Life in Bosnia – Slow Living & Retirement Reflections

In this episode, I sit down in the studio for a more reflective, radio-style conversation about life here in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina.It’s Orthodox Easter weekend here, and as always, it brings with it food, family, tradition… and a reminder of how different life can be when you choose to live in a country far from where you were born.I talk about:* The difference between Easter in the UK and Bosnia* Village life and traditions (including roast pig and “death by food”)* The recent flooding here in northern Bosnia* Getting back into walking at 73, and feeling it!* A chance encounter with a badger on a quiet country road* Why I’ve removed browsers from my phone* Slowing down, meditation, and the pressure we put on ourselves in later life* Plans for hiking in Zenica next week* And why I’m beginning to think more seriously about legacy, storytelling, and building my own websiteThis is a slower, more personal episode, less about information, more about reflection.If you’ve ever thought about living abroad, slowing down, or simply making sense of life as you get older, you might find something here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk about something I’ve been asked many times over the years, what healthcare is actually like here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially as you get older and healthcare becomes a more important part of everyday life.This is not an official guide and I’m certainly not an expert on the healthcare system or immigration law, but I wanted to share my own personal experiences of using the healthcare system here as a resident in Republika Srpska, what I pay into the system each month, and what I receive in return.I talk about how I went from temporary residence to permanent residence, how the healthcare insurance system works, and what happens if you are working, self-employed, retired, or just staying in the country for part of the year. I also explain the difference between public healthcare and private clinics here, because Bosnia really operates on what I would call a hybrid system.I also share a very personal story about breaking my ankle here in the village, the ambulance arriving, being taken through the system, surgery, rehabilitation, and what that whole experience was actually like. Along the way, I compare some of this with experiences in the UK, because many people listening are from Britain and often ask how the two systems compare.Healthcare here is not completely free, it is an insurance-based system, but if you are a resident and you contribute to the health fund, you can access doctors, specialists, hospitals, emergency care and subsidised medication. Many people also use private clinics for speed and specialist consultations because private healthcare here is still very affordable compared to the UK and many other countries.This episode is really just an honest conversation about healthcare, retirement, living abroad, and the practical realities of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina as an older person.If you have questions about living here, residency, daily life, or healthcare, feel free to leave a comment or get in touch, and I’ll try to cover those topics in future episodes. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk openly and honestly about something that has been on my mind recently, what it means to live between two countries, between two identities, and sometimes between other people’s opinions.After a recent visit back to the United Kingdom, I found myself thinking about where I really belong. Am I British? Am I Bosnian? Or am I something in between?I also talk about the reaction to one of my recent videos, the criticism of living abroad while receiving a UK pension, and why retirement, wherever you choose to live, should be about building the best final chapter of your life that you can.This episode is very much a stream of consciousness, thoughts about retirement, immigration, identity, healthcare, lifestyle, and why I believe people should live where they feel happiest, not where others think they should live.If you’ve ever lived abroad, thought about retiring abroad, or wondered what life is really like living in Bosnia and Herzegovina, this episode is for you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

In this relaunch episode of the Life in Bosnia podcast, I reflect on turning 73, restarting my creative projects, and what it really means to live between two countries. After a recent trip back to the UK, I talk about feeling like an “in-betweener” — not fully belonging in Britain anymore, but also not originally from Bosnia, the country I have called home for more than 20 years.This episode also explains the future of the Life in Bosnia podcast, the YouTube channel, and the return of the "An Englishman in the Balkans" interviews. Expect stories from daily life, travel around Bosnia and Herzegovina, retirement reflections, hiking adventures, culture, food, and honest observations about life in Southeast Europe.If you have ever wondered what it’s really like to retire abroad, live in Bosnia, or start again later in life, this podcast is for you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

This episode was recorded on a late winter afternoon, walking down to the river and back.No studio polish. No music. No clever transitions. Just a smartphone, a small DJI microphone with its little wind muff attached (or “spoffle,” as I nearly called it), and a pair of slightly muddy boots that definitely needed cleaning before I stepped back into my tidy studio.I talk about the tractors I call “village taxis,” cleared storm drains after snow, the River Vrbas, and the fields lying bare before spring planting. I reflect on being 73, on starting (and restarting) creative projects, on YouTube ambitions that might only aim for £100 a month — but mean something very real here in Bosnia when converted into local currency.There’s also the familiar thread of village life: plum trees that haven’t fruited properly in years, the hope of distilling domaća šljivovica again, and the quiet privilege of being able to walk two kilometres on a Sunday afternoon and simply talk.This is what I’d sound like if you were staying upstairs in our apartment and we’d just had coffee together before heading down to the river.If you’re listening in London, Toronto, Sydney, or somewhere entirely different, I’d genuinely love to know. Send me a note and tell me where you are.From Bosnia and Herzegovina to your headphones, speaker, or kitchen radio — thank you for giving me your time.Stay safe. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

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.Paid members get access to everything I create, including exclusive podcasts, behind-the-scenes reflections, photo essays, and more that I only share with my inner circle ☕✨Thanks so much in advance.Thank YouThank 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. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

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.Paid members get access to everything I create, including exclusive podcasts, behind-the-scenes reflections, photo essays, and more that I only share with my inner circle ☕✨Thanks so much in advance.Thank YouThank 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. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

I’ve been watching retirement and over-70s content on YouTube recently, and something began to quietly trouble me.Many of the most popular videos aren’t made by people at all.They’re created by AI.And yet older viewers are watching, commenting, and sharing deeply personal stories, often speaking into what is, in reality, a silence.This isn’t a programme about technology.It’s a reflection on aging, loneliness, and what it means to be heard in later life.From my garden in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina, I talk about why calm AI voices feel familiar, why they feel safe, and why so many older people are reaching out, not because they’re gullible, but because they’re human.Because we still want to be seen.And we still want to matter. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

