*
*
Part 1: Timişoara
Day 1 (Monday) : I arrived at Timişoara with a thirty-minute delay. Alex was waiting for me, hehe, we finally met !!! It was great, even if I didn't know what to say in the car, my English was rusty ^^
At home, we ate what Alex had cooked for me : "sarmale" with wild leafs of wine (en fait, c'est des feuilles de vigne fourrées à la viande, avec une sauce à la crème, yummy !). It was really good, and she made it for me ! So cute... <3
After lunch, we read the books I gave her, and saw photos from Warsaw, talked a lot...
And we decided to go outside, at the end of the afternoon. So, I learned how to buy a bus ticket : "Aş dori un bilet". I will never forget this sentence ! lol. We went on Piaţa Unirii, she showed me a bit the city, and then, on Piaţa Traian. There was a concert there, for the International Romani Art Festival (IRAF - c'est un festival d'art gipsy). The concert was not so good, but I met some Alexandra's friends there.
Day 2 (Tuesday) : we woke up at 9.00 am, because Alex had to work at 10.00 am. I went with her to the store where she works, and then, went to the mall where the shop is. It is one of the biggest and most beautiful mall I have ever seen (well... except some malls in Montreal, but that's all).
Then, I went in the city, in the center.
First, to Piaţa Unirii, my favorite square in Timişoara (Alexandra's favorite square too :D), •, •.
On Piaţa Unirii, there is the Catholic Church, •, I love it !
Then, I went to Piaţa Libertătii.
I took Alba Iulia Street and I arrived on Piaţa Victoriei, •, •, •. I ate my sandwiches here, on a bench, it was great... At one point of this square, there is the Opera and National Theater, •. At the other, there is the Orthodox Cathedral, •, •.
After visiting the Orthodox Cathedral and walking in the parc behind it, I decided to go to Piaţa Traian, •, again. And this is a church in the street that goes to Piaţa Traian.
At 16.00, I went back to the mall, to pick Alex up. I was very proud, I didn't get lost in Timişoara ! Then, we went to the German Cultural Center to watch the movie Gadjo Dilo, there was a projection because of the Festival. I absolutely love the movie, even if it was in Gipsy language with romanian subtitles :S but I understood the few parts in French. And Alex explained me some things.
And after the movie, Rona Hartner, the leading actress, answered to some questions. She is a really funny person. She spoke only in Romanian, but Alex translated all the questions and all the answers. It was so nice of her. This hour with Rona was really great :D
And after coming back to home, we stayed in her room, we talked a lot... It was raining, so we decided not to go to Tamango's concert (he's a very famous gipsy singer).
Day 3 (Wednesday) : Alex went to work at 10.00, I stayed in the bed until almost 12.00 ^^. I met her at the shop, we talked a pretty long time there, because she had nothing to do, no electricity at the store... Strange, huh ?
Then I went to the city centre. I took some photos : many pigeons on Piaţa Victoriei. And on a building, I noticed some bullet holes from the 1989 Revolution (well, Alex told me that they were there). And the Bega, the canal that crosses Timişoara.
After 16.00, we came back at home, and Alex cooked for us and Dea, her best friend, because she came for the dinner. Alex cooking mushrooms. It was great to know Dea, to know Alexandra's friends, and her life in Romania.
After dinner, we went outside (without Dea, she came back at home), to Piaţa Triaian. We arrived too late for Rona Hartner's concert, but we saw Romano Drom, a famous Hungarian Gipsy band. I absolutely love this music ! And the atmosphere on the square was great ! People were dancing, young people who helped for the festival, and gipsy people too. I think I will remember this moment forever. With Alex, we took our first photo together : we are experts.
After the concert, we walked to a pub. I took this photo of the Orthodox Cathedral. At the pub, we met some friends, and then, coming back to home. We talked, watched videos, talked, listened to music, talked... until 7.00 on the morning !
Day 4 (Thursday) : the night was really short, because Alex woke up at 10.00 (she was late at work), and I woke up at 11.00. I went to the mall, talked with Alex, and decided to visita museum. There was an exhibition of orthodox icons.
I went to Piaţa Unirii again, to Piaţa Victoriei too. And I think I was fascinated by the pigeons there, •.
