Hello there, David here, from a Baby Boomer in Bosnia. If you’ve been following along on Substack, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever our digital paths cross, thank you.
I genuinely mean that. It’s a lovely thing, this little corner of the internet where we can connect, reflect, and share a slice of life.
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Easter Reflections and Simple Pleasures
Hello again from Čardačani, where I’ve been putting my thoughts together after a short break.
Today I’m sitting at the top of our garden, watching spring roll quickly into summer. The grass is up to my calves, the birds are in full voice, and I thought it was time to share what’s been going on.
The last episode I recorded was just before Easter. This year, both Roman Catholic and Serbian Orthodox Christians celebrated Easter on the same day, which doesn’t happen too often. We kept things low-key. A quiet family gathering, a small (but still generous by British standards) spread, and just good conversation. Sometimes, simple really is best.
The Weather’s Turning — and So Is the Garden
With the temperatures climbing, it’s 25°C now, pushing 29 tomorrow, it feels like the season is speeding ahead. Tamara’s father has already strimmed the lower garden, and our kitchen garden is beginning to take shape.
In front of our house, the grass is slowly returning to its “Wimbledon” look. Wwell, that’s the British in me talking.
Why the Two-Week Silence?
You might’ve noticed I’ve been quiet for a little while. No podcast uploads, no blog posts. There’s no dramatic story here, just life. A mix of recovery after the holidays, preparing a talk, a bit of mental fog, and honestly, not feeling 100%.
I’ve never wanted to put something out just for the sake of it. If I’m not in the right headspace, I’d rather wait. That’s something I think many of us, especially in later life, begin to better understand.
Sharing Stories in Banja Luka
One of the more exciting things I’ve been involved in recently was giving a talk at a co-working space in Banja Luka. It was all in English and focused on how to grow your voice online, be it through storytelling, podcasting, or simply finding your medium.
I shared tips about speaking to just one person. Whether they’re reading, watching, or listening. I truly believe that’s where connection lives. The group was made up mostly of people from the Instagram generation, and while I admire their energy, I’m still not a fan of leaving my creative reach up to the whims of an algorithm.
Orwell, Algorithms, and Audio
All this talk about algorithms got me picking up 1984 again. Orwell’s observations feel unnervingly current. It’s why I love audio so much. It’s human. It’s direct. It doesn’t demand likes or hashtags. Just presence and honesty.
And maybe that’s why I’ve been feeling a little foggy. Not unwell exactly, just a bit low. I’m aware of how easy it is to brush things off, especially health issues as we get older. “Is it serious? Should I bother the doctor?” That kind of internal monologue. But the truth is, it’s okay to pause. To reflect. To admit when we need a bit of space.
And if truth be told I think I am firmly in the “What you don’t know, wont hurt you”
Creating for the Next Generation
I’ve been thinking more and more about this plan I have for documenting my life. Not for fame or likes, but maybe for my grandchildren. I’ve said before, I can’t write for toffee, so writing a memoir? Not likely. But audio? That I can do. And maybe others like me can too.
I’m putting together a five-hour workshop here in Banja Luka for aspiring storytellers, showing them how to use podcasts and vodcasts (video podcasts) to share their narratives.
And I’m toying with the idea of a version specifically for older people, those who want to leave a legacy, in their own voice, with just a smartphone and a bit of curiosity.
Life in the Village (Plus Guests and Dogs)
Right now, we have guests staying upstairs. A lovely middle-aged couple from Novi Sad with five dogs! Add to that our own two dogs and seven cats, and it’s safe to say the house is lively.
I find it fascinating. They (the guests) live in one of the prettiest parts of Serbia, the Vojvodina, but choose to spend their long weekends here in our quiet village in northern Bosnia. I suppose it’s like that for all of us. We live in beauty but still long for a change of scene.
Looking Ahead: The Netherlands and a New E-book
Tamara and I are planning a trip to visit my sister in Haarlem, near Amsterdam, this June. A chance to reconnect, catch our breath, and enjoy some city life. I’m also pulling together an e-book about podcasting. A companion piece to my workshop and possibly the start of a new offering: Podcasting Over 40 (or 50, or 70!).
There’s something deeply rewarding in helping others discover their voice, especially those who didn’t grow up with all this tech. The truth is, you don’t need much, and audio, unlike video, lets you stay behind the mic, not in front of the lens.
May Day and Moments of Pause
It’s the second of as I write this, during Bosnia’s extended May Day holidays. Two days off, plus the weekend, and soon another public holiday on May 9th, remembering the end of WWII. It’s a good moment to reflect. To breathe. To be grateful.
That’s a Wrap Then
Thank you for tuning in to A Baby Boomer in Bosnia. I hope you enjoyed this episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.
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Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.
Where you can find me:
My Blog: https://anenglishmaninthebalkans.com
My Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@davidbaileymbe
Contact me: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com
Thank you for listening. Stay safe, and as we say here in Bosnia, Vidimo se opet, we’ll see each other again.
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