My New Home Away from Home

The Primary Building a.k.a. The Yellow Building

Our new educational facilities have been likened to the grounds of Harry Potter's school! There are grand staircases, glistening chandeliers and fabric covered walls. The buildings are quite breathtaking both inside and out and offer a variety of outdoor activities. There are tennis courts with basketball hoops, known as a pitch by my British Counterparts, outdoor swimming pools and a wealth of trees. Like so many things in Romania, this setting is A-typical when thinking of a new school.

In contrast to the romantic picture created above, my classroom is quite standard, at least in some ways! I have been given the old swimming pool changing room!!! It, unlike many of it's neighboring rooms, does not have fabric covered walls or dangling lights. Rather we have brown paint and fluorescent squares! Unfortunately it is a bit small; however, the close setting creates a very cozy environment! We are located right next to the cafeteria, once the swimming pool, which offers the benefit of never being far from food!

There are some interesting logistics at the school. There are fences all around, and you can only enter using a swipe card. Parents are restricted to a small area, far from our main building, and have been invited into the school only once. We are allotted a certain amount of paper monthly as well as erasers, known as rubbers, and other basics. All classrooms have interactive whiteboards which unfortunately do not interact! All students are required to wear "indoor shoes," meaning that students have two pairs: one strictly for outside and one strictly for inside. This action was required to help preserve the carpet. One more detail..... handicap accessibility is not important; there are no ramps or consideration for such things.

This school year has been memorable to say the least!

Snow Snow Everywhere!!!!

When we returned from our adventures in Hungary, Chels and I walked into a winter wonderland! Literally we walked in it because the train could not pull up to the platform, therefore, we trampled through about two feet of untouched snow! This weather, although beautiful and romantic, was a bit problematic!

The problems began when trying to find our car, Sam, amongst the drifts. Only by chance and memory could we remember where we had roughly parked. After some digging we indeed found our blue automobile and the correct license plate. Unfortunately, Sam was so covered and barricaded that we took the metro home.

From home, we formulated an action plan! We needed a shovel. Sadly, I did not have one. This feeling of inadequacy was new as I had a shovel in my Wyoming car, a shovel in my apartment and probably ten more at home on the ranch! We peered into some of the local shops but had no luck.

I decided to seek advice from a more experienced Bucharestian, my neighbor Ina. I asked if she had a shovel which we might borrow. No she did not, but she did have contacts!!!! After three phone calls, she had found me not only a shovel but a shoveler! To make a long story short, after a twenty minute subway ride, a ten minute walk in the snow, three more phone calls to Ina and our shoveler, a ride in a van, a broom, a homemade shovel and 70 Ron, our car was set free!

Although it has dirtied several floors, created some traffic accidents and cut down walking areas, the snow has created a magical blanket on Bucharest that not only brightens it's gray buildings but creates a feeling of newness. With this white cover, it is hard not to enjoy soup and hot chocolate, snowmen making and ice skating is a must!

Christmas Travels!!

View of Florence from Boboli Gardens

As so many do, I was traveling over this Christmas season. During a three week vacation, I was able to see Ireland, Italy and Hungary. My friend Chelsea was able to come on two of these trips! My travels began in Ireland, headed south to Italy and then Northwest to Budapest, Hungary. As I have already shared my Ireland experience, I will begin with "Italia."


At the risk of sounding cliche, the phrase, "When in Rome..." was uttered often during our five day adventure there! Rome was, hands down, a favorite in my book of travels! Upon arriving at our hostel, Chelsea and I were immediately tempted to wander about the city. Our efforts were greatly rewarded when we were treated to the amazing architecture, old and new, that was peppered allover the city! The structures were impressive not only for their massive size but also their detailed designs. Much like the structures of Rome, the people there were amazing and friendly. Chels and I were frequently stopped, mostly by men, and told, "bella, bella." The service was refreshing and warm, with a variety of complimentary items from the menus. Rome was also quite enticing due to the great history and museums available. As some would predict the Sistine Chapel was well worth the hour and 45 minute wait in line. The Colosseum, likewise, was a terrific and worthwhile excursion. The lines were once again incredibly long and the ruins of the old gladiator stomping grounds have quite a story if told properly. A guided tour of this tourist attraction was well worth the Euros!

