Christmas Came Early

So, I have a confession to make. I have been going through the motions this holiday season. I made cookies and breads, making my apartment smell like the holidays, but it didn't help me feel them. I tried to hand out cheer as I passed out baked goods, but spending my first Christmas season away from home has not been the most fun. Also, the economic crisis has hit Romania hard so my school didn't do any celebrating nor were there any seasonal invitations from my colleagues. Thus it just hasn't felt like Christmas.

However, there have been bright spots, I have been extremely lucky to receive packages and love from my family. These have brought me excitement as I wait in line at the customs office on Tuesday mornings and joy as I open the box with the agent to explore what is inside.

Yet as Christmas gets near I have been feeling more and more dread for a day without family and friends. My counterpart, Violeta, called me out of the blue to say that she and my tutor, Doina, wanted to come caroling to my apartment. People traditionally carol here the week prior to Christmas and when your home is visited you are supposed to serve the carolers drinks and food (or give them money). I made a batch of peanut butter cookies intrigued, wondering what they were going to sing.

When Vio, Doina and Marga, another teacher from school, showed up they informed me they would not be singing, but they had a surprise. They told me to stay in the kitchen while they were busy in the main room in my studio. When they finally told me I could look I was amazed. They brought me Christmas in the form of an amazing little tree with blue twinkly lights, ornaments, garlands and bows. They also made sure I had some mistletoe hanging in my apartment. It was the most wonderful Christmas surprise!

Now I am sitting in the glow of the lovely tree, wondering how I can thank these three lovely women for brightening my holiday season.

Heading West

Last week I was in Sibiu for In Service Training. Sibiu is a gorgeous city in Translyvania with strong German roots. Coming to Sibiu was a bit unreal for me because I felt like I was coming into another country. I don't see architecture like this in my region, nor do I live close to any German or Hungarian communities. It was very fun for me to be able to see a different piece of Romania.

Unfortunately, the conference kept us very occupied and we didn't get out until after dark each day. However, I was able to sneak out on a lunch break to get a few shots of the city.

Piata Mare set up with stalls of holiday goodies.

Piata Mica

Sibiu also has some amazing museums and these are definitely on my lists for future visits. I hope to be able to take friends and family here when they visit.

Negligent Blogging

Last week my group hit six months of being in Romania. I attempted to compile my thoughts after being here for half a year, but they came out a jumbled mess so I abandoned the idea for now. Perhaps you can all one day read my tell-all memoir.

Next week I will be reunited with my group for a week long training session. We will have language refresher courses and also discuss teaching tactics. Before departing I had hoped to do a little photo essay of my school, but it didn't happen. Below is the one picture I managed to take which includes the soccer field, dorms, and in the rear of the photo, the building I teach in.

I'll have to finish the rest of my photos in the snow as we are now blanketed in white with a heavy emphasis on ice.

Also, I thought I'd include a little decor update. I bought a rug last month and finally put some things on the walls. Ona sent me some awesome postcards that now adorn the wall above my table. Thanks again friend!