• The Bosana Chronicles
    Apr 14 2024

    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 conversation with Mile Mićić, a native of Bosnia Herzegovina who is currently residing in Andalusia, Spain. Mićić discusses his deep connection to his Bosnian roots, his move to Spain influenced by love, and his profound appreciation for cultural heritage. He elaborates on the cultural similarities and differences between Bosnia and Andalusia, particularly focusing on their unique approaches to food and hospitality. The episode also delves into Mićić's creation, Bosana, a fantasy world that mirrors the complexities, culture, and conflicts of Bosnia. Mićić explains how Bosana serves as a canvas for his experiences and observations, aiming to connect with readers through its characters and stories. The conversation highlights the importance of storytelling, cultural preservation, and the challenges and rewards of creative work. Mićić expresses his hopes for Bosana to inspire creativity and resilience among its audience.

    00:00 Welcome to the Journey: Exploring New Worlds and Cultures

    00:38 Meet Mile Mićić: A Bosnian's Tale of Moving to Spain

    03:16 Cultural Connections: From Bosnia to Andalusia

    06:52 Language and Integration: Navigating New Linguistic Landscapes

    10:00 Creating Bosana: A Fantasy World Inspired by Real-Life Experiences

    12:08 The Art of Storytelling and Character Creation

    23:03 Facing Challenges and Embracing Support in Creative Projects

    29:16 Bosana's Future: Dreams, Aspirations, and Community Engagement

    35:18 A Personal Invitation: Joining the World of Bosana



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    40 mins
  • From Cruise Ship to Banja Luka
    Apr 7 2024

    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 place in the world.

    The conversation also touches on her innovative project, "Get Chatty", aimed at helping people improve their English through conversational practice.

    Find Out About “Get Chatty” ⬇️

    Watch the Podcast ⬇️

    Please also do share this episode and maybe leave a 5 start review on the podcast platform you listened to this on.

    Stay tuned for more exciting stories and adventures from the Englishman in the Balkans podcast!

    Thank you for being a part of our podcasting community, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future.

    Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast.

    Stay tuned for more stories and adventures from the Englishman in the Balkans podcast!

    Thank you for being a part of our podcasting community, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future.

    And Finally

    Don’t forget that you can read back editions of the newsletter, listen to previous podcasts (we have quite an archive now), or catch other content, all this is available on the web interface, just like a regular blog.

    Coffee and Rakija is a reader-supported publication. To become a Supporter consider becoming a paid subscriber.

    Oh, and please share the newsletter with friends, relatives and colleagues using the button below.

    Tamara and I appreciate your faithful readership, your comments, and your generosity! Until our next post.

    THANKS SO MUCH ❤️



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    37 mins
  • How Do You Find Ćejf?
    Mar 10 2024

    In this podcast I talk to Kathi and Numa Numić, who discuss the development and plans for their travel agency, Ćejf, which focuses on mindful and sustainable travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We look back on their successful first year, highlighting challenges, achievements, and the desire to expand their offerings beyond the well-known tourist spots.



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    46 mins
  • From Bosnia to Zimbabwe
    Feb 25 2024

    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, consider becoming a paid subscriber.

