Instagram Story Save

It’s been six months since I finished the Camino, and I’m still processing everything I lived through. I’m finally able to look back and see how much that journey changed me.
I met so many kind, sincere, and interesting people who were always ready to help. Through them, I learned about different cultures and began to see the world from new perspectives. I returned home with a deeper trust in the world and more faith in myself. I remember every person I met—each one was a special part of my path.

The journey taught me a lot about responsibility, willpower, and friendship. But my biggest realization was this: Nobody can walk your path for you, and nobody can carry your weight. In the end, you have to carry your own "backpack"—both literally and metaphorically. Of course, the people who love you might help you out a few times :) But the steps are yours to take.

Thank you to everyone who shared their time and conversation with me. I hope I was a good companion to you, too. And remember, if you ever find yourself in Uzbekistan, my door is always open!

Now, whenever I hear Tim’s songs, I’m instantly transported back to the Camino, and it fills me with such a beautiful warmth ❤️‍🔥

#Camino

Hello everyone from a beautiful and snowy Budapest. I am playing around with this tune, Why Try To Change Me Now by Cy Coleman. Needs work, and some direction, but an early morning noodle.

Let me know what you think.

#music
#jazz
#jazzstandards
#cycoleman
#budapest
#happynewyear

Hello everyone. A little song I am working on. And it needs work :-)

Bless the Telephone by Labi Siffre from 1971.

#labisiffre
#telephone
#songwriters
#iloveyou
#grateful

Hello All,
Those of you who know me, know I love food and music. The food scene in Budapest is getting more interesting for we locals (okay long-time immigrant in my case). We have been sorely lacking in truly authentic Japanese food. There are a few, many owned and run by non-Japanese.
Tonight I had the pleasure of dining at a new place, open only four (4) months. @ramennikko Budapest. Krudy utca 6.
It is without question the best and most authentic ramen here in town. Although the noodles are not home made, they are served al dente, with a perfect chewiness. The rich and slightly thick Miso ramen broth (my choice tonight) was filled with umami, and the noodles were piping hot. You really had to SLURP to cool them off. As a fun test, as I was halfway though my noodles, I yelled out to the waiter KAEDAMA KUDASAI! He smiled, and a few minutes later an extra helping of noodles was brought to me. A+++
I'll go back and try everything on the menu one by one! You should too.
美味しいお食事をありがとうございました！
Oishī o shokuji o arigatōgozaimashita!

NOTE: I didn't have my camera, so I took this photo from their facebook page. Full disclosure :-)

#ramenlover
#authenticramen
#ramen
#budapest

An extraordinary meal yesterday with @chefruizmateo at @edo_omakase yesterday.

It was an OMAKASE. OMAKASE is a shortened version of OMAKASE SHIMASU which can be translated as "I trust you chef."

One can and should certainly trust Chef Gaudencio Ruiz Mateo. He has worked learning and mastering Japanese food for the last 30 years. As he says, "he now feels ready to share his knowledge and experience of what OMAKASE should be." He also said that his life is about continually learning this craft. He went very deep into Japanese culture, lived there for a while, and is in some ways more Japanese than the Japanese. Every dish, movement, every cut, every sharp glance at his assistants makes one feel that one is in the presence of a master. I spoke with some of the staff afterwards, and they are in awe of his passion, and determination of excellence, not for the sake of excellence, but for us, the guest.

We arrived in the early afternoon, and were the only ones sitting on front of him. Lucky us! I have traveled and written about food, and have a special passion for Japanese cuisine and its philosophy. This OMAKASE is as good as any I have had anywhere. It is without question the best Japanese restaurant in Oaxaca. I never thought in my almost 27 years here expected to eat Japanese food like this.

Each dish and its explanations were perfect. The quality of the rice in the nigiri was exactly as it should be. We had some 14 or 15 dishes. We left happy, and walking out into the afternoon drizzle feeling as though we had come from a magic experience that left us a little disorientated.

