Election Time - Predizborna kampanja
Elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina are soooo complicated
Apparently this post is too long for email. Please read through the website or open your app or your newsletter reader 😀.
Hello and welcome to this edition of our Blog, from Čardačani, in the north of Bosnia and Herzegovina, written by an immigrant (me), as I am neither a tourist or a citizen here.
The Everyday
Another week in the “Shire” has seen the return of what we like to refer to, as a “normal” start to Autumn.
The browns and golds of the leaves are simply stunning, both at the start of the day when the morning mist is lifting, and at sunset, when the dying light pierces the foliage we are surrounded by.
It feels really great to be me at those times.
But, this also means that the mornings and late evenings are decidedly colder, so we now light our wood burner to “take the chill off”.
Our winter fuel has now been delivered, stored, and is ready.
It’s really the same drill every year ⬇️.
There has also been quite some stress too, with Fibi, our tiny dog, suffering greatly with canine gastritis. She suffers badly when she gets this, hence our worry levels increase massively.
We’ve been back and forth to our vets, and, fingers crossed, Fibi is settling down again. Thank heavens for our really super vets.
Fibie has, it must be said, been really uncomfortable for nearly a week now.
The Culture
One of our regular subscribers is Christoph Baumgarten, a Vienna based journalist who, like me, takes a real interest in the western Balkans.
He has recently published a great article about “Pies” in the region, especially when it comes to Bosnia and Herzegovina and a recent international football match.
I never, ever, thought that something such as a simple pie, could be “weaponised” by supporters. But it seems it can, and has.
Christoph articulates the relationship, really entertainingly, with pies, and the various regions of this area excellently. There’s a cool video to watch too. By the way Christoph writes in English so no worries in that department.
Spoiler Alert:
Here in Bosnia and Herzegovina we call it “Sirnica” (cheese pie).
Not long after I read Christoph’s cool story, this article appeared in the Sarajevo Times.
Bosnian hosted more than Four Hundred Fans from Montenegro and prepared Burek with Cheese.
The Heat
Banja Luka holds an annual hot pepper eating competition, or “Šurijada”. Who would have thought?
It’s not an easy challenge at all, in fact you have to be a bit “off the wall” to take part, IMHO.
Tamara’s uncle is a hot chilli aficionado, so I can personally testify to watching body burning chillies being consumed without any reactions at all. I am always called out for being a wimp. I consider myself insanely sensible 😉.
We do grow our own hot chillies here in the village 🌶
Basically Šurijada offers 9 types of hot peppers from the mildest to the hottest, which have to be consumed. Milk is provided to “soften the blow”, but sadly does mean disqualification, if used.
The Images
The Politics
This weekend there is a General Election being held across Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦.
Like most other countries, this happens every 4-5 years. But unlike most other countries, the system for electing representatives to what must be, the worlds most complicated political system, is beyond comprehension to someone like me. It’s not a case of a simple cross in a box.
The above video ⬆️ “tries to explain” how the system “works”
There are massive party banners strung out across most major roads, billboards dominating city and town centres, and flyers and small posters taped where ever there seems to be available space.
It’s a big thing. Trust me.
We even have had a rusty old estate car (station wagon), with a huge loudspeaker tied rather precariously onto the roof, driving through the village, pumping out some dubious, distorted music, with occasional party political statements.
It seems there’s everything to play for.
The reality though (to me at least), is that the outcomes have already been decided. Make of that what you will.
I don’t “do” local politics on the blog. Why? Because I am an immigrant who doesn't have (yet), the right to vote. And while this might seem harsh, foreigners like me, should keep their noses, voices, thoughts and opinions out of other countries affairs. #justsaying
But, if you are remotely interested in what this election is revolving around, then this video ⬇️, might be a useful backgrounder.
And Finally
Don’t forget that to read back editions of the newsletter, listen to previous podcasts (we have quite an archive now), or catch other content, all this is available on the web interface, just like a regular blog.
Oh, and please share the newsletter with friends, relatives and colleagues using the button below.
Tamara and I appreciate your faithful readership, your comments, and your generosity!
Until our next post.
THANKS SO MUCH ❤️
Poor puppy...wishing her the best!