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    39 mins
  • The Remarkable Journey of the Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo
    Feb 18 2024
    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 socio-political life in one place.The 14th Winter Olympic Games were held in Sarajevo from February 8-19, 1984, and marked a significant milestone in the history of the city and the entire country of what was then The Socialist Federated Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY). What started as a dream eventually became a reality through determination, hard work, and unwavering enthusiasm.The story of the Sarajevo Winter Olympics began some 20 years before in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when discussions about the development of skiing and winter tourism in the Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (one of the 6 republics that made up Yugoslavia) took place. It was during these conversations that the potential of Sarajevo to host the Games was recognised. However, the road to candidacy was not going to be without its challenges.A significant turning point came in April 1971 when the first analyses of the social justification and possibilities for organising the Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo were completed. Despite not being officially presented to the public at that time, it laid the foundation for creating an atmosphere of trust and motivation to move forward with the ambitious goal of hosting the Games.The journey to secure the Games continued with the formation of a Preparatory Committee, committed to showcasing the potential of Sarajevo as a host. With the support and consent of various authorities, including the Federal Executive Council, the candidacy was officially announced to the public on October 14, 1977.The road to securing the Winter Olympics for Sarajevo was not easy. Several other countries, including France, Japan, Sweden, and Czechoslovakia, also vied for the opportunity to host the "White Olympiad." Many believed that Sarajevo and Yugoslavia had little chance of success. However, the creators of the Olympic project remained undeterred. Their belief in their vision led them to continue working tirelessly towards their goal.Finally, on January 3, 1978, the candidacy of Sarajevo arrived at the International Olympic Committee office in Lausanne. Months of inspections and evaluations followed, with international experts assessing the city's capabilities and evaluating the promises made. The choice of Sarajevo to host the XIV Olympic Games was announced on May 18th the following year, during the 80th session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Athens. The city's opponents were the Japanese city of Sapporo and the Swedish city of Gothenburg. After two rounds of voting, Sarajevo won the organisation by the majority of votes.With the honour of hosting the Games, Sarajevo became a bustling construction site. Over the years leading up to the event, magnificent sporting facilities sprung up: the "Zetra" complex, bobsleigh and sledding tracks, ski jumps, halls, "white tracks," cable cars, hotels, the Olympic Village, and a journalist's village with 2,640 apartments, as well as roads in the direction of the mountains, and 28 winter sports centres in Bosnia and Herzegovina.The completion of these facilities, coupled with the organisational structures put in place, ensured that Sarajevo was ready to welcome the world on February 8, 1984.The total cost was 141,647,000 dollars, and were completed with a surplus of 12,000,000 dollars. It was the first Olympic Games to end with a surplus. All the previous ones had debts in their wake, and many host cities and countries had difficulty covering the costs.10,450 volunteers, with the participation of thousands and thousands of “pioneers” were involved in the preparation of the Games.February 8th 1984 at precisely 2:30 p.m, fanfare marked the beginning of the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games.On behalf of the organisers, the president of the Organising Committee, Branko Mikulić, greeted the guests, and the president of the IOC, Juan Antonio Samaranch, with the best wishes of the world Olympic family, announcing that the planet "will witness the great Games in Sarajevo and that they will be the best-organised Games in history."The Olympic flame was turned into a big blaze by skater Sanda Dubravčić, and the Olympic oath was taken on behalf of all the participants by the ace of the white tracks, Bojan Križaj, who forgot the words of the Olympic oath, but which the spectators supported with great applause. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Yugoslavia, became, for a short while, the centre of the world.The Sarajevo Games were the first where there...
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    14 mins
  • From Folklore to the Future
    Feb 11 2024

    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 ensemble.

    Check out the website of Ensemble Veselin Mašlese.

    Veselin Mašlese on YouTube.

    Veselin Mašlese on Instagram.In the interview we mention Efie Derksen, a lady from the Netherlands who is also passionate about protecting local folklore and helping to promote its survival.

    Check out this Podcast to find out more.

    And this extremely informative film.

    If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

    If you would like to support our podcast you can, by maybe buying us a coffee or a sandwich?

    https://buymeacoffee.com/davidbailey

    Read Our Blog at Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina

    Instagram: @life_in_bih

    Ask us any questions or give a suggestion for a Podcast.

    Come and visit us and holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    E-Mail us at anenglishmaninthebalkans@gmail.com


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    42 mins
  • Exploring the Captivating Lives of Livno's Wild Horses.
    Feb 4 2024

    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 unforgettable adventure. Ruth's passion for promoting rare and unique equine breeds shines through as she shares her experiences in the UK and abroad, shedding light on the intriguing history and relationships between people and horses.


    Ruth's journey took her through the Bosnian landscape, where she found out about the enchanting Livno horses and their role in the natural ecosystem, discovered the challenges and successes of preserving these magnificent creatures in their wild habitat, and explored the fascinating parallels between the Bosnian horses and other iconic equine herds around the world.


    Ruth provides insights into the impact of tourism on the Livno region and the delicate balance between sharing this hidden gem with the world and safeguarding its pristine environment.


    I talk to Ruth about the importance of responsible tourism and how it can contribute to the preservation of these remarkable wild herds.


    Find out More about Ruth at:

    https://ruthonthehoof.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/ruthonthehoof/

    "Our wonderful guide Silvija (@livnowildhorses) was fantastic, she showed us the whole area - from mountains to the history of the town. She was very generous and had such amazing knowledge! We encountered such lovely and wonderful people at every turn and they made the trip even more special. What an amazing place"

    Thank you for being a part of our podcasting community, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future.

    You can support my work, by maybe leaving a Tip or by becoming a member of our podcast family at:

    https://anenglishmaninthebalkanspodcast.com/support

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    24 mins
  • Crossing Borders - A Serbian Christmas in England
    Jan 15 2024

    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 Herzegovina and the UK, highlighting the importance of family, self-sufficiency, and the joy of blending different cultural experiences.

    Please also do share this episode and maybe leave a 5 start review on the podcast platform you listened to this on.

    Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast.

    Watch the Podcast ⬇️

    Stay tuned for more stories and adventures from the Englishman in the Balkans podcast!

    Thank you for being a part of our podcasting community, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future.

    And Finally

    Don’t forget that you can read back editions of the newsletter, listen to previous podcasts (we have quite an archive now), or catch other content, all this is available on the web interface, just like a regular blog.

    Oh, and please share the newsletter with friends, relatives and colleagues using the button below.

    Tamara and I appreciate your faithful readership, your comments, and your generosity! Until our next post.

    THANKS SO MUCH ❤️



    Get full access to Coffee and Rakija at www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe
    Show more Show less
    34 mins