I understand that he will move to a new location soon in the Oaxaca City Center. It will be larger and have more offerings. He has a Oaxacan restaurant outside of the city which will become a part of the new space, and we spoke of a Yakitori bar. Each area will be separate. I am sure all will be excellent. I looked a the "a la carte" menu, and it was ample and properly priced for the quality of the food and experience.

It is a place I will surely return.

Domo arigato! ありがとうシェフ！

#oaxaca
#japanesefood
#finedining
#omakase

An extraordinary meal yesterday with @chefruizmateo at @edo_omakase yesterday.

It was an OMAKASE. OMAKASE is a shortened version of OMAKASE SHIMASU which can be translated as "I trust you chef."

One can and should certainly trust Chef Gaudencio Ruiz Mateo. He has worked learning and mastering Japanese food for the last 30 years. As he says, "he now feels ready to share his knowledge and experience of what OMAKASE should be." He also said that his life is about continually learning this craft. He went very deep into Japanese culture, lived there for a while, and is in some ways more Japanese than the Japanese. Every dish, movement, every cut, every sharp glance at his assistants makes one feel that one is in the presence of a master. I spoke with some of the staff afterwards, and they are in awe of his passion, and determination of excellence, not for the sake of excellence, but for us, the guest.

We arrived in the early afternoon, and were the only ones sitting on front of him. Lucky us! I have traveled and written about food, and have a special passion for Japanese cuisine and its philosophy. This OMAKASE is as good as any I have had anywhere. It is without question the best Japanese restaurant in Oaxaca. I never thought in my almost 27 years here expected to eat Japanese food like this.

Each dish and its explanations were perfect. The quality of the rice in the nigiri was exactly as it should be. We had some 14 or 15 dishes. We left happy, and walking out into the afternoon drizzle feeling as though we had come from a magic experience that left us a little disorientated.

I understand that he will move to a new location soon in the Oaxaca City Center. It will be larger and have more offerings. He has a Oaxacan restaurant outside of the city which will become a part of the new space, and we spoke of a Yakitori bar. Each area will be separate. I am sure all will be excellent. I looked a the "a la carte" menu, and it was ample and properly priced for the quality of the food and experience.

It is a place I will surely return.

Domo arigato! ありがとうシェフ！

#oaxaca
#japanesefood
#finedining
#omakase

An extraordinary meal yesterday with @chefruizmateo at @edo_omakase yesterday.

It was an OMAKASE. OMAKASE is a shortened version of OMAKASE SHIMASU which can be translated as "I trust you chef."

One can and should certainly trust Chef Gaudencio Ruiz Mateo. He has worked learning and mastering Japanese food for the last 30 years. As he says, "he now feels ready to share his knowledge and experience of what OMAKASE should be." He also said that his life is about continually learning this craft. He went very deep into Japanese culture, lived there for a while, and is in some ways more Japanese than the Japanese. Every dish, movement, every cut, every sharp glance at his assistants makes one feel that one is in the presence of a master. I spoke with some of the staff afterwards, and they are in awe of his passion, and determination of excellence, not for the sake of excellence, but for us, the guest.

We arrived in the early afternoon, and were the only ones sitting on front of him. Lucky us! I have traveled and written about food, and have a special passion for Japanese cuisine and its philosophy. This OMAKASE is as good as any I have had anywhere. It is without question the best Japanese restaurant in Oaxaca. I never thought in my almost 27 years here expected to eat Japanese food like this.

Each dish and its explanations were perfect. The quality of the rice in the nigiri was exactly as it should be. We had some 14 or 15 dishes. We left happy, and walking out into the afternoon drizzle feeling as though we had come from a magic experience that left us a little disorientated.

I understand that he will move to a new location soon in the Oaxaca City Center. It will be larger and have more offerings. He has a Oaxacan restaurant outside of the city which will become a part of the new space, and we spoke of a Yakitori bar. Each area will be separate. I am sure all will be excellent. I looked a the "a la carte" menu, and it was ample and properly priced for the quality of the food and experience.

It is a place I will surely return.

Domo arigato! ありがとうシェフ！

#oaxaca
#japanesefood
#finedining
#omakase

An extraordinary meal yesterday with @chefruizmateo at @edo_omakase yesterday.

