There’s something magical about childhood summers spent at your grandparents’ house in the Balkans during the 90s. Life was simpler, slower, and filled with small joys that today’s kids might never experience. If you grew up in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Romania or any of the neighboring countries during that time, you probably remember those endless, sun-drenched days with a mix of nostalgia and longing.
The Journey There
Back then, traveling to your grandparents’ village was an adventure in itself. Whether by train, bus, or your parents’ old Yugo or Zastava, the trip felt like it took forever. The roads were bumpy, the car had no AC, and you had to roll down the windows to catch a breeze. Along the way, you’d pass sunflower fields, small roadside stands selling honey and fruit, and the occasional horse-drawn cart.
Arrival: A Warm Welcome
As soon as you arrived, the smell of homemade bread, fresh cheese, and wood-fired stove would hit you. Your baka (grandma) would already be waiting with a tight hug and a table full of food—ajvar, kajmak, fresh tomatoes, and warm pogaca (bread). Meanwhile, deda (grandpa) would be outside, tending to the garden or fixing something with his trusted tools.
The Simple Pleasures
There were no smartphones, no Wi-Fi, and barely any TV channels—but who needed them?
- Playing Outside Until Dark – Kids ran freely through the streets, chasing chickens, climbing trees, or playing šljivice (marbles) and odbojka (volleyball) on dirt roads.
- Helping (or Pretending to Help) – Picking cherries, shelling beans, or collecting eggs from the chicken coop felt like important missions.
- Ice Cream & Pocket Money – The local prodavnica (shop) had cheap sladoled (ice cream) in vanilla or chocolate, and if you were lucky, grandma would give you a few dinars to buy bombone (candy).
- Bathing in a Tub – Many village houses didn’t have proper showers, so you’d wash in a big metal tub with water heated on the stove.
- Evening Gatherings – Neighbors would drop by unannounced, bringing homemade rakija or krofne (doughnuts). The adults would gossip, the kids would catch fireflies, and someone would always pull out an accordion or guitar.
The Food – Oh, the Food!
Grandma’s cooking was legendary. Everything was homemade, fresh from the garden or the local market. Meals were hearty and full of flavor:
- Breakfast: Warm milk with kajmak and bread, or prženice (French toast) with jam.
- Lunch: Sarma (cabbage rolls), grah (bean stew), or pečenje (roast meat) with potatoes.
- Dessert: Palačinke (crepes), knedle (plum dumplings), or tufahije (stuffed apples).
The End of Summer
As August faded, so did the magic. You’d pack your bags, your grandma would slip you some money “for school,” and you’d promise to visit soon. The ride back home felt quieter, already missing the carefree days.
Do Kids Today Miss Out?
Modern childhood is different—structured, digital, fast-paced. But those Balkan summers in the 90s were pure freedom. They taught us patience, resourcefulness, and the joy of simple things.
If you remember those days, you’re lucky. And if you don’t, ask your parents—they’ll probably smile and start telling stories.
Do you have memories of summers at your grandparents’ in the 90s Balkans? Share them in the comments!
