From Louisville, Kentucky, to the sun-drenched shores of Dubrovnik, Juliette Tafel’s journey is one of adventure, adaptation, and a deep love for Croatia. What started as a vacation turned into a lifelong commitment—both to the country and to a new way of life.

Over the past decade, she has embraced the Dalmatian lifestyle, built a career in language education, and navigated the cultural contrasts between the U.S. and her adopted home. Juliette shares her experiences of life in Konavle, the joys and challenges of cultural integration, and the surprising ways Croatia has changed her outlook on the world.

Juliette in Kupari - Photo - Mark Thomas 

Can you tell me more about your life in Dubrovnik? How did you end up here?

I actually came ten years ago to Dubrovnik for the first time as a tourist. It was love at first sight; it is the most beautiful country that I have ever visited. Croatia just seems to have everything, the mountains the crystal clear sea and then when you throw into the mix the history and the architecture, I just fell in love. And then I was lucky enough to meet someone here, and fell in love all over again. The lifestyle is for sure one of the reasons why I have been here for ten years.

The slower pace of life really suits me. One word I follow is “pomalo” and I have learned to slow down and appreciate each day and live in the moment. I actually live in Konavle and the “speed” of life there is perfect.

How do you find the cultural differences between the US and Croatia? What has been the most surprising or challenging for you?

When I now go back to the States I experience some reverse culture shocks now. People there seem to be thinking and talking ten steps in advance, and I am now used to being and living in the now. I am also now more used to the lighter Mediterranean diet, and going back to the US with all extra-large portions, free refills and coffee-to-go culture I find myself wishing for a “ispod peka” meal. I never knew that something so simple could taste so good. Of course, it took me some time to get used to the bureaucracy here, the seemingly endless piles of papers and forms and stamps.

You can’t underestimate the safety and security here as well.

Can you tell something more about the language centre where you work? How do you find the children's level of English?

I actually worked for a year as an English teacher in Vietnam. It was basically a gap year after finishing university. I graduated from the University of Georgia where I studied business. I wasn’t really sure on my life path so decided to go travelling for some time and teach at the same time. I quickly found myself in that profession, obviously as I am still doing it today. At the community centre in Kupari I focus on teaching children from kindergarten level to eighth grade.

"It is so satisfying to see children's faces when they learn" - Photo - Mark Thomas 

I actually taught English for six years in the city’s kindergartens. I was travelling around to all of the kindergartens in Dubrovnik teaching and I had so much fun but I always dreamed of the day when I could have a space of my own. I have to say that generally the level of the children’s English is great. Of course, teaching such a wide range of age groups means that levels vary, but it is so satisfying to see children’s faces when they learn a new word or sentence and then get to practise it on me.

As far as possible I try and speak as much in English as possible during the lessons. I currently work three days a week in the community centre in Kupari and then one day a week in Čilipi. And I also graduated from the University of Southampton in the UK with an MA in English Language Teaching.

And talking about languages, how is your Croatian?

I am learning. I would say that I am at an intermediate level. I understand a lot more than I can say, I speak and make loads of mistakes, but that is just part of the process. It certainly is a challenging language. I took lessons for three or four years and I enjoyed that, so maybe when I find time I’ll take that up again. It has also showed me what it is like to be on the other side of lessons, from a teacher to a student.

Photo - Mark Thomas 

How often do you go back to the US?

I was born and grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. The summer flights direct from Dubrovnik to the US are a real bonus. I usually try to go back at least once a year, both to catch up with friends and family as well as to stock up on supplies for my English classes. I always ask my nieces and nephews what their favourite games are and then bring them back so that the children in my classes here can play them. It’s always a chance to stock up on the sweet and spicy Henry Bains sauce that Kentucky is well known for. Shopping, well more precisely clothes shopping, here tends to be a little expensive so back in the US I always enjoy some binge shopping.

What are some of your favourite places to visit in the region? And what experiences would you recommend to friends and family?

Of course living in Čilipi I love the beaches in Konavle, they are less crowded and more secluded. And then when friends or family come to visit I do a Konavle Day where I take them to Monković for peka, they are always surprised to eat lunch next to a river and even under a bridge. Pasjača beach is always a hit with my family.

Are there any local Croatian traditions or festivals that you've particularly enjoyed or found fascinating?

The festivities of St. Blaise would be a highlight on the annual calendar. And the festive season is a blast. My favourite New Year was when they had Parni Valjak. In fact, I am really into the Croatian music scene, it helps me learn Croatian at the same time, I often sing in the car, I love Oliver, Gibonni and Petar Graso.