In this episode David recounts the story of Helge Kristensen, a Norwegian who first visited Bosnia and Herzegovina seven years ago for its affordable skiing on Jahorina Mountain. Initially drawn by curiosity and the economic appeal, Helge was captivated by the locale's unique charm and warm people. Years later, true to his word, he returns not for skiing but for hiking through Bosnia's rugged landscapes with Ćejf Reisen, a local travel agency. Helge's journey highlights the country's...

Surviving the 1969 Banja Luka Earthquake: Personal Stories of Strength and Recovery Join me in this moving episode, as we journey back to October 1969 when the catastrophic Banja Luka earthquake struck Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hear the emotional account of an 18-year-old Hasna, who vividly remembers the terror and the community's resilience in the aftermath. We'll explore the extensive damage, the massive rebuild effort led by the Yugoslav government, and the lasting impacts on urban...

In this episode, Tamara and I explore an array of fascinating Bosnian superstitions and traditions. We discuss the myth of 'promaja,' the belief in the harmful effects of drafts, along with rituals like throwing water behind travellers for luck and the significance of breaking mirrors. We delve into Christmas customs such as baking Česnica bread and practices like carrying a Qur'an or using charms to ward off the evil eye. We share insights on how these superstitions intertwine with...

Embracing a New Life: One Woman's Journey from Silicon Valley to Slovenia. In this episode of “An Englishman in the Balkans’, I share the fascinating journey of Camilla Dugonjić as she transitions from a tech-centric upbringing in California to a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle in Northern Slovenia. Discover her experiences of adapting to a new culture, learning one of the world's most difficult languages, and raising her children close to nature. Camilla offers insights into the...

In this Episode, I dive deeper into our travel diary, exploring the picturesque island of Rab off Croatia's coast. After leaving Bihać in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tamara and I made a seamless early morning border crossing into Croatia. Encounter breathtaking landscapes, historical reminders of the past, and personal anecdotes as we journey along the mountainous paths and into the heart of Rab. Experience the Adriatic Island's charms, from its aromatic figs to its serene beaches. Learn...

In this episode of the podcast, I delve into one of Bosnia's cherished traditions, the art of making rakija. Join me as I recount a delightful journey to Slatina with Tamara, where we witnessed the age-old process of distilling pear rakija at her cousin's orchard. The visit, filled with breathtaking views, vibrant community spirit, and the rich aroma of wood smoke and fruit, highlights the cultural significance and communal effort involved in rakija making. This time-honoured tradition...

Join us on a relaxed and scenic journey from Bosnia to Croatia as Tamara and I embark on a much-needed vacation. Starting early in the morning, we drive through the breathtaking Krajina region, with stops at the charming Bosanska Krupa and the historic Ostražec Castle. Our day is filled with stunning landscapes, a cozy lunch by the Una River, and a restful night in Bihać before heading to the island of Rab. Tune in for a travelogue filled with history, natural beauty, and a touch of...

Hello, it's David here from 'An Englishman in the Balkans'. After a brief hiatus since May, I'm excited to be back and share some updates. Over the years, the podcast has focused on bringing stories from fascinating people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but I've decided to explore new formats and storytelling methods. Moving forward, I'll continue with interviews but also dive deeper into local cultures through narratives, tours, and experiences. This means more variety and texture in the stories...

In this episode of the podcast, I talk to Martin Gannon, a British expatriate with deep ties to the former Yugoslavia. Martin shares his experiences of first moving to Yugoslavia in 1980, initially as a holiday job opportunity, which evolved into a long-term career in tourism. He discusses his early days working in places like Poreč and later organising tours across the region, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro. Martin reflects on cultural differences, the impact of...

In this episode, I discuss the brutalist Spomenik monuments of the former Yugoslavia with Donald Niebel - founder of the Spomenik Database. Donald is an environmental scientist turned researcher from the United States We delve into the historical significance, architectural design, and location details of these unique, massive structures. Donald explains how he transformed his initial curiosity about these striking monuments into a comprehensive online resource. Sharing his experiences and...

The script is an interview with Mile Mićić about his project Bosana, a fantasy world inspired by Bosnia. He discusses his inspirations, cultural heritage, struggles in creation, and the value of financial support through platforms like Patreon. Mile shares his hopes of connecting people through storytelling and invites audiences to join the Bosana community.Exploring Bosnia, Andalusia, and the Fantasy World of Bosana with Mile Mićić In this podcast episode, the host shares an insightful...

This episode of the podcast features an in-depth conversation with Arianna, a vibrant Latin woman who has made Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, her home. Arianna shares her experiences of moving for love, transitioning from a glamorous life aboard cruise ships to setting roots in a new country. With discussions ranging from cultural shocks, embracing new traditions, to overcoming personal challenges, Arianna's tale is a heartwarming testament to adaptability, resilience, and finding one's...