Let me say this upfrontI’m not a Christian.I don’t belong to a church, I don’t follow doctrine, and I wouldn’t describe myself as religious in the traditional sense. If I’m honest, I’m a wayward, wannabe Buddhist, drawn to quiet reflection, to the idea of paying attention, but without the discipline to do it properly.So what follows isn’t theology.It’s observation.Because when you live in Bosnia and Herzegovina long enough, Christmas has a habit of showing up whether you believe in it or not. And here, rather wonderfully, it shows up twice.The Christmas most British people recogniseFor most of my life, Christmas meant one thing.The 25th of December.A tree in the corner of the room.Carols you could sing even if you hadn’t sung them for years.And far, far too much food.That was Christmas. End of story.The Christmas most British people grew up with, Anglican in shape, even if not always in conviction, is open and outward-facing. It fits neatly into national life. Advent drifts past, lights go up, music appears everywhere, and churches fill with people who don’t normally go.And nobody minds. That’s part of the deal.You don’t need strong belief to take part. You just need to turn up.Carols do a lot of the work, familiar words, familiar tunes, and at home, restraint is not the goal. Abundance is.From the perspective of someone who doesn’t believe, it feels welcoming. Inclusive. Almost forgiving. Christmas as a shared cultural moment rather than a test of faith.The Christmas that arrives quietly hereOrthodox Christmas feels very different.I live in a Serbian Orthodox village in northern Bosnia, and Christmas here arrives on the 7th of January, following the older Julian calendar, long after Britain has packed Christmas away and January has started to bite.Here, Christmas begins with waiting.There’s a 40-day fast leading up to it. Christmas Eve “Badnji dan” is quiet, symbolic, and deliberate. The food is simple. The mood restrained.Instead of glitter, there’s straw under the table, a reminder of the stable.Instead of a Christmas tree, there’s an oak branch, the “Badnjak”, burned or placed in the home.Church services are darker. There’s more chanting than singing, less explanation, fewer words. Nobody is trying to make it accessible or attractive.And oddly enough, this is where my Buddhist leanings quietly kick in.Ritual over persuasionWhat strikes me most about Orthodox Christmas is its emphasis on ritual over words, on practice over persuasion.No one is trying to convince you of anything.No one is selling belief.You either show up… or you don’t.Even as a wannabe Buddhist who doesn’t practise nearly enough ritual himself, I recognise something familiar here. A respect for repetition. For silence. For doing, rather than explaining.It’s not inclusive in the modern sense, but it is deeply rooted.Breaking the fastWhen Christmas Day finally arrives, the fast is broken.The table fills. The mood lifts. A special bread, česnica, is shared, with a coin hidden inside. Whoever finds it is said to have good fortune in the year ahead.This year, Tamara found the coin, so fingers crossed we’re in for a good 2026.But the real point isn’t the coin.It’s who you’re sitting next to when the bread is broken.The greeting says everything:Christ is born.Truly He is born.They do say “Happy Christmas” as well, but there are no slogans. No cheerleading. Just statement.Same story, different energyLiving between these two Christmases has taught me something.Anglican and Catholic Christmas tends to radiate outward.Orthodox Christmas draws inward.One celebrates openly.The other prepares quietly.Neither is better. Neither is more authentic. They are simply different ways of holding the same story.And perhaps because I don’t fully belong to either, I get to appreciate both more clearly.Living comfortably in betweenThese days, I mark both Christmases. Lightly and respectfully.One reminds me where I come from.The other reminds me where I now live.And somewhere between carols and crackling oak wood, between abundance and restraint, I’ve learned something useful, even as a non-believer.Meaning doesn’t always need belief.Sometimes it just needs attention.Even from a wayward, wannabe Buddhist. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

This isn’t really about Sunday lunchWhen most people hear the words Yorkshire pudding, they think of Sunday roast, gravy, and a very specific idea of England. It’s treated as tradition, almost ceremony. Something fixed. Something defended.But that’s not where Yorkshire pudding starts.It doesn’t begin with nostalgia or national pride. It begins with a problem that needed solving.A dish born of economy, not indulgenceIn eighteenth-century northern England, meat was expensive and fuel was precious. A joint of beef wasn’t an everyday meal. It was planned, stretched, and respected.Yorkshire pudding began as a simple batter, flour, eggs, milk, poured into a pan and placed beneath roasting meat to catch the dripping fat. The batter rose in the heat, filling stomachs cheaply and effectively.And here’s the detail many people forget: it was originally served before the meat. Gravy poured over it first. The beef came later.Yorkshire pudding wasn’t a side dish. It was strategy.Why that makes sense in the BalkansLiving in Bosnia, this logic feels immediately familiar.Across the Western Balkans, there’s a deep understanding of food that fills rather than flatters. Batter-based dishes appear everywhere, not as treats, but as anchors. Uštipci at breakfast. Plain palačinke when cupboards are bare. Proja on a wooden table, sliced and shared.These foods aren’t identical to Yorkshire pudding, and they don’t need to be. The connection isn’t about copying recipes. It’s about responding to the same conditions.Cold winters. Hard work. Limited ingredients.Different kitchens, same instinctsWhat strikes me most is how naturally Yorkshire pudding fits into a Bosnian kitchen. The ingredients are familiar. The technique, hot fat, confident timing, no hovering, makes immediate sense.Even the arguments feel familiar. How much fat is too much? Should it be crisp or soft? Big or small? Everyone has an opinion, and everyone trusts experience over instructions.That fierce protectiveness around simple food exists on both sides of the continent.Is there a direct historical connection?No. There’s no evidence that Yorkshire pudding travelled east or that Balkan batter dishes travelled west.But history isn’t always about movement. Sometimes it’s about parallel solutions.When people face similar problems, they often arrive at similar answers, even if they never meet.Flour, fat, and reassuranceSo this isn’t really a story about Yorkshire pudding at all.It’s about how ordinary food carries quiet wisdom. How it feeds people without asking for attention. How it reassures rather than impresses.Flour.Fat.Heat.Different names.Same human need.And the same promise, whether you’re in Yorkshire or the Western Balkans:You’ll be fed today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