At 16.00, we came back to home, ate (but it was 17.00, so I don't know if it was the lunch or the dinner... Romanian people have curious meal times, they eat just when they are hungry, whenever they want. Strange, huh ? lol).
Then... we had to pack our things !!! Our train was at 22.45, so we didn't have a lot of time. I made a loooooooot of sandwiches (or "sandviş" if you wrote with the Romanian spelling, hehe) and Alex had many things to do. Alex packing.
Part 2: our trip ;)
So, on Thursday, our train was at 22.45. I discovered Romanian trains, it's really... interesting... lol. First, we were alone in our compartiment, then, a strange man came, and finally, the compartment was full :S
In the middle of the night, we stopped in Teiuş (in the middle of nowhere :D) for 2 hours. It was an... interesting experience too, loool. But ok, I will have memories like that !
Then, we took a second train, to go to Sighişoara. This train was a beautiful beautiful one, the same as in France, there was even a plastic bag in the trash can ! :D Alex in the beautiful beautiful train.
Day 5 (Friday) : we arrived in Sighişoara at 7.00 on the morning, coffee, and we visited the city. 1st photo there.
Turnul cu Ceas (Tour de l'Horloge). From the top of Turnul cu ceas, we can see a view of the city. I enjoyed the view a lot. Paris is faaaaaar... :'(
Dracula's birth house (of course, nothing's sure about it, but why not ?) --> this photo is for you Mary ! Hehe, you and Alexandra could be friends, because both of you like black and green (I'm pretty sure you like green Mary...), HIM (Alex is not a big fan but she likes a few songs), Dracula, and you went to Père-Lachaise just for Jim Morrison's grave ! hehe...
We walked to see the medieval walls and the towers, •. While walking, something very very interesting (pretty weird too) happened to me in a narrow sidewalk, and Alex laughed a lot (well, me too...).
We visited the church too, and we took some photos in the crypt : •, •. After the church, we walked in an old cemetery, with a loooooot of vegetation. I love old cemeteries... (hehe, I love vampires :D).
Finally, we went in a rustic restaurant, I ate a beef soup, and mamaliga (de la polenta pour ceux qui connaissent).
And after that, we had to take our train to Sibiu. Alex in the train (not so beautiful this one... but we laughed a lot). I love the photo, Alex is so cute !!!
We arrived in Sibiu in the evening, went to the hostel (this is a view from our window), and went outside (after a shoooooooweeeeeeeer !!!). We discovered Sibiu by night, it was great !!!
The Bridge of Lies, us in a street.
Day 6 (Saturday) : after a goooooood night (our room, with the Sleepy Beauty in her bed), we walked in Sibiu. I absolutely love this city, I want to come back !!! Both of us on the Bridge of Lies.
The Evangelic Church : the organ, the bell. From the top of the tower, we can see a beautiful view of Sibiu, •, •.
Piaţa Mare (the Big Square), •, tiny-me on the huuuuuuge square. Still on Piaţa Mare, a building with windows in the shape of eyes (the trademark of Sibiu).
A street, us in a narrow street, Alex eating some typical Romanian modern food, me near the old walls.
At 13.30, we met Andreea. Andreea was Alexandra's roomate while she studied in Poland. Andreea is really nice, I like her a looooot ! We went in a pub, •, •.
Then, Andreea showed us some parts of Sibiu. A medieval tower with Alex & Andreea, Alex & me. Some buildings near the Bridge of Lies. We visited a museum too.
Finally, it was time to go to the train station... :(
In the train, we ate some liquid "pateu de pui". Actually, it's not liquid, normal people take it with a knife, but we hadn't, so Alexandra made a little hole in the plastic, and we pressed on the pateu, to put it on the bread. I was absolutely fascinated by the "pateu de pui" (that means "pâté de poulet". Vous saviez qu'on pouvait faire du pâté avec du poulet ? Moi non... A croire que c'est typiquement roumain). It's really strange, but OK to eat.
We arrived in Braşov pretty late in the evening. Alexandra's sister was waiting for us at the train station. Went to the hostel, and then, to a pub in the city center.
Day 7 (Sunday) : we took a bus to go to Bran (20 kms from Braşov), to visit the castle, •. A room in the castle, from a loggia, •. Both of us on a loggia, Alex in front of the castle.
