Writing about whatever comes to mind

What started as a simple WordPress blog chronicling the renovation of a flat in Budapest has grown legs.
I had no plan for it, other than to keep interested parties around the world informed of what I was up to. My postage budget had been diverted to paint and time was in short supply; blogging seemed an efficient way to stay in touch.
Thirteen years later, it is an intrinsic part of what I do. I write about life in Hungary, the country in which I finally got to unpack my bottom drawer.
I write about my travels, about music, food, spirituality, politics, life, death, cemeteries. I write about whatever comes to mind. There is no plan.
If you’ve just found me, welcome to a work in progress. Feel free to engage, to comment, to add to what I’ve written. Let’s chat.
Note:
If you notice something not working, please email steve@zala.ie and let us know.

My most recent posts

2024 Grateful 4: Grounding
I have an aversion to gadgets, to things that will do things for me. Fancy wine openers. Expensive fruit peelers. Electric dough makers. I like

Making a difference
For much of 2024, I’ve been wallowing. I lost two women who played a huge role in shaping the woman I am: my mum and

2024 Grateful 5: Advent windows
The village has a lovely tradition where 24 houses volunteer to dress their windows during Advent. Each is assigned a date and at 5 pm

2024 Grateful 6: In memory
Suicide is one of life’s unfathomable mysteries, one you have to go through yourself to fully understand. And then it’s too late. The World Health