It was an OMAKASE. OMAKASE is a shortened version of OMAKASE SHIMASU which can be translated as "I trust you chef."

One can and should certainly trust Chef Gaudencio Ruiz Mateo. He has worked learning and mastering Japanese food for the last 30 years. As he says, "he now feels ready to share his knowledge and experience of what OMAKASE should be." He also said that his life is about continually learning this craft. He went very deep into Japanese culture, lived there for a while, and is in some ways more Japanese than the Japanese. Every dish, movement, every cut, every sharp glance at his assistants makes one feel that one is in the presence of a master. I spoke with some of the staff afterwards, and they are in awe of his passion, and determination of excellence, not for the sake of excellence, but for us, the guest.

We arrived in the early afternoon, and were the only ones sitting on front of him. Lucky us! I have traveled and written about food, and have a special passion for Japanese cuisine and its philosophy. This OMAKASE is as good as any I have had anywhere. It is without question the best Japanese restaurant in Oaxaca. I never thought in my almost 27 years here expected to eat Japanese food like this.

Each dish and its explanations were perfect. The quality of the rice in the nigiri was exactly as it should be. We had some 14 or 15 dishes. We left happy, and walking out into the afternoon drizzle feeling as though we had come from a magic experience that left us a little disorientated.

I understand that he will move to a new location soon in the Oaxaca City Center. It will be larger and have more offerings. He has a Oaxacan restaurant outside of the city which will become a part of the new space, and we spoke of a Yakitori bar. Each area will be separate. I am sure all will be excellent. I looked a the "a la carte" menu, and it was ample and properly priced for the quality of the food and experience.

It is a place I will surely return.

Domo arigato! ありがとうシェフ！

#oaxaca
#japanesefood
#finedining
#omakase

An extraordinary meal yesterday with @chefruizmateo at @edo_omakase yesterday.

It was an OMAKASE. OMAKASE is a shortened version of OMAKASE SHIMASU which can be translated as "I trust you chef."

One can and should certainly trust Chef Gaudencio Ruiz Mateo. He has worked learning and mastering Japanese food for the last 30 years. As he says, "he now feels ready to share his knowledge and experience of what OMAKASE should be." He also said that his life is about continually learning this craft. He went very deep into Japanese culture, lived there for a while, and is in some ways more Japanese than the Japanese. Every dish, movement, every cut, every sharp glance at his assistants makes one feel that one is in the presence of a master. I spoke with some of the staff afterwards, and they are in awe of his passion, and determination of excellence, not for the sake of excellence, but for us, the guest.

We arrived in the early afternoon, and were the only ones sitting on front of him. Lucky us! I have traveled and written about food, and have a special passion for Japanese cuisine and its philosophy. This OMAKASE is as good as any I have had anywhere. It is without question the best Japanese restaurant in Oaxaca. I never thought in my almost 27 years here expected to eat Japanese food like this.

Each dish and its explanations were perfect. The quality of the rice in the nigiri was exactly as it should be. We had some 14 or 15 dishes. We left happy, and walking out into the afternoon drizzle feeling as though we had come from a magic experience that left us a little disorientated.

I understand that he will move to a new location soon in the Oaxaca City Center. It will be larger and have more offerings. He has a Oaxacan restaurant outside of the city which will become a part of the new space, and we spoke of a Yakitori bar. Each area will be separate. I am sure all will be excellent. I looked a the "a la carte" menu, and it was ample and properly priced for the quality of the food and experience.

It is a place I will surely return.

Domo arigato! ありがとうシェフ！

#oaxaca
#japanesefood
#finedining
#omakase

An extraordinary meal yesterday with @chefruizmateo at @edo_omakase yesterday.

It was an OMAKASE. OMAKASE is a shortened version of OMAKASE SHIMASU which can be translated as "I trust you chef."

One can and should certainly trust Chef Gaudencio Ruiz Mateo. He has worked learning and mastering Japanese food for the last 30 years. As he says, "he now feels ready to share his knowledge and experience of what OMAKASE should be." He also said that his life is about continually learning this craft. He went very deep into Japanese culture, lived there for a while, and is in some ways more Japanese than the Japanese. Every dish, movement, every cut, every sharp glance at his assistants makes one feel that one is in the presence of a master. I spoke with some of the staff afterwards, and they are in awe of his passion, and determination of excellence, not for the sake of excellence, but for us, the guest.

