Welcome to this the first episode of the Travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina podcast, the podcast that will take you on a journey through one of Europe's most underrated countries.
I'm David, originally from the UK, but have been living here in Bosnia and Herzegovina with my wife Tamara for quite some time now. You know, they do say that once you get bitten by this country, it becomes a bit like the Hotel California, you can check out but you can never leave, and that’s so so true in my case.
And I’m Tamara, his better half, and we are really thrilled to have you join us on this journey to discover my home country, the heart-shaped country situated in the middle of the Western Balkans.
Despite its small size, it's home to some of the most fantastic nature, stunning architecture, and delicious food that you'll ever encounter.
This first episode is something like the About Us page on a website or Social Platform. A scene setter, if you will.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is still a much-misunderstood country. Many foreigners still have such an outdated view of Bosnia, and that’s another reason why we've created this podcast. To introduce you to its true heart, and to show you why it's so worth visiting. We know that we have some great stories to tell. Why? Because friends family and guests that we have hosted over the years, have told us so.
So, where are we recording our podcast? Well its produced at our home studio here in a small village in the north of the country near Banja Luka, where I was born and where we wake up every morning to the most amazing dawn chorus from the birds and where we can look out of our front door across open fields, towards the high hills at the edge of the Kozara National Park. Stunning sunrises and sunsets are pretty
much part of our everyday life as well. Pure Bliss.
Our season of podcast episodes will take you on a journey that introduces you to villages, towns and cities, discover the country’s complex but interesting history, and learn about amazingly tasty food and much much more, such as the culture of cejf, explained perfectly by Numa from Sarajevo.
When it comes to culture and history, Bosnia and Herzegovina has a lot to offer. From the Ottoman-era architecture of Mostar's Old Town to the Roman ruins of the city of Jajce, and the famous bridge over the River Drina in Visegrad, the country is a treasure trove of historical and cultural landmarks.
And we’ll tell you about the myths and legends that every town seems to have as well.
And what about the nature?
From the lush green forests of the Kozara National Park, the rugged landscapes of Herzegovina to the crystal-clear waters of the Una River, and stunning waterfalls (by the way this country has more than Germany, France and Italy put together, or so they say), Bosnia and Herzegovina's natural beauty is truly awe-inspiring. The last rain forest in Europe is here too. More about that in a future episode.
And of course, let's not forget about the food. Bosnia and Herzegovina's cuisine is a delicious blend of Balkan, Ottoman, and Mediterranean influences.
Here’s Ana from our local tourist board in Banja Luka.
So from hearty meat dishes like cevapi, to sweet pastries like baklava, and coffee that is strong and traditionally takes some time to make, you're surely going to find something that will tantalise your taste buds.
By the way, did you know we have a rich wine making tradition as well? Our wine expert Bella knows a lot about our wines..
Sharing our stories and adventures, and introducing you to locals, will create some interesting conversations, thats for sure.
With tons of insider tips on where to go, what to see, do and eat when you are here, (Those tips that only us locals know), you’ll be able to make the most of your visit to this amazing country. My country.
Whether you're planning a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina or just want to learn more about this beautiful country, this podcast is for you.
We’ll show you the real Bosnia and Herzegovina, the one that you won't find in the headlines or in the guidebooks.
So, subscribe to the Travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina podcast and get ready to fall in love with this heart-shaped country. Our podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.
And, if you’ve liked this podcast, then please do leave a review or send us an email, the address is in the show notes, as is our WhatsApp number.
Thats it for a first upload. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you on the next episode when we look at how to get here, visa requirements, currency considerations, hiring a car, using buses, and I teach you a useful phrase you can use.
