Assorted Photo'e of my time in Cyprus

Susi Yum !!!



At least I got in the sea once!! Lovely wedding


I thought I would just show you a few of the photo's in Cyprus.......

Gosh!!!! it's hot

Good morning, it is so hot here at the moment it is hard to concentrate so I am going to get a few things done this morning before it gets too hot, it is going to be 86 deg. (F) today. I did get in the sea in Cyprus but only one day, it was lovely in the water, shame I could not have gone in every day. The Doctor I saw was trained in Bucharest and he was telling me how much he likes Romania and he would like to live here again. I also met two Romanian girls working in one of the shops, they were so delighted to talk to me ,it was a little difficult with my limited Romanian and there little English but we managed to talk for quite a while. It was obvious they were home sick and were pleased to talk about their home. I also met young people from Bulgaria, Poland and Germany who have all gone to Cyprus to earn some money. The culture and traditions in Cyprus are very similar to the Romanians and they are a caring people too.

To be continued late.

Home at Last Hurrah!!!!!!

Well I am home at last, it was a long time to be away and do not think I will go away for that long again.However I had some good times , the wedding was wonderful and a perfect day for Pattie and Robert, The meal at the Japanese restaurant was a great experience where the food was cooked in front of you on a great flat grill (pictures to follow) and the last night at the Mexican restaurant was really good too. Cyprus is a lovely island unfortunately I did not see much of it I had wished to go to different places and do all sorts of things , like snorkel etc.etc. but I had not been there long when I had to visit the Doctor. My BP was 195/100 and my left leg and foot were swollen so much I could not get my shoes on. The pain was awful but I tried my best to get on with as much as I could. The doctor had told me to rest in the afternoons and gave me water tablets. I was so disappointed I had gone all that way ( and the ex pence) and could not be with the others on the beach and swimming in the sea. Just unfortunate but we met a lot of lovely people some of whom joined us most evenings, (Karen and BJ and Tony and Cindy) we had many laughs.

On my return to UK I had three teeth out which proved to be very painful so that when I landed at my Sisters (Betty) I was feeling quite ill. She looked after me and so did her husband Tom and I began to recover. I just though can anything else happen on this holiday???? I had also lost two suitcases to damage on the airlines . My nephew Tony invited us for a meal which was lovely and it was great to see all the family, he did Salmon with ginger for me as my mouth was sore, it was delicious. I also managed an evening out with my niece Gaynor (Betty's daughter) we had a lovely meal at "The Hare and Hounds" on top of Werneth Low. I also got to see my old school friend Janet and we chatted about all sorts of things.

Well I will probably have Lot's more to say about my month away but for now I must go, I just wanted to get back on line for now.

On Count Down Now!!!!

Well I just have not had time to do my blog. Getting ready for my visit to UK and then Cyprus to Pattie and Roberts wedding and a holiday, can't wait I haven't had a holiday for a long time and really feel in the need for one. It's the getting ready that gets me down but I shouldn't moan should I ? some people never get a holiday.
Wednesday night was a good night again at the ECC and more than ever people there, didn't get home until 1.15am but I do so enjoy the company they are all such a lovely group of folks. I had also been to Gloria's in the village to have tea and biscuits and wish her Drum Bun (good journey ) as she was off to Ireland Thursday. Friday was Daniela's birthday , she was five and as her adopted Granny I felt I had to do a party for her. I just made nice dainty sandwiches for the children and chili and jacket potatoes for the adults and Hajni made one of her delicious cakes. She had Lot's of nice presents from our family and a good time was had by all. I really must get cracking now as I have had a house full again today , must get packing etc etc so I may not be on line for a while but will tell all about my time away when I return. Bye for now!!!!!

Quite an eventful week!!

