Nikoletta

Childhood favorites 🍲🍋(These pictures are once again not foodie-style photos 😅)Today I had some work in the countryside, not far from my mom – and she welcomed me with lunch.👉 Egg soup and “kemény tarhonya” (elsewhere known as “paraszt tarhonya”).👉 And finally, a homemade lemon cake 🍰.When I lived in Bali, I often missed these Hungarian flavors. Now my mom is cooking my childhood favorites one by one – she’s such a sweetheart and I’m really grateful 🙏.Since I won’t be able to go home for my birthday because of work, she baked this cake for me in advance. 💛🔸 Similar foods in other countries🇨🇳 China: reminds me of 西红柿鸡蛋汤 (xīhóngshì jīdàn tāng – tomato egg soup), also simple and thickened with eggs.🇯🇵 Japan: 卵かけご飯 (tamago kake gohan – rice with raw egg) gives the same homely feeling.🇰🇷 Korea: 계란국 (gyeran guk – egg soup) is very close.Tarhonya has a texture a bit like rice or barley, but here it’s toasted first and cooked with spices.🔸 Fun fact – dialect differencesIn Hungary, the same dish is often called by different names depending on the region. For example:paraszt tarhonya is also known as száraz tarhonya or (in my region) kemény tarhonya,egg soup is sometimes called rántottleves.This is just like the regional language differences in China, Japan, or Korea:🇨🇳 In China, the word for “orange” can be 橙子 (chéngzi) or 桔子 (júzi).🇯🇵 In Japan, Kansai and Tokyo use different words for the same things (like ingredients of okonomiyaki).🇰🇷 In Korea, Seoul and Jeolla regions use different terms for everyday foods.---As far as I know, you can’t find these dishes anywhere else – only if you come to Hungary and let me know. Then my mom will happily cook them for you too 😅😊

Yesterday I finished the Japanese series Glass Heart, because I was curious about Takeru Satoh, whom I first saw in Rurouni Kenshin (still one of my all-time favorites). The story itself was interesting, but what really amazed me was the music by Tenblank – incredibly powerful, even though I’m not really a rock fan (if that counts as rock 😅).And today, by chance, I stumbled upon another Japanese movie… and I just finished it.This film (Mint hulló szirmok / 『桜、散る時君を想う』 Sakura, Saku toki kimi o omou) was truly deep and heartbreaking. The short life of the cherry blossoms here symbolizes the fragility of human life and the transience of love.I almost cried all the way through 😅 – it brought up so strongly the fear of loss, the passing of time, and the wish that those we love could stay with us longer.This is not a movie recommendation, but maybe from now on I’ll start watching more Japanese films and dramas. 😅

Everyone comes here saying they want to make friends, but somehow nobody really wants to be a friend. What does friendship mean to you?For me, it means good conversations, trust, and being there for each other — even across distance.And when I am kind, people ask me: why are you so kind?Because that’s who I am. Caring, attentive, and deep.If someone cannot value that, it’s a real problem. We need to learn again how to connect genuinely, because it is one of the greatest gifts we can give each other.I can’t always meet everyone who visits Hungary, but I try, and in the future I will try even harder.I know what it feels like to be in a foreign country, sometimes even alone. That’s why I want to say this clearly: if anyone is here and needs help, I will be there. You can count on me!But friendship should never be one-sided. It means giving and receiving, caring for each other equally.Thank you.....

My favorite since childhood: the Hungarian kakaóscsiga.It’s a soft, spiral-shaped pastry made from sweet yeast dough, filled with cocoa powder and sugar. The dough is rolled, sliced, and baked – imagine a cinnamon roll, but with cocoa instead of cinnamon. 🍫Not the healthiest choice 😅, but definitely full of childhood memories and comfort.Today you can find vegan, gluten-free, or sugar-free versions with sweeteners… but without doubt, the most delicious one is still the original😊

🇭🇺 August 20 – The Birthday of Hungary 🎆Tomorrow we celebrate Hungary’s most important national holiday.This day is connected to our founding king, Saint Stephen, who created the Hungarian state a thousand years ago and built it upon the Christian faith.That is why August 20 is at the same time:✨ the celebration of state foundation – the birthday of the Hungarian state,✨ the feast of Saint Stephen – who laid the foundations of our nation’s history,✨ and the feast of bread – when the first bread made from the new harvest is blessed. 🍞The whole country celebrates on this day: with parades, festive masses, cultural events,and in the evening fireworks light up the sky all across Hungary – above the Danube in Budapest, and in many other cities as well. 🎇This holiday is not only about the past, but also a reminder: the Hungarian people have lived in the heart of Europe for a thousand years, preserving our culture, faith, and unity.❤️🤍💚Happy Birthday, Hungary!

