Questions for Expats - day to day life?

[Natali]

I am of Croatian parentage and I do speak (about elementary school level) Croatian. My husband is from the US.
We are planning a trip to Croatia is summer. Originally we planned this just as a vacation
but after reading this message board for awhile my interest about the possibly living in Croatia
has really been piqued. We are particularly interested in the Zagreb area.I was hoping some of you expats would indulge me and
let me know how day to day life in Croatia is treating you.

For example
Is there anything culturally you found to be surprising? Both pleasant and no so pleasant.
If you have young children are you expectations of their schooling been met?
Has anyone started their own business?
If so how easy or difficult has it been dealing with the paperwork, laws, ect.
What do miss most?

And anything else you can think of.

If it's easier please email me.

Thanks,

Natali

[Janet]

I miss salt and vinegar crisps. And golden syrup. But that's about it! Croatian people are generally very friendly and want to help foreigners. There are tons of good schools and nurseries (both Cro and English speaking). Work permit situation is rather crazy at the moment (none are being granted except for teachers and scientists). I hear it's quite complex to set up a business but by no means impossible.