I hope something will really change today.

I’m talking about politics.

Politics in my life

It’s not by chance that I don’t talk about politics. Years ago, I excluded receiving and dealing with the news from my life.

My father expressed his opinion at the beginning of this period, which coincided with mine: a responsible person cannot withdraw himself from observing and understanding what is happening in his country and the world.

At that time, I told him that I couldn’t seriously deal with it as long as I saw that most people in our country only talked about what was wrong, but no one (in my environment) did anything, only talked. This is true for me too! I said that the next time I want to deal with politics, I want to deal with it when I see that there is action.

It is now.

Hungary and I

That’s why in the past few weeks – after many, many years – I’ve been watching the news again, which now mostly revolves around the election events.

Dad was surprised that I was now more informed. He was the first person I said out loud what had been on my mind for weeks.

In my article “The decision” I wrote this 16 months ago:

For a few years now, I’ve been thinking that it’s not good here. I don’t like the mentality that says if you’re not like this, then that’s it. There’s no alternative. I want to live in a country where not one out of ten people, but six or seven, smile back at me. Where most human relationships are guided by friendship, honesty, and mutual respect. I try to be Hungarian outside of Hungary, maybe somewhere else I can be proud that I was born Hungarian.

In recent months, I have been asked several times why I don’t like Hungary. Budapest is beautiful. Lake Balaton is beautiful. Orbán is a strong leader. These are pretty much the opinions I have encountered during my trip so far.

I told my father that I only keep the end result in my heart, the overall impression that I am not good at home.

In recent weeks, I have started reading the news because I realized that they are now very systematically summarizing the crimes of the government that was called the current government until yesterday. So, the next time someone asks me or initiates a debate with me on the subject, I can already be prepared to list the crimes committed against our country. The crimes committed from within.

Because I have no doubt that the leadership that has not yet resigned is guilty.

For me, their biggest crime is not that … I won’t even start. That is not my goal with this article.

The biggest crime that this famous company has committed is that they divided Hungary. I alluded to this in the text quoted above. But they have divided not only the country, but also families and friends.

This is the most heinous crime of all their crimes!

I do not wish them any punishment. Instead, I wish that every Hungarian wishes for this to end. Let us turn our energies to the future and not to the past!

But I do not trust this at all! Perhaps more people will proclaim the acceptance of differences of opinion, tolerance, respect for others, but the division will always be there for some reason.

Come home!

I didn’t plan to write about this topic at all.

However, there was a sentence among the morning news:

Péter Magyar also addressed Hungarians living abroad, he said, “come home”, because Hungary will be a country where the police and the secret service serve Hungarians.

At the same time, he also answered my why:

According to the party chairman, it is a wonderful thing to be Hungarian today, and the Tisza Party will represent all Hungarians, because this is the job of the Hungarian government at any given time, we should not differentiate between Hungarians and Hungarians, we should not divide them, because that is a sin.

I would like to believe this, Péter!

I would like to believe that when years from now I say, “Péter Magyar, Prime Minister”, there will be a feeling of gratitude in my heart, not bitterness, like now, upon hearing this title.

We are already past the Turkish, Austrian, Trianon, German, Soviet, Orange… Our children should no longer be able to say, a little disappointed, in the middle of their lives that it hasn’t been good for us yet, but it will be for our children. We have been doing this for a long line of generations.

If you can make this happen, one day I might consider going home.

Until then, I am happy elsewhere!

Postscript: I took the picture yesterday in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. It depicts the World Peace Gong. I was also thinking about its message this morning.

The post 252. | Come home! first appeared on Digital Nomad Blog.

It could even be a desert

My answer is always that the place is beautiful, I am satisfied with everything. I feel good. I am happy.

I often add that the place does not matter. If I had to live in a desert – I feel – I would be happy there too. Many people have heard this from me.

Since I found the idea that the home I have always wanted is within me, I no longer consciously strive for any place.

Now adventure and curiosity drive me forward. That is why I became a digital nomad. That is why I share my room with a rat if necessary. That is why cold water is good and there is no lack of a kitchen.

Why not Hungary?

A few days ago, during a conversation with a friend of mine, the question was not asked, but it was very much in the air:

If you can be happy anywhere, why aren’t you happy there?

I felt that the fact that I no longer want to live in my native country is in quite a strong contradiction with my statement that I can be happy anywhere.

I wrote this short post to resolve this contradiction.

I could be happy anywhere. I know this for sure, I feel it. Even in Hungary. And the truth is just this:

I simply don’t want to be happy in Hungary.

I chose this because I choose my destiny.

The post 238. | Why here? Why not there? first appeared on Digital Nomad Blog.

For the sake of keeping the timeline and the excellent concluding sentence written in the previous post, this post must precede my church reports.

I don’t want to dwell on this conflict for too long, because it is no more than a fly’s-eye on the wall. It is only interesting for its background.