When the Air Changes the Rhythm of the DayI knew the air was bad again before I checked any app.It was during my morning walk. Same route as always. Down from the village, along the familiar stretch where I usually settle into a steady rhythm. But this time, something felt off. The air felt heavy. Not cold-cold, just thick. I found myself breathing through my mouth sooner than usual, shortening the walk without really deciding to.That’s usually the sign.Learning to Read the AirLiving in this part of the country, you get used to reading the air as much as the weather. Some days it’s clear and sharp, especially after a bit of wind. Other days, like recently, it just sits there. Grey, Yellow, Still. Unmoved.You can feel it before you see it. Before anyone mentions numbers or warnings.Winter Fires and Everyday RealityWinter is part of the story, of course. Around here, winter still means fires being lit. Wood stacked against walls. Stoves burning from early morning until late evening.Each one is doing what it needs to do, keeping a family warm, but together they fill the air with smoke that has nowhere to go.Cars, Cold Engines, and Short JourneysThen there’s the traffic. Cold starts. Short trips. Engines idling while someone pops into a shop. Multiply that by thousands and suddenly the air at street level feels tired before the day has properly begun.It’s not one big polluter. It’s all the small, ordinary ones added together.When the Weather Traps EverythingAnd then the weather does its part. No wind. No movement. Sometimes fog that looks almost peaceful until you realise it’s holding everything in place.When that happens, nothing clears. The air just hangs around at breathing height. Exactly where we are.Not New, Just Felt MoreThis isn’t a new problem. Anyone who’s spent a few winters here knows the pattern. December and January are often the worst. By spring, things usually improve and we forget about it again.Until next winter.Noticing It More With AgeBut when you’re in your seventies, you notice it more. The body is less forgiving. A walk that normally clears the head can feel like hard work. A cough lingers longer than it should.You start planning your day around how the air feels, not just what you want to do.Adjusting Without Making a FussOn days like this, I shorten my walks. I choose quieter times. I stay in once the evening fires really get going.Windows closed.Not out of fear. Just common sense.Waiting for the WindThere’s a bigger conversation to be had about cleaner heating, insulation, public transport, and long-term change. But none of that fixes the air outside your door today.For now, we pay attention. We look after ourselves. We look out for neighbours.And we wait for that first proper wind that clears the sky and reminds us how good the air here can be.When the air feels heavy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it isn’t a statistic. It’s something you feel in your lungs, in your pace, and in the quiet decision to turn back a little earlier than usual.And like everyone else, I’m watching the trees. Waiting. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

Blue Skies and Cold AirThe seasons are shifting here in northern Bosnia. The mornings have that crisp bite that tells you autumn has properly settled in. Yet the skies stay defiantly blue, almost glowing above the village. It’s the kind of weather that makes a simple walk around the block feel like a small adventure. And honestly, every time I step outside on a day like this, I find myself quietly grateful I’m not back in the UK under its familiar blanket of grey drizzle.Smoke on the BreezeHalfway along the lane, a thin column of smoke drifted from a neighbour’s little outbuilding. Here, that can only mean one thing: meat being smoked the traditional way. It’s a sight I rarely seem to catch. I’m always either away, busy, or simply too late. But today, there it was. A quiet reminder that so much of Bosnia’s heritage isn’t locked in museums; it’s lived, tended, and carried forward in people’s own backyards.Cowbells and Mountain WisdomIf you heard a soft bell during our walk, it wasn’t a stray cow joining us. That gentle clinking came from Tamara’s backpack, a mountain habit designed to keep predators at a distance. Wolves still roam the high forests, bears wander the ridges, and wild dogs can appear out of nowhere. The bell simply lets them know we’re passing through. A small sound with a practical purpose, shaped by the geography of this place.Tea, Sunlight, and the Simple MomentsBy the time we looped home, the sun had sunk low and fierce, the way it does in October and November, that sharp, blinding autumn glare you can never quite escape. And as always after a good walk, the day called for a cup of English tea. Two sugars. A splodge of milk.Just a simple moment. But one that anchors you, reminds you where you are, and why these small rituals matter. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

A warm afternoon in the cityYesterday I spent a few unhurried hours wandering through the centre of Banja Luka, recorder in hand.The weather couldn’t have been kinder, soft autumn sunshine, blue skies without a single cloud, and just enough of a breeze to make the church bells carry across the square.I hadn’t come with an agenda. No interviews lined up, no story to chase. Just a simple aim. To listen.To capture a little of the city’s everyday rhythm for my soundscape series.Walking Gospodska Ulica — Gentleman StreetI started along Gospodska Ulica, better known to locals as Gentleman Street.It’s one of those iconic places every Bosnian city seems to have, the kind of street where everyone meets, strolls, and watches life go by.The name has a lovely backstory.In the late 1800s, this was once a marshy lane known as Muslina Bara, “the Muslim pond.” Then a local shopkeeper, Toma Radulović, decided his new store needed a bit of flair. He put up a wooden sign reading Gospodska Ulica, “ Gentleman Street”, and somehow, the name stuck.More than a century later, the official name might have changed, but everyone still calls it Gospodska.It’s lined with elegant façades and old-world balconies, mixed now with cafés, boutiques, and that steady murmur of everyday conversation that gives a city its heartbeat.The laughter of Children’s WeekBut this week, Gospodska was even livelier than usual.Banja Luka is celebrating Children’s Week (Dječija Nedjelja), a tradition across Bosnia where kindergartens and schools fill public spaces with games, laughter, and small performances. It’s a simple idea, to dedicate a few days to joy, imagination, and the importance of childhood, but it transforms the city completely.Everywhere I turned there were clusters of children, waving flags, chasing balloons, holding hands in long lines as teachers tried, mostly unsuccessfully, to keep order.The soundscape was pure energy.High-pitched laughter echoing off stone façades, the squeak of balloon strings, the rhythmic steps of tiny shoes on old cobbles.I set my recorder near the main Orthodox Church, letting it soak up the mix of voices, bells, and city hum. There was no need to talk, the sound told its own story.Listening between the momentsLater, back home, I played the recordings through my headphones.What struck me wasn’t just the noise, but the layers of it. The contrast between the old street’s calm architecture and the bright chaos of the children passing through it.That’s the beauty of recording life here in Bosnia: even the most ordinary day turns into a story when you slow down and listen.So this week’s postcard isn’t about travel or food or history. It’s about sound.About a single afternoon on Gentleman Street, where laughter filled the air and the past and present shared the same space for a while.If you enjoyed this little postcard from my life in Bosnia, I’d love to hear from you. You can drop me a message.Thank You This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

