We were staying around the corner from Kokoro here in Tulum without even knowing it— there’s a sign up against jungle foliage with a path and no further explanation. But at night, the path is lit up with string lights, inviting and mysterious. We wandered down the path and found the first pool I’ve seen that actually feels lagoon-like, and a Japanese restaurant with a grill on the first floor and sushi on the mezzanine.

If a sushi place looks pretty good, I’m almost always going to go for the omakase. So we decided to make reservations and return the following night to check it out.

What followed was a wonderful meal, most of which is pictured here ¹. The toro sashimi and toro nigiri with black truffle were particularly special, as was the quail egg and nori “taco”. It’s a privilege to be able to take vacations, and it’s even more of a privilege to be able to find a restaurant like this and let the chef do whatever they want. These are the experiences I treasure.

Well-earned tacos al pastor (ok and dos de pollo y uno gringo al pastor), with my happy face.

Good thing we’re not really beach people. But 80s, cloudy, and a nice breeze is how I like to drink by the sand.

A rare picture of myself. Introducing, Vacay Jay. (It’s pouring here in Tulum, I’ve got to entertain myself somehow).

A more low key day today, what with the ceaseless Caribbean rain, but had some aguachile, yucca fries, and tacos al pastor today.

So tonight I was introduced to a “caprese salad” which was actually burrata and pesto stuffed into an heirloom tomato and I was very happy.

No pictures once it was sliced open, it was gone too fast.

These rice noodle wrapped shrimp were amazing.

The sea bass was fine.

I know it’s going to be a bad day at the gym when they only put one weight in my box.

Bawlmer

Good dinner.

This was a lot of chilaquiles. Only ate about half.

Dinner. A lot of food for just under 700 calories (not shown, the rest of that pita in my hand that I ate already).

So dramatic.

All three fields at Roosevelt Park have Little League games going right now. Baltimore is healing.

She’s not sad. This is just her face.

Her Majesty

May have gone overboard cooking for one. I also made a salad. 🙊

Taiwan is my favorite country that I’ve visited.

Walkies!!!

When I try to cook this many things at once, something always gets messed up. This time it was slightly over cooking the pork chop. But overall, a successful, healthy Sunday dinner. The mushrooms were the best part.

I have family in Israel that I love. I have had three incredible trips there, including the very last trip my grandmother made. In some ways, there’s no where I want to go more with Elsa and with my parents, who haven’t gone since the early 80s.

I cannot in good conscious spend money in Israel.

I have had complex feelings about Israel nearly all of my life, but the rightward swing of its government and people in the last 10-15 years is not complicated.