I always give Stephen grief because he doesn't write in his blog. His response is always, “There is nothing exciting happening!” I then say, “Just because it’s not exciting to you doesn’t mean we don’t want to hear about it!” I guess I need to take a dose of my own medicine now. I have not written a blog entry in forever, mainly because life has been pretty monotonous (although I imagine laziness also has something to do with it). But, when I stop to think about it, there have been things to mention and pictures to share! (By the way...Stephen update your blog already!!!)
ȘCOALA ALTFEL
After what seemed like a huge block of time with nothing but teaching we had a week at school called, “Școala Altfel.” This was a week of school where the teachers were to do more “camp” like activities with the students. I was lucky enough to go on a trip with my 7th grade class and an 8th grade class to Bran, Brașov and Sinaia! The students and two teachers traveled by bus, but since I was already in București for my annual medical appointments, I met up with them by train, and then local bus, in Bran.
After what seemed like a huge block of time with nothing but teaching we had a week at school called, “Școala Altfel.” This was a week of school where the teachers were to do more “camp” like activities with the students. I was lucky enough to go on a trip with my 7th grade class and an 8th grade class to Bran, Brașov and Sinaia! The students and two teachers traveled by bus, but since I was already in București for my annual medical appointments, I met up with them by train, and then local bus, in Bran.
After a night of keeping a group of about 50 students semi-quiet in the hotel (Believe me, not an easy task!) we headed out to tour Bran the next day!
Bran is a very small town with one big attraction: Bran Castle! This castle is often referred to as “Dracula’s Castle,” but it actually has very little association with Vlad Tepeș of Wallachia, Bram Stoker’s inspiration for Dracula. It just happens to be the location Mr. Stoker picked for his story! Probably because it was appropriately spooky! The castle sits high on a hill and has a very foreboding atmosphere surrounding it. Of course, now it is a tourist attraction and one can go on a tour and learn all about the true history of the location! The interior displays art and furniture collected by Romania’s Queen Maria. See the link below for some more information on Bran Castle!
The next day we headed to Sinaia to see Peleș Castle. Peles Castle is considered by many one of the most beautiful castles in all Europe. It was the final resting place for several Romanian monarchs including King Carol I, who died there in 1914. I had already been to this castle before, but was happy to return. When I was there before I only toured the main floor, but this time, I was able to do the entire tour...it was amazing! Of course, you had to pay extra for pictures, so I don’t have any of my own from inside...but take my word for it...it’s beautiful! Lots of dark, carved wood throughout and very comfortable, for a castle! Here is a link to some of the interior rooms:
And here is another link to read more about Peleș Castle!
After touring this castle we decided to head into Brașov...the kids wanted to go to a mall and grab a bite to eat! Well...easier said than done. Our bus driver was not so clear on where, in fact, the nice Brașov mall was, so we ended up at a little shopping area “mall” which only had one restaurant, a pizza place (of course!). So, we all ordered pizza and then it was back to Bran for one last night...a night with a disco for the kids!!! Yes, the hotel opened up their bar and had a DJ and the kids danced the night away. It was LOUD and lots of fun for them. Claudia, Violetta and I sat, watched, and enjoyed the festivities and then called a halt to them, finally, around midnight!
The next day the students and teachers headed back home by bus, and I took the train back to București to finish up my medicals. Believe me, I was not so bummed about that as a 13 hour bus trip did not thrill me! Overall, it was a great experience!
SPRING BREAK
The next two weeks were Spring Break!!! What a treat! A lot of my PC friends went off to exciting and exotic places...I pretty much stayed home. My friends Jon and Abby came to visit for a few days. We did some geocaching (http://www.geocaching.com), walked through the Roman ruins and made tacos!
The next weekend I headed back to București. I had to pick up a new bite plate (yes, I still grind my teeth!!) and had a meeting with the Country Director about a big party in September which I have been asked to assist with. No biggie...just a little soirée at the Ambassador’s home with about 300+ people! ;)
The thing I love about București is that every time you turn a corner there is something interesting and surprising to see. I’ve mentioned before that I find Romania a country of contradictions...and this city is just that. You’ll be walking down a street which has typical communist era blocs on either side and then BAM you turn the corner and in front of you is an amazing structure...maybe a church...maybe just another building...but it’s beautiful and just sitting there! On this trip I discovered some new views to share. Unfortunately, my camera is now broken so there is a black splotch in the corner of all pictures (luckily I can crop it out). (Also, luckily, Mom is bringing my nice camera when she comes to visit!).
SPRING FEVER HAS HIT!!
This says it all!
ONE YEAR MARK!!
