Few people visit Budjak - a semi-deserted multi-ethnic region between Odesa, Moldavia and Romania - other than the constant traffic rumbling through, on its way to somewhere else. From ancient times this area was populated by nomadic tribes and for them the road served as the key notion. It is the land of anticipation where everything is seemingly quiet and waiting for resolution. These roadside cafes are cosy islands of small business within the endless plains of approaching capitalism. The idea of opening a cafe at the roaside which no one uses is completely utopian. What will happen to them? Will they still be here?

Originally published by Calvert Journal and shown at the Odesa Biennale in 2017.