you from within to let go and move on. The way you feel now is a reminder from within that you need to let go of it in the now and move on.

When I help someone move on my videos, we would tap on something like…

‘Even though…  my unconscious mind knows the root cause to my issue and has lovingly protected me from reliving it, I now choose to release how I feel now and let go of any past connections to it’

The way I teach is to educate the person about how their mind and energy system works so that they understand why they feel the way they do. With new knowledge about the self, one can break free from fear and self limitations and once again enjoy freedom, health and happiness.

LOLA:
How do you recommend EFT be introduced to skeptics, especially people you are certain could be helped so much with the techniques?

DAVE:
I do not recommend introducing EFT to skeptics who are not ready for change…. that’s why they are still skeptics! When someone becomes really sick of how they feel, they take action and do something about it. These are the people I help. I never try and introduce my teachings to anyone unless they ask for my help. I simply allow them to be as they are. I allow them to have their own experience and if they choose to be skeptical than that’s their choice. I give zero energy to skeptics as it’s a waste of time. I only give my energy to those who ask for it.

(LOLA’s Note: Brilliant point! I have trouble with this as I want to help everyone. However, not everyone is ready for EFT, and some people may never want to try it. Trying to persuade skeptics truly is an energy waster.)

LOLA:
Do you do EFT with your children? If yes, how do they explain the use of it to other children that may not have been introduced to it yet?

DAVE:
No, I do not use EFT with my son who’s 11 as he already realises that his power comes from within him and when he’s faced with a challenge, he simply chooses the desired outcome he wants using his mind and his point of focus. In my experience, children take to learning EFT very quickly. My son never used the technique because he has never needed to. He is very well balanced, healthy and doing well in his studies so I never felt the need to use it with him. He does know how to use the technique and has showed other children at his school how to use it. If he ever comes to me with an issue and asks for help, I would use EFT but only if he was unable to work it out in his mind first.

EFT is a great tool for kids to learn and should be taught at every school so that children could deal with emotional challenges as they go and not store them all up until they are older. They should be taught to… ‘Release & let go’ as emotional challenges arise.

(LOLA’s Note:  I wish all parents would do what Dave does. A lot of unnecessary later heartbreak would be saved if we all learned how powerful we are when we are kids instead of ‘growing up’, ‘getting serious’, ‘facing the reality’…)

LOLA:
What are your and Michelle’s plans for this upcoming 2009 year as it relates to your self coaching, and development business?

DAVE:
Our plans for 2009 are simple. We intend to produce more and more videos for myGenie.tv and youtube that teach people how to become more and more self empowered.

I also intend speaking at global events throughout the year to promote the whole concept of ‘detaching from external drama and going within to take back your power’.

Michelle will also continue her work on the Genie whilst developing her new show on youtube about increasing the awareness of animal communication, and how we can create a closer relationship with all creatures.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THANK YOU DAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LINKS:
Dave’s Self Empowerment show.
Dave and Michelle on youtube.
Dave and Michelle’s website: www.my Genie.tv.

Hope you enjoyed this. Have a lovely weekend.

Lola.