Banana Trees in Bosnia?
Banana Trees in Bosnia?
We've planted a Banana Tree in Our Garden 😀
Hello and welcome to this edition of our Blog, from Čardačani, in the north of Bosnia and Herzegovina, written by an immigrant (me), as I am neither a tourist or a citizen here.
This week has been a bit up and down I have to admit, mainly because my recovery from Jet Lag isn’t as quick as it used to be. It never, ever, used to take this long, but it looks like that’s the way it is for me in the future. Maybe the “lag” is why this post might seem all over the place?
You may well have noticed that I have changed the title of the blog. I have been wresting with this issue for a long time. I wanted something that resembled what the blog and associated newsletter really was about. I think this might be more relevant, than simply “An Englishman in the Balkans?”
I’m Going to be Focussing More on Audio Content
After my sabbatical (the 10 days I spent in New Jersey), I felt that producing video content was something I no longer got a buzz out of doing. It was so liberating not to have to film things, then edit and publish. Having a lot of time to relax and unwind was super. It also let me think through what I would like most to do with hobby come passion project about living in Bosnia.
The answer was to do what had made me the most happiest throughout my life so far, and that was to focus on audio content.
I had helped set up a pirate radio station in London back in the late 1960’s, volunteered with BFBS during my time as a soldier, worked as a presenter and producer with BBC Local Radio, Local Commercial radio and BFBS (full time), to setting up and running a successful radio station here in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
And more recently, launching my “An Englishman in the Balkans” and the “Travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina” ⬇️ Podcasts.
So, from here on in, expect a lot less Vlogging and more Podcasting.
Oh! and I bought a top notch microphone to make the audio sound much much more professional (and therefore listenable).
An Audio Challenge I have Set Myself
A while ago I joined TikTok to challenge myself to publishing a video a day, for 30 days, about my life in here in the western Balkans.
The challenge actually ran for a 100 days. It was super fun, but the toxic culture on TikTok drove me to not only stop publishing, but to leave the platform altogether.
Since then I have thought the same about doing the same with audio. I know there are a number of annual audio challenges out there, but, stimulated by Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast, I thought that I would launch a short form podcast, of 5-7 minute daily episodes, documenting daily life here.
Some times recording in my home studio here in the village, othertimes from wherever I might be.
My initial challenge to myself is 100 days, and, if you or others like to keep listening, then I can take it futher. Time, they say, will tell.
I am not going to spam anyone with the distribution of the initial episodes, but if you wanted to subscribe, at least initially, you could do that here.
The first episode will be very soon 😀
I’m still attempting to get to grips as a Drone Pilot
I’m really excited that I can embed video into normal posts now, rather than having a special post for any video content. It should make your reader experience a lot better?
I wanted to start to get some more confidence with flying my drone.
To be honest with you I always feel so insecure when flying, maybe that’s as a result of my first drone crashing and it smashing to pieces.
Drones are a big investment. For me at least.
Right?
Anyway, this flight from our front door across the wheat fields to the River Vrbas, was the furthest ever.
So Far.
Some 1,100 metres +.
Still so much to learn. Hope you enjoy another view from where we live.
Knights in Armour, Jousting and Medieval Life in Banja Luka
Banja Luka’s Third “Knights Festival”, known as "Kastrum" has returned. This incredible event is all about celebrating medieval European and Serbian history.
Around 200 participants from Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland are expected to attend.
The festival takes place annually over the first weekend in June.
One of the highlights is the fair of crafts and handicrafts, where visitors can explore the wonders of medieval craftsmanship and get a chance demonstrations of various skills and crafts, like metalworking, woodworking, and leatherworking.
Plus, mouthwatering presentations of medieval gastronomy, featuring homemade cheese and craft beer.
With an array of beautiful costumes, including women's and knight's uniforms, stunning jewelry and souvenirs, the festival is like stepping back in time to the medieval era.
The festival starts with a traditional parade through the city, from the Temple of Christ the Saviour and ending at the magnificent Fortress "Kastel", where there are exhibitions on show in the “Stone House”.
Kastrum Fest is organised by the "Guardians of the Spear of St. George” from Banja Luka", with support from the "White Eagle" knights association from Belgrade.
That Banana Tree
The Banana tree at the start of this post ⬆️ was gifted to us by a friend of Tamara’s parents. We have ZERO clue about keeping this alive and growing. I think a lot of YouTube is about to be watched, BUT, if it does grow, then what a spectacular front garden we wil have.
And Finally
If you would like to experience a little Ćejf, and also explore this wonderful country, then why not get in contact with us. We can accommodate up to 5 people and can assure you of a wonderful time.
Our WhatsApp number (text only) is 00387 66 657916.
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.
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Tamara and I appreciate your faithful readership, your comments, and your generosity!
Until our next post.
THANKS SO MUCH ❤️