You have probably heard of Bosnia and Herzegovina. But, what do you know about this country? What are the first things that come to your mind when you hear the name of this country?
If your associations with Bosnia and Herzegovina are not very positive and affirmative, keep reading. You may be surprised after reading this article.
What can you expect?
There are so many reasons why visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina is a great idea. Although it is a small country it has so much to offer.
Do you like visiting historical places? Bosnia has plenty of historical places
Why are Bosnian people different from others?
Throughout history, many different people and ethnic groups lived in this country, such as Turks, Austrians, Jews, etc. Each of them left a bit of their culture and tradition behind. These bits mixed with the culture of the three dominant nations Serbs (Orthodox Christians), Croats (Catholics), and Bosniacs (Muslims). This interesting mixture of cultures and traditions gives a specific charm to Bosnian people.
So, this is what you should know about Bosnian people before your first visit.
They are loud
Whatever you do and wherever you go in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you will always hear people talking loudly.
People in Bosnia and Herzegovina are much more emotional than most European people. So, they talk loudly when they are excited about something, but they also speak loudly when they are happy to see you. They also speak loudly when they are trying to explain something and when they are annoyed.
So, if you hear someone talking very loudly, don’t worry. They don’t argue with each other and they are not rude — this is just the way they talk. J
They can drink coffee for hours
How long does it take you to have a cup of coffee? Probably no longer than 10–15 minutes.
Yet, having coffee in Bosnia and Herzegovina is much more than just having a cup of coffee. It’s more like a ritual. Having a cup of coffee is their favorite thing. The longer it takes you to finish your coffee means more enjoyment. They call it “ćejf”.
If a Bosnian invites you to their house, coffee will be the first thing they offer you. This is a sign that you are more than welcome to their home.
Bosnian people drink strong black coffee and they drink it in literary any occasion.
They are friendly and welcoming
People here still enjoy spending time with their friends and family. In Bosnia, they still invite people to their houses. And, if you accept the invitation, you will be treated as a real king (or queen J ).
They will make you some coffee, make you drink a glass of alcohol (usually brandy)… They will even set the table for you. Sometimes those are just snacks and bites (they call it “meze”), but people in Bosnia often make the whole lunch for their guests.
If you are coming from another city or country, Bosnian people will offer you to sleep in their house.
Conclusion
If you are not familiar with the culture of the Balkans, you may be surprised by the attitude of the people in Bosnia (and nearby countries). Yes, people here are loud; they eat a lot, they drink a lot, and they are different — but you will never find so generous, kind, and cheerful people, who enjoy life so much, as people in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
