Billie’s journey: from Wyoming mornings to Croatian connections

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Meet Billie: the early-bird attorney on a mission to learn Croatian

Billie Adelman is an attorney from Cheyenne, Wyoming, whose early-morning routine would make most of us gasp. He starts his day at six o’clock, often with a Croatian lesson before heading into his legal work. From his first encounters with the language during a deployment in Bosnia to travels through Dubrovnik, Split, and Mostar, his connection to Croatian culture has only deepened over time.

Along with his wife – also an attorney – Billie found that these new experiences not only broadened their horizons but also forged lasting friendships. From exploring idyllic coastal towns to sampling fresh burek at local bakeries, every visit reminded him why he wanted to advance his Croatian skills. For Billie, it was never just about memorizing words; it was about embracing a place he genuinely loves.

From Cheyenne to Croatia and back again

Over time, Billie formed bonds with Bosnian and Croatian basketball players studying near his hometown. Practising even short conversations built his confidence and helped to keep the language alive in his daily life. These friendships ignited a deeper interest in Croatian culture – he started following local sports teams, discovered new music, and even perfected traditional recipes.

Travel became a way of life. Billie and his wife purchased an apartment near Zadar, spending every trip immersed in local customs. Wandering bustling Advent markets in Zagreb, dining on fresh fish along the coast, and forging friendships with neighbours all confirmed that learning Croatian was the gateway to a richer, more authentic experience.

Lessons that build lasting confidence

Ultimately, Billie realized he needed structure to push beyond the basics. That’s when he found Let’s Learn Croatian. Once a week, often at six in the morning, he dedicates 45 minutes to speaking exclusively in Croatian with his teacher, Andrea. Homework, grammar drills, and focused practice sharpen his skills, but it’s conversation that truly elevates his fluency.

Billie credits his rapid progress to these immersive sessions. Whether he’s ordering at a local post office, chatting about basketball, or navigating daily errands, the weekly lessons give him the tools to handle real-life situations in Croatian. Every time he’s mistaken for a local, or asked about his “Croatian roots,” he’s reminded just how far he’s come.

Exploring Croatian culture beyond the textbooks

Basketball turned out to be a gateway into Croatian life. Billie watches local teams, visits arenas, and often meets players’ families – exchanges that happen entirely in Croatian. Over shared meals, his vocabulary grows as he talks sports, family, and everyday experiences, bridging linguistic gaps with genuine warmth.

Beyond sports, Billie has embraced the culinary side of Croatia, mastering dishes like cevapi, paprika, and moussaka. The country’s vibrant culture resonates in every interaction, from lively Zagreb Advent festivities to the tranquil seaside walks in Zadar. These firsthand experiences bring the language to life, far more than any phrasebook ever could.

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Looking ahead to a future half by the sea

Though Billie’s legal career remains in Cheyenne for now, retirement will open the door to spending half the year in Croatia. He envisions waking up to the Adriatic, strolling to the local pekara for fresh pastries, and greeting neighbours in fluent Croatian – an everyday dream he’s steadily turning into reality.

Standing at the crossroads of two worlds, Billie shows how genuine passion and consistent study can transform a distant language into an everyday reality. His story proves that speaking Croatian goes well beyond vocabulary – it’s an invitation into the heart of a country he now considers a second home.