Day 28

This is the day we fly out (Sat 30th Aug) and it feels very odd, I think it's going to take quite a bit to acclimatise on our return to Scotland.
I'm now writing this on Tues, haven't had my brain working since I got back.

spare cabling

The last visit to Ioana's and Ana's to pick up our glass icon paintings, quite emotional, hugs all round.

On the way there I remembered to photograph the telegraph pole that I'd been passing almost every day and had kept forgetting to photo.
All the telegraph poles are like this, I assume it's for when other buildings are built but I'm not entirely sure.

Reminds me a little of the wiring in India but that is much more haphazard and random. (I will be posting photos of that when I get out there in January 2015…..so watch this blog)

I've decided to leave my icon painting for a few reasons: It won't fit in my bag, I'm not really religious and it's quite nice to leave it behind for Monica. She might sell it to add funds for a project which I'm very pleased about.
We all went back to the corridor flat (mine and Vik's) and the girls helped us take everything up to their's.
From there, all those who'd finished packing (Me and Vik) went into town for some food, beer and enjoy the market. Was extremely pleasant and we got a little tipsy… oops.

Another picture I'd been meaning to get is the sign at a cafe/restaurant on the way to Piata Mare.

owl

I'd love to have been able to get up close to it and have a proper look at the glass.

Medieval Festival still on and the big puppet was on it's feet in daylight. So much easier to photograph due to there not being really bright lights above its head.



we met up with Monica at around 7pm to go out to the airport. Really don't and do want to go.
Spent the usual hanging around airport time then we were boarded and off at 10.40pm.
Arrived in Luton airport about 11.30pm which was weird as the flight was over 2 hours, bags back quite quickly and taxi to the hotel.
Thanks to Vik for the bubbly that we had as a wee celebration before heading off our separate ways in the morning.

It has been an amazing experience, one where I'm not quite sure how much I've learnt as I'm still assimilating it all. Romania is definitely a place I'd return to.

Day 27 or last day

So, it's finally arrived, our last day. Well kind of because tomorrow we fly out but not until the evening so we get a wee wander around town for the medieval festival tomorrow too.
Today, it's off to pick up our glass, choose the mask we want to take home and say our goodbyes.
Off we trotted down to the pink house and I wish I'd worn shoes because my toes were cold, not liking that.
Photographed the paintings on the right side.

House pic

coloured pic

Here they are, drying out. We had to take them back to the flat which was interesting, walking back with two pieces of glass that couldn't be held properly because of the paint. Successful though.



Time to tidy up flat and start packing. Really hoping everything is going to fit. I have lots of breakable things but lots of bubble wrap.

A chilled out afternoon, partly waiting on the owner to visit with people to view the flat but no-one arrived, quite glad as I had a wee afternoon nap.

Off into town, to the Weinkeller, a lovely little restaurant (very romantic-but not that important to us), and we had a wonderful meal, wine and lots of chat. Ioana joined us for the dessert part which was one of the main reasons for going.
Then off to the medieval festival. Very crowded square but everyone having a good time. Little stalls selling the usual, leather goods (very good quality though), jewellery, sweets, food and beer.
The band sounded celtic which we did enjoy, spoke English to the crowd but not sure where they were from.

wizard float

They had a procession which went around the outer edges of the square with some of the performers waving and posing as they are supposed to do.

Before the procession

Not so easy to see but quite a spectacle.

We were waiting for the puppet to rise which we'd seen earlier today.




It did look odd as it lifted, partly because it showed quite a bit of bare thigh and as it lifted higher some people disappeared up between his legs.

in action

The puppet was amazing, I must admit though that I am spoiled for performances after having traveled with some of the best and seen them countless times. 

A guy did silks hanging from the forks and then a girl joined him for a little bit of doubles. It was a good show.

silks doubles

We had sat down earlier for a drink in one of the restaurants on the square and ended up in one of the best positions.

Tired now so home and getting comfy horizontally.

Day 5

Today was another early rise… comparatively speaking and off to make more masks. Our 5^th colleague had her first experience of the masks although she is still recovering from the journey here. 

So the day was short and we were off home before 3pm. Walking in the heat of the day again though – I reckon we’ll get our timings sorted by the time we leave.

I finished my first mask and started another. Here are the two sides, 1st is front. It has been padded.

The next image is where I've just played around with the jawline, not sure what's happening but wasn't wanting a square jaw.

The girls finished their masks, they're looking brilliant. We have worked hard.

A stroll home in the baking sun, a wee siesta and then out for a wander in the main square. Where we saw kids playing with the water jets in the middle of the square, they shoot up then disappear so it's chance a soaking crossing through. A guy cycling up and down outside the cafe talking at everyone (no-one in particular) in Romanian so didn't have a clue what was being said although when he tried to do a wheelie and failed miserably (probably due to his bike being a very old and heavy one) I got the feeling he may have been drinking a little.