Edwin L. Loughlin, Ambassador of Canada to Croatia
Five Stars Zagreb Issue 39 — December 12, 2011.

Ever since Suzie and I arrived in Zagreb, just over two years ago, we have often been asked “How do you like living in Zagreb?”. Our response has always been “What is there not to like, the city is wonderful, the people are friendly and helpful, the food is great and the touristic opportunities within a few hours drive are absolutely fantastic.

We are very happy here and are loving our posting". That pretty much sums up our assessment of this lovely city in this beautiful and diverse country.

My wife and I were born and raised in Quebec City and Ottawa respectively.  Both of these cities are relatively small in the grand scheme of things, both tend to be government oriented with large open spaces, parks, rivers etc.  Zagreb, in many respects, reminds us of these two Canadian cities with its many parks, tree-lined streets and wonderful green space. The major difference is the architecture and the history. There are houses and points of interest here in Zagreb that date back further than does the history of our country. Like Ottawa and Québec City, one important factor which makes Zagreb such a nice city to live in when compared to many of the capital cities of the world is its size. Traffic is good and the tram and bus system works very well. It is also one of the safest cities that we have had the pleasure of living in, allowing us to engage in the simplest pleasures such as going for a walk around Jarun Lake, jogging in Maximir Park or simply walking around the city and exploring all that it has to offer.

I have to admit that when we first found out we were coming to Croatia we had to go to the local library and go on the INTERNET to learn more about this fascinating country and region. We did not realize how popular we would become with friends and family when we agreed to come here. We have had to install a revolving door at our house to accommodate the visitors we have had since our arrival, visitors who have come to partake of the hospitality of the Croatian people and to explore the wonderful sights and sounds that there are to see here. Everyone who has visited us has expressed their amazement at all they have seen and all that the country has to offer.

One of the surprises that we had upon arriving here are the numerous ties that exist between Canada and Croatia, the majority of which have developed as a result of emigration from Croatia to Canada for over a century now. We have an impressive Croatian Diaspora in Canada with more than 120,000 Canadians who identified themselves as being of Croatian origin during the last Canadian census. This Croatian Diaspora is very proud of its heritage and has continued to carry on the traditions of their ancestral homes, sometimes over the course of a number of generations.  Croatian folk dances, music and traditional clothing is a familiar sight at many of the local festivals that take place across Canada throughout the course of the year.

In addition to the Croatian Diaspora in Canada, are the substantial number of Canadians who have decided to come to Croatia and establish, or re-establish in some instances, their lives here. We have a large number of friends many of whom I have difficulty in determining whether I should introduce them as Canadians of Croatian origin, or Croatians of Canadian origin - they are so much the product of both countries. Suzie and I believe that the fact that there are so many movements of people in both directions is indicative of the synergies that exist between our respective cultures. This is certainly true of our bilateral relations. Canada and Croatia are partners in NATO, we sit beside each other at a number of international meetings and we invariably share common values on the most fundamental of issues such as rule of law, human rights and the environment to name just a few.

Another aspect of Croatia that we enjoy is the large number of cultural and sporting activities that are available to us. We have been to many theatre events, ballets, concerts and have also been able to attend a number of sporting events. In fact, we have to mention how happy we were when we discovered that Zagreb has imported and embraced one of Canada's iconic sporting activities. I am speaking of course of the fact that Zagreb has an ice hockey team, Medvescak. The atmosphere at these games is electric. We really enjoy attending their games and would encourage everyone to come and attend one (or more) of their games. It really is good fun.

I have to say that we feel privileged and honoured to have been provided the opportunity to represent Canada in this wonderful country. Being named an Ambassador is an honour in and of itself, and to have been presented the opportunity to fulfil this role in a country where the people are so welcoming and friendly makes this especially rewarding. We have enjoyed every minute of our time in Croatia and intend to come back after we have reached the end of our current mandate.  We have no doubt that our time in Croatia will hold a special place in our hearts and minds for the rest of our days.