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!

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.

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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/

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 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 ❤️

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