SEATTLE, October 3, 2020 — The American woman who made videos about life in Croatia finally revealed why she really left. Kaleigh Hendershot became famous in Croatia after starting her YouTube channel ‘My Croatian Life’ immediately after moving to Zagreb’s Sesvete. In a series of videos, she talked about life in Croatia and becoming accustomed to Croatian culture.
A few years ago, Kaleigh married Dominik (from Sesvete) and moved in with him. For the first few years, she seemed thrilled with the life change. But last year, her love for Croatia began to disintegrate and she decided to return to the United States. Since then, she has not posted any more videos. “October will mark the one-year anniversary since I returned to Seattle. I found a job in a software company and work from home.”
Croatian Husband on Tourist Visa, Immigration Process Underway
“The whole time I have been waiting for my husband Dominik to join me. He finally arrived in America, so far only on a tourist visa. The immigration process is currently underway, and he must have another conversation in Zagreb. I hope that he will finally get a green card so that he can work here,” Kaleigh told VeÄernji list. She added that now her husband can see the differences between the two countries.
“Unfortunately, he arrived during the COVID-19 epidemic, so it’s not the best time to get to know America. However, what he could see was how people enjoy life in America. Life here is easier, faster and more convenient.” added Hendershot. Conversely, she pointed out that she was saddened when she saw the increase in homeless people after she returned.
American Culture Annoyed, Frustrated YouTuber Hendershot Upon Return
“Returning to the United States was at least an adjustment. It was very difficult for me. Even though I knew it would be, I couldn’t have known how much. My own culture annoyed and frustrated me, I was lonely when I returned home alone, and the lives of all my friends had continued. I was very sad and missed my loved ones in Croatia. The move was painful and I feel like a different person! Iām happy to say now that Iām 95 percent adjusted, but donāt ever think Iāll ever account for that remaining five percent.”
“I have also noticed that Americans are more divided than they were before I left for Croatia. It had already gone in that direction, but now it’s even worse and I don’t like it,” says the YouTuber. She compared her relationship with Croatia to a bad love affair in which everything is wonderful at the beginning. Then, as you get to know each other better, you understand that there are many differences.”
Going to Store in Croatia ‘Stressful Experience’, Customer Service Could be Better
“I think that Croatia is a beautiful country for a vacation. I like that social aspect in your country, everyone is friendly and loyal and there is a lot of interesting things to see. But the country should fix a lot of things. For example, service in stores can be much better. You can buy any food you want in America. But in Croatia you could easily spend all day looking for something. Going to the store in Croatia used to be a stressful experience for me.”
“Then, peopleās driving habits are also something that needs to change. On the other hand, I miss going out in Croatia, relaxing with coffee, which can last for hours in your country. I also miss your sea. Croatia is an ideal country for relaxation,” says Kaleigh, who is still in contact with friends overseas.
Primary Goal for Husband to Come to America Permanently, Find a Job
We will certainly return to Croatia every year, but now our primary goal is for Dominik to come to America permanently and find a job here. We are still not sure if we will return to live in Croatia, but for now Seattle is the best place for us. So far, I have no plans for a new YouTube channel. But I get calls from a lot of people who have been following me. They ask whatās new with me and if Iām going to post again. I’m not in that space yet, but it was an interesting experience,” concluded Kaleigh Hendershot.
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