Thiago Feheira, a Brazilian, started his life in Serbia in 2012 and immediately “fell in love” with the country. His affection was so great that he founded the popular website “I Love Serbia,” which he uses to attract Brazilians and other foreign tourists to visit.
The story of this Brazilian who decided to continue his life in Serbia, and recently bought a house in the forest—specifically in Deliblato Sands—has delighted many. In a recently filmed YouTube report, Thiago reveals that buying a house in nature was a true adventure and brought him great joy.
“I just want to wake up in peace with my family, where none of the city’s problems can reach us,” the Brazilian explains, citing one of the reasons for his move.
His impressions of Serbia have been exceptionally positive. “Serbs treat guests like kings,” he says, highlighting the warmth and hospitality he experienced immediately upon arrival.
For him, life in the forest is full of new experiences, from planting crops and making a fire to enjoying the quiet and the nature around him. He especially notes that the people in this part of Serbia are much closer and more connected to each other than they are in the large and bustling city of Belgrade.
“As a city kid, I didn’t know how to start a fire. I learned here, and now we’re no longer cold,” Thiago admits.
His wife, Dunja, a Serb, is also extremely happy with their new life. She sews dresses and enjoys the peace that life outside the city provides.
“For the first time, I feel like I’m living the way I want to,” Dunja says, emphasizing that she does not regret trading city life for a rural one.
Thiago also stresses how important it was for him to learn the Serbian language, dedicating several hours a day to it because of his strong desire to better understand and get to know the country’s culture.
When discussing mentality, this Brazilian notices numerous similarities between Serbs and Brazilians, both in their approach to life and in the warmth and directness of the people.
“Serbs and Brazilians are very similar in mentality, even though the countries are about 10,000 kilometers apart,” Thiago points out.
However, he notes one minor issue: smoking is allowed almost everywhere, which he finds a bit unusual and would bother him if he had to single out a flaw in living in Serbia.
“In Brazil, smoking is banned in indoor spaces, so it was a shock to me when I saw Serbs lighting up cigarettes everywhere,” he emphasizes.
His view on the phenomenon of the “Serbian son-in-law” is also interesting. He considers it almost a title because he is married to a Serbian woman and now feels like a part of the community.
“A Serbian son-in-law is a serious title, and when you get it, you have to represent Serbia well everywhere in the world; it’s a responsibility!” the Brazilian proudly states.
He considers traveling around Serbia very important, as he loves getting to know different regions, people, and customs, believing that it enriches his life and helps him better understand the country that has become his home.
“I organize trips for foreigners around Serbia, just as I organize trips for Serbs to Brazil,” Thiago says, describing his main occupation.
He sees Belgrade as a true hidden gem, a city that is often overlooked but has a lot to offer. He is convinced that Serbia’s capital will become increasingly attractive to tourists in the future.
In line with this, he emphasizes, “Serbia as a whole is a hidden gem, and especially Belgrade, which is yet to reach the peak of its popularity.”
He was particularly proud when he received his Serbian passport, as it was then that he truly felt he had become both a Serb and a Brazilian at the same time. He emphasizes that these are two identities he doesn’t like to separate and that they are an indispensable part of who he is.
“I am grateful for everything I have experienced in both Brazil and Serbia. It is something that has shaped my life, and I would never change it,” Thiago concludes.
Source: Mondo.rs, Photo: Youtube