Postcards from Bosnia – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Postcards from Bosnia is an audio journey into the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, seen through the eyes of an Englishman who has made this place his home.

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In today’s episode of Postcards from Bosnia, I’m taking you behind the fast-paced noise of the internet to the quiet rhythms of my little village here in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Life here isn’t measured in likes, views, or endless notifications, it’s shaped by the seasons, the people, and the simple rituals that keep us grounded.

As someone now in my seventies, I’ve discovered that choosing slow living in Bosnia has been the key to staying creative, active, and inspired. I’ll share how daily walks along the River Vrbas, conversations with neighbours, and even the traditions of harvest and rakija-making give me more energy and ideas than chasing trends ever could.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to post faster, scroll endlessly, or keep up with online trends, this episode is for you. You’ll hear why stepping back, embracing slower rhythms, and focusing on authentic storytelling can help you rediscover your creativity, no matter your age.

Slow living isn’t just a lifestyle choice, it’s a creative toolkit. And here in Bosnia, it might just hold lessons for all of us.

Let’s Stay Connected?

If you enjoyed this little postcard from my Bosnian summer, I’d love to hear from you. You can drop me a message.

Thank You

Thank you for listening to these little slices of my life. If you’d like to get more stories, you can subscribe to my Substack, it’s free, and if you ever want to upgrade to paid but can’t afford it, just email me. I’ll sort it out, no questions asked.

Here are 3 questions I have.

* What would make you hit “play” on an audio post instead of just reading?

* What makes a podcast episode feel personal or meaningful to you?

* Would you like me to add audio versions of my blog posts so you can choose how to enjoy them?

I’ll give a complimentary subscription to Coffee and Rakija for life for taking the time to answer.

More From Me

Not too long ago, I was sitting quietly here at home when something odd happened.

My lower lip went numb.

Not entirely, but just enough to make me stop and think.

Now, for most people, that might not mean much. Maybe just a fleeting reminder of a trip to the dentist. But for me, it took me straight back, nearly 40 years back, in fact, to a part of my life I rarely talk about.

A chapter that began with a similar sensation… and ended with me learning to walk again.

A Different Kind of Journey

Back in 1987, I was serving with the British Army in Germany. Life was, as it always seemed to be back then, busy, fast-paced, and full of uniformed routine.

And then I noticed something strange. First, the tingling around my mouth. Then the pins and needles in my feet. I chalked it up to tight boots. Classic army thinking, really.

But within days, my speech had started to slur. I was staggering, though I didn’t realise it at the time. My mates thought I’d been drinking. I hadn’t.

Things escalated quickly. I was sent to the military hospital in Hannover, where the doctors were puzzled. Tests, theories, guesses. No answers.

Within days, I was flown back to the UK, to the military hospital in Aldershot. And within hours of arriving, they had a diagnosis:

Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

What Is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

I’d never heard of it back then. Most people still haven’t.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system. It can cause muscle weakness, numbness, and in more severe cases, like mine, paralysis.

It affects about 1 in 100,000 people each year. So not common. But when it strikes, it can be devastating.

There’s no known cause, though it’s often triggered by a viral or bacterial infection. And there’s no cure, only treatment and rehabilitation.

In my case, I was paralysed from the chest down. By Christmas Eve 1987, I was in intensive care, unable to move and barely able to breathe after also contracting the flu. It wasn’t exactly the festive break I’d imagined.

Thanks for reading Coffee and Rakija! This post is public so feel free to share it.

The Long Way Back

Recovery was slow. There’s no shortcut with GBS. It takes its time, and you just have to go along with it.

After some time in a general ward, wheelchair-bound and struggling, I was sent to a place that would become central to my recovery: RAF Headley Court.

Now, if you’ve never heard of it, Headley Court was a military rehabilitation centre in Surrey, housed in a beautiful old country manor. For decades, it helped wounded service personnel rebuild their lives, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Originally opened during WWII to treat RAF pilots with severe injuries, it became known for its cutting-edge rehabilitation programmes and holistic approach. Sadly, the Ministry of Defence closed it in 2018, moving rehabilitation services elsewhere, but back in the 80s and 90s, it was a beacon of recovery.

And for me? It was where I learned to walk again. Literally.

Climbing stairs, balancing on crutches, falling down and getting back up.

There were days I thought I wouldn’t make it.

But the staff there were extraordinary. Firm but fair. Encouraging without pity.

Not Just Physical

One thing I hadn’t expected was the emotional toll.