Who didn’t I have a conflict with?

I need to reassure everyone now!

Although the post ended with “I had an authentic dinner on the way home, and then I had a long conversation with my older daughter at home about the topic of the next post. Beware, conflict is coming!”, the problem was not with my daughter.

Why is this conflict issue even interesting?

I just discovered a lack a few weeks ago, which I later told many people about, but for some reason it wasn’t important to write about.

I realized that conflict has been missing from my life for about 5 months. People here somehow live without it. Or at least most people do, because I haven’t seen any fights since I’ve lived in Asia.

But! I saw one. There was a couple in Koh Samui who regularly yelled at each other every evening, until the lady finally left the house for the last time one night, with a lot of fuss.

But apart from that – I swear – I don’t even remember a loud exchange of words, anywhere.

So I didn’t get that either, but the lack didn’t show for a long time.

It suddenly occurred to me that no one here has ever sent me to my mother’s house if I accidentally stepped out onto the road early. But not even if I accidentally didn’t step out when I should have. No one mentions the connection between a man’s genitals and his mouth if I accidentally step in front of him in the store in a way he didn’t expect. If I say no, I haven’t yet received a response that says “fuck me”. And I think I could go on and on with the examples, but there’s no point.

I think everyone knows exactly what I’m writing about from their own experiences. So it’s certainly understandable what’s not here.

Hungary, you are written in my heart, Hungary!

After all this, nothing could be more natural that the first conflict reached me from Hungary after a 5-month absence.

I received a letter from the common representative of the condominium that the newest neighbor (they have been living next door to us for about 1.5 years) reported that my daughter’s family is loud at night and they can’t rest.

I won’t continue this story, that’s enough of it. Who is loud, who has a low threshold of stimulation, who does this, who does that, the story is also familiar to everyone who has not lived on a farm in the Great Plain – in the middle of nowhere – for a long time. In Hungarian, anyone who has a neighbor will sooner or later have a problem.

But – and with this I am slowly closing this entry – why is this not here, or why can’t I see any trace of it. Why does it come from where I already came from.

I didn’t send my answer to the neighbor – of course there was a short exchange of letters with him.
By short, I mean that I wrote a fairly short response to his long letter and suggestions, whereupon he sent another long letter in which he repeated everything. I did not reply to that.

And of course, I did not send him my first short response, but the one I had already slept through.

The first one would have been this:

Dear neighbor!

I am grateful for your letter!

If there were a moment in my life when I would start to forget why I no longer wanted to live in Hungary, then a reminder message like the one you just sent will always come in handy.

People like you play a big role in my not wanting to live in my country anymore mentality. Thank you for reminding me that I was once like that too.

That ego-driven smart person who is right and will prove his rightness well. He doesn’t threaten (but, yes), he doesn’t slip up when he has to (but, yes) and he doesn’t twist words so nicely that they always lean towards him. But, yes.

Thanks again for reminding me that I was like that and also that thank you very much, I won’t ask from you again.

Don’t worry, I didn’t send this message, it just belongs to this story.

We’ll see what happens with this butterfly fart problem, but I promise I won’t write it. LOL.

Postscript

The day before I left Wat Pa Tam Wua, there was a residents’ meeting in Hungary, in the apartment building where I live.

My daughter is the owner of the apartment. So it is almost her duty to attend this residents’ meeting. But we had discussed in advance that due to the current situation, it was especially important for her to be there, because we would be surprised if the neighbor in question did not bring up the situation.

Of course he did. He tried to get the residents of the apartment building to tune in to the “situation”, but as we discussed afterwards, no one was receptive to it. Because there is no situation.

The point of this post is not what and how it was said. What is important to me is that my daughter handled this topic of the residents’ meeting in the most professional way possible, in accordance with her own temperament and the calm, polite answers we had agreed on in advance.

All I want to say about this is that I am immensely proud of her. This is not the first time she has shown her mettle on the stage of life.

I am also very proud of my younger daughter, she has also stood up for herself in all kinds of situations several times. She has not had anything like this yet, but her time will surely come.

But let this post simply end with the fact that I have great daughters, and I am grateful to them for contributing to the realization of my dream journey by becoming adults.

The post 214. | Hello, my old friend, conflict! first appeared on Digital Nomad Blog.

Summary

A personal writing about why leaving Hungary became part of my identity, and how the division affects me, seen from the outside.

I left Hungary, this is already part of my identity.

There are things that you say once. And from then on you can’t go back.

I am a Hungarian, I will always be Hungarian. I think in Hungarian, I am a lover of the Hungarian language, I love Hungarian folk music, but I no longer live in my homeland.

A year ago I wrote my post entitled “The decision”. It included a list of the cornerstones that I put under my decision. In point 10 I said that I don’t like this country.

