Reflections from a Balcony

Welcome to the world of a "Baby Boomer in Bosnia," (me), a podcast from a spirited 70+ something British immigrant, whose plan is to take you along as I navigate life in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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In this episode, I, share my reflective experiences of living in the tranquil rural landscape of Bosnia and Herzegovina.Join me as I navigate the beauty and solitude of my surroundings, all while contemplating the changes that come with aging.

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I’m sitting outside on my balcony. The birds are in full voice, the rain is still falling steadily, and I feel compelled to share a few thoughts, simple reflections, really, from my small hillside home.

The Dawn Chorus and Gentle Rain

There really is something magical about the mornings here. From spring until late autumn, the dawn chorus fills the air like a natural symphony. I never ever tire of it. And then there’s the rain. It’s the second day of steady downpour, the kind that pours across the clay-rich earth we have. Watching the storm drains do their job, guiding water down the slopes and away towards the river, is oddly satisfying.

Life in the Slow Lane

Living in a small village, has changed me. Once, I use to thrive on being around people, social events, shared hobbies, busy days. But those days have gently faded into something else. Now, I’ve learned to embrace the slower rhythm of village life, where silence isn’t emptiness but space to breathe.

My world these days often includes just my wife Tamara and the ever-changing seasons outside our window. We watch TV together, we chat, we walk. We don’t need much more. The nearest shop is a few kilometres away, so errands aren’t just chores, they’re little adventures. It’s a quiet life, but it’s rich in ways I never expected.

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The Hermit Within ?

There are moments when I wonder if I’ve become a hermit, and truth be told, I don’t mind if I have. I don’t feel lonely. Quite the opposite, really. There’s something comforting about having fewer, deeper connections. I spend more time thinking, I have started to read more, I enjoy walking.

There’s a beautiful Bosnian concept called Ćejf. It’s hard to translate directly, but it speaks to the joy of doing something just because it brings pleasure. No deadline, no purpose beyond the moment. And that, in many ways, is how I try to live now.

Dreaming of the Camino

Even as I’ve grown more inward-focused, the dreamer in me hasn’t gone away. One dream that still tugs at me is walking the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage through Spain or Portugal, full of long roads and quiet towns. But at 72, and with travel being more expensive for me these days, I’ve accepted it might remain just that. A dream.

Still, the idea inspired me. Why not create my own Camino here, right in Bosnia? After all, the hills, forests, and river paths around me are beautiful in their own right. With the weather slowly turning, I’ve decided I’ll start a personal pilgrimage, 12 kilometres a day, starting from my front door.

Walking My Own Path

This “Camino-at-Home” won’t require flights, passports, or big budgets. It will require good shoes, a bit of discipline, and a lot of appreciation for the everyday. I plan to document these walks not with video, but with audio. It’s simpler, more intimate. I’ll tell stories, reflect on what I see and feel, and share them with you through my podcast. Just me, a microphone, and the road beneath my feet.

Nature’s Quiet Promises

As I sit here, and looking out, I can almost hear the orchard preparing for spring. Soon, the blossoms will arrive. Cherries, plums, apples, pears. It certainly is one of the great joys of living here.Watching things grow slowly, in their own time, unbothered by the noise of the world.

Even when politics make headlines or global events stir uncertainty, the rhythms of rural Bosnia stay steady. The fruit trees don’t watch the news. The birds don’t care who’s in charge. There’s a peace in that kind of perspective.

Finding Fellowship in Solitude

To those of you reading this, especially fellow Baby Boomers who might be navigating retirement, solitude, or a slower pace of life.I wonder: have you felt this pull towards quiet living? Towards embracing your own inner hermit? If so, you’re not alone. I’d love to hear your stories. Maybe you’ve found your own version of Ćejf, or maybe you’re still searching for it.

Sharing these reflections helps me feel connected, even across distance. So don’t hesitate to write, to share, to join me on this gentle path.

Join My Storytelling Community

I’d love to know who’s listening and where you’re from. If you have a spare moment, send me an email with your name and location. I’d like to create a Google map marking all the places where my listeners are tuning in from, building a global storytelling community.

If there’s anything you’d like to know about me or Bosnia, feel free to reach out. I also have a blog where I share additional insights about my life here.

Final Thoughts

Over time, this podcast might even take priority over my video content. The goal is to create an archive of my life for future generations, but in the process, I hope to entertain and inform you along the way.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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