When you lose your independence, even temporarily, you realise just how much you take for granted.

Simple things like walking to the bathroom. Signing your name. Holding a cup of tea.

Everything had to be relearned.

But slowly, with effort (and a bit of British stubbornness), I got there. And 18 months after that first numb lip, I was back in uniform. Not long after that, I was climbing volcanoes in the Ecuadorian Andes, just to prove to myself that I could.

Coffee and Rakija is a reader, listener, viewer-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.

Still With Me?

I don’t tell this story very often. It’s not something that comes up in conversation here in the Balkans.

But that lip? That tiny little sensation the other day?

It reminded me that Guillain-Barré Syndrome never really leaves you.

These days, I’m over 70 and still reasonably active, walking daily, exploring, creating, podcasting. But the fatigue that comes with GBS is something else. It’s not ordinary tiredness. It’s deeper. Heavier.

Back in the day, I ignored it. I was told to rest when I felt exhausted. I didn’t. Army culture doesn’t make room for naps.

But now? I listen to my body. I rest when I need to. And I don’t feel guilty about it anymore.

Why I’m Sharing This

I’m sharing this not because I want sympathy or attention, but because maybe, just maybe, someone else out there is struggling with strange symptoms, exhaustion, or the slow road to recovery.

If that’s you, you’re not weak. You’re healing.

And if, by chance, you’ve had Guillain-Barré Syndrome too… get in touch. There aren’t many of us, and it’s always good to swap stories from the other side.

Until Next Time

Next post, I promise, we’ll be back to rivers and rakija.

But every now and then, it’s good to remember where we’ve come from.

And if your lip ever goes numb… maybe don’t just blame the coffee.

Stay curious. Stay kind. And rest when you need to.

More From Me

Hello there, David here, from a Baby Boomer in Bosnia. If you’ve been following along on Substack, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever our digital paths cross, thank you. I genuinely mean that. It’s a lovely thing, this little corner of the internet where we can connect, reflect, and share a slice of life.

If you don’t like listening to podcasts using Substack, then click the button below to find out all the alternatives.

Happy Easter!

Spring Vibes in Bosnia

I’m recording this from my garden on a warm Saturday afternoon, it’s Easter Sunday tomorrow. It’s 24 degrees, blue skies, and the perfect backdrop for this edition of the Podcast.

If you’re new here, I also host another, companion podcast, An Englishman in the Balkans ⬇️.

🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia 🎧 is a listener-supported publication. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber.

A Soundtrack to My Life

Lately, I’ve become a bit obsessed with field recording. I love capturing nature’s soundtrack. Birdsong at dawn, even the odd nightingale in the evenings. I recommend listening to my podcasts and soundscapes with headphones, to catch all those little details.

Easter Preparations and Family Traditions

Easter is a big deal here in the Republic of Srpska. While I’m not religious, I love the sense of togetherness it brings. Tamara’s busy in the kitchen prepping for tomorrow’s feast. And as a “nod” to my britishness, she’s making Hot Cross Buns.Better than any I’ve had in the UK. Honestly!

Tamara discusses her thoughts on Hot Cross Buns and other British “Tastes” ⬇️

Tamara’s Hot Cross Buns NEVER disappoint.

And our neighbours? Together with Tamara’s father, they’re roasting a pig on a spit powered by a car battery. Classic Bosnia.

Thanks for listening to 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia 🎧! This post is public so feel free to share it.

A Bit of a Break

I’ve been quiet for about the last 10 days. I really needed a breather and spent quite a lot of time experimenting with soundscapes.Here I am documenting the ambient sounds of the roast at my neighbours ⬇️

You’ll be hearing more of those soon. No talking, just the world around me doing its thing.

It’s ALL about Cheese (Sir)

That’s a Wrap Then

Thank you for tuning in to A Baby Boomer in Bosnia. I hope you enjoyed this episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast, so you never miss a new release.

And, if you have a moment, please leave a comment, a quick rating or review, that would mean the world. It really helps others discover the show.

Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.

Where you can find me:

My Blog: https://anenglishmaninthebalkans.com

My Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@davidbaileymbe

Contact me: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com

Thank you for listening. Stay safe, and as we say here in Bosnia, Vidimo se opet, we’ll see each other again.

Hello there, David here, from a Baby Boomer in Bosnia. If you’ve been following along on Substack, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever our digital paths cross, thank you. I genuinely mean that. It’s a lovely thing, this little corner of the internet where we can connect, reflect, and share a slice of life.