In the afternoon, we came back to Braşov. We walked in the city, saw the Council House and the Biserica Neagră (the Black Church, the biggest gothic church in Romania). Then, we walked near the old walls, and we climbed many many many stairs to reach two towers. From the top, we have a wonderful view on the Biserica Neagră and the mountains. Alex & me on the top.
On the evening, we took a photo in the most narrow street in Braşov.
Then, we went to the train station with Isabelle (Alexandra's sister) and her boyfriend, coffee, sandwiches, and good-byes...
Day 8 (Monday) : we arrived in Timişoara at 6.00 on the morning, Alexandra's mom was waiting for us. I was happy to meet her parents, finally. Shower, sleeping...
After sleeping, we went to the city center. Alex showed me her university, we drank a coffee at the cafetaria. We enjoyed a lot our last moments together.
At 16.30, it was time to go to the airport :( Alex waited with me until the last minute. She gave me one of her necklaces she made with wood pearls (I love it :D), and we took some photos, •.
After the passports control, we hugged each other for a very long time, and we cried together. It was very very hard :'(((
In the plane, I cried too while taking off, I was so sad... It was the end of a wonderful trip, and an amazing week.
Et voilà ! Je ne sais pas si vous avez tout lu, je sais que c'est super long, et en plus c'est en anglais... J'espère que ce petit (enfin... tout est relatif) compte-rendu vous a plu, moi j'ai adoré l'écrire, ça m'a rappelé plein de choses, et puis comme ça j'ai quelque chose d'assez précis de ma semaine en Roumanie.
I have to thank (again) Alex for everything she did during this week. I will always remember this "more than wonderful" week with you. I want it to begin again, and again, and again... I don't know when we will see each other again, but we will, I'm sure (and I need it).
I miss your laugh, I miss you teaching me Romanian words, I miss so many little things we did together, I miss you... My mind is full of these great memories. Hugs scumpa mea.
*
Et voilà le vrai compte-rendu (the real report) avec les photos, etc...
Bonne lecture !
First of all, a map of Romania, like that, you will know where I was exactly :)
Bonne lecture !
First of all, a map of Romania, like that, you will know where I was exactly :)
Part 1: Timişoara
Day 1 (Monday) : I arrived at Timişoara with a thirty-minute delay. Alex was waiting for me, hehe, we finally met !!! It was great, even if I didn't know what to say in the car, my English was rusty ^^
At home, we ate what Alex had cooked for me : "sarmale" with wild leafs of wine (en fait, c'est des feuilles de vigne fourrées à la viande, avec une sauce à la crème, yummy !). It was really good, and she made it for me ! So cute... <3
After lunch, we read the books I gave her, and saw photos from Warsaw, talked a lot...
And we decided to go outside, at the end of the afternoon. So, I learned how to buy a bus ticket : "Aş dori un bilet". I will never forget this sentence ! lol. We went on Piaţa Unirii, she showed me a bit the city, and then, on Piaţa Traian. There was a concert there, for the International Romani Art Festival (IRAF - c'est un festival d'art gipsy). The concert was not so good, but I met some Alexandra's friends there.
Day 2 (Tuesday) : we woke up at 9.00 am, because Alex had to work at 10.00 am. I went with her to the store where she works, and then, went to the mall where the shop is. It is one of the biggest and most beautiful mall I have ever seen (well... except some malls in Montreal, but that's all).
Then, I went in the city, in the center.
First, to Piaţa Unirii, my favorite square in Timişoara (Alexandra's favorite square too :D), •, •.
On Piaţa Unirii, there is the Catholic Church, •, I love it !
Then, I went to Piaţa Libertătii.
I took Alba Iulia Street and I arrived on Piaţa Victoriei, •, •, •. I ate my sandwiches here, on a bench, it was great... At one point of this square, there is the Opera and National Theater, •. At the other, there is the Orthodox Cathedral, •, •.
After visiting the Orthodox Cathedral and walking in the parc behind it, I decided to go to Piaţa Traian, •, again. And this is a church in the street that goes to Piaţa Traian.
At 16.00, I went back to the mall, to pick Alex up. I was very proud, I didn't get lost in Timişoara ! Then, we went to the German Cultural Center to watch the movie Gadjo Dilo, there was a projection because of the Festival. I absolutely love the movie, even if it was in Gipsy language with romanian subtitles :S but I understood the few parts in French. And Alex explained me some things.