Hi Folks, well it has been an eventful week to say the least.I had my first pedicure ever which was super and so relaxing, also a manicure which together cost me all of £6 my goodness!!! needless to say I gave the lady (Addy) a good tip, the Romanians certainly have to work hard for just a little money and sh did not even want to take it but I insisted.Gloria took me as this is where she goes for a little pampering too. Whilst I was "being done" she went to pay her gas and electric bills and called back for me. We sat by the fountain for a while then walked along the river Mures and ended up at the Continental Hotel to have coffee and cakes (theirs are some of the best in town, the cakes I mean - though there are many good cake shops!). Friday Hajni came to take me to shop and we came back to my place for hot chocolate. I had a wee rest as I still don't feel too well (will get sorted out eventually), I received a txt from Andreea from the ECC ( English conversation club) inviting me to her birthday party that evening at The Hotel Arad at 8 pm. I must be honest I really did not feel like going but it would be the first time since I came to live here that I would go out socially in the evening, I was a bit dubious of going on my own but why not just go for it??? I had a bath washed my hair and got my togs on etc.

Wow!! I was so glad I went, the food was amazing, the starters were Brinza,(cheese), a fabulous home made salami, mushroom Pate, salata de beouf (similar to what we call Russian salad), pickles etc etc and great fresh bread. After an hour roast pork chops and chicken, mashed potato and chips also with pickles and last but not least, Pancakes with jam or chocolate or fresh fruit salad. It was all delicious. The drinks were all free too, you could have what ever you wanted and champagne at midnight. We all had a really great time and sang and laughed all night, I got home at 2.15am Thanks to all, that's Romanian hospitality at it's best.

Needless to say I had a quiet day Saturday reflecting on the night before and thinking again how nice the Romanian people are ... also how good the food is. Oh ... and the beer and wine here! Ursus and Silva are my favourite beers and I particularly like the black beer yum! They have a wine called Murfatler which is excellent (vineyard pictured).

It is Sunday now and the family are back from their short break (which they badly needed) so they are coming to see me and we can swap stories of the last weeks events.
Happy Sunday everyone.

Good Morning, It is Easter here (Orthodox)

Hi Everyone!!

Busy week again so not had much time to do my blog. but here we go. I spent a lot of time at the beginning of the week researching Mosquitoes and solutions to them biting me, I have 26 bites already and it is only April. I am afraid they just like biting me!! However after many hours (yes hours), I found out about a patch, a Thiamine (Vitamin B1) patch which has been tested in severe circumstances and one patch on your body gives protection for 36 hours. I have of course tried everything else, sprays, gels, plug ins, electronic devices and antihistamines but I remember being advised by my doctor in UK 3 years ago to take Vitamin B1. So I have ordered some and will let you know the out come later in the summer, meanwhile I am eating Marmite every day (VIT. B) and taking as much of the vitamin as I can. Well that was a bit boring, yes? but you never know it may help someone else.

On Wednesday Ramona had a special class for the Italians so I did not go but went to the English club at the Hotel Arad. Gosh it was packed!! Met Chris from Dorset, a girl from Poland, Tim was there from America and all the usual crowd from Romania of course. We had many laughs and Lot's of good conversation, a few drinks and Papernash (a kind of hot fresh doughnut with jam and sour cream) delicious! I did not get home until 11.45 but once again had a great time with people I now consider to be my friends.

As promised Gloria came for me at 11am Thursday and we took a Taxi to the Primaria then walked along the Boulevard chatting and looking in the shops along the way. I took her to a nice dress shop I know where I manage to get larger sizes as my waist line is expanding ha ha! I got a lovely pair of summer trousers . We then crossed over and I got the lovely hand made glasses I wanted for Pattie and Roberts wedding present. It was time for a sit down so off to Libalula for apple strudel and coffee ( no wonder I am expanding) we sat for nearly an hour chatting about our lives here, family etc etc.She is a lovely lady and I am sure we will be good friends. Lastly Ziridava and then back to her house in Subcetate. It is a great house, huge, and a lovely garden and balcony where we sat another hour with green tea, biscuits and more chat. We are hoping to go for a manicure and pedicure next week so I shall look forward to that.

It was Good Friday now and Kathy was putting on a party for the street people at The Secret Garden so I wanted to do my bit, I cooked 30 eggs (hard boiled) got nice biscuits and some packs of fruit teas. Hajni made cakes and potato salad, some ladies from the church came with meat and salad and we all made sandwiches. Also a lot of young people from France, Poland, Spain and Germany were there to offer help. We waited for the street people but no one came just two boys and a young couple, Kenneth went to look at the station, where they hang out to see why they hadn't come. They were all at the back of the station holding a birthday party for little Lissa... so I went home then, I was tired and needed a wee rest but Kathy decided they should all go to the party and take our food with them. I will let you know what happened then later when I find out myself. So that was my week,certainly not boring I seem to meet new people all the time and it is great, I love it.