We arrived in the early afternoon, and were the only ones sitting on front of him. Lucky us! I have traveled and written about food, and have a special passion for Japanese cuisine and its philosophy. This OMAKASE is as good as any I have had anywhere. It is without question the best Japanese restaurant in Oaxaca. I never thought in my almost 27 years here expected to eat Japanese food like this.

Each dish and its explanations were perfect. The quality of the rice in the nigiri was exactly as it should be. We had some 14 or 15 dishes. We left happy, and walking out into the afternoon drizzle feeling as though we had come from a magic experience that left us a little disorientated.

I understand that he will move to a new location soon in the Oaxaca City Center. It will be larger and have more offerings. He has a Oaxacan restaurant outside of the city which will become a part of the new space, and we spoke of a Yakitori bar. Each area will be separate. I am sure all will be excellent. I looked a the "a la carte" menu, and it was ample and properly priced for the quality of the food and experience.

It is a place I will surely return.

Domo arigato! ありがとうシェフ！

#oaxaca
#japanesefood
#finedining
#omakase

#iykyk
#mango
#mangoman
#asmr
#eat

#Budapestmusic
#live
#rsvp
#rosé
#mac-n-cheese
Gonna be a blast. Look for the event on The Red Door's Event page and RSVP. I don't want to makebtoo little or too much MAC-N-CHEESE
@ewharrismusic is a fantastic performer and we are thrilled to have him play.

Easter oysters

#easter
#oyster
#wine
#spring
#brussels

Details here: https://facebook.com/events/s/ew-harris-plays-budapest-the-r/3902960983303438/
We are back with another MAC-N-CHEESE and ROSÉ NIGHT MUSIC SERIES at The Red Door. We are thrilled to host E.W. Harris. This will be his first time playing the Red Door.

The cost is 5,000 HUF per person. All proceeds go to the artist. CASH I cannot take CREDIT CARDS.

E.W. will play two sets. I will make, depending on how many respond, a ton of my famous Mac-N-Cheese (dare I say legendary?), and there will be a case of cold Rosé . Bring your own too, so we don't run out. Last time was a blast.

MUSIC from 8-ish until a hard stop 10:30 (for the neighbors)

Check him out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iG3smgwTKU

************************ABOUT THE ARTIST**********************

Alt-folk artist, E.W. HARRIS, to launch international tour in support of new EP, MACHINE LIVING IN RELIEF, releasing on the 28th of March, 2025
The acclaimed troubadour will visit seven countries over the course of six weeks, final stop BUDAPEST.

E.W. Harris is a Rust Belt born, Southern wrought, alt-folk singer/songwriter, producer, and artist based in Brooklyn, NY. A self-styled “Dystopian Romantic,” Harris combines sonic textures, memorable melodies, and powerful vocals to create music he calls “speculative folk.” At present, he can be found throughout the US & Europe performing in anticipation of his forthcoming release Machine Living In Relief, streaming on all platforms March 28th.

********WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING*************

“Dystopian sci-fi narratives traced in idiosyncratic folktronica… [with] fingerpicked acoustic tones, glittering instrumental accents, and swirling vocal harmonies.”
- Under the Radar

“[A] song of the agonies of solitude and the aches of loneliness… with those feelings bleeding through the character loud and clear.”
- Americana UK

“One of the most endearing, genuine, and fascinating artists in folk music.”
- Rising Artists

“Harris’ performance is so refreshingly his own, an entirely unique approach and performance that’s not just exquisitely harmonic, but also wildly different from his contemporaries.”
- Find No Enemy

@ewharrismusic #liveconcert #Budapest

Playing with a new tune. Not perfect but nothing is. It might cut off. You can see it on my YouTube channel.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ4vTVOucdw

Title: gender neutral
Artist: Nature
Medium: cherry tree
Observer: me

#sculpture
#wood
#art