After an inspiring 7 days during Zagreb Digital Nomad Week 2021, the second component of the project kicked off on July 1 with the arrival of the first winner of the Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador Project. Following on from the week, 6 digital nomads will be spending a calendar month in the capital until the end of the year and working with Zagreb Tourist Board in developing its digital nomad tourism strategy.
The first winner, Veronica Mulhall from the USA, accompanied by her partner Julian, arrived on July 1, to take up residence at Doma Zagreb Aparthotel, as previously reported by TCN. Veronica was kind enough to find time for this email interview as she begins her month in Zagreb.
1. First of all, congratulations on becoming the first Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador. Tell us a little about yourself so we can get to know you a little.
I am a strategic communicator on a mission to connect people.
Personally, I am drawn to experiencing new things, taking adventures, and I have found a passion for travel because every time I go somewhere I learn something new about the place and about myself.
I have visited over seventy countries and counting, always wanting to learn more about food system growth, art sector enhancement, and heritage site preservation. And, with all the travel, I ground myself in my yoga practice, creating my own art, and exploring the place and nature.
As a marketing professional, I lead projects and programs for startups, social enterprises, NGOs, and development organizations in emerging markets. I currently work for a pan-African social enterprise within the African Leadership Group, guided by the mission to transform Africa by developing 3M ethical and entrepreneurial leaders by 2035.
2. How did you hear about the competition, and why did you decide to apply?
When I arrived in Croatia, I was searching online for coworking and found the competition on the Saltwater Nomads’s website. When I noticed the location was Zagreb, I reflected on my own travel plans in Croatia. Originally, I was going to stay by the coast, like many tourists and digital nomads. Wondering if I was missing something by overlooking the capital, I was compelled to learn more about Zagreb.
I was shocked at how I was drawn to the city. It felt so creative. The downtown appeared walkable and full of outdoor restaurants. There were many parks and green spaces. A few hours of researching later, I realized a had to take the chance and apply to the competition.
3. Your reaction to being selected?
It was a combination of excitement, surprise, and gratitude. With all competitions, you never think you will be selected. I was overjoyed when I saw the email that I was selected for this amazing opportunity.
4. How well do you know Croatia and Zagreb in particular?
This trip is my first time in Croatia. As Croatia has become a popular destination, friends told me to visit, but recommendations were focused only on Croatia’s (beautiful) coastline. I enjoy cities with history and charm, so when learned more about Zagreb, it immediately caught my attention.
5. What excites you most about the month ahead?
There are so many things – the food, the museums, the history, the art, the parks – the list goes on. But, if I have to pick the one thing that excites me the most, it would be getting to know the people that call Zagreb home.
(Doma Zagreb Aparthotel – 4-star luxury in central Zagreb)
6. Are there any particular activities in Zagreb that you would like to get involved in?
I’m currently in a Master’s program for working professionals studying Art and Cultural Management. With this in mind, I see why Zegrab is getting more and more attention as a tourist destination and I am interested in learning more about the city’s art and cultural planning and sustainable tourism efforts. Hopefully, I will be able to attend some of the events while I am here.
7. What are your expectations from the month, and what are you looking to get out of it?
Open to trying new things, I am looking to get out of my comfort zone.
I want to get an insider look at some of the many hidden gems that make Zagreb special. So, I will need some local assistance. Readers: Do you have a favorite cafe? Can I come with you to a dance class? What about an outdoor concert? Know where to find the best gelato? Can you point me to a relaxing city park?
Email me at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram @veronicamulhall.
8. You obviously lead a nomadic life and are well-traveled. What makes Croatia an interesting digital nomad destination for you?
Croatia has the key elements many digital nomads look for when picking a destination: great places to work, affordable and diverse restaurants, rich history and culture, and outstanding nature. Even in the short time that I have been within the country, it is clear, from the thousands of islands to the waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes, the walls of Dubrovnik to the capital of Zagreb, the hype is well deserved.
Would you like to be a Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador? Applications are open until November, with the last ambassador taking up residence on December 1. Find out more here.
For more on Zagreb Digital Nomad Week 2021 & Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador Project, visit the Saltwater Nomads website.
For the latest news and features about digital nomads in Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.