Happy Sunday to all my fellow bloggers

Just to say , have you time to read my Daughters other blog, clokescrazycasa , you can click onto it from my blog. I think it makes interesting reading it is about her family and her extended one too, go on give it a whirl, thanks Rose.

Surprise!!!!!

Well I finished my last post by saying "you never know what may happen" (or words to that effect). Kathy and Kenneth came to see me, great!! we sat and chatted and Kathy gave me a few guidelines on my Romanian study, which really helped a lot. She seems to think I will master it, hope so, there are so many reasons why I want to learn the language. I want to be able to chat to my neighbours, to the Taxi drivers (who are so kind and patient with me) I usually use Verbita, they have never let me down and very polite on the phone.also to be able to go to the doctors and all sorts of places and be able to ask questions and converse with them. Instead of having to ask Kathy or one of the family to go with me , they have enough to do with out always having to help me they do a lot anyway and look after me in Lot's of ways, so thanks gang!!!!

We then decided to go for a meal at Pizza King and on to their home in Saleáni so that was a nice change too and the apartment now looks lovely and cosy. Yasmina was a delight as usual, she is quite a character and Rosanna had been out at a friends and she came in to see me too. Kathy suggested we go to Practikca a store similar to B&Q , we got plants to brighten up my porch. Hydrangeas which I thought were very appropriate for me , coming from Hyde ha ha !!!! and a nice "Box " to go in the lovely pot which was a present from Betty, Angie and Pattie on their visit, so I have made a start but hope to have Lot's more and maybe a couple of fruit trees. So I ended up having a super day thanks Kathy and Kenneth, Oh I also got brass numbers to go on my door.
Well I have had a really busy morning, cleaned the budgies, hoovered, swept and scrubbed the porch and front path and now I think a short rest is deserved yes???

Learning the Language!!!!

On Wednesday I made my way to Strada Marasesti to the ILC (International Learning Centre) where I was to sit in on a class to see if I thought I would like to attend regularly to learn Romanian. There were four Italian men and me !! They did not speak English and I ,of course know no Italian so it was a little confusing to say the least but I actually was able to follow what was going on. The tutor is very nice , Romona, and she took me on one side and said if I would like to go she would address me in English and that she thought I could do it as I do know a little already. So I shall go again next week and give it a whirl, I really do want to be able to speak the language.

Feeling slightly brain dead and a headache(through concentrating) I set off for the Hotel Arad to the English Conversation club, I soon relaxed with the friends I made last week and we all had a great evening talking about alsorts . I really do enjoy this club , the people are so nice .

Thursday Hajni came , my friend from the village (Subcetate) with her little "KA" and took me to Billa (supermarket) to replenish my food supplies.We had a coffee when we got back and I played with little Alexandra.

Friday I was busy in the morning doing my jobs and then sat down to try to study the Romanian exercises I had given to me on Wednesday. The door bell went and standing there was a lady, I greeted her in Romanian but she answered in English!! She had been trying to find my apartment for a few days , then saw my name on the door, I asked her in and gave her some tea ( Yorkshire tea of course!!). She is called Gloria and is from Ireland, she lives in Subcetate and had heard an English lady was living here. We chatted for ages it was so nice to have the company and compare notes. Anyway we are going to go to town next Thursday and do some shopping and have a coffee. It will be lovely to go with someone as it is not the same going on your own. She is a very nice lady and I am sure we will become friends , she too gets a little lonely as her husband works here but is out all day. Well that was my week , it is Saturday now and I have no plans but who knows what might happen!!

It was an interesting week to say the least!!!!!!

I had not been feeling well for about 10 days, so Kathy took me to the doctors on Tuesday, I was having a lot of pain (won't go into details), they asked me to go back Wednesday and gave me an Ultra Sound (how quick is that? No chance in UK of getting a test that quick). The result was I had a kidney infection so antibiotics were prescribed and I soon began to feel better. Kathy said if I felt well enough would I like to go to the Hotel Arad Wednesday evening to the English club where Romanians who want to speak better English gather and just chat in English over a beer and a snack. It is run by Marius (a charming man) and was great fun. They like English speaking people to go and as I have a broad Lancashire accent it was a big challenge for them to understand me.

