The Sunday Sip.
A Weekly Brew from Coffee and Rakija.
I’m David. The Sunday Sip, is a weekly newsletter about my life and experiences in a rural village in North-West Bosnia and Herzegovina. I’ll be giving you a unique look, through the eyes of an immigrant (me), of this much misunderstood country. My goal is to replace the many negative perceptions of both the country and its people, that you’ll be served by international media outlets. Thank you so much for dropping by.
The Update.
Hello and Welcome.
After two weeks in New Jersey visiting my daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons, I’m finally back in Bosnia. It was my first visit in nearly two years, (well overdue), and this time away, as well as having an amazing family reunion, gave me a chance to reflect on how I share my experiences both here on Substack and else where “online”.
Traveling to the United States is always a journey in itself, at least for me. My daughter covered the trip, which was really sweet of her. Travel prices are increasing, which for me living on a pension, is a major factor now in life.
Spending time with my grandsons, who are growing up so fast, was a highlight.
These moments reminded me why family remains the core of everything, even when we live on different continents, and of hard it is.
Being away from Bosnia, my home for over 22 years, and stepping into suburban American life again brought an interesting contrast. The pace, the lifestyle, and the conveniences in the U.S. are vastly different from what I experience in rural Bosnia. Yet, I found myself appreciating both in different ways.
During my stay, I recorded a few behind-the-scenes videos, small glimpses into my trip, but I decided to keep much of it private. There was a time when I would have shared everything, family dinners, outings, casual moments, but this time, I felt a strong urge to keep some of these personal moments for myself and close relatives.
While I still uploaded a few clips for supporters on Buy Me a Coffee and Patreon, the majority of my time was spent offline, truly present in the moment.
Returning home to Bosnia, I’m now navigating the usual post-travel adjustment phase. Jet lag hits harder as you get older, and this time is no exception. The first few days back were a blur to be honest, waking up at odd hours, feeling disoriented, and struggling to get back into a routine.
But there’s comfort in being home. The familiar sights, sounds, and tastes.
Don’t you agree?
The Video.
The Food
Look what I found in Trader Joe’s in Maplewood.
Crumpets!
I bought a few packs.
Not many left as Tamara and Love these!
From the Blog
Mekike and uštipci are thought to have been a staple of Balkan cuisine for many years despite the fact that their exact origins are a bit obscure. Both meals resemble other fried dough delicacies from throughout the world, including British Yorkshire pudding and Hungarian lángos, which raises the possibility that they were influenced by other culinary traditions. Mekike and uštipci, however, are so embedded in Balkan culture that it is difficult to pinpoint their precise roots because they have become a part of the region's identity.
From the Podcast
In this episode, Tamara and I explore an array of fascinating Bosnian superstitions and traditions. We discuss the myth of 'promaja,' the belief in the harmful effects of drafts, along with rituals like throwing water behind travellers for luck and the significance of breaking mirrors.
We delve into Christmas customs such as baking Česnica bread and practices like carrying a Qur'an or using charms to ward off the evil eye.
And we share insights on how these superstitions intertwine with social etiquette and daily life, reflecting Bosnia's rich cultural mosaic.
Thank You for Being Here
If you’ve read this far, thank you. Your support means the world to me, whether it’s a comment, a subscription, or just taking the time to read what I share.
If you’re interested in supporting me but not through a paid Substack Subscription, Check out Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.
And, I’d be thrilled if you’d check out my recently launched YouTube channel. It’s not about chasing numbers anymore; it’s about connecting with people who get it, who understand the joys and challenges of this phase of life, that I find myself in (over 70).
Until next week.
Videmo se opet (I’ll see you again soon).
David.
I'm glad you enjoyed your time in the States. I've been going back and forth for so many years that it has become something of a routine. A lot changed when my parents died, though. (I know you're not American however.)