It was a coincidence – I was joking, I’m definitely not! – that exactly one year after the aforementioned article was written, I came across an article by Vujity Tvrtko.

This article closes a triangle in my life.

The First Corner

2024.10.16

Exactly two months before writing “The Decision”, I saw Vujity Tvrtko in person for the first time in my life at one of his lectures.

I really liked his style, his professionalism. It brought me a lot of insight. But back then I didn’t think how decisive one of his ideas would be in my life.

Tvrtko told me why he couldn’t live as a Hungarian in Hungary. He told me what made this impossible.

In the past year, several people have asked me why I don’t like my native country. At that time, I always brought up Tvrtko’s idea. The problem with this country is that if you’re not like this (here he raised one hand), then you’re like that (here he raised the other).

This means exactly what so many of us in this country don’t like. We are divided. If you don’t like the party, then you’re an enemy. There is no middle ground. The country is black and white. The two sides cannot move forward in meaningful, reasoned debates and conversations.

This determines the public mood. In my opinion, my country is suffering from a total depression on a political and social level. And I don’t want to elaborate or explain this thought of mine, because it may be professionally incorrect, but I think it misses the point.

I have been involved in conversations where – outsiders – tried to convince me that this is indeed a good country. In each case, my only argument was that as a resident there, I cannot accept this.

I don’t like this country because we cannot think together, often not even on the most basic issues.

I am publishing my opinion above only so that it is clear why I say that part of my identity is that I left the country. I neither want to start a debate nor accept counterarguments. This is about me.

If you love this country, I respect your opinion and I’m happy for your feelings.

The Second Corner

2024.12.16

I wrote my post.

With that, I internalized Tvrtko’s opinion.

The words that were said and understood were important in my decision.

The Third Corner

2025.12.22

I came across a piece by Tvrtko, which I will include in this post in its original form, along with the source.

I didn’t want to write this post before Christmas. After all, it’s only a holy holiday.

But now is the time, because – unfortunately – I agree with everything he says. Besides, Tvrtko is a much better writer than I am, so I’ll let his words speak for me.

Peaceful, happy hatred…

The title is strong, I admit. With this, I would like to draw attention to something that you will soon be able to see with your own eyes, and which you can already feel on your own skin! I am writing all this from many years of experience, and I am afraid that this year will be no different…

I spent two and a half months in my country, which for me is the most beautiful country in the world. I love Hungary more than Hawaii, all of America, more than any other place in the world. And I consider its people to be one of, if not the most talented people in the world.

Wonderful people of a fantastic country, who are constantly being poisoned. Moreover, with emotions, so much tension, and a terrible public discourse. And who controls the public discourse? Well, the elected representatives, that is, the politicians! Those who are paid by the people, those who could even spread peace, tranquility and love with this money.

Let everyone decide: do they do this…

The main point of my writing is what will happen now. I am not predicting, as I indicated, I know, I say and write what is coming, and you can check my words and lines: within days, the politicians’ social media platforms will be flooded with messages accompanied by cute photos saying “I wish you a blessed, peaceful, happy Christmas!”, only to continue what has been happening so far: the belittling, scolding and discrediting of opponents! Is this honest? Is this okay? Everyone should answer for themselves…

My only comment now is: respect for the exceptions!!! For those whose voices are barely heard in the great noise! ​​

It was shocking to experience in Hungary how some people rejoice in the failure, inefficiency, and downfall of others. Not only in mass comments, but also in edited articles, programs, and content produced for a lot of money, “journalists,” “opinion leaders,” and politicians rejoiced that “X.Y. is burning a lot!”, “Y.Z. got into someone with a pair of legs,” “X.Y.’s meeting was a terrible failure,” “The Hungarian politician humiliated Y.Z. to the point of humiliation…”

I wasn’t lazy, I checked the social media pages of a couple of Hungarian representatives: there are some who haven’t written a single word about their own plans, political promises, commitments to serve the public good, or their achievements this month; however, in dozens of posts and videos produced for a lot of money, they scolded, insulted, and disparaged their opponents (or rather, their enemies in this case). Of course, the question is naive: do people want to pay their taxes for this? I ask again: is this right?

The question is legitimate: do I have a say in this, since I have been living at the end of the world for years, writing these lines from Panama City, for example?!

