Join us on a relaxed and scenic journey from Bosnia to Croatia as Tamara and I embark on a much-needed vacation. Starting early in the morning, we drive through the breathtaking Krajina region, with stops at the charming Bosanska Krupa and the historic Ostražec Castle. Our day is filled with stunning landscapes, a cozy lunch by the Una River, and a restful night in Bihać before heading to the island of Rab.

Tune in for a travelogue filled with history, natural beauty, and a touch of adventure. Don't miss the next episode, where we spend 10 days soaking in the beauty of Rab.

00:00 Introduction and Trip Overview

01:57 Setting Off: Early Morning Drive

05:01 Exploring Bosanska Krupa and Surroundings

06:18 Discovering Ostražec Castle

09:26 Lunch by the Una River

09:43 Reaching Bihac: End of Day One

10:08 Conclusion and Reflections

10:42 Day Two: Early Border Crossing

Hello, it's David here from 'An Englishman in the Balkans'. After a brief hiatus since May, I'm excited to be back and share some updates. Over the years, the podcast has focused on bringing stories from fascinating people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but I've decided to explore new formats and storytelling methods. Moving forward, I'll continue with interviews but also dive deeper into local cultures through narratives, tours, and experiences. This means more variety and texture in the stories I share. Thanks for sticking around, and I can't wait to take you on this new journey!

In this episode, I discuss the brutalist Spomenik monuments of the former Yugoslavia with Donald Niebel - founder of the Spomenik Database.

Donald is an environmental scientist turned researcher from the United States

We delve into the historical significance, architectural design, and location details of these unique, massive structures.

Donald explains how he transformed his initial curiosity about these striking monuments into a comprehensive online resource.

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

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

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:06 Exploring the Spomeniks of Yugoslavia

01:02 Discovering the Spomenik Database

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

02:40 The Journey of Documenting the Spomeniks

04:39 The Challenges of Cataloging the Monuments

07:35 The Significance and Interpretation of the Spomeniks

08:25 Public Reactions to the Spomeniks

14:23 The Role of the Spomenik Database in Education

16:51 The Community's Connection to the Spomeniks

18:30 Future Plans for the Spomenik Database

24:23 Donald's Personal Connection to the Spomeniks

25:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Please also do share this episode and maybe leave a 5 start review on the podcast platform you listened to this on.

Stay tuned for more exciting stories and adventures from the Englishman in the Balkans podcast!

Thank you for being a part of our podcasting community, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future.

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

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

The script is an interview with Mile Mićić about his project Bosana, a fantasy world inspired by Bosnia. He discusses his inspirations, cultural heritage, struggles in creation, and the value of financial support through platforms like Patreon. Mile shares his hopes of connecting people through storytelling and invites audiences to join the Bosana community.Exploring Bosnia, Andalusia, and the Fantasy World of Bosana with Mile Mićić

In this podcast episode, the host shares an insightful conversation with Mile Mićić, a native of Bosnia Herzegovina who is currently residing in Andalusia, Spain. Mićić discusses his deep connection to his Bosnian roots, his move to Spain influenced by love, and his profound appreciation for cultural heritage. He elaborates on the cultural similarities and differences between Bosnia and Andalusia, particularly focusing on their unique approaches to food and hospitality. The episode also delves into Mićić's creation, Bosana, a fantasy world that mirrors the complexities, culture, and conflicts of Bosnia. Mićić explains how Bosana serves as a canvas for his experiences and observations, aiming to connect with readers through its characters and stories. The conversation highlights the importance of storytelling, cultural preservation, and the challenges and rewards of creative work. Mićić expresses his hopes for Bosana to inspire creativity and resilience among its audience.

00:00 Welcome to the Journey: Exploring New Worlds and Cultures

00:38 Meet Mile Mićić: A Bosnian's Tale of Moving to Spain

03:16 Cultural Connections: From Bosnia to Andalusia

06:52 Language and Integration: Navigating New Linguistic Landscapes

10:00 Creating Bosana: A Fantasy World Inspired by Real-Life Experiences

12:08 The Art of Storytelling and Character Creation

23:03 Facing Challenges and Embracing Support in Creative Projects

29:16 Bosana's Future: Dreams, Aspirations, and Community Engagement

35:18 A Personal Invitation: Joining the World of Bosana

This episode of the podcast features an in-depth conversation with Arianna, a vibrant Latin woman who has made Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, her home.