My daughter Kathryn was brought up in Scotland and spent most of her married life there too and she speaks beautifully with a lovely Scottish accent so she has been before but it was easier for them to know what she was saying. The people there were very nice and very friendly, we had a laugh and a few serious discussions , I really enjoyed myself and look forward to going again next week. The room we were using at the Hotel was as near an English pub that I have seen here, the staff were great and the food excellent. Marius also suggested I go to the Romanian class on Monday so I shall give it a whirl and see if I can improve my Romanian, Kathy doesn't need to go as her Romanian is excellent.

On Friday Hajni was so excited as she now has a little car , so she took me to Metro shopping . I got a suitcase for my trip to UK in May and stocked up on household stuff, it was good not having to get a Taxi as Kathy is so busy most days she just does not have the time to take me. Saturday I got some housework done and then Rosie came for a few hours as Kathy and Kenneth were moving furniture for Johanna and Philip to their house in the country, so all in all a busy, interesting week and to top it all the weather was superb, hot and sunny some days 20 degrees.

Weekend with my family

Last weekend was spent mainly with my family. Amy came Friday night and stayed overnight. We had a nice breakfast of poached eggs on toast together and chatted. Then Irina came to do a little cleaning for me, I give her some money and some food and it helps her out. Daniela came too and insists on helping . I did not feel well at all so Amy went for my shopping for me. Later in the afternoon Kathy called me to see if I would like a short stroll in the park and go for coffee at the continental hotel so I made the effort and went. It was nice to be with them all and this is how Romanians like to spend the weekend, with the family. Amy came back with me and we had a good evening together. On Sunday we all went to Timisoara, it was a beautiful day sunny and warm and the square was full of stalls selling lovely hand made gifts. We went to our favourite restaurant, Casa cu Flori (House of Flowers) where I had trout again. The whole weekend was great and I saw Kenny too and his apartment in Timisoara.

I have not been well all week and very unlike me have not been out. I kept myself busy with a bit of knitting so I didn't keep thinking about how ill I felt. Oh well, tomorrow is another day and I hope to have a better week next week.

The Secret Garden

Could I ask all the people that visit my blog. if you have a little time to spare, to take a look at my daughters blog. http://visdecopilarad.blogspot.com it is interesting reading and may give you a little glimpse of the work she and her husband do. At this Easter time I think we all should stop and think of all the things we take for granted , including myself of course. Thank you hope you enjoy reading.

A Good Day

I had a good day today, feeling better!! Going out did me good. Kathy took me to change the hotel booking for Kirsty and Nick, then on to the supermarket Kaufland for fresh supplies of vegetables mainly for my new meat free diet. I got lovely fresh spinach, so for the first time I made Saag Aloo (potato and spinach with spices and onions , garlic and ginger), It was a great success and I really enjoyed it, Kathy told me how to make it as she and Kenneth lived in India for a while and know lots of spicy vegetable recipes. My Grandson was born in Pakistan. Then I went to the Textile shop on Strada Emminescu to get a gift for the couple of friends who have their civil ceremony at the Primaria tomorrow. I then offered to have wee Yasmina for a couple of hours, she is a sweet, clever little thing and no trouble to look after , she plays happily and never cries. It was a pleasure to have her, we are all very fond of her and dread the day she may have to go back with her Mummy. I will post a photo of her and one of Daniela helping me when she came last Saturday. Will go and relax now and watch a little TV. Yes !! it was a good day indeed.

Easter

It was Easter for the Catholics in Arad this weekend but the Romanian Orthodox celebrate Easter at the end of April 27Th being Easter Sunday. It has however still been very quiet as there were still a lot of people not working. Kathy and family celebrate Easter with the Romanians and usually attend the village church along with friends and neighbours. Most Romanians eat spring lamb on Easter Sunday , it is very young lamb and very good tasting.