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.Paid members get access to everything I create, including exclusive podcasts, behind-the-scenes reflections, photo essays, and more that I only share with my inner circle ☕✨Thanks so much in advance.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 YouThank 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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

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 JourneyBack 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 BackRecovery 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 PhysicalOne 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 ThisI’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 TimeNext 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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

Pull up a chair — this one’s a ramble, but the good kind.It’s a Wednesday evening in northwest Bosnia. The sun’s just dipped behind Kozara National Park, painting the sky in that deep red you only get here. Tamara’s in Banja Luka with her mum, Predrag (her father) is off with a chainsaw (don’t ask), and I’m here with two dogs, seven cats, and my thoughts.This episode is about what it really takes to live here long-term. Not the glossy “buy a house in Portugal” kind of podcast episode, but the truth about visas, bureaucracy, and why most foreigners in Bosnia are here because they’ve married locals. I talk about property, residency permits, and why embracing the culture and language isn’t optional. It’s survival.There’s a little bit of Hemingway, a little bit of homesickness, and a lot of reflection on what it means to be happy in later life. If you’ve ever thought about packing up and moving somewhere far from home — or you’ve done it and know that strange tug of wanting to visit “home” but never really go back — this one’s for you.If you like the sound of crickets under a Balkan sunset and the idea of living somewhere without an expat bubble, hit play. This is life, unfiltered.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 YouThank 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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

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.Paid members get access to everything I create, including exclusive podcasts, behind-the-scenes reflections, photo essays, and more that I only share with my inner circle ☕✨Thanks so much in advance.It’s a misty Sunday morning in the village, the firewood’s sorted for next winter, and the banana plant has, miraculously, survived.In this special episode, first aired back in March 2024, I sit down outdoors with Hannah Thomas, a young German-American nurse who’s just wrapped up her second visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina.Joined this time by her father, brother, boyfriend, and younger brother, Hannah reflects on what it’s like to travel somewhere that’s not “on the list.”We talk about ćevapi comparisons between Croatia and Bosnia (spoiler: Bosnia wins), what shocked her the first time she crossed the border, and how it feels to slow down, embrace ćejf, and soak in a country still unknown to many.This is the first time a guest has agreed to chat right here, and it’s raw, real, and refreshingly honest.We explore:The contrasts between German and Bosnian culture through the eyes of a traveler in her twentiesWhy slow travel in the Balkans might be the antidote to all-inclusive burnoutHow Bosnia’s charm sneaks up on you, through smoky cafés, fruit markets, and unexpected kindnessSo brew yourself something warm, find a quiet moment, and join us for a very human story about family, curiosity, and the power of returning.Have you ever visited a country that completely changed your perspective, where your expectations didn’t match the reality?If so, where was it… and would you go back?Let’s Stay ConnectedIf you enjoyed this little postcard from my Bosnian summer, I’d love to hear from you. You can drop me a message.Thank YouThank 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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

As I sit outside this evening, the sun is just slipping behind the wooded hills of Kozara National Park. The sky turns that perfect dusky pink, the kind that makes me reach for my camera, though it never seems to capture the colours quite right. I must work on that.But tonight isn’t about the view. It’s about the sound.Not the familiar birdsong, the bark of a village dog, or even the faint whir of a distant tractor.No, this evening’s soundtrack is coming from underground.Meet the Mole CricketAround this time of year, late July, something remarkable happens just below the surface of the soft, river-fed soil we have all around us.A gentle, rolling trill begins to rise from the earth. At first, it sounds faint, almost electronic. Then, as the minutes pass, others join in, and the entire area begins to hum.These mysterious little performers?Mole crickets.Now, I’ll be honest, I hadn’t paid much attention to them until about three years ago. They’re not flashy. You won’t catch them hopping across the path or fluttering through the trees. No, they live in the quiet, deep in the soil, digging with their strong, spade-like forearms and keeping mostly to themselves.We accidentally dug one up during some garden work once, and I was genuinely startled. They’re not the most handsome of creatures, in fact, I’d say they’re a bit grotesque,but they’ve earned their place in my summer evenings.Nature’s Hidden SymphonyThere’s a particular kind of magic to their chorus.It starts with just one cricket calling out from its burrow. Then another replies. And another. Before long, the valley becomes filled with this strange, pulsing music, nature’s own ambient soundtrack.It’s not easy to miss, even if you’re busy scrolling or wrapped up in the noise of the day. But if you sit still and let yourself listen, it’s like discovering a secret concert performed just for you.That’s one of the many things I’ve come to love about life here. The quiet things are the main event. You begin to mark the seasons not just by the dates on the calendar, but by the sounds around you.In spring, it’s the frogs.In June, it’s the nightingales.And in the height of summer, like right now, it’s the shy, subterranean song of the mole crickets.The Rhythm of My BosniaWhat I’m sharing here isn’t a tourist destination or a hidden gem to pin on Google Maps. It’s just a moment. A rhythm. A reminder that some of the most beautiful parts of life are the ones that hum gently in the background, waiting for you to notice.So wherever you are, walking, working out, winding down,I hope you’ll pause and listen to your own dusk chorus. I’d love to know what it sounds like where you live.Let’s Stay ConnectedIf you enjoyed this little postcard from my Bosnian summer, I’d love to hear from you. You can drop me a message.🎧 And if you’d like to experience it yourself, I’ve included a short soundscape, just under half an hour , of the dusk chorus recorded right here in Čardačani.Thank YouThank 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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

