Srđan Married an Iranian Woman, Brought Her to a Village Near Kraljevo: Initial Mistakes Cost Them Dearly, She Changed Her Name, and Here's How They Live and What They Do
After nearly two and a half decades living in Germany, where he built a career in marketing and construction, Srđan Strainović realized that material well-being does not guarantee inner peace. Although he ran a successful company in Frankfurt, the chronic lack of time for his family and the alienation of the Western way of life led him to a radical change – a return to his native village of Lopatnica near Kraljevo.
TL;DR
- Srđan and Jelena Strainović moved from Germany to the village of Lopatnica near Kraljevo, Serbia.
- They traded a comfortable life for organic farming and work tourism.
- Srđan, previously successful in marketing and construction in Germany, sought inner peace and family time.
- Jelena, originally from Iran, embraced Orthodoxy, changed her name, and adapted to Serbian village life.
- The family speaks multiple languages: Serbian, English, German, Spanish, and Farsi.
- They purchased 27 hectares of land and faced initial difficulties in farming and animal husbandry.
- Despite losses, they persevered and became certified organic food producers.
- Their initiative includes 'work tourism,' where guests actively participate in farm activities.
- The couple found greater family connection and happiness in Serbia compared to their life abroad.
- They believe true happiness lies in the simplicity and freedom of living in nature.