• Rab Travel Diaries 🇭🇷 Part 1
    Sep 12 2024

    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 adventure. Don't miss the next episode, where we spend 10 days soaking in the beauty of Rab.

    00:00 Introduction and Trip Overview

    01:57 Setting Off: Early Morning Drive

    05:01 Exploring Bosanska Krupa and Surroundings

    06:18 Discovering Ostražec Castle

    09:26 Lunch by the Una River

    09:43 Reaching Bihac: End of Day One

    10:08 Conclusion and Reflections

    10:42 Day Two: Early Border Crossing



    This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe
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    12 mins
  • The New Sound of An Englishman in the Balkans
    Sep 12 2024

    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 I share. Thanks for sticking around, and I can't wait to take you on this new journey!



    This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe
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    5 mins
  • From London to the Adriatic
    Sep 11 2024

    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 Tito's death, the ease of working in tourism, and navigating the local languages. He reminisces about the vibrant tourism scene of the 1980s, his work with Yugoslav Airlines, and developing pilgrimage tours to Medjugorje. The discussion also touches on the current state of tourism in former Yugoslavian regions, emphasising Bosnia and Herzegovina's untapped potential.

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

    01:00 Meeting Martin Gannon

    01:51 Martin's Journey to Yugoslavia

    03:31 Life and Work in Yugoslavia

    05:33 Navigating Language and Residency

    08:25 Exploring the Region

    11:40 Involvement with Yugoslav Airlines

    16:15 Reflections on Tourism Then and Now

    19:42 The Impact of COVID and Future Plans

    29:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    📈 The Survey 📊

    I have a short survey designed to improve my Substack. It would be super helpful if you could find under 5 minutes to complete it. Thanks so much in advance.

    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 ❤️

    As ever stay safe wherever you are.BestsDavid and Tamara.

    If you can’t subscribe to Coffee and Rakija, for whatever reason, and really would like access to all my content, please drop me a message.



    This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe
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    35 mins
  • Exploring Spomeniks.
    May 26 2024

    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 insights, Donald reveals the value of the Spomeniks as instruments for studying local and regional histories.

    The Spomenik Database can be accessed at https://spomenikdatabase.org

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

    00:06 Exploring the Spomeniks of Yugoslavia

    01:02 Discovering the Spomenik Database

    01:33 Interview with Donald Niebel: The Man Behind the Spomenik Database

    02:40 The Journey of Documenting the Spomeniks

    04:39 The Challenges of Cataloging the Monuments

    07:35 The Significance and Interpretation of the Spomeniks

    08:25 Public Reactions to the Spomeniks

    14:23 The Role of the Spomenik Database in Education

    16:51 The Community's Connection to the Spomeniks

    18:30 Future Plans for the Spomenik Database

    24:23 Donald's Personal Connection to the Spomeniks

    25:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    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.

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

    Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans Blog 🇧🇦 at https://www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/



    This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe
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    26 mins
  • 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



    This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe
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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 ❤️



    This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe
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    37 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.

    Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans 🇧🇦 at www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe



    This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe
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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