  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.Paid members get access to everything I create, including exclusive podcasts, behind-the-scenes reflections, photo essays, and more that I only share with my inner circle ☕✨Thanks so much in advance.📍 A Walk in the Garden, and a Few Thoughts from ČardačaniHello and welcome back to Postcards from Bosnia.If you heard a funny announcement at the start, no, that wasn’t a railway station speaker! It was actually someone calling a staff member over the loudspeaker in a local supermarket. Life’s little unexpected moments always make me smile.I haven’t shared one of these “walking in the garden” updates for a while, so I thought today was the perfect day to do just that.Recent Visitors from AustriaAs I walk up the hill (you might hear a bit of huffing and puffing!), I think back over the last few days. We had Fritz and his wife Nicole visiting us here in Čardačani, that’s our little village between Banja Luka and the Croatian border.They’ve been here several times before and have already promised they’ll be back next year. They left just a few hours ago on their motorbike, heading back to Niederösterreich in Lower Austria after a long, winding journey.From Austria into Italy, then a ferry to Greece, up through Albania and Montenegro, and finally here to us.We spent the days sharing local food (Tamara always works her magic in the kitchen), enjoying some pivo and rakija, and simply relaxing. Yesterday, after nearly two weeks of travel, they were ready for a slow day, and we gave them exactly that.A Magical Evening by the WaterIn the evening, we took them to Slap, a beautiful little waterfall outside Banja Luka, right on the Vrbas river. We sat down to dinner, chatted about life, and watched Fritz capturing videos and photos.Afterwards, we drove past Banja Vručica, natural warm pools on the river. Even as the evening got chilly, people sat happily in the steaming water, beer cans in hand, soaking in the supposed healing properties.I love these places. Spots you’d easily drive past without knowing they exist. Fritz and Nicole both said they would never have discovered them on their own.Off the Tourist TrailWhen you come to Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially the northern region of Krajina, you’re visiting an area still wonderfully under the radar.If you choose to stay with us, we can show you places far away from the usual guidebook suggestions. Places you might miss unless you know a local. We move slowly, enjoy each moment, and encourage guests to embrace local food and traditions.As Fritz and Nicole said, they felt they’d seen a different side of Bosnia, and that’s exactly what we want to share.A Walk Through Banja LukaAfter the pools, we took a slow walk through Banja Luka. They were amazed by how clean and orderly the city felt, and by its fascinating blend of architectural styles: from sleek modern buildings, to the heavy, concrete lines from the Yugoslav period, to elegant Austro-Hungarian facades, and finally the older Ottoman houses.We passed a church where a small group of young people were singing under the guidance of a choir leader, a Syrian woman, an Orthodox Christian who now calls Bosnia home. Their voices carried beautifully through the evening air.I managed to pull out my phone and catch a rough recording, which is at the end of this podcast episode.Weather, Orchards, and Changing SeasonsAs I walk, I notice the brown patches in the grass, we’re still in the middle of very hot days, up in the mid-to-high thirties. Rain is expected tonight, and we’re hoping for a good, heavy downpour to quench the thirsty land.The weather patterns have shifted over the years. Winters aren’t what they used to be; snow has become rare and fleeting. The plum orchard in front of me looks sad, with broken trees from recent storms. Tamara’s father is debating whether to cut them down and start over, a big decision at his age.Still, there’s some comfort in the cycles. We have more than enough rakija from past harvests, and there are small green apples lying on the ground waiting to become jabukovača (apple rakija). Later, we’ll gather them and let them ferment for distillation.Slow Mornings and the Joy of “Boredom”I often say my life is boring now, but in truth, it’s anything but. After decades in a fast-paced media world, I’ve learned to embrace slower rhythms.Long mornings, time to read (even if on my Kindle), and fewer distractions.Yes, my mind still races in the morning. Write for Substack, do this, do that. But nowadays, I remind myself it’s okay to pause. To stand in the shade, to listen to the birds, to watch the orchard quietly.Plans and Exciting AdventuresWe have more guests arriving soon, and Tamara is busy planning a September trip for us to Lukomir, Bosnia’s most remote village. High in the mountains, it’s inaccessible for much of the year. We’ll head there with friends, guided by our friend Senad and his trusty 4x4. I’m sure there will be plenty of stories to share after that adventure.Everything in Its PlaceLast night, as Nicole looked over the river at the waterfall, she said, “Everything is perfect here.”It reminded me of a line from a James Last song connected to a German TV film: “At seven in the morning, the world is in order.” For me, at seven in the morning, standing in my garden, the world really is in order.A Little Gift for YouAt the end of this post, you’ll find that quick recording from Banja Luka, young voices singing a traditional song in the open air. It moved me, and I hope it does the same for you.Thank YouThank you for reading 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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

A Sad Farewell to an Important VoiceHello from Bosnia. Today, I want to share something that’s left me truly disappointed. A rare moment where I find it hard to keep my usual optimistic outlook.The End of Al Jazeera BalkansThis past Saturday, 12 July, Al Jazeera Balkans closed its doors after almost 14 years of broadcasting. Whether you tuned in regularly or not, the channel has been a critical voice in the Western Balkans.A region where most media is tightly controlled by governments or big business interests. Al Jazeera Balkans stood out as an alternative, independent perspective, a place where tough questions were still asked.More Than Just Another NewsroomOf course, they had their own editorial stance. Every newsroom does. But what set them apart was their commitment to diverse, in-depth storytelling and their courage to challenge power. Over the years, they produced documentaries, investigative reports, and live debates that gave space to stories that might otherwise have been buried. And they did so in the languages of the region, from Serbian and Croatian to Bosnian and Macedonian, making their work accessible to so many.A Huge Loss for Media FreedomOfficially, the closure came down to economic and organisational decisions from headquarters in Doha. But whatever the reason, the result is the same.One less independent voice, one less safe space for journalists, and fewer opportunities to hear all sides of the story.Around 200 staff are now without work, and in this fragile media environment, that is a devastating blow.Where Do We Go From Here?As someone who’s called this region home for over two decades, I’ve seen the struggles for media freedom up close. This feels like a big step backward. But despite this, I still believe in the region’s positive future.I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you think there’s still space for independent journalism in the Balkans? Or are we slipping into a single echo chamber?Let’s keep the conversation going. Vidimo se opet.More From Me This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Postcards from Bosnia.This morning, as I wandered through our small apple orchard here in Čardačani, I noticed apples scattered on the ground. Maybe it’s the heat, already 29 degrees and climbing to 32 today, but it got me thinking about change and cycles. As a sleek cyclist sped past, dressed head-to-toe in gear, it reminded me how life moves at different paces for everyone.Why the Name Change?After a lot of thought (and some gentle nudging from Tamara, my wife and biggest supporter), I’ve decided to rename my podcast from A Baby Boomer in Bosnia to Postcards from Bosnia. Tamara wisely pointed out that focusing on age might limit the audience. She encouraged me to share these stories more broadly, to anyone curious about life in Bosnia and Herzegovina beyond the guidebooks.I also ran a poll among my Substack subscribers, and the feedback was clear. It’s time to shift focus. Friends like Christian Payne echoed this, reminding me that age is just a number and that I should write for anyone eager to connect, not just my own generation.Reflections from HaarlemThis change coincided with a refreshing trip to Haarlem in the Netherlands to visit my sister and brother-in-law. We traveled by bus from Banja Luka to Zagreb, flew to Amsterdam, and then took a local bus to Haarlem. For Tamara, it was her first time in the Netherlands, and she loved it.Haarlem felt like a perfect alternative to the bustle of Amsterdam.Full of beautiful old houses leaning gently after centuries on stilts, friendly people, and charming canals. We even took a short trip to Zandvoort to see the North Sea, a place close to my heart as a Brit. While I expected to feel waves of nostalgia, I was surprised to find no deep emotional tug. It reinforced my feeling of being an “in-betweener”. Not fully British anymore, yet not completely Bosnian either. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