I am not eating meat at the moment I just seem to have had too much lately , so have gone vegetarian temporarily. It is a good time to eat veg. the markets are full of the most delicious fruit and veg as you will have seen on my photo's of the market here most of it from the local gardens. The forsythia is out now along the river bank and along the Boulevard the fruit trees are all in blossom, it looks lovely. I saw some great plants in the market too and can't wait to get my tubs planted now for outside and maybe a tree would be good too.

Last Easter here we went on a picnic run by the church in the woods and every one had a great time most people brought a barbecue with them and everyone shared the food, there was music , dancing and games for the children and for the adults so I am hoping we can go again this year. As most things here Easter is a big family time to share good times , meals , walks and time in the park etc. I went into the Red Church ( Lutheran) the other day when I was in town as it was open and all the candles were lit on the altar it really was quite moving.

I don't get many emails these days I think maybe Skype has something to do with it. It is a great way to communicate at very little cost and my Brother and his wife talk to me about three times a week and we have web cams so I try to make sure I have done my hair and look decent ha ha!! I also can speak to my sister on her land line for an hour for about 50p. wonderful!!! Technology has certainly come a long way since I was a nipper hey!! Still for folks like me who have moved away it deserves a big thank you to Skype for helping me keep in touch with family and friends.

Must motivate myself to do some jobs now and wonder what I will write about next??

Good bye , Betty, Angie and Pattie

Oh dear!!! at the airport , checking in. Everyone came to say goodbye . There were a few tears it was sad to see them go, but we will remember the visit and all the laughs .Just wished it had been a little longer. We left to go back to Arad as it was Irina's baptism and I had promised I would go. I am afraid I fell asleep in church but did see Irina get baptised. It felt very strange when I got back home , very quiet and I was glad when it was time for bed . I will try and look on the bright side and think of how I am going to enjoy all the treats they brought for me yummy, can.t wait for potted beef sandwiches, black puddings (from Hibberts butchers , in Hyde) Hollands meat pie , cheddar cheese and Marmite. there is lot's more but I won't tell you all my secrets ha ha!!! Funny the silly little things you miss when you have moved away. The bacon here is much better than UK and the pork is far better, succulent and very tasty and a lot of things are better but I still miss a good CRUMPET;well done with lots of butter Yumpt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday oh dear!!!! the last day.

The last day, then tomorrow would be travelling home for my dear friends and sister.Guess where they wanted to go again , yes back to "Jackson".We had a good rummage round and all bought a few things then back to town as the girls wanted to buy a gift for Hajni who they think a lot of because she is such a good person and for the way she helps me.They got lovely earings from Ziridava and had got a wee present for Hajni's little girl too. We went home quite early as I had decided to take them and all the family to "Casa Bulzan" the traditional Romanian resturant. There were twelve of us with the baby, Kathy had asked them to put on the traditional starter platters for us. Three huge platters came with a fantastic array of meats and salad. There was Antelope pasrami, Bear, Wild Boar, Rabbit sausage, Lamb Paté, wonderful smoked hams, Salami's it was just amazing!!! every body really enjoyed them all and tried a little of everything. We all ordered a main meal too,everybody choosing different meals. Pattie and I had the Trout ,Wow!! delicious! and we got two each, Betty, Amy and Johanna had Lamb cooked slowely in the oven , I didn't keep track of what every one else had but we all enjoyed it all , the service was , as always very good. We went back to my apartment and ended the evening with champagne , music and a little dancing. I think it was a good send off to my visitors, I shall be sad to see them go tomorrow.

Szeged

We had decided to pay a visit to Hungary, Szeged is about a two hour drive and Kathy and Kenneth were going to Budapest and said they would drop us off in Szeged. We arrived bit too late for the market but had a quick look round and bought a couple of things. We then found a bus that took us to the centre, there was a lovely square there with very impressive building and the most unusual statues. We couldn't find a resturant so ended up in Macdonalds. Betty got a lovely piece of jewelery and we just strolled around the square in lovely sunshine again and took some good photo's. We then made our way to the huge Tesco's there and had a coffee and peroused the shops inside Tesco, lots of nice shoes , handbags , gifts of all kinds. Kathy and Kenneth were held up badly in Budapest in traffic so we made our way back home in a Mini bus. It was a bit of a dissapointing day but at least we had been to Hungary and all decided we all like Romania better. We still had a good evening chatting and laughing and of course a few voka's were enjoyed.

