Trying to get over Flu, a Village Funeral & Preparing to Leave for the UK

A Life Update

If you are a regular reader, you’ll know that over 10 days ago I was completely knocked flat by a pretty unpleasant bout of flu. At seventy-three you quickly discover that recovery takes a little longer than it used to. Thankfully I’m finally starting to feel human again.

---

In this video I share another snapshot of my everyday life here in the village.

---

Earlier today we attended the funeral of a neighbour, something that really shows how strong community traditions still are across the whole of Bosnia. When someone dies, the news travels fast, by word of mouth but more often than not, phone.

The whole village pauses. That is so true and people come together in a very respectful and solemn way. It’s quite different from what many of us may be used to in places like the UK.

I live in a Serbian Orthodox village, by the way, and the Serbs bury within 24 hours (of course there are exceptions). That alone fascinates me. How they get a burial, service, wake etc all sorted in such a short time. It’s amazing to be honest.

That sad new aside, spring is quietly waking up around us. Tamara’s parents and family have been pruning the fruit trees and bushes in the garden. Apples, plums, grapes and blackberries, all getting ready for the new growing season (and eventually a little rakija as well).

And in the middle of all this I’m also planning a short trip back to the United Kingdom to visit my daughter and my ninety-seven-year-old mum. It will be my first time flying with Ryanair and the journey itself will be a bit of an adventure.

I’m nervous.

If you’re new here, I’m David. I moved to Bosnia over twenty-six years ago and never really left. This Substack is about my retirement, daily life, culture and what it’s actually like living in this often misunderstood country.

Thanks for being here and for following the journey.