Line waiting to go to Vatican City

Chels and Ali overlooking Florence

The countryside of Italy
Florence was charming in an entirely different capacity. Although a large city of 600,000 it held a much more quaint feel. The architecture was once again breathtaking, but the sidewalks seemed smaller, the distance between destinations shorter and the buildings a bit smaller. One particularly attractive feature was the formidable sized open air market. The leather market is world renowned and has been in existence for decades. I myself, quite unexpectedly, purchased a leather jacket from the streets of Florence. Florence also houses the magnificent and admired Statue of David; it was once again not disappointing. A definite highlight included visiting the Boboli Gardens and for an art enthusiast the Uffizi Gallery is fantastic. It was here that we had one of our most enjoyable Italian meals! I should mention that although cream sauces are available, there is NO alfredo! Most of the sauces and dishes are much oilier. Regardless of our enjoyment of this city, we were ready and eager to return to Rome!

On a whim of sorts, Chels and I decided to take our adventure to Budapest, Hungary! We did so by riding a train for fifteen hours there and back. We decided to pamper ourselves and get a sleeping car! Travel by train is an experience all it's own. Our cabin was what one would picture for a ship. We had three bunks per room which were spaced only far apart enough to hunch in! Our first cabin, what we would later consider luxurious, had a mirror, plug in and more than adequate heating. This was in comparison to our second cabin, on a 40 year old train, where the bunk beds were closer together, there was no heating, no plug ins and we had snow in our room when we awoke in the morning!

Outside of Train Number 2

I'm eating Langos and wiping grease on my hat

Buda from the Pest side

Budapest was equally as charming as Florence. The buildings were colorful, close together and had neo-gothic architecture. Unlike some of the other European countries I've been to, the language there was completely unrelated to English, Spanish or Romanian. Likewise, their metro system was one I've not been to where at some stops you are on the honor system and at others guards protect the entrance and ask for tickets. Budapest is divided into two parts: Buda and Pest. The Buda side fulfills the romantic soul while the Pest area is more for the young and adventurous. Here we enjoyed large meat and vegetable markets as well as some traditional food such as Langos and Hungarian Goulash.

Although it is always nice to see new places, there is something comforting about returning to the old!

What can I get you, Love??

Oh, Ireland!!! I knew I would love my visit here when at the Passport Control desk, the man said, "Love, have a great time!"

I must admit that I had a few preconceived notions about Ireland before visiting. I envisioned rolling, green hills, stone fences and fairies! I found two out of three of these, which isn't too bad!

As we flew into Dublin, I couldn't help but notice how green all of the fields appeared to be. I thought, "Perhaps they look so green just from a distance. Surely, at this time of year, they're not really that color." It's a good thing I didn't make any bets on this statement because the scenery was indeed as green as a summer in Wyoming!

My journey began in Dublin. I took a bus to my hostel, the Avalon House, and then headed out on the town. Dublin itself has some fantastic old buildings, many of which reminded me of buildings in London. There were several cobblestone streets, a castle or two and where there was grass, it was green. I was able to visit the Molly Malone statue, Trinity College, the Book of Kells, and many of the shopping streets. Dublin was a charming city, one which I would gladly visit again! My friend Lyndsey met me here, and we then continued on to Belfast.

Belfast, although smaller, had many similiarities to Dublin. Naturally shopping was an objective while there; however, we managed to fit in some touristy things as well. We took a "Hop on, Hop off" bus tour which gave a great history of the city. I am now educated on the "troubles" (as it was called) between the Nationalists and Loyalists there. It was here that I had my first official Fish and Chips! We went to what was considered "a very local shop" and were treated to a heavy Irish accent! Although I couldn't understand a great deal of what was said, I was referred to as "Love" probably ten times in two minutes! In addition we arrived just in time to visit a German Christmas market which was taking place. The best way to sum this up destination was that the food was fantastic there!