Today, for the first time, I told someone that I don’t want to talk to them or get to know them.I was shocked and deeply disturbed – because they were using Hitler’s face as their profile picture.Some may only see the mustache and think it’s funny.But when I was younger, I visited the House of Terror in Budapest and saw what the reality looked like.Dead bodies thrown on top of each other.People starved to death, tortured, and killed.That was Hitler’s legacy. That was what he gave to the world.I know this post might not seem like it belongs here – but that image doesn’t belong here either.And if anyone truly wants to understand what Europeans went through, go to Budapest and visit the House of Terror, or visit a memorial site in Austria or Germany.There, you can learn what really happened.This is why I say: Hitler’s face can never be a joke.Not decoration, not provocation.Every time someone uses that image as a joke, they humiliate the victims again and betray history.Sorry for the heavy words, and thank you for reading. I’m angry and deeply shaken, but I believe we must remember.🙏

Imagiiineee😍🥹 I just watched the 2023 Korean movie "Dream" 🎬 and I was really surprised — I didn’t even know Budapest appeared in it!Honestly, I don’t know many other Asian films where Budapest was part of the story, so this felt like a special moment for me.The movie was originally planned to be filmed elsewhere, but the pandemic changed the plans. These scenes were actually shot here in early 2022.I just looked it up and found that more Asian movies/series were filmed in Budapest!Doctor Stranger (K-drama): Some action scenes were shot here in the city.The Rookies (Chinese action film, 2019): Includes scenes filmed at spots like the Opera House and Liberty Bridge.47 Ronin (2013): A samurai-themed film partly filmed directly in Budapest.Iris (K-drama, 2009): The story takes viewers across Korea, China, and Japan — and Budapest was one of the filming locations!It’s so cool to see Budapest appearing in Asian media too ✨

After an 18-year break, I’m back on the bike 🚴♀️ 3rd ride and almost hit 25 km — just a few hundred meters short! Next time for sure 😉 Step by step😊

Asian culture has never been just “interesting” to me — it feels like a quiet voice calling me home.Not only for its lessons in respect, humility, and harmony… but for a beauty that feels like it has always lived in my heart.In Hungary, I often felt like a stranger looking in from the outside. Maybe I was simply born in the wrong place.But here, in this silent grace, I feel at home.And to those I’ve met here — thank you. Each of you has made this journey warmer, and together we’ve become a family, growing closer in heart and spirit. I'm grateful!!😊🙏我们是一颗心的家人。私たちは一つの心を持つ家族です。우리는 한 마음의 가족입니다.#AsianCulture #Harmony #InnerJourney #HomeOfTheSoul #Respect #Humility

Yesterday, after many years, I finally got back on a bicycle 🚴♀️.Gym workouts haven’t motivated me for a while, but today’s ride felt good not only for my body, but for my soul as well. I stopped along the way to admire my city (yes, I’m truly proud of my homeland ❤️). I saw people paddleboarding on the Danube, and it reminded me that many might not know how many water activities Budapest offers.You can jet ski or SUP directly on the Danube, but if you prefer a calmer, safer spot, you can rent SUP boards at the Danube’s oxbow lake at Kopaszi Dam – they even offer lessons. At the same location, Lágymányosi Spari SE also offers kayaking and canoeing, with regular classes. Of course, there are many other places to try these, but since I personally go here and know them well, I can recommend them wholeheartedly. 😊Tomorrow brings a new adventure: Kamaraerdő with dogs – and if I’m lucky, I might start horse riding again too 🐎.