A Stroll into StillnessIt’s a bright Sunday, and I’ve taken a short wander, just a kilometre and a half from my front door, down through the fields, to the river Turjanica. No fancy kit today, just my mobile phone doubling as a microphone, minus a pop shield. The Turjanica gently winds its way near our village before slipping into the Vrbas a few bends downstream. The Vrbas itself journeys from the south of Bosnia all the way to the Croatian border.Unexpected BeautyThe Turjanica isn’t always what you’d call a beauty spot. I remember one summer when it all but dried up, and I stumbled across a wild boar carcass lying in the dust. These riverbanks have seen their share of neglect, fly-tipping, plastic, and the like. But today? After some heavy rain and, oddly, a few truckloads of gravel, the place feels reborn. A makeshift beach has emerged, shingle and pebbles sculpted by the current. It’s not a resort by any stretch, but it’s oddly charming.Sounds and SilenceI found a flat patch among the stones, stretched out on my bag, and hit record. The river’s chatter is now part of my sound archive. In that stillness, I imagined a folding chair, a parasol, maybe even a mobile grill. The idea of simple pleasures, undisturbed and honest. It has a magic of its own.A Nudge Back to CreativityI’ve not updated A Baby Boomer in Bosnia in over a month. Life gets in the way. But today, the swallows dancing overhead and the river’s quiet company reminded me why I do this. And if you’re someone over 40 or 50, thinking about podcasting but unsure where to begin, I’m sketching out a simple, affordable course that might just be for you.Looking AheadBefore the month’s out, I’ll be running a podcasting workshop in Banja Luka. But first, a trip to Skopje for some presentations—and a kind reminder from my hosts to take an extra night to rest. Something I’m finally learning to do. Get full access to 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia 🎧 at babyboomerinbosnia.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

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.Easter Reflections and Simple PleasuresHello again from Čardačani, where I’ve been putting my thoughts together after a short break. Today I’m sitting at the top of our garden, watching spring roll quickly into summer. The grass is up to my calves, the birds are in full voice, and I thought it was time to share what’s been going on.🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia 🎧 is a reader-listener-viewer supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.The last episode I recorded was just before Easter. This year, both Roman Catholic and Serbian Orthodox Christians celebrated Easter on the same day, which doesn’t happen too often. We kept things low-key. A quiet family gathering, a small (but still generous by British standards) spread, and just good conversation. Sometimes, simple really is best.The Weather’s Turning — and So Is the GardenWith the temperatures climbing, it’s 25°C now, pushing 29 tomorrow, it feels like the season is speeding ahead. Tamara’s father has already strimmed the lower garden, and our kitchen garden is beginning to take shape. In front of our house, the grass is slowly returning to its “Wimbledon” look. Wwell, that’s the British in me talking.Why the Two-Week Silence?You might’ve noticed I’ve been quiet for a little while. No podcast uploads, no blog posts. There’s no dramatic story here, just life. A mix of recovery after the holidays, preparing a talk, a bit of mental fog, and honestly, not feeling 100%.I’ve never wanted to put something out just for the sake of it. If I’m not in the right headspace, I’d rather wait. That’s something I think many of us, especially in later life, begin to better understand.Sharing Stories in Banja LukaOne of the more exciting things I’ve been involved in recently was giving a talk at a co-working space in Banja Luka. It was all in English and focused on how to grow your voice online, be it through storytelling, podcasting, or simply finding your medium.Thanks for Listening 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia 🎧! This post is public so feel free to share it.I shared tips about speaking to just one person. Whether they’re reading, watching, or listening. I truly believe that’s where connection lives. The group was made up mostly of people from the Instagram generation, and while I admire their energy, I’m still not a fan of leaving my creative reach up to the whims of an algorithm.Orwell, Algorithms, and AudioAll this talk about algorithms got me picking up 1984 again. Orwell’s observations feel unnervingly current. It’s why I love audio so much. It’s human. It’s direct. It doesn’t demand likes or hashtags. Just presence and honesty.And maybe that’s why I’ve been feeling a little foggy. Not unwell exactly, just a bit low. I’m aware of how easy it is to brush things off, especially health issues as we get older. “Is it serious? Should I bother the doctor?” That kind of internal monologue. But the truth is, it’s okay to pause. To reflect. To admit when we need a bit of space.And if truth be told I think I am firmly in the “What you don’t know, wont hurt you”Creating for the Next GenerationI’ve been thinking more and more about this plan I have for documenting my life. Not for fame or likes, but maybe for my grandchildren. I’ve said before, I can’t write for toffee, so writing a memoir? Not likely. But audio? That I can do. And maybe others like me can too.I’m putting together a five-hour workshop here in Banja Luka for aspiring storytellers, showing them how to use podcasts and vodcasts (video podcasts) to share their narratives. And I’m toying with the idea of a version specifically for older people, those who want to leave a legacy, in their own voice, with just a smartphone and a bit of curiosity.Life in the Village (Plus Guests and Dogs)Right now, we have guests staying upstairs. A lovely middle-aged couple from Novi Sad with five dogs! Add to that our own two dogs and seven cats, and it’s safe to say the house is lively.I find it fascinating. They (the guests) live in one of the prettiest parts of Serbia, the Vojvodina, but choose to spend their long weekends here in our quiet village in northern Bosnia. I suppose it’s like that for all of us. We live in beauty but still long for a change of scene.Looking Ahead: The Netherlands and a New E-bookTamara and I are planning a trip to visit my sister in Haarlem, near Amsterdam, this June. A chance to reconnect, catch our breath, and enjoy some city life. I’m also pulling together an e-book about podcasting. A companion piece to my workshop and possibly the start of a new offering: Podcasting Over 40 (or 50, or 70!).There’s something deeply rewarding in helping others discover their voice, especially those who didn’t grow up with all this tech. The truth is, you don’t need much, and audio, unlike video, lets you stay behind the mic, not in front of the lens.May Day and Moments of PauseIt’s the second of as I write this, during Bosnia’s extended May Day holidays. Two days off, plus the weekend, and soon another public holiday on May 9th, remembering the end of WWII. It’s a good moment to reflect. To breathe. To be grateful.That’s a Wrap ThenThank 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.comMy Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@davidbaileymbeContact me: [email protected] you for listening. Stay safe, and as we say here in Bosnia, Vidimo se opet, we’ll see each other again. Get full access to 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia 🎧 at babyboomerinbosnia.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

