First impressions

Buna Ziua (Good day):

Two weeks have passed since we arrived in Bucharest. God has definitely been with us every step of the way! We praise Him for his faithfulness. Here are a few of our first experiences:

Best things we've eaten: Ciorba de perisuare (a sour soup with veggies and cream) and all kinds of different cheeses!

Worst thing I've eaten: raw bacon (by mistake – hey, it was shaped like lunch meat!)

Best cultural experience: we were invited to hear one of the teens from our church perform at the “George Inescu Music Festival” open air concert at the Revolutionary Plaza.

Most frustrating experience: Not speaking the language! I ordered 2 coffees and 2 chocolate crepes. I got 3 coffees and 1 crepe. Don't let them fool you - speaking Spanish doesn't get you very far in Bucharest!

Most fascinating experience: Monica, the pastor's wife, took us on a walking tour of downtown Bucharest where she participated in the 1989 revolution. She showed us the places where the main events occurred and shared her memories and feelings.

What I really enjoyed: Parcul Carol (a park around the corner from the house). There are wide open plazas with fountains and tree lined walk ways where Olivia rides her bicycle. Lots of families are walking and playing together on the playgrounds, skating, etc. It was fascinating to see how Olivia opens doors for us to talk to people. Now we just need to learn how to understand them!

What I disliked the most: twice I've stepped in dog poop and tracked it into the house. This is why Romanians remove their shoes at the door (I'm a slow learner).

Most unusual thing: The escalator at the grocery store is a ramp instead of stairs. You push your shopping cart onto the ramp and it stays in place without rolling out of control because the wheels are magnetic. Very smart!