Gosh Wednesday already!!!

My goodness it was Wednesday already, the time was flying past. The weather was glorious every day, bright warm sunshine , the girls were quite surprised all this lovelysunshine and warm too in February!!! I thought I would take them up the other end of town where the Orthodox Cathedral stands proudly over looking the city.We called in Ziridava ( a big store) and all the other shops and I picked up some great pork ribs to cook for supper at my favorite shop which is below street level and quite facinating!!
We met Kathy and she took us all to "The Secret Garden" (day centre). It is really looking good now with lovely voile curtains at the windows and little tables and chairs where the street kids sit sipping coffee and chatting.The "girls" met a lot of them and the children and babies and agreed it was a nice place for them all to go. One girl had had a shower and washed her hair and her clothes were being washed, these kids like to be clean when they have the opportunity to be able to do so.
Irina who used to be on the streets is doing a great job helping Kathy and is trying very hard to make a decent life for herself and her little girl,Daniela, good for her, i wish her all the best.
I think it made Angie, Pattie and Betty how hard it is for these people , it makes you appreciate all the little things we all take for granted, soap and running water for a start. They will go home with a different outlook on Romania and be able to tell people first hand what a lovely country it is and how warm and friendly the people are and all hard working, also much more respect from the young people, for instance, when I travel on the tram or bus the young ones will always get up to let me sit down, and help me get on and off the tram!!
Thursday we went to Hungary so more about that tomorrow.

The Visit part 2

Actually the first day here was Sunday, which in Arad is a quiet day spent going to church and time to visit family and friends, so we had a lie in and then went for a walk round the village of Subcetate in bright , warm sunshine , whilst Britain was freezing. Then back home and then Pizza King for dinner. A good first day nice and relaxed.

On Tuesday I took them to see "Jackson" a market with indoor and outdoor stalls, they had heard me speak often of "Jackson" so much so it became a joke like in the song "I'm goin to Jackson"!!!!!!! Pattie, Betty and Angie bought nice handbags etc. etc. I think by the end of the trip Pattie had got 5 handbags, (they have lovely , different bags here a lot of Italian leather). Kathy came to meet us and we then called in at Keketch a place where the poor families live. I think it was an eye opener to see before you how these people live with very little assistance except of course from Kathy and a few others and of course her main concern is the children. We came back to the apartment and I did a roast pork dinner and everyone agreed that the pork here is scrumptious!!!! Yet another day of sunshine and it was 20 degrees wow!!!

My First Visitors

Well the day had come at last, Angie and Pattie were arriving in Timisoara at 1.30, we all piled in the mini bus to be there when they got here. We mustered as many of the family as we could to give them a good welcome, we picked Kenny and Johanna and Philip up from Timisoara on the way. In actual fact they were waiting outside for us , it was lovely to see them and there were lots of hugs and kisses. As we were about to drive away a lady strolled up , strange she was wearing sunglasses and a fur coat, oh my goodness!!! I couldn't believe it , it was my sister Betty they had kept the surprise for me for weeks, ( how did three women keep a secret for so long!!) So there were more hugs , kisses and tears ( of joy of course). We took them to the lovely square in Timisoara and for a coffee, then back to my apartment. The things they had brought for me were great, jars of potted beef, suet , HP sauce,Cheddar cheese , crumpets and lots of magazines oh!! what a feast I was going to have but best of all they brought themselves.

The first day, which was warm and sunny I took them to the market, the huge textile shop, Leonardo's ( our favorite shoe shop) and a walk up the main Boulevard. They couldn't believe how lovely the weather was and we all had a really nice day and finished up chatting and having a drink at the apartment. There is so much to tell I will have to do a blog every day for a week , so this is the end of this one on "The Visit"

Curtains for the apartment

I was hoping I would get the voile curtains up before Angie came but I am afraid Kenneth and Kathryn have been to busy at "The Secret Garden", Lot's of street children are coming every day and it is lovely to see them but hard work again for Kathryn and Kenneth but this is what they were hoping for so all is going well and what does it matter about my curtains as Angie says " we are coming to see YOU Rose, not the apartment" Better get on I get carried away when I am blogging.

