Is It All About the Money? Dalmatians Reveal Why They'd Never Return 'Down South' from Zagreb

A lively debate is unfolding on Reddit, sparked by a question posed to Dalmatians who have relocated to Zagreb: Is a career the only thing that matters, or do you miss the allure of the south?

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If Zagreb had a sea, it would be the best city in the world.

The original poster, having observed many friends move from Dalmatia to the capital for professional advancement, sought to understand if these individuals genuinely desired a return to their coastal roots. The question probes whether the "business opportunities" are truly enough to compensate for the perceived loss of the Dalmatian lifestyle – the sun, the sea, and the unique southern way of life.

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I miss hearing the cashier say something costs 5 euros and 'dvajst' not 'twenty' cents.

Responses reveal a complex tapestry of emotions and priorities. While some express a deep longing for the familiar rhythms of Dalmatian life, such as the distinct pronunciation of currency or the scent of the sea, many have found compelling reasons to embrace Zagreb as their permanent home. These reasons extend beyond mere employment, encompassing a desire for anonymity in a larger city, a rejection of the "what will people say?" mentality often associated with smaller communities, and a preference for a place that doesn't revolve solely around tourism.

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I don't like the mentality of smaller towns. 'What will people say?' I don't like being somewhere where everyone knows me when I go for a walk and I can't just be an anonymous person in the crowd.

Zagreb, for many, is described as a vibrant and soulful city offering a high quality of life. It provides a sense of freedom and acceptance, where individuals feel more comfortable pursuing hobbies, engaging with politics, or simply enjoying public spaces without constant scrutiny. The city's green spaces and proximity to nature are also highlighted as significant draws. For some, like one commenter who identifies as a lesbian, Zagreb offers a level of personal safety and freedom of expression, particularly regarding public displays of affection, that they do not feel in their hometowns. While the absence of the sea is acknowledged as a significant miss, the overall benefits of urban living in Zagreb appear to outweigh the nostalgic pull of the coast for a substantial number of former Dalmatians.

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It's not shameful to have hobbies, it's not shameful to care about politics, it's not shameful to sit in the park on a blanket and stretch, nobody makes fun of you, it's somehow - more serious?