And after the movie, Rona Hartner, the leading actress, answered to some questions. She is a really funny person. She spoke only in Romanian, but Alex translated all the questions and all the answers. It was so nice of her. This hour with Rona was really great :D
And after coming back to home, we stayed in her room, we talked a lot... It was raining, so we decided not to go to Tamango's concert (he's a very famous gipsy singer).
Day 3 (Wednesday) : Alex went to work at 10.00, I stayed in the bed until almost 12.00 ^^. I met her at the shop, we talked a pretty long time there, because she had nothing to do, no electricity at the store... Strange, huh ?
Then I went to the city centre. I took some photos : many pigeons on Piaţa Victoriei. And on a building, I noticed some bullet holes from the 1989 Revolution (well, Alex told me that they were there). And the Bega, the canal that crosses Timişoara.
After 16.00, we came back at home, and Alex cooked for us and Dea, her best friend, because she came for the dinner. Alex cooking mushrooms. It was great to know Dea, to know Alexandra's friends, and her life in Romania.
After dinner, we went outside (without Dea, she came back at home), to Piaţa Triaian. We arrived too late for Rona Hartner's concert, but we saw Romano Drom, a famous Hungarian Gipsy band. I absolutely love this music ! And the atmosphere on the square was great ! People were dancing, young people who helped for the festival, and gipsy people too. I think I will remember this moment forever. With Alex, we took our first photo together : we are experts.
After the concert, we walked to a pub. I took this photo of the Orthodox Cathedral. At the pub, we met some friends, and then, coming back to home. We talked, watched videos, talked, listened to music, talked... until 7.00 on the morning !
Day 4 (Thursday) : the night was really short, because Alex woke up at 10.00 (she was late at work), and I woke up at 11.00. I went to the mall, talked with Alex, and decided to visita museum. There was an exhibition of orthodox icons.
I went to Piaţa Unirii again, to Piaţa Victoriei too. And I think I was fascinated by the pigeons there, •.
At 16.00, we came back to home, ate (but it was 17.00, so I don't know if it was the lunch or the dinner... Romanian people have curious meal times, they eat just when they are hungry, whenever they want. Strange, huh ? lol).
Then... we had to pack our things !!! Our train was at 22.45, so we didn't have a lot of time. I made a loooooooot of sandwiches (or "sandviş" if you wrote with the Romanian spelling, hehe) and Alex had many things to do. Alex packing.
Part 2: our trip ;)
So, on Thursday, our train was at 22.45. I discovered Romanian trains, it's really... interesting... lol. First, we were alone in our compartiment, then, a strange man came, and finally, the compartment was full :S
In the middle of the night, we stopped in Teiuş (in the middle of nowhere :D) for 2 hours. It was an... interesting experience too, loool. But ok, I will have memories like that !
Then, we took a second train, to go to Sighişoara. This train was a beautiful beautiful one, the same as in France, there was even a plastic bag in the trash can ! :D Alex in the beautiful beautiful train.
Day 5 (Friday) : we arrived in Sighişoara at 7.00 on the morning, coffee, and we visited the city. 1st photo there.
Turnul cu Ceas (Tour de l'Horloge). From the top of Turnul cu ceas, we can see a view of the city. I enjoyed the view a lot. Paris is faaaaaar... :'(
Dracula's birth house (of course, nothing's sure about it, but why not ?) --> this photo is for you Mary ! Hehe, you and Alexandra could be friends, because both of you like black and green (I'm pretty sure you like green Mary...), HIM (Alex is not a big fan but she likes a few songs), Dracula, and you went to Père-Lachaise just for Jim Morrison's grave ! hehe...
We walked to see the medieval walls and the towers, •. While walking, something very very interesting (pretty weird too) happened to me in a narrow sidewalk, and Alex laughed a lot (well, me too...).
We visited the church too, and we took some photos in the crypt : •, •. After the church, we walked in an old cemetery, with a loooooot of vegetation. I love old cemeteries... (hehe, I love vampires :D).
Finally, we went in a rustic restaurant, I ate a beef soup, and mamaliga (de la polenta pour ceux qui connaissent).
And after that, we had to take our train to Sibiu. Alex in the train (not so beautiful this one... but we laughed a lot). I love the photo, Alex is so cute !!!