If you don’t like listening to podcasts using Substack, then click the button below to find out all the alternatives.

Greetings from the Shire! It’s a lovely April Wednesday here, and I’m out just admiring my surroundings.The weather I have to say is absolutely delightful. There’s warmth in the air, but that familiar British style chill is still there.Despite recent rain and some strong wind, the blossoms on the fruit trees have held their ground.Bees are buzzing around my favourite sour cherry tree Will there be cherry jam later this year?

🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia Podcast 🎧 is a listener-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber.

Embracing Simplicity

As I might have already told you, I’ve been experimenting with field recording. As yet nothing fancy, just experimenting. Capturing everyday sounds like the neighbour’s barking dog and bees buzzing has become really fun.I am looking at this new hobby as part of a broader shift such as tuning out of metrics and tuning in to authenticity. No more obsessing over my YouTube channel for example.I’m now far more interested in real conversations and meaningful connections.

Sharing the Journey

If you’re ever curious, feel free to drop me an email, like Brian from Sarajevo did. I’m not an expert on Bosnia, just someone living the story and happy to share it. And YES, I’ve been granted permanent residency for life.Next up? The grand adventure of converting my driving licence. More on that soon.

Reflections at Seventy

Being over seventy and living in here, as I have said so many times, has its quirks. I now find myself not just a father, but a friend to my grown kids, who’ve even suggested that I should take up Bosnian citizenship! Funny to think, back in the ’60s, that this would be my life.

Mapping a Global Community

Lately, I’ve been working on a fun side project that warms my heart. I’m trying to map out where you’re all tuning in from, this wonderfully scattered global community that’s come together through storytelling. If you’d like to add your pin, just drop me a quick note at questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com. I’ll give you a shoutout in an upcoming episode and plant your digital flag.

Thanks for listening to 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia Podcast 🎧! This post is public so feel free to share it.

🎧 The Latest Episode from An Englishman in the Balkans Podcast

Tackling Boundaries with Rugby - One Woman’s Mission in the Balkans ⬇️

That’s a Wrap Then

Thank you for tuning in to A Baby Boomer in Bosnia. I hope you enjoyed this episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast, so you never miss a new release.

And, if you have a moment, please leave a comment, a quick rating or review, that would mean the world. It really helps others discover the show.

Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.

Where you can find me:

My Blog: https://anenglishmaninthebalkans.com

My Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@davidbaileymbe

Contact me: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com

Thank you for listening. Stay safe, and as we say here in Bosnia, Vidimo se opet, we’ll see each other again.

Hello there, David here, from a Baby Boomer in Bosnia. If you’ve been following along on Substack, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever our digital paths cross, thank you. I genuinely mean that. It’s a lovely thing, this little corner of the internet where we can connect, reflect, and share a slice of life.

If you don’t like listening to podcasts using Substack, then click the button below to find out all the alternatives.

🗺️ Mapping a Global Community

Lately, I’ve been working on a fun side project that warms my heart. I’m trying to map out where you’re all tuning in from, this wonderfully scattered global community that’s come together through storytelling. Imagine a Google map dotted with names: Peter in Ottawa, Jenny in Caracas, maybe even you? If you’d like to add your pin, just drop me a quick note at questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com. I’ll give you a shoutout in an upcoming episode and plant your digital flag.

🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia Podcast 🎧 is a listener-supported publication. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber.

🌱 Mowing Between Showers

Speaking of the outdoors, Bosnia’s weather has finally given us a breather from the rain. With the sun peeking through and the grass nearly reaching “small jungle” status, I decided to wrestle it back with our rather battered small electric mower. Between showers, I tackled it head-on, mower buzzing, the scent of damp earth rising with each pass. Worrying if was going to get electrocuted.

🎧 Helping a Friend Launch a Podcast

The past few days has seen me helping my dear long time friend Rosie launch her new podcast, “Frontline Voices”. Her work explores climate change, gender equality, and human security, amongst other topics.Big themes with an even bigger heart behind them. If these topics sound like your kind of thing, you’ll find her here on Substack or otherwise, wherever you get your podcasts.

Thanks for listening to 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia Podcast 🎧! This episode is public so feel free to share it.

