Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, a podcast where life, stories, and culture come together in one of the most beautiful and unexpected corners of the world. I'm David, and today I'm sharing something personal. An exciting new direction for this podcast, and what it means for you. When I first started this podcast, my focus was simple.
I wanted to share the beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The places. The people. The food. It was all about opening a window into a country many people know little about. And over the years, I've done just that. But life changes, doesn't it? And so do we. I live here with my wife Tamara in a quiet village in northern Bosnia, where I can see the foothills of the Kozara National Park in the distance, right from outside my front door.
These days, more than ever before in my life, I find myself reflecting more on my own journey, how I came to be here, and what have I learnt as an over 70 year old retiree who navigates life in a country far from where I began. The truth is, though, that my life here isn't just about Bosnia. It's about embracing change.
Still trying to find adventure, and rediscovering myself in this rather slower, simpler chapter of life. And that's where this podcast is headed next. Now, if you've been with me for a while, don't worry, I'm not abandoning Bosnia. This country is still at the heart of everything I do. You'll still hear about the traditions, the breathtaking landscapes, and the unique stories of the people who call this place home.
But I'll also be pulling the lens back a little, inviting you to see Bosnia, and life, through a more personal perspective. What does it mean to experience life over 70? To live in a village where no one speaks your native language? To find joy in the smallest, most unexpected moments? These are the stories I'll be sharing.
Stories that I hope will resonate, whether you're retired, Thinking about retirement or simply curious about what it's like to take a road less traveled. Here's a little preview of what's to come. I'll be taking you with me on my walks that I'm hoping will keep me fit and sharing my rambling thoughts.
I'll also take you to some of my favourite places in the country, especially here in the north. And just like in previous podcast episodes, introduce you to some very interesting people and their stories too. So why this change? Well, I've come to realise something important. Life doesn't end at 50, or 60, or even 70.
It's evolving still. And if we're lucky, it gets richer, deeper, and more meaningful. By sharing my journey, warts and all, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own next chapters, whatever they may look like. Whether you're thinking about retiring abroad somewhere, searching for adventure, or simply wondering what it's like to start over later in life, well this podcast is for you.
To be honest with you, I still feel rather nervous when changing things in my life, so I'm looking at this being more than just a podcast relaunch, rather a celebration of the unexpected and the deeply personal. I hope you'll come along for the ride. Thank you so much for listening so far, for being part of this journey, and for your support as I take this next step.
Until next time, take care, stay curious, and remember, it's never too late to write a new chapter in your story.
