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.

If you are a regular reader you’ll be aware that I’ve been living in a small village in northwest Bosnia for over 22 years. As someone over 70, my journey as an expat or immigrant, (depending on how you define it), has been filled with cultural discoveries, traditions, and unexpected experiences. One of those is on the 8th of March (yesterday), “Dan Žena”, or International Women’s Day, which holds significant cultural importance in this part of southern Europe.

Discovering Dan Žena in Bosnia.

Back in the UK, International Women’s Day wasn’t something I had ever paid much attention to. However, in Bosnia, it’s a major event.
A day dedicated to celebrating the women in our lives through gatherings, meals, and gifts.
Men traditionally give flowers and presents to their wives, mothers, sisters, female colleagues, and friends.

I still remember my first Dan Žena here when I had to buy gifts for all the women in my workplace. It was a costly surprise!

Yesterday, I took Tamara out for a special meal to celebrate, and of course, I got her a present. Perfume. Tamara isn’t big on flowers!

I’ve learned that if you have many female colleagues or family members, March can become quite an expensive month!

Dan Žena is not only just about material gifts. It’s a day of appreciation and recognition for the role women play in society.

The tradition has strong roots here, but it actually has international origins. Many people don’t realise that the first Women’s Day was organised by the Socialist Party of America in 1909, advocating for women’s rights in the workplace.

Over time, the celebration spread across Europe and beyond, evolving into unique cultural traditions in different countries.

A few days ago, Tamara and I looked back at a video we made in 2021 about Dan Žena during the pandemic. That was a unique year when celebrations were subdued, yet the cultural importance of the day remained strong. Tamara rarely appears on my channel, she’s quite camera-shy, but in that video, she shared her perspective on the history and traditions of Dan Žena in Bosnia.

It hits me at such random times, how much I’ve adapted to local customs. Over two decades ago, I arrived in Bosnia with little knowledge of these traditions, but today, they feel like second nature.

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Coming Soon - A New Podcast Series on Life Abroad

Speaking of adapting to life in another country, I’m excited to announce that I’ll soon be launching a new podcast series! This will feature conversations with older expats and immigrants who have moved abroad, sharing their experiences, insights, and advice. If you’re considering relocating to another country, whether for retirement or a fresh start, these stories might help you prepare for the journey.

One of the topics I plan to explore in more detail is the difference between being an expat and an immigrant. It’s a conversation I often have with people, and it’s something I’ll be covering in an upcoming video.
Some might see expats as temporary residents, while immigrants are those who fully integrate into a new country. I consider myself 100% an immigrant since Bosnia has become my permanent home.

The Food

This past week Tamara made Begova Čorba.

It's AMAZING (I would say that) - Right?

Begova Čorba (Bey’s Soup) is a traditional Bosnian dish with deep Ottoman roots, often served as a starter at festive meals and special occasions.

It's a rich and hearty chicken-based soup, thickened with okra and finished with a tangy lemon-egg yolk mixture.

Ingredients:

500g chicken (preferably with bones for more flavor)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
100g okra (dried or fresh)
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp butter
1 egg yolk
100ml sour cream or plain yogurt
Juice of 1 lemon
1.5 litres water or chicken broth
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Cook the Chicken:

In a large pot, bring the chicken to a boil in water or broth. Skim off any foam that forms, then add chopped onions and carrots. Simmer for about 45 minutes until the chicken is tender.

Prepare the Okra:

If using dried okra, soak it in warm water with a bit of vinegar for 10 minutes to remove any bitterness. Then, rinse and set aside.

Shred the Chicken:

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the broth, let it cool slightly, then shred the meat into small pieces.

Make the Roux:

In a separate pan, melt butter, add flour, and stir continuously to create a light roux. Gradually add it to the soup, stirring well to thicken it.

Add Okra & Chicken:

Add the okra and shredded chicken back to the soup and simmer for another 15 minutes.

Finish with Egg and Lemon:

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, sour cream (or yogurt), and lemon juice.

Gradually temper this mixture by adding a few spoonfuls of hot soup, then slowly stir it into the pot to prevent curdling.

Season & Serve:

Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with fresh bread.

Serving Suggestions:

Begova Čorba pairs well with Somun/Lepinja (Bosnian flatbread) or fresh white bread. It's often the first course of a larger meal, but it’s hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own.

From the Blog

One of the most common questions I get, both from friends and guests, as well as through my YouTube channel and here on Substack, is about the meaning behind the term “Bosnian.”

In this post, I try, as best as I can as a foreigner here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to explain what may seem simple but is actually quite complicated, and is a MUST KNOW if you visit this amazingly beautiful country.

The Video

From the Podcast

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 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.