🌄 Capturing the Sounds of My Surroundings

Launching this podcast and Re-Launching an Englishman in the Balkans, has got me thinking more deeply about sound and how much of my daily life is underscored by it. So I’ve started capturing these local soundscapes, beginning with the Dawn Chorus here in the village. It’s astonishing, really, this symphony of birdsong that greets the day. So I’ve bundled it into a free, high-quality downloadable .mp3 for you.

🎧 The Latest Episode from An Englishman in the Balkans Podcast

🐑 Lambs and Stereo Dreams

This morning, looking across at my neighbour’s plum trees, I saw a small flock of sheep with very young lambs munching their way through the long grass surrounding the tress.I’m hoping that they will be staying for a little while so thats I can include them in a future village soundscape.I haven’t said much to Tamara yet, I’m now eyeing up some omnidirectional stereo gear, dreaming of immersive recordings that truly bring you here, headphones on, world off.

☀️ That’s a Wrap Then

Thank you for tuning in to A Baby Boomer in Bosnia. I hope you enjoyed this episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast, so you never miss a new release.

And, if you have a moment, please leave a comment, a quick rating or review, that would mean the world. It really helps others discover the show.

Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.

Where you can find me:

My Blog: https://anenglishmaninthebalkans.com

My Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@davidbaileymbe

Contact me: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com

Thank you for listening. Stay safe, and as we say here in Bosnia, Vidimo se opet, we’ll see each other again.

Welcome to the world of a "Baby Boomer in Bosnia," (me), a podcast from a spirited 70+ something British immigrant, whose plan is to take you along as I navigate life in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

If you don’t like listening to podcasts using Substack, then click the button below to find out all the alternatives.

In my last podcast episode, I mentioned a slightly ambitious idea. Waking up at 4 a.m. to capture the Dawn Chorus, this stunning natural symphony that starts in early spring and carries us gently into mid-autumn.

🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia Podcast 🎧 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber.

Well, I’ll admit, just thinking about the early start kept me tossing and turning the night before. In the end, I didn’t quite manage the 4 a.m. mark, but I did roll out of bed at 5:30 a.m. on April 1st, still early enough to catch the magic.

Check out this Timelapse ⬆️

Into the Garden With a Recorder

I used my Zoom H6 Field Recorder to capture not only birdsong, a whole living soundscape. If you’ve ever slept with the windows open in the countryside, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

Life Begins to Stir

You’ll hear the village coming to life. The cars, the bus arriving to collect children going off for the first shift at the local primary school in Laktaši, and of course, birds, so many birds. Each one adding its own note to the chorus. Even our dogs join in.

Thanks for listening to 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia Podcast 🎧! This post is public so feel free to share it.

An Invitation to Listen

This recording is just over 90 minutes long, and I’d really encourage you to listen with headphones if you can. The recording is in stereo.There’s something meditative about it actually.You don’t have to do anything except press play and let the morning sounds wash over you.

From My Garden to Your Ears

A few of you suggested I share this on the Baby Boomer in Bosnia podcast, and so here it is, an April morning in Bosnia and Herzegovina, just as I experienced it. I’d love to know what you think. Drop me a comment, an email, or just sit with it quietly. Either way, I hope it brings a bit of calm and curiosity to your day.

Join My Storytelling Community

I’d love to know who’s listening and where you’re from. If you have a spare moment, send me an email with your name and location. I’d like to create a Google map marking all the places where my listeners are tuning in from, building a global storytelling community.

If there’s anything you’d like to know about me or Bosnia, feel free to reach out. I also have a blog where I share additional insights about my life here.

Final Thoughts

Over time, this podcast might even take priority over my video content. The goal is to create an archive of my life for future generations, but in the process, I hope to entertain and inform you along the way.Thank you for listening. Stay safe, and as we say here in Bosnia, Vidimo se opet, we’ll see each other again.

Welcome to the world of a "Baby Boomer in Bosnia," (me), a podcast from a spirited 70+ something British immigrant, whose plan is to take you along as I navigate life in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

If you don’t like listening to podcasts using Substack, then click the button below to find out all the alternatives.

Hello from my rather soggy corner of northern Bosnia and Herzegovina. I’ve just trudged up the slope through to our top garden.I couldn’t help but take in the aftermath of the torrential rain we’ve endured for the past three to four days. It’s been relentless, and with our heavy, clay-like soil, the water hasn’t had much chance to soak in. Puddles are everywhere, gushing down toward the storm drains like little brooks. It’s an ongoing battle, one I’ve shared before, but each time the rain falls like this, it’s as if nature rewrites the landscape.

🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia Podcast 🎧 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber.

Blossoms After the Flood

Looking down across the valley the water is starting to drain away. Not long ago, those fields were completely underwater. The change is subtle but hopeful. With the recent clock change, the sun feels warmer and brighter at this time of day (a little after 1700 CET). It’s casting a gentle light across the hills.Over by our neighbour’s small holding, the fruit trees have erupted in delicate white blossoms. It’s a welcome contrast to the grey skies we’ve had lately. And if the weather holds, it promises a good yield. Plenty of fruit for jams and, of course, for Tamara’s father’s homemade rakija. A good year ahead, perhaps? Fingers crossed!

Field Recording: A New Audio Adventure

Lately, I’ve been diving into the world of field recording. Inspired by a few videos I stumbled upon, I decided to take my Zoom H6 recorder out for a spin. Well, a stroll. Armed with a windscreen affectionately called a “dead cat,” I’ve started capturing the sounds around our home and village. There’s something quite magical about hearing birdsong, wind through the trees, or even distant church bells recorded in crisp detail.

I posted a short snippet, recorded from my office window, as a note on Substack recently. To my surprise, it really resonated with readers and listeners. There’s something calming about sharing the everyday sounds of rural life with others, especially those far away who might be craving a slice of peace.

Thanks for listening to 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia Podcast 🎧! This post is public so feel free to share it.

The Temptation of Dawn Recordings

My next goal? Early morning sound walks along the River Vrbas, as well as recording (documenting) the amazing daily dawn chorus.The only catch is the 4 a.m. wake-up call. I’ll be honest, I’m not much of a morning person, especially not that early. But I think it’s worth it. There’s a stillness at that time of day you just can’t replicate. Maybe I’ll give it a go next week.You’ll be the first to hear that recording as part of this podcast.

Sticking with Substack

I’ve also been thinking a lot about podcast hosting recently. I toyed with the idea of moving away from Substack, but in the end, I decided to stay put. Substack fits me well. It’s simple, it’s cost-effective (which, let’s face it, matters when you’re a pensioner), and it distributes easily to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and beyond. Plus, the interaction from listeners through comments and emails has been invaluable. So, I’m staying loyal to what works.

Celebrating Ramazanski Bajram

On a more cultural note, Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending Ramazanski Bajram with some of Tamara’s extended family.Bajram (there are two by the way), is a celebration marking the end of Ramadan here in Bosnia’s Islamic community. I’d never experienced anything like it before. The hospitality, warmth, food, and togetherness, was extremely wonderful.I plan to share more about it soon.These are the moments that make life here feel so rich and layered.

Looking Ahead

Despite the recent flooding, we avoided any serious damage, and our village is ready for spring. There’s a buzz in the air. People prepping their gardens, birds in full song, and the first proper warmth of the year just beginning to settle in.

So, until next time, thank you for tuning in. Feel free to drop a comment, especially if you’re listening on Spotify or one of the other platforms.

Tomorrow, a fellow podcaster is coming to visit from Germany, so tI will be definitely busy!

Bye for now, from this over-seventy Brit, happily embracing life in beautiful, blooming Bosnia!

Join My Storytelling Community

I’d love to know who’s listening and where you’re from. If you have a spare moment, send me an email with your name and location. I’d like to create a Google map marking all the places where my listeners are tuning in from, building a global storytelling community.

If there’s anything you’d like to know about me or Bosnia, feel free to reach out. I also have a blog where I share additional insights about my life here.

Final Thoughts

Over time, this podcast might even take priority over my video content. The goal is to create an archive of my life for future generations, but in the process, I hope to entertain and inform you along the way.Thank you for listening. Stay safe, and as we say here in Bosnia, Vidimo se opet, we’ll see each other again.

Welcome to the world of a "Baby Boomer in Bosnia," (me), a podcast from a spirited 70+ something British immigrant, whose plan is to take you along as I navigate life in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

If you don’t like listening to podcasts using Substack, then click the button below to find out all the alternatives.

In this episode, I, share my reflective experiences of living in the tranquil rural landscape of Bosnia and Herzegovina.Join me as I navigate the beauty and solitude of my surroundings, all while contemplating the changes that come with aging.

🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia Podcast 🎧 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber.

I’m sitting outside on my balcony. The birds are in full voice, the rain is still falling steadily, and I feel compelled to share a few thoughts, simple reflections, really, from my small hillside home.

