Colombian woman on life in Serbia: "Women walk in heels even in the snow"

A Colombian woman has shared her experiences living in Serbia, highlighting both the charm and peculiarities of daily life in the Balkan country. Daniela Macias, who moved to Serbia for love, regularly posts on social media about her new environment, offering insights into local customs and traditions. Her videos have sparked interest among followers, with many commenting on her observations. In one video posted on TikTok, Daniela outlined three things that surprised her after relocating from Colombia. The first was the frequency with which people look at her. “People here stare a lot,” she explained. “It’s very different from Colombia, where such attention usually means something is wrong or someone is paying you too much attention.” She noted that while the stares were initially unsettling, they seemed harmless and part of everyday life. The second thing that caught her attention was the way women dress, even in snow. “Women walk around in socks, even in the snow!” she exclaimed. “They manage it so effortlessly that I have to give them a perfect ten. Great job, Serbian women!” Her third surprise came from the tradition of drinking rakija, a strong spirit, even during breakfast. “Everyone raises a toast to rakija, even with breakfast. So, living, my Serbs!” she said, holding up a bottle and glass. What impressed Daniela most was the hospitality of the locals. “They’re incredibly hospitable,” she remarked. “You’ll always be offered coffee or rakija, even at 10 in the morning. Always.” She praised the emotional expression in traditional dances and songs, saying that Serbs take family traditions seriously, celebrating everything with great enthusiasm. Despite these positive impressions, Daniela mentioned some habits that still puzzle her. One of them is smoking indoors. “Why must people smoke everywhere? In cafes, restaurants, even in apartments. It doesn’t make sense to me,” she commented. Another custom she found confusing was removing shoes before entering a home. “You must know that you never enter a Serbian house wearing shoes. Taking off your shoes immediately upon crossing the threshold is sacred.” She also laughed about the frequent use of the word “ajde” (“let’s go”). “They say ‘ajde’ twenty times, yet no one ever leaves. But it’s all part of the charm. That’s why I love them and stay here.” Daniela’s posts have generated numerous comments from viewers, many of whom welcomed her to Serbia and tried to explain the unfamiliar customs. Some wrote, “You’re beautiful, welcome to Serbia,” while others joked, “We’re similar, we’re why you fell in love with Serbs,” and “Rakija is the source of life, you’ll get used to it slowly.” Her candid reflections offer a glimpse into the cultural contrasts between Colombia and Serbia, capturing both the warmth of Serbian hospitality and the unique quirks that make daily life there distinctive. As Daniela continues to share her journey, her stories provide an engaging window into the lives of expatriates navigating a new culture.