[nmnita]

Originally Posted by whatever75

Hello everyone,

after searching every possible web-page on Arkansas and Fayeteville, I stumbled upon this forum and thought it would be a good chance to get some advice and info that is not so official...

My situation is this - I come from Zagreb, Croatia where I work on the University. I got an US scholarship to spend one semester on U of A as a visiting scholar. My stay begins in January and ends in May 2009.

From what I've seen so far on the Internet and on this forum, Fayetteville seems very interesting Moving from Zagreb, which is a city of one million people and a capital, this will be a change, but I don't mind escaping the city life for a few months, in fact I am really looking forward to it.

So, any information on everyday life in Fayetteville would be great, where to eat, where to go out, where to go shopping... Since I am not flying my car over the ocean, how's the public transportation? The weather? Coming from a Mediterranean country, I really dislike very cold weather so I hope winter will be gone by March... will it?

Thanks for your help and advice, I am really looking forward to staying in Arkansas, always have been a fan of Clintons

First of all, I am sure there will be a cultural adjustment, but this isn't bad, it really is positive. You will be experiencing university life in a little different way as well as living in a university town.

Where to eat? There are so many choices, you will not run out of selections whether you prefer mom and pop places or chain restaurants and you will find about every kind of food imaginable.

Public transportation, I have no idea, I am sure others, actually living in Fayetteville will answer you.

The weater will vary from month to month, actually day to day. An example, today we will be in the mid 60s with sunshine and very little wind, tomorrow the 40s. In Jan and Feb there may be some snow and freezing rain but it disappears quickly. will winter be over in March? Not really, our nights stay chilly into late April and early May, but the days will start warming up by the middle or end of March. You will not experience weather anywhere close to what you have at home. Again, this is a good thing, not bad, it gives you a chance for a totally new experience. Our granddaughter, while in college about 7 years ago spent one semester in Australia. She loved every minute of her adventure. Of course when it was time to return she was thrilled, but would not exchange the 4 months for anything.

Good luck,

Nita

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by whatever75

Thank you, great info, it is very helpful

I forgot to say, I'm 33, I have been working for some time now, but student days are not so far behind me, so I should be able to blend in... I saw that Arkansas is also named Natural State, that's great, hope to do some walking and visit national parks.

In Croatia we are predominantly Roman Catholic, so I'll be able to attend mass on Sundays (not that I am a devout catholic, but I like to go to mass, especially in another country, to see the differences).

Since Zagreb is not on the Adriatic coast, I am no stranger to cold winters, and it seems that Arkansas winter is similar to ours, hopefully I'll survive till March or April, warm clothes are ready to be packed.

One more question - I have an aunt living in Sacramento, CA... How expensive are flights within US? If I decide to fly over to California for a visit is it affordable, any suggestions, low-cost flights?
And regarding renting a car - I suppose it is cheaper if I rent it for the weekend or for the entire week, maybe you know some reliable rent-a-car company? I do hope they have gear-stick cars, not used to automatics here

Thanks again for posting

car wise, you may have trouble finding a stick shift, but auto are very easy to drive..Calif flights will depend. We do not have as many small low cost carriers as there are in other countries, but I am sure you can find some fair deals. I think,

As for us being the natural state, we have lots of walking paths, parks, lakes, rivers and mountains. It is green and lush from early April until late fall. Truely, even in the winter this is a wonderful and beautiful state.

[CroatWebWanderer]

Whatever75, how about an advice from Zagreb?

Read A Painted House before you go. It’s a book by John Grisham about growing up in a little town in Arkansas called Black Oak– definitely one of the best books I have ever read. You have it translated into Croatian (Obojena kuca) as well, the publisher is Algoritam so I guess you can buy it in their bookstore right off the Jelacic Square.

According to the replies here, some nice people live there in AR. Enjoy your stay, but of course – be sure to come back home.

[JPP]

There are many "resale" shops in the U.S. Places such as the Salvation Army sell used clothing, & most anything else, quite cheaply. The airlines allow you 2 bags (no greater than 50 lbs. each) before they charge you on international flights. Being in the states for a short period of time, it would be beneficial to you to inquire about the inexpensive resale stores to purchase what you don't have room to bring.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by JPP

There are many "resale" shops in the U.S. Places such as the Salvation Army sell used clothing, & most anything else, quite cheaply. The airlines allow you 2 bags (no greater than 50 lbs. each) before they charge you on international flights. Being in the states for a short period of time, it would be beneficial to you to inquire about the inexpensive resale stores to purchase what you don't have room to bring.

that is a geat idea...

Nita

[whatever75]

Thanks everybody for replying

Well, here I am in Fayetteville, I've been here for almost a week and so far I like it very much. I settled in comfortably, and I started with my University work. The campus and the buildings on it are beautiful, people are friendly, the beer is good, the food is rather cheap... No complaints from me.

The only thing is town being so hilly, and me without a car, I had to walk some pretty steep climbs, but that's OK, I guess I can use the exercise. Tonight I went to Hog Haus Brewery with some friends, they had good beer and food. I hope to do some exploring for the weekend, as far as my legs would take me...

[wayneglenda]

now this is a real city i lived in blackburn by winslow and worked at washton reg med caenter loved it. my first job was at devils den state park making rock patos on the cabins work on butterfeild hiking trail i love it thair hurmans restront is the best .

[DC at the Ridge]

Originally Posted by wayneglenda

now this is a real city i lived in blackburn by winslow and worked at washton reg med caenter loved it. my first job was at devils den state park making rock patos on the cabins work on butterfeild hiking trail i love it thair hurmans restront is the best .

Herman's is the run-down white building south of the mall and the highway mess. The building looks a little derelict, but after a Razorback game, the place is packed.