🌏 A quiet bridge between culturesThe deeper I dive into different Asian cultures, the more parallels I discover.Lately, I came across several Chinese proverbs (or timeless wisdoms) that express the same ideas we have in Hungarian — just with different imagery.To my surprise, I also found similar expressions in Japanese and Korean later on.If you're curious, I’d be happy to share more of those too. 😊But for now, here are 5 beautiful Chinese–Hungarian proverb pairs:🇨🇳 一箭双雕Yī jiàn shuāng diāo🇭🇺 „Két legyet üt egy csapásra.”🧠 To achieve two goals with a single action.🇨🇳 授人以鱼，不如授人以渔Shòu rén yǐ yú, bù rú shòu rén yǐ yú🇭🇺 „Ne halat adj, hanem hálót.”🧠 Teaching someone to be self-reliant is better than giving temporary help.🇨🇳 吃一堑，长一智Chī yī qiàn, zhǎng yī zhì🇭🇺 „A kárán tanul az ember.”🧠 We learn from our mistakes. Failure brings wisdom.🇨🇳 塞翁失马，焉知非福Sàiwēng shīmǎ, yān zhī fēi fú🇭🇺 „Minden rosszban van valami jó.”🧠 A misfortune might turn out to be a blessing.🇨🇳 画蛇添足Huà shé tiān zú🇭🇺 „A jót is el lehet rontani, ha túltolod.”🧠 Don’t overdo what’s already complete – it may ruin the whole.(If I made any mistakes in Chinese or English, please forgive me — I’m still learning with curiosity and love.)🙏😊✨ I love how different languages reflect the same human truths.If you know a similar saying in your own language, share it with me — I’d love to see the connection. 🌿#ChineseProverbs #HungarianWisdom #LanguageBridge #NikolettaVia #HelloTalkVibes

Sometimes, memories come back to us through taste.A few months ago, while I was still living in Bali, I had a conversation with the mother of my business partner – who, by now, feels more like family.She visited us during our last weeks there, and we often talked about traditional Hungarian food.Yes – Bali even has a Hungarian restaurant, and I was happy to visit it. But of course, it’s not the same… the ingredients, the energy, the feeling – it’s different from home.So I told her: when I return, I’ll taste everything I missed.Today, she sent me this:homemade Hungarian bean goulash (babgulyás), made by her, just for me.She knows I like my meat clean and lean, so she prepared it exactly that way – rich in flavor, with soft dumplings (galuska), and a touch of sour cream.You can’t see the love in the photo – but you can taste it in every spoonful. 🥹✨📸 Maybe the photo isn’t high quality, but I believe it still reflects the warmth and richness of this dish. Sometimes, a bowl of food carries more meaning than words🙏

Hi everyone!I recently started posting on a platform similar to Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), where I share content about culture, life, and personal reflections.What kind of content would interest you most?📸 Beautiful places? 🌏 Thoughts about living between cultures? 🧘🏻♀️ Inner growth?I’d really love to hear your thoughts – your input means a lot to me!My name there is: Niki - 李伊珞Thank you for your support! 🤍#文化交流 #外国生活 #跨文化 #小红书 #心灵成长 #自我探索 #美景分享 #匈牙利生活 #李伊珞 #文化笔记

🇭🇺 A whole day in the past – visiting the Skanzen (Hungarian Open Air Museum)Today I visited the Skanzen, and honestly, I had no idea it was this big! It’s not just a museum – it’s like a different world. They even have a mini train to take you from one region to another. Of course, you can walk too, but be ready for a long, beautiful stroll. 😊The official name is the Hungarian Open Air Museum, and it presents everyday rural life in Hungary from the 18th to the 20th century – with real buildings, schools, churches, mills, stables, ovens, and old crafts.The whole area is divided into different regions, for example:🏡 Upper Tisza region🏡 Kisalföld (Small Hungarian Plain)🏡 Bakony & Balaton Highlands🏡 Southern Transdanubia🏡 Transylvania (Erdély) – and more.✨ My favorite was the Transylvanian section, not only because of the beautiful wooden houses, but also because of its historical background. Today it belongs to Romania, but for centuries it was part of the Hungarian Kingdom, and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Walking through it felt like reconnecting with that heritage.🚂 One of the highlights was seeing an old water mill in action – grinding grain just like they did back then. It really brought history to life.💡Extra tip: even the journey there is interesting – if you take the suburban HÉV train, you’ll pass by the ancient Roman ruins of Aquincum, once the capital of the Roman province of Pannonia.📷 I’ll share some pictures right now. If you enjoy history, quiet walks, and stepping back in time – this is the perfect place for you.

Part 2 – Szeged Vendéglő 😊[I wanted to share more from my visit to Szeged Vendéglő, but HelloTalk only allowed one video last time.]Szeged Vendéglő is located at Bartók Béla út 1., just a few steps from Gellért Square in Budapest.🚇 You can take Metro line 4, tram 19 or 41, or even walk across the Liberty Bridge if you’re coming from the city center.Nearby you’ll also find:🏞️ Gellért Hill – with stunning views and the Liberty Statue🏰 Buda Castle and the charming Castle District🚠 The Budapest chairlift (Libegő) for a peaceful ride💦 Rudas and Gellért Baths – famous thermal spas🏙️ And many cute cafés, bookstores, and art shops on the wayIt’s easy to make a full day out of it – relaxing, exploring, and enjoying real Hungarian flavors. 🍲✨

