🎙️ An Englishman in the Balkans Podcast �‪�‬ Encouraging you to find out more about Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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


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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.

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


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In this podcast I talk to Kathi and Numa Numić, who discuss the development and plans for their travel agency, Ćejf, which focuses on mindful and sustainable travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We look back on their successful first year, highlighting challenges, achievements, and the desire to expand their offerings beyond the well-known tourist spots.


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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.
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Hello, I’m David and I write about my life and adventures in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Subscribe for free to enjoy occasional posts, podcasts and vlogs from this much misunderstood heart shaped country in the western Balkans.
The National Anthem of the Socialist Federated Republic of Yugoslavia - “Hej Slaveni”
The Olympic Games in Sarajevo in February 1984, brought together 1,272 athletes from 49 countries as well as the most eminent figures from the world's sporting, cultural, and socio-political life in one place.
The 14th Winter Olympic Games were held in Sarajevo from February 8-19, 1984, and marked a significant milestone in the history of the city and the entire country of what was then The Socialist Federated Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY).
What started as a dream eventually became a reality through determination, hard work, and unwavering enthusiasm.The story of the Sarajevo Winter Olympics began some 20 years before in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when discussions about the development of skiing and winter tourism in the Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (one of the 6 republics that made up Yugoslavia) took place. It was during these conversations that the potential of Sarajevo to host the Games was recognised.
However, the road to candidacy was not going to be without its challenges.A significant turning point came in April 1971 when the first analyses of the social justification and possibilities for organising the Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo were completed. Despite not being officially presented to the public at that time, it laid the foundation for creating an atmosphere of trust and motivation to move forward with the ambitious goal of hosting the Games.
The journey to secure the Games continued with the formation of a Preparatory Committee, committed to showcasing the potential of Sarajevo as a host. With the support and consent of various authorities, including the Federal Executive Council, the candidacy was officially announced to the public on October 14, 1977.The road to securing the Winter Olympics for Sarajevo was not easy. Several other countries, including France, Japan, Sweden, and Czechoslovakia, also vied for the opportunity to host the "White Olympiad." Many believed that Sarajevo and Yugoslavia had little chance of success. However, the creators of the Olympic project remained undeterred. Their belief in their vision led them to continue working tirelessly towards their goal.
Finally, on January 3, 1978, the candidacy of Sarajevo arrived at the International Olympic Committee office in Lausanne. Months of inspections and evaluations followed, with international experts assessing the city's capabilities and evaluating the promises made. The choice of Sarajevo to host the XIV Olympic Games was announced on May 18th the following year, during the 80th session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Athens. The city's opponents were the Japanese city of Sapporo and the Swedish city of Gothenburg. After two rounds of voting, Sarajevo won the organisation by the majority of votes.
With the honour of hosting the Games, Sarajevo became a bustling construction site. Over the years leading up to the event, magnificent sporting facilities sprung up: the "Zetra" complex, bobsleigh and sledding tracks, ski jumps, halls, "white tracks," cable cars, hotels, the Olympic Village, and a journalist's village with 2,640 apartments, as well as roads in the direction of the mountains, and 28 winter sports centres in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The completion of these facilities, coupled with the organisational structures put in place, ensured that Sarajevo was ready to welcome the world on February 8, 1984.The total cost was 141,647,000 dollars, and were completed with a surplus of 12,000,000 dollars.
It was the first Olympic Games to end with a surplus. All the previous ones had debts in their wake, and many host cities and countries had difficulty covering the costs.
10,450 volunteers,

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!
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Read Our Blog at Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina
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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


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