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 BosniaI’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 LifeLately, 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 TraditionsEaster 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 BreakI’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 ThenThank 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.comMy Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@davidbaileymbeContact me: [email protected] you for listening. Stay safe, and as we say here in Bosnia, Vidimo se opet, we’ll see each other again. Get full access to 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia 🎧 at babyboomerinbosnia.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

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 SimplicityAs 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 JourneyIf 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 SeventyBeing 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 CommunityLately, 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 [email protected]. 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 PodcastTackling Boundaries with Rugby - One Woman’s Mission in the Balkans ⬇️That’s a Wrap ThenThank 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.comMy Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@davidbaileymbeContact me: [email protected] you for listening. Stay safe, and as we say here in Bosnia, Vidimo se opet, we’ll see each other again. Get full access to 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia 🎧 at babyboomerinbosnia.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

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 CommunityLately, 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 [email protected]. 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 ShowersSpeaking 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 PodcastThe 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 SurroundingsLaunching 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 DreamsThis 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 ThenThank 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.comMy Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@davidbaileymbeContact me: [email protected] you for listening. Stay safe, and as we say here in Bosnia, Vidimo se opet, we’ll see each other again. Get full access to 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia 🎧 at babyboomerinbosnia.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

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 RecorderI 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 StirYou’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 ListenThis 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 EarsA 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 CommunityI’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 ThoughtsOver 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. Get full access to 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia 🎧 at babyboomerinbosnia.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

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 FloodLooking 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 AdventureLately, 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 RecordingsMy 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 SubstackI’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 BajramOn 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 AheadDespite 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 CommunityI’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 ThoughtsOver 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. Get full access to 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia 🎧 at babyboomerinbosnia.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

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 RainThere 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 LaneLiving 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 CaminoEven 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 PathThis “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 PromisesAs 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 SolitudeTo 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 CommunityI’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 ThoughtsOver 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. Get full access to 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia 🎧 at babyboomerinbosnia.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

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 DiscoveryI 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.Thanks for reading A Baby Boomer in Bosnia! This post is public so feel free to share it.Peeling Back the LayersBut, 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 CentreOne 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 HomeHaving 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 PaceBut 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 DiscoverIf 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 GoingSo, 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 CommunityI’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 ThoughtsOver 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. Get full access to 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia 🎧 at babyboomerinbosnia.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

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 SurpriseI 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 muchThanks 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 VideoA 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 LifeThis 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 ownJoin My Storytelling CommunityI’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 ThoughtsOver 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. Get full access to 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia 🎧 at babyboomerinbosnia.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

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 touch on local weather, our village life, and a significant political crisis. I share my concerns about the potential unrest following the conviction of the Bosnian Serb leader and the broader historical context that led to the current situation.I also delve into personal reflections on my life here with Tamara, contemplating the 'what ifs' that come with living in a region with a troubled past.Despite the challenges, I express a strong desire to stay and hope for stability.This is a raw and candid look at life in a country on edge, filled with personal anecdotes and historical insights.A Baby Boomer in Bosnia is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber.A Walk Through Uncertainty: Conversations Amidst the Whisper of Conflict. Conversations on UncertaintyIt’s Sunday, and as I start my walk, the sky is mostly grey, but a sliver of blue peeks through the horizon. Tamara and I often find ourselves discussing what if scenarios. Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina, uncertainty is never far from thought. The region’s past has been marked by cycles of turmoil, and though peace was established, the echoes of history never fully fade.Take Serbia, for example. Just recently, in Novi Sad, a newly renovated railway station’s roof collapsed. Not due to natural forces, but due to sheer negligence. A textbook case of political corruption. And corruption, no matter where in the world, has a predictable script: officials shuffle blame, accountability is dodged, and the people are left wondering if anything will ever change.Yet, amid all the dysfunction of power, I continue to admire the culture of family support here. Unlike political handshakes exchanged in secret, the helping hands within families and communities are genuine. These bonds run deep, far deeper than the political instability surrounding them.But when catastrophe strikes, like the station collapse in Novi Sad, people demand answers. The younger generations, in particular, don’t care about party affiliations. They just want things done right.Thanks for reading A Baby Boomer in Bosnia! This post is public so feel free to share it.Bosnia’s Fragile PeaceEven thirty years after the war ended, its scars do remain. The Dayton Agreement brokered peace, but it was never a permanent solution, more like a bandage covering a deep wound that keep falling off. Today, that bandage feels as though it’s peeling away for ever.Here in the Republika Srpska (RS), there are increasing murmurs of secession, of breaking away from Bosnia and Herzegovina and forming closer ties with Serbia. It’s a dangerous prospect, one that threatens to unravel what little stability exists. The RS President has been convicted of undermining the peace process. He refuses to accept that.The international community issues statements, but their resolve feels weak.And then, that word, that dreaded word resurfaces: WAR.Not in the immediate sense, but as a lingering whisper in conversations, an unspoken fear creeping into daily life. Yet, those in power insist they don’t want conflict.So, what comes next?Why We’ll StayWhen tensions rise, the instinct for many is to leave. Some friends have asked, “David, are you leaving?” And I understand their concern. But no, we’re staying.Tamara’s roots run deep here. She once lived in Canada as a refugee during the previous war, but now, she refuses to uproot again. Her Canadian passport remains a safeguard, but it’s not in any exit plan. It represents what was, not what will be.As for me, my British passport gives me options, but I don’t feel the pull to go. Despite the uncertainty, I choose to remain. This place, its rustic charm, its people, its complex history, IS my become home.The Stories We Leave BehindThere’s a rawness to sharing this part of my life. A walk, a recording, a podcast, it’s not polished, not scripted to fit a radio-style format. But it’s real. And perhaps, realness matters more than perfection.Years ago, I met Christian, an online acquaintance who became an unexpected guide in shaping my approach to storytelling. His words still resonate: authenticity over perfection. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most compelling stories are the ones told simply, without overproduction.I’m also thinking about my grandchildren, scattered across the world, growing up in vastly different environments from mine. Maybe one day, they’ll listen to these recordings, and glimpse the life their grandfather lived in a small Bosnian village. Maybe they’ll wonder what paths they would take if faced with the same uncertainties.Let’s Keep the Conversation GoingIf this resonates with you, if you have thoughts, reflections, or even your own uncertainties about the world, I’d love to hear them. Join My Storytelling CommunityI’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 ThoughtsOver 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. Get full access to 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia 🎧 at babyboomerinbosnia.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe

