An Englishman in the Balkans David Pejčinović-Bailey

In this episode I talk to Martin Fletcher, a British traveler and podcaster who is currently on a journey through the Balkans in his van.
Martin shares his experiences living the van life and traveling through Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as his plans to head to Turkey for the winter. We discuss Martin's reasons for choosing a nomadic lifestyle, his work as a digital nomad, and his adventures in various countries.
During our conversation, we touch on topics like language barriers, local cuisine, interactions with people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Martin's impressions of the country, which he had heard about during the conflict in the early '90s.
We also explore Martin's interest in history and abandoned engineering, as well as his desire to explore more of the country on his way back north.
The episode provides insights into Martin's nomadic lifestyle and his experiences in the Balkans, making it a fascinating listen for anyone interested in travel and adventure.
Follow along with Martin's journey on his podcast, "All Points In Between," and stay tuned for more of his adventures in the Balkans and beyond.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast.
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/

In this episode, join me as I explore the captivating journey of Helen Reynolds Brown, a British expat living in Belgium, who found her dream holiday home in the picturesque coastal region of Montenegro, near the ancient city of Kotor.
Helen shares her incredible experiences, insights, and adventures in this enchanting Balkan paradise.
Discover why Montenegro, with its stunning landscapes, diverse community, and unique charm, has stolen her heart.
From the challenges of navigating the local culture to the joys of savouring Montenegrin cuisine, Helen's story provides a delightful glimpse into the allure of this hidden gem in the Western Balkans.
If you've ever considered owning a holiday home abroad or simply want to explore the beauty of Montenegro through the eyes of an expat, this episode is a must-watch.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast.
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/

Welcome, to a replay edition of the podcast, where we're taking a trip down memory lane to 3 years ago, when Tamara and I sat down to discuss a cherished tradition here in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Zimnica (or winter food).
You can Download Tamara's Recipe HERE
Preserving Tradition: Exploring Zimnica in Bosnia and Herzegovina
I’ve experienced this tradition since I got together with Tamara, so I thought I’d give a little backgrounder, some context if you will.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a land where history, culture, and culinary traditions converge. This particular tradition holds a special place in the hearts of Bosnians.
"Zimnica," is a centuries-old practice of preserving seasonal fruits and vegetables to enjoy throughout the year. Zimnica is not just about food; it's a way of preserving the flavours and memories of what you have grown through the summer to savour during the cold winter months.
A Glimpse into Zimnica
Zimnica, which roughly translates to "winter provisions" in English, is a practice deeply rooted in Bosnian culture. As the summer months reach their peak, families across the country come together to harvest and preserve the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that nature has bestowed upon them. From tomatoes and peppers to cucumbers, plums, and cherries, almost every fruit and vegetable imaginable finds its place in the jars of Zimnica.
The Art of Pickling
At the heart of Zimnica lies the art of pickling. This ancient preservation technique involves immersing fruits and vegetables in a brine or vinegar solution (maybe with a little sugar too), which not only enhances their flavour but also extends their shelf life. Pickled vegetables such as cucumbers, peppers, and cabbage are a staple in Bosnian cuisine and find their way into dishes like Sarma (cabbage rolls).
Ajvar: The Crown Jewel of Zimnica
One cannot discuss Zimnica in Bosnia and Herzegovina without mentioning Ajvar. Often referred to as "Balkan salsa," Ajvar is a savoury condiment made primarily from roasted red peppers and eggplant. It's a labor-intensive process that begins with roasting peppers and eggplant over an open flame or in the oven, imparting a smoky flavour to the dish. After peeling and chopping, the vegetables are cooked with garlic, oil, and various spices, resulting in a rich and robust spread.
Ajvar is versatile, serving as a dip, a condiment for grilled meats, or even as a sandwich spread. The annual tradition of making Ajvar brings families together, and each household has its own secret recipe, jealously guarded and passed down through generations.
The Zimnica Experience
The process of preparing Zimnica is not just about food; it's a cultural experience that strengthens bonds within families and communities. It's a labor of love that requires teamwork and dedication. Families gather in kitchens and gardens, children learn the art of pickling from their elders, and stories are shared as the process unfolds.
Preserving Memories
Zimnica is more than just jars filled with pickles. Opening a jar of Zimnica in the midst of winter is like opening a portal to those sun-kissed days of summer, a reminder of the joy and togetherness that define Bosnian culture.
Zimnica Beyond Bosnia and Herzegovina
While Zimnica is a cherished tradition in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it also extends its influence beyond its borders. In neighbouring countries such as Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro, similar practices exist under different names, but the essence remains the same. These countries share a deep connection to their agricultural heritage and a love for...