On April 28th I hit the one year mark! I cannot believe I've been in Romania for one year already...time is moving so quickly. The day was pretty anti-climactic - I walked down to the river that evening and had a beer...toasting myself for one year down and one to go!!
LILIAC FESTIVAL
Two weeks ago I went to the country with my friend Flori and her husband. We went about an hour north which put us at the foot of the Carpathians. After visiting with some of their friends who lived nearby, we went to the Liliac Festival. Of course, to get there we had to CLIMB a mountain! Well, we only had to climb about 2km, and it was on a road, but still...it was all UP HILL and the sun was blazing, and it was hotter than hell! I though I was going to die! And of course, I had on the completely wrong shoes (I was not pre-informed about the climbing portion of the day!) We finally get to the top and it was typically like many other Romanian festivals: a lot of booths set up selling anything from toys for the kids to shoes and socks! There were the requisite booths selling food and beer as well as a stage set up with traditional Romanian musicians and dancers. As it was in the mountains the festival was set up along a winding road filled with lilacs. I must say, it did smell nice! After putzing around for about an hour, we descended the mountain taking a shortcut. A shortcut that was basically a narrow path, straight down the mountainside! There was no railing and the trail was covered in old, dried leaves. I seriously though I was going to slip and slid down the mountain...NOT the best time - I was quite nervous! By the time we made it back to their friends house where we were going to have dinner I was exhausted! They let me take a nap inside while the meet was being grilled. I collapsed and feel asleep immediately - what a wuss I am!! After a long, 12 hour day, I arrived home and wanted nothing more than a hot shower. Of course NO WATER! There was some work going on in the city and they had turned all the water off for 24 hours. Ugh!
REPTILE EXHIBIT
Today, instead of teaching 7th grade I went with them to a special Reptile Exhibit that was in town for the week. We walked across town to a hotel of sorts. In one of the big rooms there were about 25+ aquariums set up with snakes, iguanas, turtles, and more. I thought it was a little sad to see these animals in such small homes, but the kids loved it! They even got to hold one of the little snakes. The weather was beautiful today and the kids had a great time playing around on the walk. Overall, it was much more fun than sitting in English class!!
So, that’s about it for now. You are all caught up. There are about 6 weeks of school left, so I’m busy in the flow of lesson planning, lesson planning and more lesson planning! I hope you are all having a wonderful spring! Ciao!
ONE YEAR MARK!!
On April 28th I hit the one year mark! I cannot believe I've been in Romania for one year already...time is moving so quickly. The day was pretty anti-climactic - I walked down to the river that evening and had a beer...toasting myself for one year down and one to go!!
LILIAC FESTIVAL
Two weeks ago I went to the country with my friend Flori and her husband. We went about an hour north which put us at the foot of the Carpathians. After visiting with some of their friends who lived nearby, we went to the Liliac Festival. Of course, to get there we had to CLIMB a mountain! Well, we only had to climb about 2km, and it was on a road, but still...it was all UP HILL and the sun was blazing, and it was hotter than hell! I though I was going to die! And of course, I had on the completely wrong shoes (I was not pre-informed about the climbing portion of the day!) We finally get to the top and it was typically like many other Romanian festivals: a lot of booths set up selling anything from toys for the kids to shoes and socks! There were the requisite booths selling food and beer as well as a stage set up with traditional Romanian musicians and dancers. As it was in the mountains the festival was set up along a winding road filled with lilacs. I must say, it did smell nice! After putzing around for about an hour, we descended the mountain taking a shortcut. A shortcut that was basically a narrow path, straight down the mountainside! There was no railing and the trail was covered in old, dried leaves. I seriously though I was going to slip and slid down the mountain...NOT the best time - I was quite nervous! By the time we made it back to their friends house where we were going to have dinner I was exhausted! They let me take a nap inside while the meet was being grilled. I collapsed and feel asleep immediately - what a wuss I am!! After a long, 12 hour day, I arrived home and wanted nothing more than a hot shower. Of course NO WATER! There was some work going on in the city and they had turned all the water off for 24 hours. Ugh!
Today, instead of teaching 7th grade I went with them to a special Reptile Exhibit that was in town for the week. We walked across town to a hotel of sorts. In one of the big rooms there were about 25+ aquariums set up with snakes, iguanas, turtles, and more. I thought it was a little sad to see these animals in such small homes, but the kids loved it! They even got to hold one of the little snakes. The weather was beautiful today and the kids had a great time playing around on the walk. Overall, it was much more fun than sitting in English class!!
So, that’s about it for now. You are all caught up. There are about 6 weeks of school left, so I’m busy in the flow of lesson planning, lesson planning and more lesson planning! I hope you are all having a wonderful spring! Ciao!
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