This podcast first aired back in 2021.
I have just been informed that my guest on the podcast (and latterly friend) recently died. He had been battling cancer.
I met Martin through an online communication, about life in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
We recorded the podcast where Martin waxes lyrical about his time in the former Yugoslavia. He had some amazing stories to tell.
I subsequently had the pleasure to meet him for lunch during one of his short visits to Zagreb.
He was so engaging and we discussed plans for creating some more joint content.
Sadly that will never happen.
It was warming to read that Martin passed calmly. He deserved that.
Mid October 2021 …..
In this episode of the podcast, I talk to Martin Gannon, a British expatriate with deep ties to the former Yugoslavia.
Martin shares his experiences of first moving to Yugoslavia in 1980, initially as a holiday job opportunity, which evolved into a long-term career in tourism.
He discusses his early days working in places like Poreč and later organising tours across the region, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro.
Martin reflects on cultural differences, the impact of Tito's death, the ease of working in tourism, and navigating the local languages.
He reminisces about the vibrant tourism scene of the 1980s, his work with Yugoslav Airlines, and developing pilgrimage tours to Medjugorje.
The discussion also touches on the current state of tourism in former Yugoslavian regions, emphasising Bosnia and Herzegovina's untapped potential.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
01:00 Meeting Martin Gannon
01:51 Martin's Journey to Yugoslavia
03:31 Life and Work in Yugoslavia
05:33 Navigating Language and Residency
08:25 Exploring the Region
11:40 Involvement with Yugoslav Airlines
16:15 Reflections on Tourism Then and Now
19:42 The Impact of COVID and Future Plans
29:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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And Finally
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THANKS SO MUCH ❤️
As ever stay safe wherever you are.
Bests
David and Tamara.
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From London to the Adriatic