twentytwo

The days are flying by, it's Sunday already and it's now less than a week to go.
Last night we had thunder, lightening and plenty heavy rain. This morning I wasn't sure about going to the market but the rain had stopped and it seemed to be clearing. So much easier than the last time I went, I knew when to get off and where a lot of stalls were.
Unfortunately the stall I wanted wasn't there.

I walked back again, stopping off at the fruit and veg market for a few things. Decided to buy some fresh walnuts this time, very tasty.

Back to the flat and chill. No plans for the rest of the day, just have to make sure we have our times and where to go for the bus tomorrow because it's off to Monica's grandmother's farm in the country.

key to the door day…21

Late, lazy morning, lovely.
Off to town today to see an exhibition by Bernardo Federico Neumann of part of his collection, 'Abstraccion Surrealista'. Lots of colours coming up.

The exhibition was in the council tower just off Piata Mara and a very narrow, steep climb to get to it. The images were on the 1st and 2nd floors and were indeed incredibly vibrant, although probably more so if they'd been the originals. Interesting work nonetheless.

Bernardo Neumann

Bernardo Neumann

Not easy to take photos as you can see because of the glass and the lighting but gives a impression of what they were like.






After viewing the art it was up lots more stairs to get to the top of the tower.

door to 2nd floor

Tiny wee door, very narrow space but hand rail all the way up, which I was very glad of. As we got nearer the top the floors were smaller and the heat rose quickly, couldn't stay very long but the views were incredible.

roof view from top

Piata Mare

Another pic of the houses with eyes, I prefer the look of the older ones, possibly due to the differing tile colours.


Down again, and what a pleasure to feel cooler each descent of steps. Outside, beside the tower ,an arched tunnel(short) had a gorgeous breeze blowing through so we stood there for a while.
Went for a bite to eat next… my veggie lasagne wasn't veggie, not great and no time to get it sent back for another. Luckily, Megan does eat meat and we swopped, I got her tomato soup which was lovely. Off to meet our lift to the cheese and brandy festival. Not too far from Sibiu.

Amazing view of the mountains. The festival itself was quite small but had a good feel about it. We wandered a little, had some help from Ioana and Leonardo to find the brandy. Hadn't realised it would be in little plastic bottles……. so, a few tastes were had, prices checked and we got a wee bottle to have one night (with juice) between us all.

cheese stalls

Day 10 or the beginning of mask 3

It was so hot last night… sorry to all who aren't but it did make sleep a little restless.
Woke early to the lady, either upstairs or next door watering the small garden out front. She has a plastic cup that she dips into a water filled container and empties over the plants so carefully, delicately.
Made salad for lunch and then the usual shower to refresh myself.
Off to the pink house for around 10, found the girls already hard at work finishing off their masks.
I only had the ears to make and attach before the 2nd mask was done.

Megan modeling mask

Then straight into mask number 3.

beginnings

whizzing eyes

I am really enjoying making this one (not that I didn't on the others), I think because I understand the technique now. I did also get a little help from Anna who sewed up my eyes before I stuffed them.
Lunch over and back in there.
Today Anna let us see Youtube clips of the traditional dances, costumes and masks. (technicalities by her son).
It did make me understand the use of the masks more which I feel helps when fabricating them.

Here it is at the end of the sewing day, the hair isn't actually fixed properly but you get the idea.

Then it was a short walk home and we decided to head off to the veg market for supplies. 5pm but it was really too hot for me, although we arrived back arms about dropping off. Fridge filled and time to relax.

Day 8

We've now been here over a week and I feel there is a settling into a kind of routine.
Every Sunday in Sibiu there is a flea market, basically a large car boot sale without the cars. I ended up going on my own because one of us decided to stay at home, and the others missed the bus I got. (If I'd had my phone I'd have met them later but, oops, left it behind)
So, a wee adventure on my own which I really enjoyed. Wasn't really in the mood for buying but wanted to see it. A lot of tat. A lot of 2nd hand clothes which if I could try stuff on and had room in my suitcase would be fantastic. I did buy a new leather belt and managed to haggle a little.
The gypsy women are so colourful, those dressed traditionally but many are also wearing western style clothes.

Decided to walk back, partly because I wasn't sure where the stop was for my bus.
Lovely walk and quite peaceful, a few interesting buildings, the eyes again.

Back towards the Piata Mara (Big Square) by way of the Piata Mica (Small Square) and the Pasajul Scarilor (Stairs Passage).

Heading up

Looking down

Got to Piata Mara and decided it was time to chill and eat, salad and chips with a lovely Romanian beer, a little sketch while I was sitting enjoying people watching. A mother walked past holding hands with her two daughters… the daughters were at least in their late twenties. Very lovely.
Off to see the Salvador Dali exhibition at the Bruckenthal Museum. It consisted of his prints, from the Purgatory, Inferno and Paradise series.