🎙️ Postcards from Bosnia🎧

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.

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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 Uncertainty

It’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.

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Bosnia’s Fragile Peace

Even 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 Stay

When 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 Behind

There’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 Going

If 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 Community

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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 Stories

Welcome 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 Podcast

At 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 Bosnia

I 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 Podcast

This 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 Be

The 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 Community

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

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

Final Thoughts

I’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.