In This Episode. In this episode of the podcast I talk to Ramajana Mabita, originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina but presently living in Harare in Zimbabwe. I find out what, if any, similarities there are between the two countries, Ramajana’s culture shocks, her love of Zimbabwean fashion and also hear one of her favourite music tracks from this African nation, plus much more. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans 🇧🇦 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work,...

Hello, I’m David and I write about my life and adventures in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Subscribe for free to enjoy occasional posts, podcasts and vlogs from this much misunderstood heart shaped country in the western Balkans. The National Anthem of the Socialist Federated Republic of Yugoslavia - “Hej Slaveni” The Olympic Games in Sarajevo in February 1984, brought together 1,272 athletes from 49 countries as well as the most eminent figures from the world's sporting, cultural, and...

It seems that wherever I go in Bosnia and Herzegovina, traditional skills and cultural activities are slowly disappearing. From making instruments, to dancing and much more, the latest generations of young people, don't seem interested, and that could mean a massive impact on the heritage of not only this misunderstood country but also the wider region. I talk to Nemanja Knežević, to learn a little about the challenges he faces as the director of Banja Luka's biggest traditional dance...

This episode takes us from the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District in the United Kingdom to the rugged mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I catch up with equine photographer Ruth Chamberlain, who last year (2022), embarked on a remarkable journey to document the captivating lives of the wild horses of Livno. I find out about how Ruth's made this unexpected connection to Bosnia and Herzegovina, fuelled by a chance encounter with a breathtaking photograph that led her on an...

Banja Luka is the birthplace of Nataša Konjević a female muralist. At the time of recording this episode, Nataša is the only female muralist in Bosnia and Herzegovina, doing big scale murals on buildings. Yes, there are more women and men doing murals, (but none of the other girls paint on a large scale of 10 or 15 meters high In my opinion, Nataša is a Unique, Trail Blazing person.In the following podcast I find out about her. Not only as a person, but why she chose to paint these huge...

Banja Luka is the birthplace of Nataša Konjević a female muralist. At the time of recording this episode, Nataša is the only female muralist in Bosnia and Herzegovina, doing big scale murals on buildings. Yes, there are more women and men doing murals, (but none of the other girls paint on a large scale of 10 or 15 meters high In my opinion, Nataša is a Unique, Trail Blazing person.In the following podcast I find out about her. Not only as a person, but why she chose to paint these huge...

In this episode I get to talk to Biljana Lipić, a resident of Cornwall in the United Kingdom but originally from Sarajevo.Biljana lives on a boat anchored on a Cornish river. I first found out about Biljana from a story that I stumbled across online. I have to admit that I have always had an interest in narrow boating, and living on the water in general, so when I saw that someone from Sarajevo had achieved what was one of my dreams back in the day, I just had to find out more.Please also do...

In this episode I catch up with Vesna Djukić to find out about how she celebrates Serbian Orthodox Christmas in the United Kingdom. With Vesna's Serbian background and David's enthusiasm for embracing different cultures, they delve into topics such as maintaining cultural identity, introducing Serbian customs to British friends, and the challenges of finding authentic ingredients for traditional Serbian dishes. They also share heartwarming stories of celebrating Christmas in Bosnia and...

In this episode I chat with Bela Dominković, a Swiss wine expert now residing in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We talk about the unique wine culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the country's potential for wine tourism, the unique characteristics of Bosnian wines, and the challenges faced by local winemakers. Bela, an experienced sommelier and food & wine pairing expert, shares her knowledge about the local wine scene and her ambition for Bosnia and Herzegovina to become recognised as a quality...

This episode is about David's adventure to Travnik, a charming town in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. With the assistance of local guide Ben, David unveils the rich history, mouth-watering cuisine, captivating architecture and stunning nature of Travnik. Highlighting the efforts of passionate locals, this episode explores Travnik's potential as a top tourist destination. Discover unique experiences such as sheep shearing, taking a swing on an Instagram-famous spot, cherishing the view...

Join me in this heart-touching podcast with the inspiring Sabina Vajrača, a Bosnian film director making her mark in the film industry. Sabina shares the trials and tribulations she faced, from fleeing Bosnia on her own at the age of 14, to making it big in Hollywood. She gives a glimpse into her journey and the power of perseverance. During the conversation, Sabina also discusses her film 'Sevap Mitzvah', revealing the emotional moments and key lessons in the story. It's an enlightening...

A nostalgic dive into the history, culture, and experiences of an Englishman living in the Balkans during Yugoslavia's era. Martin Gannon shares his journey from England to Yugoslavia in the 20th century, his experiences of working in the tourism sector, including establishing a pilgrimage route to Međugorje, and his life in Yugoslav Airlines. He also discusses how the country has changed after the breakup of Yugoslavia and the future of tourism in both Bosnia Herzegovina and Croatia....