Meeting an Englishman who lived in the Jugoslavija of the 80's and 90's.

Meeting an Englishman who lived in the Jugoslavija of the 80's and 90's.

Author: David Pejčinović-Bailey MBE December 14, 2023 Duration: 33:48

A nostalgic dive into the history, culture, and experiences of an Englishman living in the Balkans during Yugoslavia's era.

Martin Gannon shares his journey from England to Yugoslavia in the 20th century, his experiences of working in the tourism sector, including establishing a pilgrimage route to Međugorje, and his life in Yugoslav Airlines.

He also discusses how the country has changed after the breakup of Yugoslavia and the future of tourism in both Bosnia Herzegovina and Croatia.

Despite the significant changes and challenges, Martin maintains that the Balkans remains a place close to his heart, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and most importantly, its welcoming people.

The piece of music in this podcast is: “Moja Je Pjesma Lagana” by Parni Valjak.

The link to Martins interview with Total Croatia News.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences in Bosnia and Herzegovina

00:22 Meeting Martin Gannon: A Brit in Yugoslavia

01:32 Martin's Arrival and Early Experiences in Yugoslavia

02:54 Tourism in Yugoslavia: A British Perspective

04:50 Martin's Career Progression and Language Experiences

06:16 Residency and Travel Experiences in Yugoslavia

10:21 Martin's Involvement with Yugoslav Airlines

12:04 Promoting Tourism in Bosnia Herzegovina

14:53 Martin's Favorite Places and Food in Yugoslavia

21:40 Reflections on Changes in Tourism and Life Post-Yugoslavia

30:17 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

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David Pejčinović-Bailey MBE hosts An Englishman in the Balkans, a series that moves beyond travelogue clichés to offer a grounded, personal account of building a life in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This isn't a tour guide; it's a collection of audio journals from someone who has chosen to make his home there. Listeners hear candid reflections on the nuances of daily life, from navigating bureaucracy and language to finding unexpected comfort in local traditions. The podcast often features conversations with the fascinating individuals David encounters-artists, neighbors, historians, and everyday people-whose stories add rich layers to the understanding of a region frequently defined by its past conflicts. Episodes might delve into the complex tapestry of Balkan history over a coffee, or explore the simple joy of a shared meal, all framed through the perspective of an immigrant learning to see a place not as a visitor, but as a resident. The result is a thoughtful, sometimes humorous, and always humanizing portrait of a country and its culture, recorded from the inside. For anyone curious about the realities of displacement, belonging, or the specific textures of life in Southeast Europe, this podcast provides an authentic and engaging listen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

An Englishman in the Balkans.
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