The Dawn Chorus and Gentle Rain

There really is something magical about the mornings here. From spring until late autumn, the dawn chorus fills the air like a natural symphony. I never ever tire of it. And then there’s the rain. It’s the second day of steady downpour, the kind that pours across the clay-rich earth we have. Watching the storm drains do their job, guiding water down the slopes and away towards the river, is oddly satisfying.

Life in the Slow Lane

Living in a small village, has changed me. Once, I use to thrive on being around people, social events, shared hobbies, busy days. But those days have gently faded into something else. Now, I’ve learned to embrace the slower rhythm of village life, where silence isn’t emptiness but space to breathe.

My world these days often includes just my wife Tamara and the ever-changing seasons outside our window. We watch TV together, we chat, we walk. We don’t need much more. The nearest shop is a few kilometres away, so errands aren’t just chores, they’re little adventures. It’s a quiet life, but it’s rich in ways I never expected.

Thanks for reading 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia Podcast 🎧! This post is public so feel free to share it.

The Hermit Within ?

There are moments when I wonder if I’ve become a hermit, and truth be told, I don’t mind if I have. I don’t feel lonely. Quite the opposite, really. There’s something comforting about having fewer, deeper connections. I spend more time thinking, I have started to read more, I enjoy walking.

There’s a beautiful Bosnian concept called Ćejf. It’s hard to translate directly, but it speaks to the joy of doing something just because it brings pleasure. No deadline, no purpose beyond the moment. And that, in many ways, is how I try to live now.

Dreaming of the Camino

Even as I’ve grown more inward-focused, the dreamer in me hasn’t gone away. One dream that still tugs at me is walking the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage through Spain or Portugal, full of long roads and quiet towns. But at 72, and with travel being more expensive for me these days, I’ve accepted it might remain just that. A dream.

Still, the idea inspired me. Why not create my own Camino here, right in Bosnia? After all, the hills, forests, and river paths around me are beautiful in their own right. With the weather slowly turning, I’ve decided I’ll start a personal pilgrimage, 12 kilometres a day, starting from my front door.

Walking My Own Path

This “Camino-at-Home” won’t require flights, passports, or big budgets. It will require good shoes, a bit of discipline, and a lot of appreciation for the everyday. I plan to document these walks not with video, but with audio. It’s simpler, more intimate. I’ll tell stories, reflect on what I see and feel, and share them with you through my podcast. Just me, a microphone, and the road beneath my feet.

Nature’s Quiet Promises

As I sit here, and looking out, I can almost hear the orchard preparing for spring. Soon, the blossoms will arrive. Cherries, plums, apples, pears. It certainly is one of the great joys of living here.Watching things grow slowly, in their own time, unbothered by the noise of the world.

Even when politics make headlines or global events stir uncertainty, the rhythms of rural Bosnia stay steady. The fruit trees don’t watch the news. The birds don’t care who’s in charge. There’s a peace in that kind of perspective.

Finding Fellowship in Solitude

To those of you reading this, especially fellow Baby Boomers who might be navigating retirement, solitude, or a slower pace of life.I wonder: have you felt this pull towards quiet living? Towards embracing your own inner hermit? If so, you’re not alone. I’d love to hear your stories. Maybe you’ve found your own version of Ćejf, or maybe you’re still searching for it.

Sharing these reflections helps me feel connected, even across distance. So don’t hesitate to write, to share, to join me on this gentle path.

Join My Storytelling Community

I’d love to know who’s listening and where you’re from. If you have a spare moment, send me an email with your name and location. I’d like to create a Google map marking all the places where my listeners are tuning in from, building a global storytelling community.

If there’s anything you’d like to know about me or Bosnia, feel free to reach out. I also have a blog where I share additional insights about my life here.

Final Thoughts

Over time, this podcast might even take priority over my video content. The goal is to create an archive of my life for future generations, but in the process, I hope to entertain and inform you along the way.Thank you for listening. Stay safe, and as we say here in Bosnia, Vidimo se opet, we’ll see each other again.

Welcome to the world of a "Baby Boomer in Bosnia," (me), a podcast from a spirited 70+ something British immigrant, whose plan is to take you along as I navigate life in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

If you don’t like listening to podcasts using Substack, then click the button below to find out all the alternatives.

In this episode, I navigate the challenges of reading your comments and reviews across various platforms. I discuss an insightful question from one of my listeners, Carlos, specifically delving into the cultural contrasts between Eastern Europe and the Western world.

🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia Podcast 🎧 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber.

