
Understanding 'Veze' in Bosnia - A Foreigner's Perspective
An Englishman in the Balkans Archive 2013-2025
09/25/24
•13m
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Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, the podcast where I, David, share my experiences of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a British expat.
Join me as I explore the culture, history, food, and everyday life in this fascinating country. From hidden travel gems and local traditions to expat life insights, each episode offers a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to live, travel, and immerse yourself in the Balkans.
Whether you’re curious about Bosnia, planning a visit, or considering moving abroad, this podcast is your guide to discovering the authentic side of the region, through engaging stories, interviews, and personal reflections.
📌 New episodes every week. Subscribe now and explore Bosnia with me!
In this episode, I delve into the concept of 'Veze' – a critical social structure in Bosnia and Herzegovina based on connections and relationships.
I share my personal experiences as a foreigner navigating this system and reflect on how it contrasts with cultural norms from the United Kingdom.
From my early days running a media project in 1998 to my present life here, I discuss the integral role of connections in everyday Bosnian life and how it influences family, business, and even politics.
Hopefully it will give you an insight into this unique cultural aspect and how it has shaped my life in Bosnia over the past 22 years.
Thank you for tuning in to An Englishman in the Balkans. I hope you enjoyed today’s episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss a new release. And, if you have a moment, a quick rating or review would mean the world. It really helps others discover the show.
For more updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments consider Subscribing to My Blog.
I’d also love to hear from you!
Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.
You can send comments, thoughts and suggestions to: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com I reply to every mail!
Until next time, take care, and as always, Hvala for listening.
Enjoying the podcast? If you’d like to support the show and help me continue sharing stories and insights about life here in the Balkans, consider Buying Me a Coffee!
Your support means the world and helps keep the episodes coming.
Mentioned in this episode:
Tamara Intro Tip
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe
Previous Episode

Embracing Cultural Differences
September 18, 2024
•15m
Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, the podcast where I, David, share my experiences of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a British expat.
Join me as I explore the culture, history, food, and everyday life in this fascinating country. From hidden travel gems and local traditions to expat life insights, each episode offers a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to live, travel, and immerse yourself in the Balkans.
Whether you’re curious about Bosnia, planning a visit, or considering moving abroad, this podcast is your guide to discovering the authentic side of the region, through engaging stories, interviews, and personal reflections.
📌 New episodes every week. Subscribe now and explore Bosnia with me!
In this episode, I share my personal journey of living in Bosnia and Herzegovina for over 22 years.
I talk about my fascination with experiencing new cultures and how it contrasts with the experiences of other expats from the UK and the US.
Despite being deeply rooted in my British heritage, I have embraced local customs without trying to impose my own culture.
I also discuss my unique 'in-betweener' status and reflect on the cultural identity challenges that come with long-term relocation.
Join me as I explore the joys and struggles of adapting to a new way of life while still holding on to my British roots.
Thank you for tuning in to An Englishman in the Balkans. I hope you enjoyed today’s episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss a new release. And, if you have a moment, a quick rating or review would mean the world. It really helps others discover the show.
For more updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments consider Subscribing to My Blog.
I’d also love to hear from you!
Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.
You can send comments, thoughts and suggestions to: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com I reply to every mail!
Until next time, take care, and as always, Hvala for listening.
Enjoying the podcast? If you’d like to support the show and help me continue sharing stories and insights about life here in the Balkans, consider Buying Me a Coffee!
Your support means the world and helps keep the episodes coming.
Mentioned in this episode:
Tamara Intro Tip
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe
Next Episode

The Art of Homemade Rakija
October 4, 2024
•8m
Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, the podcast where I, David, share my experiences of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a British expat.
Join me as I explore the culture, history, food, and everyday life in this fascinating country. From hidden travel gems and local traditions to expat life insights, each episode offers a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to live, travel, and immerse yourself in the Balkans.
Whether you’re curious about Bosnia, planning a visit, or considering moving abroad, this podcast is your guide to discovering the authentic side of the region, through engaging stories, interviews, and personal reflections.
📌 New episodes every week. Subscribe now and explore Bosnia with me!
In this episode of the podcast, I delve into one of Bosnia's cherished traditions, the art of making rakija.
Join me as I recount a delightful journey to Slatina with Tamara, where we witnessed the age-old process of distilling pear rakija at her cousin's orchard.
The visit, filled with breathtaking views, vibrant community spirit, and the rich aroma of wood smoke and fruit, highlights the cultural significance and communal effort involved in rakija making.
This time-honoured tradition not only produces a beloved spirit but also strengthens bonds and preserves connections to the land.
Thank you for tuning in to An Englishman in the Balkans. I hope you enjoyed today’s episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss a new release. And, if you have a moment, a quick rating or review would mean the world. It really helps others discover the show.
For more updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments consider Subscribing to My Blog.
I’d also love to hear from you!
Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.
You can send comments, thoughts and suggestions to: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com I reply to every mail!
Until next time, take care, and as always, Hvala for listening.
Enjoying the podcast? If you’d like to support the show and help me continue sharing stories and insights about life here in the Balkans, consider Buying Me a Coffee!
Your support means the world and helps keep the episodes coming.
Mentioned in this episode:
Tamara Intro Tip
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe
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