We arrived in Sibiu in the evening, went to the hostel (this is a view from our window), and went outside (after a shoooooooweeeeeeeer !!!). We discovered Sibiu by night, it was great !!!
The Bridge of Lies, us in a street.
Day 6 (Saturday) : after a goooooood night (our room, with the Sleepy Beauty in her bed), we walked in Sibiu. I absolutely love this city, I want to come back !!! Both of us on the Bridge of Lies.
The Evangelic Church : the organ, the bell. From the top of the tower, we can see a beautiful view of Sibiu, •, •.
Piaţa Mare (the Big Square), •, tiny-me on the huuuuuuge square. Still on Piaţa Mare, a building with windows in the shape of eyes (the trademark of Sibiu).
A street, us in a narrow street, Alex eating some typical Romanian modern food, me near the old walls.
At 13.30, we met Andreea. Andreea was Alexandra's roomate while she studied in Poland. Andreea is really nice, I like her a looooot ! We went in a pub, •, •.
Then, Andreea showed us some parts of Sibiu. A medieval tower with Alex & Andreea, Alex & me. Some buildings near the Bridge of Lies. We visited a museum too.
Finally, it was time to go to the train station... :(
In the train, we ate some liquid "pateu de pui". Actually, it's not liquid, normal people take it with a knife, but we hadn't, so Alexandra made a little hole in the plastic, and we pressed on the pateu, to put it on the bread. I was absolutely fascinated by the "pateu de pui" (that means "pâté de poulet". Vous saviez qu'on pouvait faire du pâté avec du poulet ? Moi non... A croire que c'est typiquement roumain). It's really strange, but OK to eat.
We arrived in Braşov pretty late in the evening. Alexandra's sister was waiting for us at the train station. Went to the hostel, and then, to a pub in the city center.
Day 7 (Sunday) : we took a bus to go to Bran (20 kms from Braşov), to visit the castle, •. A room in the castle, from a loggia, •. Both of us on a loggia, Alex in front of the castle.
In the afternoon, we came back to Braşov. We walked in the city, saw the Council House and the Biserica Neagră (the Black Church, the biggest gothic church in Romania). Then, we walked near the old walls, and we climbed many many many stairs to reach two towers. From the top, we have a wonderful view on the Biserica Neagră and the mountains. Alex & me on the top.
On the evening, we took a photo in the most narrow street in Braşov.
Then, we went to the train station with Isabelle (Alexandra's sister) and her boyfriend, coffee, sandwiches, and good-byes...
Day 8 (Monday) : we arrived in Timişoara at 6.00 on the morning, Alexandra's mom was waiting for us. I was happy to meet her parents, finally. Shower, sleeping...
After sleeping, we went to the city center. Alex showed me her university, we drank a coffee at the cafetaria. We enjoyed a lot our last moments together.
At 16.30, it was time to go to the airport :( Alex waited with me until the last minute. She gave me one of her necklaces she made with wood pearls (I love it :D), and we took some photos, •.
After the passports control, we hugged each other for a very long time, and we cried together. It was very very hard :'(((
In the plane, I cried too while taking off, I was so sad... It was the end of a wonderful trip, and an amazing week.
Et voilà ! Je ne sais pas si vous avez tout lu, je sais que c'est super long, et en plus c'est en anglais... J'espère que ce petit (enfin... tout est relatif) compte-rendu vous a plu, moi j'ai adoré l'écrire, ça m'a rappelé plein de choses, et puis comme ça j'ai quelque chose d'assez précis de ma semaine en Roumanie.
I have to thank (again) Alex for everything she did during this week. I will always remember this "more than wonderful" week with you. I want it to begin again, and again, and again... I don't know when we will see each other again, but we will, I'm sure (and I need it).
I miss your laugh, I miss you teaching me Romanian words, I miss so many little things we did together, I miss you... My mind is full of these great memories. Hugs scumpa mea.
Gros bisous à tout le monde, et merci pour m'avoir lue
(et pour les commentaires que vous me laisserez -si si j'y crois !)
(et pour les commentaires que vous me laisserez -si si j'y crois !)
[PIX : Alex & me,
our first photo together,
and the last one :'(]
our first photo together,
and the last one :'(]