Embracing the Bosnian Mindset, A Journey of Cultural Discovery

I still remember the day, it was September the 18th 1998. I arrived in Banja Luka. It was very cold, the air was crisp, the streets full of garbage, everything totally grey and a long way from everything familiar. I had come from a world of double-decker buses, fish and chips, and a culture that prizes individuality and efficiency. And suddenly, I found myself in a place where none of that seemed to matter in the same way. Looking back now, more than two decades later, I realise just how much that journey has changed me.

At first, understandably, I saw everything through Western eyes. The language was unfamiliar, having two alphabets even more so, and the rhythm of life seemed somehow out of sync with what I knew. But there were also surprising similarities. European fashion, familiar brand names (albeit it at the time fake) in the shops, and shared tastes in food. I remember thinking, “This place isn’t all that different.” I even half-joked to myself that it felt a bit like how I imagined Soviet Russia might have been, not in a negative way, but in the sense of being starkly structured and a little mysterious. I was curious, maybe even a bit cautious, but definitely intrigued.

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Peeling Back the Layers

But, of course, first impressions never ever tell the whole story. As I spent more time here, the surface began to peel away. What I found beneath was something far richer and warmer than I’d ever expected. A deeply rooted culture built on community, family, and a kind of slow living that has all but vanished in much of the West.

What struck me most was the sheer hospitality. It didn’t matter whether someone was a Serb, a Croat, a Bosniak, Jewish, or Roma, people really were welcoming in a way I hadn’t experienced before. Doors opened, coffee was poured, and conversations started, often with a smile and a plate of sliced meats and cheeses or homemade cake, maybe with a glass of Rakija too.There’s a quiet generosity here, a cultural instinct to include rather than exclude.

Family at the Centre

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned living here is about the role of family, and I don’t mean just parents and children. The idea of community extends far beyond the traditional family unit. It’s about cousins, neighbours, school friends, and even the people who live down the street and wave to you each morning, even if they really don’t know you.

Elders are revered. Age is respected. Parents retain an important voice in the lives of their grown-up children, often well into middle age.

That really surprised me.

Coming from the UK, I grew up in a society where independence is almost sacred.We’re encouraged to move out young, to make our own way, to be self-sufficient.Here, it’s different, and in many ways, it’s super. Having said that I still feel frustrated with it at the same time.However, there’s comfort in knowing that you’re part of something bigger, something that will catch you if you stumble.

Holding Onto Home

Having said all the above, I haven’t abandoned all my Western habits. Each morning starts the same way it always has. With a strong cup of Yorkshire tea. It’s a small ritual, but it reminds me of home. And yes, I still crave a good Sunday roast now and then, and I’ll never say no to Marmite on toast (though that’s still met with confused looks around here). These small comforts from my past help me stay grounded while I navigate the joys and challenges of life in this corner of the world.

Finding Peace in the Pace

But if there’s one thing I’ve come to truly love, something I never anticipated, it’s the pace of life.

There’s a slowness here that’s not laziness but intention. Life unfolds gently. People take time. A single coffee can last an hour or more. Conversations aren’t rushed.

You stop and chat. You listen. You laugh. Whether I’m walking through the village or sitting outside a café in the city, there’s a sense of presence, of living in the moment, that I’ve come to cherish.

I’ve learned to savour things in a way I never did before. A walk through the fields, The wonderful Dawn Chorus from the many species of birds here in the garden in the early morning, the smell of woodsmoke curling out of chimneys in winter, these simple experiences carry more weight now.

I’ve slowed down. And in slowing down, I’ve seen more. Felt more. Connected more.

An Invitation to Discover

If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to live differently, to see life through a different lens, I’d wholeheartedly encourage you to explore this part of the world. It’s not just about the landscapes (though they are stunning) or the food (which is exceptional), but about the people and the pace. About being somewhere that challenges your assumptions and asks you to reconsider what really matters.

This journey has been as much about discovering others as it has been about rediscovering myself. And the longer I stay, the more I realise I’m still learning—still unravelling the threads of what it means to be part of this rich and complex region.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

So, if anything in this story resonates with you, if you’ve had similar experiences or are curious about this part of the world, please do reach out. I’d love to hear your thoughts, your stories, your questions.

Until then, wherever you are, I hope you find moments to pause, connect, and appreciate the world around you. There’s beauty in both the East and the West, and perhaps the greatest gift is learning to embrace the best of both.