Projects

Well I am nearly ready for my visitors now, been out today to do the last of the shopping, the beds are made up and all ok. Although I have been really busy I still have managed to get on with my projects.















Olivers blanket is finished and I have started another for the jeweler and his wife on the boulevard, they are expecting thier first baby. I made friends with him a few years ago when I was just visiting , he is very kind and a "Gentleman", I also started a little pullover top for Alexandra and am finishing a scarf for Pattie to take back with her to UK for her sister Alma.



The last two days have been lovely here with lots of bright sunshine and quite warm , hope it keeps like this for them coming.Must rest a little now , my arms are hurting,,,, No wonder !!!!!!!!!!

Welcome Oliver!!

Just to welcome the new addition to our family , my brother Bill and his wife Angie have a new Grandson and a brother for Niamh. Their Mummy , Kirsty was one of the first volunteers to come over to help with the charity, the street kids loved her and are so pleased she is coming again this time with her husband Nick and the children. I hope this time instead of working hard as she did before they will do some sight seeing and have a bit of time with the family.

It has been snowing all day today and looks very pretty but it is freezing, I had to put my boots and thick coat on to take out the rubbish. Glad I opted to stay in and have got lots of jobs done for Angie and Pattie coming next Saturday, can't wait to see them I am sure they will like it here and lots of lovely shops and markets to see . I hope to take them to Timisoara as well (the city of flowers).

Well I will take a break now and watch a film I have down loaded and have a beer or maybe two!! Must try to finish the blanket for Oliver it is almost big enough now.

"The Secret Garden"

The day centre is up and running now and some street children come most day's. We have called it "The Secret Garden" because it reminds us of the house in the childrens story.Think you will agree it does? It is looking better every day hard work for Kenneth and Kathryn who are trying to make it like a home as it is the only home these kids have. The room I will show you is sort of the reading room and they get a little education as Kathryn and Kenneth are both school teachers. There is a play room too and showers for them to wash and get a change of clothes. They get hot drinks of coffee, tea or soup and sandwiches as the kitchen is not done yet , we await more funding.I think they have done wonders with the help of many volanteers and all the people who have given money and gifts for the secret garden, many thanks to all of them and a lot of young folk come to help which is lovely to think they spare their time and effort to help these kids. The street kids vary in ages there are small children , babies, teenagers and young adults,all desperatly in need of help and love which we all try to give them. I do try to help in small ways but wish I could do more , but every little helps eh?????

My New Apartment

I thought some of you may be interested to see my new apartment, so I inlude some photo's. It is really feeling like home now ans Kenneth does a few jobs for me every time he comes. He put some pictures up the other day and soon he will put the poles up to hang the voile curtains I had made last week. My two budgies have settled nicely and seem to like their new home too. They are called Anica (yellow) and Theodore(green) I am hoping for some babys but they are still quite young birds so we shall see!!!

I am crocheting a blanket for the newest arrival to the family Oliver, George my nieces new baby, hope to have photo's of him soon and his sister. Will try to get some crochet done today I have done all the cleaning I intend doing and have a head cold so it is a good excuse to have an easier day.

Martisor

Gosh !!! it is nearly " Martisor " again, always a nice time of year when we herald in the Spring. Here in Romania we give each other little Amulets, exchanging them is a gesture of love , friendship, respect and appreciation. These amulets at the beginning of the 19th century were worn around the neck or on the left hand in the belief they protected and brought you good luck for the year. People wore them from the 1st. March to the 12th March and waited for the first birds to appear in their village then they hung them in the first tree they saw in blossom. I think this is one of the nicest traditions but there are many more here.

I saw the first snowdrops yesterday, lovely a sure sign Spring is round the corner. I must say it has been a very mild winter here again , not many days that I had to wear my thermal undies!!! I am hoping my visitors (Angie and Pattie) from Oldham, near Manchester will be able to see the many little stalls on the Boulevard selling flowers and amulets for "Martisor" I am sure they will think it is a lovely tradition too.

