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Have you ever felt super calm and confident about something for a while, the day comes and suddenly there’s a lump in your throat? Yes? Okay, me too. In an ideal situation, I’d have time to contemplate big decisions. I would be able to process the emotions that come with moving to a foreign country for 6 weeks. But alas, life comes at you fast. It’s crazy, one week I’m practicing my banana bread recipe, the next I’m packing my bags to go to Croatia. Talk about a whirlwind! My journey to Zagreb was hectic. Storm Ciara wreaked havoc on my flight itinerary; my 4-hour journey turned into a 12 hour one and my luggage was left behind in Switzerland. I arrived at the hostel cold and anxious but putting on a brave face. After greeting my roommates for the next 6 weeks, I go out on a hunt for food. I opted for a kebab shop a few yards from the hostel and asked if I could pay by card. I couldn’t, the shop owner said. But there was a bank just down the road, where I could withdraw some cash. So, off I went. I got to the crossroad and changed my mind, figuring sleep for dinner would just have to suffice. So, I make my way back to the hostel. I hear a shout and turn around so quickly, my trainers slide across the wet pavement and I almost land on my behind! I laugh out loud and the shop owner laughs with me. “Are you okay?” he asks. "Yes, yes, I’m okay!” I pant. “You didn’t get cash?” “No, I’m just going to sort something in the morning.” “Oh no, come, have a kebab for free.” “Oh! That’s so sweet, are you sure?” “Yes, yes! Come in. Where are you from?” We proceed to chat for a few minutes whilst my kebab is being prepared. He explains to me that he was born in Zagreb, lived in Kent for a while and that he now works as a stunt double. I collect my kebab, thank him kindly and make my way back to the hostel. All the while thinking, “wow, how kind!”. A free meal is of course an easy way to The basis for many discriminatory and prejudiced inclinations is ignorance and fear of the unknown. We judge what we do not know. I was new to Zagreb and to be honest? I didn’t know what to expect. As a woman of color, I was concerned about how I would be received in this part of the world. This first encounter revealed to me the nature of Croatians – they are incredibly kind-hearted. I had absolutely nothing to be worried about. Everyone I have met has treated me with respect and kindness. Despite the looks of curiosity I’ve found Zagreb to be open and welcoming. Whilst I had my doubts about my Croatian adventure, it’s been beautiful. I have come to realize that despite the differences, big and small, there are most definitely more things that unite us as human beings than divide us.