Join My Storytelling Community

I’d love to know who’s listening and where you’re from. If you have a spare moment, send me an email with your name and location. I’d like to create a Google map marking all the places where my listeners are tuning in from, building a global storytelling community.

If there’s anything you’d like to know about me or Bosnia, feel free to reach out. I also have a blog where I share additional insights about my life here.

Final Thoughts

Over time, this podcast might even take priority over my video content. The goal is to create an archive of my life for future generations, but in the process, I hope to entertain and inform you along the way.Thank you for listening. Stay safe, and as we say here in Bosnia, Vidimo se opet, we’ll see each other again.

Welcome to the world of a "Baby Boomer in Bosnia," (me), a podcast from a spirited 70+ something British immigrant, whose plan is to take you along as I navigate life in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

If you don’t like listening to podcasts using Substack, then click the button below to find out all the alternatives.

In this episode, I walk around the upper garden with a steaming mug of Yorkshire tea, gazing out over all the pruning thats underway.These past few days I have been reflecting on how life has taken some surprising turns lately. Another funeral for a member of Tamara’s extended family for one.But every now and then, something happens that jolts me out of my quiet routine, like the sudden surge of attention of the latest video my YouTube channel.

A Baby Boomer in Bosnia is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber.

A Small Channel, A Big Surprise

I started a new YouTube channel, from scratch on 21st of December Last Year.Its a some what modest thing. Low production values and based on just “walk and talk” style presentation.A few hundred subscribers, a couple of hundred views per video, as I say, just a place to share snippets of my life here, unfiltered and honest. But then, three days ago, something changed. One of my videos, a simple walk through my garden, suddenly took off. Views have skyrocketed to nearly 3,000 views (as I write this) and the comment section has became a flurry of opinions and assumptions.At first, I was thrilled. Any content creator, no matter how niche, enjoys seeing their work appreciated by a wider audience. But this excitement has quickly turned to apprehension. People have started making assumptions about my intentions, my opinions, and even my place here in Bosnia.

Some even believe I have taken a political stance, which I would never do especially living in a region where history still runs deep through everyday life.

It’s a stark reminder for me that visibility comes with consequences. Suddenly, my quiet reflections on village life have become open to scrutiny, misinterpretation, and debate. For someone who has always aimed to highlight the beauty of Bosnia and the warmth of its people, it is an unsettling experience.

Update: I switched off the comments. It just really got too much

Thanks for reading A Baby Boomer in Bosnia! This post is public so feel free to share it.

A friend of mine, Christian, told me that I tend to focus on the rosier aspects of life here. Maybe he’s right. Maybe, in my effort to showcase the positives, I’ve overlooked the complexities. I really need to address that.There’s enough negativity online however. I’d rather offer a space where people can see a different side of the Balkans, one that isn’t defined by its past struggles but by its present charm but without sugar coating problems that arise.

That’s why I find myself drawn back to podcasting, a medium where I feel most at home.

There’s something intimate about audio storytelling, something that allows for nuance in a way that a viral YouTube comment section never could. It’s in podcasting that I can truly express what life here is like, in all its beauty and contradictions.

This is that Video

A Baby Boomer in Bosnia is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber.

Finding Solace in Local Life

This past weekend, Tamara and I attended the funeral of her favourite aunt. Funerals here are different from those I knew in the UK. They are deeply communal, drawing together extended families and entire friendship circles, regardless of religious backgrounds. Orthodox Christians, Catholics, and Muslims, everyone gathers and shares stories.

This blending of traditions is something I’ve always admired about life here. Living in Bosnia has introduced me to an intricate web of cultural and religious celebrations. We have been invited to Bajram (Eid) at the end of Ramadan by some of Tamara’s relatives.That will be a first for me.These experiences have enriched my understanding of community in ways I never expected when I first moved here.

It’s important to immerse as best you can when living in other cultures than your own

Join My Storytelling Community

I’d love to know who’s listening and where you’re from. If you have a spare moment, send me an email with your name and location. I’d like to create a Google map marking all the places where my listeners are tuning in from, building a global storytelling community.

If there’s anything you’d like to know about me or Bosnia, feel free to reach out. I also have a blog where I share additional insights about my life here.

Final Thoughts

Over time, this podcast might even take priority over my video content. The goal is to create an archive of my life for future generations, but in the process, I hope to entertain and inform you along the way.Thank you for listening. Stay safe, and as we say here in Bosnia, Vidimo se opet, we’ll see each other again.