My answer: partly because of the above, I moved from the country that I love the most in the world! On the other hand: as long as I am a Hungarian taxpayer (also), I feel entitled to express my opinion on what my taxes are spent on (also). By the way: I have traveled more than half of the world. There may be those who are curious about an even broader perspective, experiences, or even the peace and tranquility of Aloha. Aloha is not just a greeting. Its meaning: God’s breath…

My God, what would my country and my people be capable of if the money spent on hatred, the time wasted on it, and the nervous system consumed by it were used by the people and the leaders of society to create and grow…?! It’s a poetic question, we will never know the answer. On the other hand, we can continue to watch the “happy” joy of our politicians and some of our compatriots who applaud rude insults, rejoice in the humiliation of others, and cry for the failure of some: “Hurray, someone didn’t succeed…”

Of course, building roads, filling potholes, paying salaries is important, but it seems that we have completely forgotten about the healing power of peace. And about the destructive effect of hatred. And politicians have also “successfully” managed to make us completely ignorant of it: a democratic election is basically about parties publishing their programs, and voters deciding who to elect based on those…

And what is the end result: today, journalists are slandering journalists, actors are slandering actors, singers are slandering singers. Entire editorial teams have been created to discredit others. Professions, societies, friendships and families are trying to find out who is a sympathizer of which political force… In the eyes of many, it is no longer important who receives what award, but who receives it from. But what is the point of an election victory when families’ Sunday dinner tables are being destroyed one after another?!

A few years ago, a politician with many children fell into a coma during the coronavirus pandemic, and it was alarming to read the MASSIVE comments about how many people hoped that his condition would get even worse; and how many expressed their joy when our other politician died, because “There is one less of them…”

I could go on and on, but I won’t. One way or another: if a single drop of poison is dropped into a glass of clean water, the entire contents of the glass will be poisoned. And that poison is currently dripping continuously. So that we can now read the “Wishing you a blessed, peaceful holiday and a happy new year!” posts for a few days. And then…?! You’ll see! I wish I was wrong…

Friendly: Vujity Tvrtko

Postscript: As usual, I didn’t mention a single party or politician’s name in my post. Please don’t do it, I wrote about a societal phenomenon!

source: Facebook

The post 186. | Peaceful, happy hatred… first appeared on Digital Nomad Blog.

Summary

What does a flag really mean? Belonging or division? A personal story about human equality, empathy, and the freedom to dream.

Does something often disturb your peace?

It rarely happens to me these days.

I think that when something happens less often, it brings up greater feelings.

Two or three weeks ago I saw a picture on Facebook. A Hungarian man was proudly holding a Hungarian flag. Not the official flag of the Republic of Hungary, but some older flag. I apologize right now that I have no idea what kind of flag it was!

For some reason, this flag, this picture, disturbed my peace.

That’s what I’m writing about now.

What is a flag?

The flag is a symbol of belonging.

It means that we are one, because we march under one flag. It is difficult to find anything bitter in this simple sentence. But the feeling immediately takes on a different flavor if we continue the definition of the flag. The flag also means that whoever does not march under our flag is different. This does not necessarily mean that they are enemies. But – I think – in most cases it does mean that.

Why do we need to make a distinction so much?

This question has occupied me all my life, it has always touched me. However, today it is more deeply affecting me…

I think the reason for this may be the empathy inherent in me. For some reason, I often feel that there is a person behind every action. Of course, ego and especially arrogance have often led, are leading and will lead me astray from this recognition. But today I consciously strive to make this happen as rarely as possible.

We are brothers

In recent months, the idea that we are all one has been discussed countless times around me in one way or another.

Just think about how many people have called me “bro.” Some didn’t use the abbreviation. Or, for example, how many of us have called each other “friend,” simply because we are completely open to each other.

How many encounters have I had recently where the handshake of introduction was followed by a firm and very warm hug. Not every introduction is like that, of course, but the first goodbye almost certainly ends with a hug. Sometimes we even repeat it.

How many conversations have you had recently that “we are all brothers and sisters.”

How good it is that for months now, exclusion, judgment, and even the thought of any kind of discrimination have been avoided!

In this environment and the peace I have been living in for the past many months, I think it is completely understandable that the waving of a flag creates waves in my soul.

Maybe this isn’t about the flag, it’s about me.

In Thailand and here, in Indonesia, I see a lot of flags. Much more than I usually see in Hungary. Except of course on our important holidays, because then one of the flags is on every light pole.

Here, the prominent symbol of the nations is truly part of everyday life. I have taken many photos of flags in recent months. Because for some reason here they whisper to me that this country is proud to exist, but at the same time it does not exclude me either. This feeling has been confirmed by locals several times in conversations with them.

In Hungary, I often felt that a “real Hungarian” puts a flag on his house, and someone who does not is not “real”. Unfortunately, I left my homeland with the feeling in my heart that even the flag divides us.

I may be wrong and have misinterpreted my feelings about home. Unfortunately, however, the conversations I have had with my Hungarian friends in the past months have not dispelled this unpleasant feeling.

Imagine…

I may be a dreamer, but right now I’m dreaming that you’ll press the play button and continue reading while listening to the well-known song.

Imagine (John Lennon)

Play Stop

Steve player

Watch on YouTube

Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one

The post 177. | The wind is waving a flag first appeared on Digital Nomad Blog.