| From Brooklyn to Banja Luka |
An interesting cross cultural relationship that spans New York, Banja Luka and Amsterdam. Jonathan is a loud New Yorker, a Brooklyn Jew who has been living in Holland for 13 years. He has joint Dutch US nationality, speaks fluent Dutch, and yet remains essentially his boisterous loud American self. He is married to Dragana, a Serbian from Banja Luka, who came here in the midst of the Bosnian war and remains deeply affected by the war and its after effects in her country. They met at a party in Amsterdam ten years ago and have been together ever since. They now have a young trilingual son. The two have much in common - they're clever, loud, extravagant people from musical backgrounds. But she has a Slavic melancholia that contrasts with his wisecracking Jewish humour. In this program, they discuss their different cultures, how they feel being such big personalities living in a country that doesn't seem at first glance particularly suited to their ethnic backgrounds and character, and also the nature of their tempestuous relationship. This program was produced by Dheera Sujan of Radio Netherlands and airs as part of our special international collaboration, Global Perspectives: Romance Series.
From Brooklyn to Banja Luka was produced by Dheera Sujan of Radio Netherlands and airs as part of our special international collaboration, Global Perspectives on Romance.
Links:
Transitions Abroad
Are you, like Jonathan and Dragana, living in a country and culture that is not your own? This website offers resources for those living in adopted countries.
Intercultural Relationships Flourish Despite Differences
This article explores the growth of intercultural relationships.
Global Perspectives: Romance Series
From the do's and don'ts of dating to unprotected sex to a trilingual relationship. Join eight international broadcasters as they bring us stories of Romance from across the globe.
Books:
 Joining Hands and Hearts: Interfaith, Intercultural Wedding Celebrations: A Practical Guide for Couples
by: Susanna Stefanachi Macomb, Andrea Thompson 2003
A guide for those planning an interfaith, interracial, or intercultural wedding.
 Mixed Matches: How to Create Successful Interracial, Interethnic, and Interfaith Relationships
by: Joel Crohn Ph.D. 1995
This book will help you navigate love with someone from another race, religion, or ethnicity.
 What to Do when You're Dating a Jew: Everything You Need to Know from Matzoh Balls to Marriage
by: Vikki Weiss, Jennifer A. Block 2002
Here is a book Dragana certainly could have used. Read it for help understanding the family and traditions of your Jewish partner.
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