In this episode of we're delving into a topic that holds immense significance in the region: independent media in the Balkans. Joining me to discuss this is seasoned journalist, media analyst, and Balkans expert, Bojan Stojkovski.
Bojan and I embark on a thought-provoking journey through the complex landscape of media independence in the Balkans. We delve deep into the challenges, triumphs, and unique circumstances that shape the media environment in this diverse and historically rich region.
Bojan, who has spent years closely observing and reporting on media trends, begins by shedding light on the historical context that has contributed to the media landscape we see today. From the remnants of state-controlled media during the era of communism to the struggles faced during the Yugoslav Wars, Bojan paints a vivid picture of how the Balkan media sphere has evolved over the years.
But what truly captures our attention is the exploration of independent media outlets that have emerged against all odds. Bojan shares inspiring stories of journalists, citizen reporters, and brave individuals who have defied challenges like censorship, political pressures, and economic instability to create platforms that voice the realities of their communities. We discuss how these outlets have tackled sensitive topics, bridging ethnic and cultural divides through their work.
As we navigate through this conversation, we analyse the current state of independent media. Bojan brings to light the delicate balance between being truly independent and the financial constraints that often dictate the narratives. We discuss the dichotomy between traditional forms of media and the digital revolution, exploring whether the latter has truly democratised information or if it's just a new battleground for influence.
Of course, no discussion about media independence is complete without addressing the role of social media in the Balkans. Bojan shares intriguing insights into how platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have become both catalysts for change and breeding grounds for misinformation. We delve into the phenomenon of echo chambers and how they impact public opinion, drawing parallels to similar trends on a global scale.
Bojan also takes a moment to analyse the influence of foreign media in the region. We discuss the potential pros and cons of international media outlets' involvement in Balkan affairs, examining how they might contribute to a diverse media landscape or inadvertently amplify certain biases.
But it's not all challenges and complexities. Bojan leaves us with stories of hope and innovation that demonstrate the resilience of Balkan journalists. From collaborative cross-border investigations to grassroots initiatives that empower local voices, we gain a glimpse into the bright spots that remind us of the potential for positive change.
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 anenglishmaninthebalkans.com

In this episode I give you a brief update about our return from our holiday in Montenegro.
I post a weekly newsletter update on my substack and thought that maybe you might like to hear it as a podcast.
Let me know what you think of that idea?
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 anenglishmaninthebalkans.com

This episode takes us from the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District in the United Kingdom to the rugged mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
I catch up with equine photographer Ruth Chamberlain, who last year (2022), embarked on a remarkable journey to document the captivating lives of the wild horses of Livno.
I find out about how Ruth's made this unexpected connection to Bosnia and Herzegovina, fuelled by a chance encounter with a breathtaking photograph that led her on an unforgettable adventure. Ruth's passion for promoting rare and unique equine breeds shines through as she shares her experiences in the UK and abroad, shedding light on the intriguing history and relationships between people and horses.

Ruth's journey took her through the Bosnian landscape, where she found out about the enchanting Livno horses and their role in the natural ecosystem, discovered the challenges and successes of preserving these magnificent creatures in their wild habitat, and explored the fascinating parallels between the Bosnian horses and other iconic equine herds around the world.

Ruth provides insights into the impact of tourism on the Livno region and the delicate balance between sharing this hidden gem with the world and safeguarding its pristine environment.

I talk to Ruth about the importance of responsible tourism and how it can contribute to the preservation of these remarkable wild herds.

Find out More about Ruth at:
https://ruthonthehoof.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ruthonthehoof/
"Our wonderful guide Silvija (@livnowildhorses) was fantastic, she showed us the whole area - from mountains to the history of the town. She was very generous and had such amazing knowledge! We encountered such lovely and wonderful people at every turn and they made the trip even more special. What an amazing place"
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 anenglishmaninthebalkans.com