Winter in Romania (pt. III)

With the ending of the year and the beginning of another, new memories and experiences were made in a fashion I did not expect. For one, spending New Years away from my family and friends in California seemed “off” I suppose you can describe. Every holiday season I spent at home, we always had a party at my house. To not hold such an event made it seem as though the holiday season wasn’t quite what it was. However, with the friends my sister and I have made, we felt at home wherever we went. No matter how different and new the experiences were for me, I embraced them with an open heart and an open mind.

Joben Bistro, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Universitatea Babes-Bolyai.

Walking in Piata Unirii, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

The first night of the new year, I spent with my sister traveling from Cluj-Napoca to Bucharest, the capital of Romania. The train ride was approximately ten hours, though it was also delayed by another two hours, bringing our total travel time to twelve hours. The first day we were in Bucharest, we were whisked away by my aunt to explore the city as she gave us her own tour.

Bucharest, Romania.

Walking in the old historic district of Bucharest, Romania.

CEC Bank in Bucharest, Romania.

Banca de Credit Roman, Bucharest, Romania.

Bucharest, Romania.

Exploring churches and cathedrals.

Hanu Lui Manuc, Bucharest, Romania.

After visiting Bucharest again for the first time in seven years, I realized how much I remembered, though also how much has also changed about it. Unfortunately, many of the buildings which brought life, history, and culture to Bucharest were torn down and demolished by the Communist Regime, only to be replaced by somber, gray buildings, built with low quality, and no character or style. The ones which remain from times before Communism are key elements to reminding the inhabitants of Bucharest of the vibrant city it once was.

Wine and gifts. The perfect gift.

The macaroons from this shop were amazing.

Vinuri si cadouri.

Paul.

Eating this was more complicated than it looked.

From eating our way through yet another European city, our hearts and stomachs were content with life. Days were spent exploring the city and nights for socializing and seeing the beautiful lights of the night life. And of course, one can not go to Bucharest and not visit Casa Poporului, the second largest administrative building in the world, after the Pentagon.

Inside Casa Poporului, Bucharest, Romania.

View from a balcony atop Casa Poporului, Romania.

Carturesti, Bucharest, Romania.

After Bucharest, my sister and I headed back to Arad for a few days where we rested and spent some time simply with each other, as the end of my trip was near. Part of me felt as though we were finally adults, living in her apartment and catching up with friends at a coffee shop, while the other part of me thought we were playing “house” the entire time. We’re real adults in a big world now.. Or at least she is. I still have some growing up to do. It’s weird to think how little children now look up to us as adults for advice and questions regarding life, because don’t adults know the answers to everything? Not quite. I still have to learn how to file my own taxes, how often I need to check the pressure in my tires, how to cook a meal without burning the food, and how I will know if I’ve met the one.. If there even is one. Though I may not be fully prepared for what life may have in store, I trust God will equip me as I venture towards His purpose for my life. This, my dear friends, is my adventure into the unknown.