An Englishman in the Balkans – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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!

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 Murals, her ethical approach to art, and much much more.You can find out more about Nataša on our Blog.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?

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I talk to Brit Kev Shannon about his ambitious adventure to walk across Serbia. It took Kevin Shannon only one kilometre before he found his first Serbian friend. The young British adventurer was bicycling across Europe in 2010 and had just crossed the Serbian border for the first time when a running man flagged him down. Unsure of what to expect from a yelling stranger in Serbia, a country he only knew from war reporting and stereotypes, Shannon was pleasantly surprised when the man invited him for a beer. “I ended up staying with that man and his family for three days, as long as I had planned on being in Serbia,” Shannon recalls. Find out more about Kevin's Serbian exploIts https://balkaninsight.com/2016/02/02/briton-s-long-walk-into-serbia-s-heart-01-25-2016/ (HERE)

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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 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.

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 ❤️

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 ❤️

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 boutique wine area on the global stage.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:44 Getting to Know Bela Dominković

02:33 Bela's Journey into Wine Expertise

04:41 Bela's Experience in France

05:49 Exploring Bosnian Wines

09:05 Comparing Northern and Southern Bosnian Wines

11:05 Challenges Facing Bosnian Winemakers

15:37 Wine's Role in Bosnian Culture

19:50 The State of Wine Tourism in Bosnia

24:37 Bela's Recommendations for Bosnian Wines

27:23 Bela's Dream for Bosnian Wine

28:07 Conclusion and Farewell.

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 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 from a medieval fortress and grinding coffee in a traditional mill.

David reveals the magic of Travnik by sharing interesting details, local tips and anecdotal insight.

This episode concludes with David's thoughts on his journey, the people met, and the culinary delights tasted.

00:00 Introduction and Journey to Travnik

00:59 Travel Tips for Bus Journey in Bosnia

01:46 Experiencing the Scenic Bus Route

03:53 Arrival in Travnik and Meeting with Ben

05:16 Exploring the Natural Wonders of Travnik

06:01 Buying Vlasic Cheese and Witnessing Sheep Shearing

08:05 Guided Tour of Travnik

13:59 Reflections and Departure from Travnik

17:07 Conclusion and Looking Forward to Future Travels

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/

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 conversation that throws light on Sabina's relentless pursuit of her dreams and proves why she is one of the most exciting filmmakers to watch.

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/

Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to a rich tapestry of stories, many of which are still undiscovered even by those who live in the country. In this episode of our podcast, we delve into the extraordinary connection between Ladino and Sevdah music, and how a Jewish prayer sparked a musical journey that resonates deeply with the soul of this nation.

Sevdah, known as the music of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a genre of traditional folk music that captivates listeners with its emotional and evocative melodies. It is a genre that truly embodies the spirit and essence of this magnificent country. To truly immerse yourself in the beauty of Sevdah, I highly recommend exploring YouTube or Spotify, and allowing yourself to be swept away by its heartfelt offerings.

What makes Sevdah even more fascinating is its deep connection to Ladino music. Ladino, a Judeo-Spanish language traditionally spoken by Sephardic Jews, brought about the adaptation of the melody from a Jewish prayer into a well-loved Ladino song called "Mi querido, Mi amado." This heartfelt melody found new life in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it became the unofficial anthem of Sarajevo, a symbol of shared heritage and cultural influence.

The history of Jews in Bosnia and Herzegovina dates back to the late 15th century, when thousands of Jews sought refuge from the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions. Welcomed by the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, the Jews found safety and acceptance in this land. Their presence contributed greatly to the multicultural fabric of the region.

The adaptation of the Jewish prayer into Ladino and Sevdah songs is a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural boundaries and create a shared treasure among diverse communities. It is a beautiful example of how art can bridge gaps and bring people together, emphasising the universal language of emotions.

This fascinating insight into the intricate connection between Ladino and Sevdah music owes thanks to Aleksandra Bunčić from the Sarajevo Haggadah Project. If you would like to learn more about the Sarajevo Haggadah and its significance, please check out the link provided in the show notes.

The Sarajavo Haggadah Project

In conclusion, the story of Ladino and Sevdah music in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a testament to the power of music to connect and unite. It is a reminder of the shared heritage and cultural influences that shape our world. So, take a moment to immerse yourself in the soulful melodies of Sevdah, and let the music transport you to the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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/

Credits:

Tijana Bašić

Mirza Redžepagić

Igor Kožemjakin