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.This is a “Personal Anecdotal Podcast”.Is there such a thing, or have I just made that up?Let me know please.My Journey, My Podcast, and My StoriesWelcome to my personal storytelling podcast, A Baby Boomer in Bosnia. This isn’t your typical heavily produced show with polished editing and soundscapes. Instead, it’s just me, sometimes with my wife, Tamara, talking into a microphone, sharing my experiences of living in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Whether you’re in the kitchen, driving your kids to school, working out at the gym, or simply looking for something informative yet entertaining, I hope this podcast becomes part of your routine.Why I Started This PodcastAt 72, I find myself reflecting more and more on my journey and wanting to leave something behind for my children and grandchildren, a memoir, of sorts. But I’m not a writer. I’ve never been comfortable with writing long narratives. What I do love, however, is audio. My lifelong passion for radio makes podcasting the perfect medium for me to document my stories.I was inspired by a book in my collection, Me and Thirteen Tanks, written by my former boss and good friend, Peter McDonagh. Peter played a crucial role in my career, giving me one of my first real radio jobs. His memoir made me realise the importance of preserving personal histories, and that’s exactly what I want to do here.How My Journey Led Me to BosniaI was born in West Kensington, London, in 1953, and later moved with my family to Hounslow West. At 15, I joined the British Army as an apprentice soldier, but my dream was always to be a radio DJ. Life, as it turns out, gave me the chance to do both, serving in the military and working in radio.In 1993, while working with British Forces Radio, I was sent to Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR). I spent 10 days around Tomislavgrad, witnessing firsthand the brutal realities of war. At that time, I never imagined I would return. But fate had other plans.By 1998, I had left the regular army and returned to Bosnia as part of the NATO Stabilisation Force (SFOR). I expected to be stationed in Sarajevo as a media spokesperson, but instead, I was sent to Banja Luka. That assignment turned into a long-term project that lasted until 2005, during which I fell in love with the country. I met Tamara in 2002, and after 17 years together, we finally tied the knot. Now, I’m in the process of finalising my permanent residency here.Baby Boomer in Bosnia is a listener-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber.What You Can Expect from This PodcastThis podcast is not about tourism, politics, or deep analysis. If you’re looking for detailed discussions about Bosnia’s attractions, culture, and expat life, check out my other podcast, An Englishman in the Balkans. There, I interview fascinating people with connections to Bosnia and provide insights into what it’s like to live or retire here.* A Baby Boomer in Bosnia is simply my personal journey, my reflections, and my anecdotes. I won’t be following a strict chronological order, episodes will flow naturally based on what’s on my mind or what’s happening in my life at the moment.Some episodes might be recorded while I’m out walking, sitting in my home studio, or even in the kitchen with Tamara as she prepares traditional Bosnian dishes like Begova Čorba. You’ll hear me sipping tea, reminiscing, or sharing random observations about life in the Balkans. It’s meant to be raw, real, and personal.Who Is This Podcast For?If you’re an expat, retiree, traveler, or simply someone curious about life in Bosnia and Herzegovina, this podcast is for you. Maybe you’re considering retiring in a place that’s affordable yet rich in culture. Perhaps you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path travel destination. Or maybe you’re just intrigued by the idea of a British guy settling down in the Western Balkans.If you know someone who fits any of these descriptions, please share this podcast with them. I’m not chasing reviews or ratings, just looking to connect with people who enjoy listening to real stories about life in an often-overlooked corner of Europe.Thanks for reading Baby Boomer in Bosnia! This post is public so feel free to share it.How This Podcast Came to BeThe idea truly took shape during my recent trip to New Jersey, where I visited my daughter, son-in-law, and two grandsons. As we sat around the kitchen table, chatting and reminiscing, my daughter pointed out that there were so many things she didn’t know about my past. She suggested that I document my experiences for the boys, so they could one day understand their grandfather’s life.On the long flight back from Newark to Zagreb, I started researching personal anecdotal podcasts. They might not be the most popular format, but I felt compelled to give it a try. So here we are.Join My Storytelling CommunityI’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 ThoughtsI’ll be releasing episodes twice a week—Tuesdays and Fridays.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.So, welcome to A Baby Boomer in Bosnia. Thank you for listening. Stay safe, and as we say here in Bosnia, Vidimo se opet, we’ll see each other again. Get full access to 🎙️ A Baby Boomer in Bosnia 🎧 at babyboomerinbosnia.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coffeeandrakija.substack.com/subscribe