Cousin Lysbeth Antuma-Smit moved with her husband to Croatia in 2017.
Here is Lysbeth’s story.

Why Croatia?

Our love for this country arose when Pier and I lived and worked in the former Yugoslavia for two years in the 1970s

We’ve been vacationing there every year since the 1990s. Over the years, we’ve seen just about the whole country. We always brought our boat, found a campsite, and the fun began.

Gradually, the idea of buying a house there began to take shape, and how wonderful it would be to be able to stay there for a longer period after we retired. A boat at the doorstep and just relax. Pier wisely suggested we shouldn’t wait until we retired, because then we might not feel like it anymore.

After much searching, we found a piece of land right on the sea. This was also the requirement: it had to be “first row.”

Then the adventure could begin: finding an architect, securing a building permit, finding a contractor and subcontractors. Once all that was arranged, construction could begin. Work began in October 2012, and by May 2014, it was finished and furnished.

Since we weren’t retired yet, we started renting out the house and occasionally going there ourselves. In April 2017, we were both able to retire and decided to emigrate.

A dream come true

A house by the sea, a boat at our doorstep, and a wonderful climate. We immediately started learning the language. And it went well, even though it’s quite a difficult language. Unfortunately, this happiness was short-lived. Pier passed away in December 2018. And then…

I’ve been living here alone for six and a half years now.

It’s still beautiful here, a wonderful climate, a relaxed lifestyle, and friendly people around me. I regularly travel to the Netherlands, either by plane or car. My daughter and her family also regularly vacation here. They love it here too. Family and friends also visit regularly. Life is definitely not boring here, but good, pleasant and relaxed.

How long will you be there?

I’m asked. I don’t know. It’s probably been the longest because my vision is deteriorating. I have macular degeneration, and there’s nothing I can do about it. But there are better facilities in the Netherlands, so I can remain independent for as long as possible.

With pain and sorrow I will have to say goodbye to my beautiful house and the beautiful life here.