Arianna shares her experiences of moving for love, transitioning from a glamorous life aboard cruise ships to setting roots in a new country.

With discussions ranging from cultural shocks, embracing new traditions, to overcoming personal challenges, Arianna's tale is a heartwarming testament to adaptability, resilience, and finding one's place in the world.

The conversation also touches on her innovative project, "Get Chatty", aimed at helping people improve their English through conversational practice.

Find Out About “Get Chatty” ⬇️

Watch the Podcast ⬇️

Please also do share this episode and maybe leave a 5 start review on the podcast platform you listened to this on.

Stay tuned for more exciting stories and adventures from the Englishman in the Balkans podcast!

Thank you for being a part of our podcasting community, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast.

Stay tuned for more stories and adventures from the Englishman in the Balkans podcast!

Thank you for being a part of our podcasting community, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future.

And Finally

Don’t forget that you can read back editions of the newsletter, listen to previous podcasts (we have quite an archive now), or catch other content, all this is available on the web interface, just like a regular blog.

Coffee and Rakija is a reader-supported publication. To become a Supporter consider becoming a paid subscriber.

Oh, and please share the newsletter with friends, relatives and colleagues using the button below.

Tamara and I appreciate your faithful readership, your comments, and your generosity! Until our next post.

THANKS SO MUCH ❤️

In This Episode.

In this episode of the podcast I talk to Ramajana Mabita, originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina but presently living in Harare in Zimbabwe.

I find out what, if any, similarities there are between the two countries, Ramajana’s culture shocks, her love of Zimbabwean fashion and also hear one of her favourite music tracks from this African nation, plus much more.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans 🇧🇦 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.

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

It seems that wherever I go in Bosnia and Herzegovina, traditional skills and cultural activities are slowly disappearing.

From making instruments, to dancing and much more, the latest generations of young people, don't seem interested, and that could mean a massive impact on the heritage of not only this misunderstood country but also the wider region.

I talk to Nemanja Knežević, to learn a little about the challenges he faces as the director of Banja Luka's biggest traditional dance ensemble.

Check out the website of Ensemble Veselin Mašlese.

Veselin Mašlese on YouTube.

Veselin Mašlese on Instagram.In the interview we mention Efie Derksen, a lady from the Netherlands who is also passionate about protecting local folklore and helping to promote its survival.

Check out this Podcast to find out more.

And this extremely informative film.

If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

If you would like to support our podcast you can, by maybe buying us a coffee or a sandwich?

https://buymeacoffee.com/davidbailey

Read Our Blog at Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina

Instagram: @life_in_bih

Ask us any questions or give a suggestion for a Podcast.

Come and visit us and holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

E-Mail us at anenglishmaninthebalkans@gmail.com

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

In this episode I get to talk to Biljana Lipić, a resident of Cornwall in the United Kingdom but originally from Sarajevo.Biljana lives on a boat anchored on a Cornish river. I first found out about Biljana from a story that I stumbled across online.

I have to admit that I have always had an interest in narrow boating, and living on the water in general, so when I saw that someone from Sarajevo had achieved what was one of my dreams back in the day, I just had to find out more.Please also do share this episode and maybe leave a 5 start review on the podcast platform you listened to this on.

Stay tuned for more exciting stories and adventures from the Englishman in the Balkans podcast!

Thank you for being a part of our podcasting community, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast.

Stay tuned for more stories and adventures from the Englishman in the Balkans podcast!

Thank you for being a part of our podcasting community, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future.

And Finally

Don’t forget that you can read back editions of the newsletter, listen to previous podcasts (we have quite an archive now), or catch other content, all this is available on the web interface, just like a regular blog.

Oh, and please share the newsletter with friends, relatives and colleagues using the button below.

Tamara and I appreciate your faithful readership, your comments, and your generosity! Until our next post.

THANKS SO MUCH ❤️