From Belfast we went to Lyndsey's hometown. It was here that I found my rolling green hills and stone structures (I'm sure if I had looked longer, I would have discovered fairies too!). The majority of houses in Omagh were made from brick or stones. Once again perfectly manicured lawns were plentiful, and the people were incredibly friendly!

I do believe Ireland will be a traveling destination in the future!

Check out my Slide Show!

Construction has an entirely new meaning in Bucharest! Currently, Romania is attempting to make a massive amount of city and building modifications as it is trying to join the European Union. With all of these modifications, an interesting setting has been created with extraordinary circumstances.

Construction is held in a noticeably more casual and laxed fashion than is typical in America. Construction work takes place 24 hours a day. It is not uncommon to see a crew of men filling potholes at one in the morning on a Saturday. There are a multitude of construction projects happening simultaneously and just because a project is started not not imply it will be finished! There is also an apparent lack of safety concerns or liability! Fencing off construction zones is almost unheard of, and Romanians show no desire to limit the public's contact with machines, electrical wiring or holes!

London vs. Bucharest

Oh, how they differ! London is everything Bucharest is not! London might be what one would consider a fine elegant restaurant while Bucharest is the hot dog stand down the street!

Both cities have an enormous amount of traffic and people. The difference within these great populations is how people act. The traffic in Bucharest consists of illegal driving, constant honking and continual yelling at both pedestrians and other drivers. Englanders behave in no such manner. I heard one honk while there and saw no driving on sidewalks or cursing.

While boarding the plane to go to London, we were merely trampled by the impatient Romanians. A flight attendant actually stood on the stairs and screamed at the mob before we boarded. In England there were mobs of people but no pushing, no screaming and no irate employees.

The subways systems also have great differences. The subway lines in England are amazing! They are well marked and circulate throughout the entire city. Bucharest has four main lines which speckle riders through the city. Unfortunately the subways in Bucharest are also poorly marked and make it difficult to find your way.

Although I had been warned of rudeness in England, I was treated only with kindness and terrific customer assistance. Bucharestians often greet you with a frown and are not always eager to help. It must also be mentioned that the architecture and aesthetic appeal of London far out does Bucharest. It feels

That said, Bucharest does have some finer points. It is not nearly as expensive as classic London. While London does have terrific shopping, it comes at a price. I found nothing, including small snacks, under two dollars. A basic meal of a sandwich (the two slices of bread, lunch box type) and a beverage cost a minimum of six dollars. Bucharest can also brag about its cheap taxis and unlimited service. I have only waited ten minutes for a cab in Romania; there was a possibility of a three hour wait while visiting the U.K. I suppose I was glad to return to my new home, appreciating the beauty of other places even more.

Romanian Children

Today it finally happened. I ventured out of the comfort of my humble abode to a less affluent part of town. I, with two other teachers from school, volunteered at an institution for less privileged children. It cannot be called an orphanage because these children have living family members; however, the families cannot financially support these them.

Therefore, they call this "institution" home.

We arrived at the institution, and I immediately felt grateful for what I once considered less than aesthetically appealing in my own apartment. Upon entering the building, we saw several children sitting in chairs. They waved hello but did not move. After introductions I was greeted in a very hands-on fashion. Hugs were everywhere! Luckily, this audience was patient, and my lack of Romanian seemed unimportant. Four of us, one a Romanian psychologist, planned and implemented an autumn leaf activity.

These children had an abundant amount of energy and eagerly completed their tasks. Following their leaf creations, we simply played in the room. Unfortunately, the children are not allowed outside, so the only play they had took place between 10:00 and 12:00 whilst we were there. When we left, the kids filed back into the room with the row of chairs, energy suddenly gone, without speaking and watched t.v. On weekends the vast majority of their time is spent in this setting. Thankfully, during the week, they receive more formal instruction in school.

Many have predicted I will come home with some Romanian children. After this experience, I would say it was a possibility! Then again, should someone who likes peanut butter straight from the jar and leaves socks laying all over really be in charge of a small child's life? Probably not! I suppose volunteering will have to suffice for now!