Shopping in Arad

Well I have been busy shopping for things for my new apartment I haven't had time to do my blog. On Monday I went to look at voile curtains I have nice blinds, but wanted curtains to dress the windows and look pretty and homely. The textile shop I went to on Strada Eminescu is fantastic . It makes me laugh when people say Romania is a backward country , I think UK have a lot to learn. The array of curtains and soft furnishings is awesome, They have a bedding department too and splendid haberdashery. I also thought I would call at the Piazza Mica ( big market) and get my fruit and veg. and some freshly baked bread it's yummy.

Tuesday I was off out again and had a hair cut and blow wave then met Helen a Scots lady who has lived here 10 years. We had a coffee in town , called for sheets of pork ribs at the Alimentara then she ran me home and we had Yorkshire tea and digestive biscuits and chatted.

Wednesday I have Rosanna she stayed last night and practised her knitting , she is doing very well and doing the purl stitch too.We had breakfast and did some cleaning then off to town again to pick up the curtains and called at Billa for food etc. So at least I have had a productive week so far.

It is only 17 days now to my visitors coming I can't wait and they are bringing goodies with them , Oxo cubes , jellies mixes for chili and bassets liquorice allsorts ha ha . Hope you like the pictures of the markets.

Churches,inside the catholic cathedral and the Lutheran church

I found a picture of the inside of the catholic cathedral and one of the Lutheran church on the main boulevard were Johanna and Philip will be married in October. The picture at the top is the catholic cathedral isn't it splendid?

Well I have been here over a year now and there is still Lot's more to see and do. Things have changed here , I have been visiting for seven years, there are a lot more cars on the roads for a start but still you don't have to travel far to see the old way of life that still exists in the villages, thank goodness we don't want too much change it is lovely just as it is.

I would like very much to thank all the people of Arad and surrounding villages for all their help and friendship during my year living here. I could not thank them individually there are too many but a big thanks to all the Taxi drivers , they have all been kindness itself to me and helpful, to all the shop keepers and assistants and the ladies in the bank who are lovely with me, to friends I have made especially Hajyni who has been like a daughter to me , last but not least thanks to my family Kathy, Kenneth Johanna, Philip, Kenny , Amy and Rosanna, I could not have done it without you all and hope everyone will help me through the next year. I do know quite a lot of the language and learn a little more every day.

Traditional Romanian Restaurant in Arad

I was telling you about the great food in a restaurant in Arad but forgot to tell you the name and where to find it ( how could you go for a meal there if you don't know where it is!!!!) It is at Boul Rosu (The red Bull) Cafe Bulzan, wonderful worth a visit if you like typical traditional food of the area you are visiting.

I was in town on Friday to get new plugs etc (I was managing with English plugs and adapters) huh ! never enough adapters so running round swapping them from appliances. I decided to call in the Catholic cathedral as I knew it had been recently renovated. It is quite splendid and huge inside, I also strolled slowly up the main boulevard looking at all the wonderful doors, yes Doors!!!! I cant remember seeing as many different and ornate ones before, will try to get some pictures.

I went to put my rubbish out this afternoon and there was a goat quietly nibbling away on the field and all the cows were out there too (how nice) I do so love it here. I wonder every day what new things I will discover in this wonderful place I now call home ?????

Moving day again !!!!!!

Well you may ask where have I been since Christmas?? I bought a new apartment two years ago and with a lot of problems it has only just been finished , I was living in a rented apartment for over a year but YIPPEE!!! at last I have moved yet again , and am now at last in my own home and it is a great comfort to me. I have been too busy to write my blog but now hope to be able to carry on. We had a house warming party on Sat. with Romanian friends and Scottish friends and family, It was good fun and we all enjoyed it.

I have my first visitors from Manchester, UK coming on the 23rd February , my sister in law Angie and her friend Pattie and am looking forward to showing them round Arad and Timisoara. My daughter and husband took me to a traditional Romanian resturant for my birthday so I hope to take my visitors there too. They actually serve Bear, wild boar, venison, trout, pike, quail, pheasant, veal well I could go on the menu is amazing and delicious, the service is excellent and well worth a try if you ever visit Arad.

Hoping all my readers had a good Christmas and new year, it is nice to be back online and lovely to be in my new home.