🎥 Today I visited one of my favorite restaurants in Budapest again – Szeged Vendéglő, located in District 11 near Gellért Square. I’ve been coming here for over 10 years now, and it never disappoints.🍲 I had a classic goulash soup as a starter, followed by pan-fried pike-perch fillets with parsley potatoes and lemon. (Pike-perch is a traditional Hungarian freshwater fish – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.)The atmosphere is always warm and inviting, with a rustic Hungarian interior, and during summer there's also a lovely little terrace along the street.What truly impressed me today: an elderly waiter – who’s been working here for at least a decade – was communicating fluently in Japanese with a group of tourists.The guests were clearly delighted, and it was heartwarming to see such respectful and thoughtful service.💬 What I also appreciate is their welcoming attitude toward feedback – they specifically encourage guests to share if something doesn’t suit their taste, saying that every critique is valuable and helps them improve.That’s a rare and admirable approach.📍 Szeged Vendéglő – Bartók Béla út 1., right by Gellért tér.I warmly recommend it to anyone looking for authentic Hungarian dishes in a calm and caring setting. 😊

I was on my way to get a coffee.Then a bat landed on me.I didn’t panic — I just looked at it like,“You too?”And it stayed. Peacefully.It came with me.I was ready to take it out for coffee —but halfway through,we both quietly decided it wouldn't join me after all. 😅Most people would run from a moment like that.I didn’t.I just stood still.And so did the bat.That’s when I realized:Sometimes, even darkness chooses you.Not to hurt you —but to rest.Because you radiate safety.Someone once told me:> “The bat is not blind.It just sees differently.Like you — when you don’t watch with your eyes,but listen with your heart.”(soft pause)> “The world rarely speaks loudly.Nature only speaks to thosewho are quiet enough to hear it.That’s why it flew to you.You didn’t want anything.You didn’t demand anything.You were just… there.”(gentle gaze, small smile)> “Where others reject,you receive.That’s why it didn’t run.It didn’t come to stay —it came to remind you:those who offer peace,are respected even by the dark.”#WhentheDarkChoosesYou #QuietEnergy #NatureKnows #BatStory #SilentConnection #HealingMoments #SpiritualTouch #TrustAndSilence #YiluoReflections

🍲 Homemade Hungarian meat soup, made by my mom 🥰In Hungary, we don’t just cook soup – we put love and tradition into every spoon.This kind of soup is usually served on Sundays, often the very first dish you taste at family gatherings.It’s warm, comforting, and always made with care.When you miss home, this is the kind of food that brings your heart back.Köszönöm, Anyu ❤️#HungarianFood #HomeCooking #FromHungary

🌍 Is Hungarian really one of the hardest languages in the world? Let’s see. 🇭🇺As a native speaker, I often get this question:"Is Hungarian really that difficult to learn?"Well… according to linguists and international rankings, yes — it’s definitely among the top 5 most challenging languages.Here’s why:🔹 It’s not related to Indo-European languages at all – completely different logic.🔹 It has 18+ grammatical cases.🔹 Word order is flexible, but still has hidden rules.🔹 Complex verb conjugations and suffixes.🔹 And pronunciation can be tricky for many learners.According to the Foreign Service Institute, it takes around 44 weeks (1100+ hours) for an English speaker to reach intermediate proficiency – that’s the highest difficulty level for a European language.So yes: Hungarian is hard. But also beautiful, unique, and logical in its own way.Let me know if you're learning Hungarian too!I’d love to hear how you're finding it – or if you’re just curious, ask me anything 💬

Part 2🍂 District XI – Gellért Hill, MOL Tower, Bartók Béla Boulevard– Kopaszi-gát: urban calm by the water– Hármashatár-hegy: yes, again – it deserves repeating– Kelet Café, Hadik: slow mornings with books and silence– Authentic Korean and Chinese restaurants quietly hidden on corners – Asia starts behind an unmarked door---⛰ District XII – Zugliget & Svábhegy– Lóvasút Café: where history meets slow modern– Pagony Garden: a former children's pool turned soul space– János Hill & Erzsébet Lookout: see the whole city breathe from above---🍷 District XXII – Budafok– Budafok Wine Cellars: local tastings in forgotten stone chambers– Szelmann House: a hidden artist's corner– Danube Promenade: peaceful, romantic – and almost always empty---This is where I live.Not on a postcard.Not in a souvenir shop.But where the city still breathes.Where nothing tries to impress you – and somehow, everything does.