Today, I was able to take the kids to the park, or what I thought was going to be a park. It turned out to be a large lot, covered in overgrown grass, with a sidewalk path winding through it and some benches (similar to airport seating). All over the grass and sidewalk were cigarette butts, empty beer and water bottles, and sunflower seeds that had been spit out. This was the “park” for the kids.
These are the kind of things that motivate me to continue my education, figure out a way to fix problems like this throughout the world. Even if I can only build a park in the village of Tomesti someday, it will be worth something.
Good thing kids are kids though. We ran around in circles, played with grass, played with a ball and I think the kids had a good time. There were a few other older kids there (about 8 or 10) and they were playing near V, which if you know him, you know that he doesn’t typically interact with others. I watched him and he was responseful and engaging. Even though he only mutters a few sounds, he was better than I had ever seen him. Maybe that is the key. When he is surrounded by adults or kids 4-5 years younger, it may not be the ideal situation for him. Maybe he needs his peers. I don’t know if I can do much about that, but hopefully I can help him with his social development a little.
I did a lot of thinking last night right before I went to bed and I was looking at the beginning of my blog when I first arrived here (more than 2 weeks ago) and I was so worried about the bed bugs, the apartment, how I was going to live in such a different situation for the next few months. It’s amazing how serving others allows you to think about yourself less. What you thought was critical, becomes irrelevant in comparison to those you are serving. At least that’s what I’ve discovered.
Well, before I head to bed tonight, I wanted to make a list of Romanian quirks, just to remember. Hopefully this doesn’t sound like complaining. Let’s just say it’s more of a sensory journal – so that I can look back later and remember the sights, the sounds, the smells of the wonderful city of Iasi.
-There are a few crosswalks with timers, but most of them are painted lines on the street. Even amidst busy traffic, you step out into the road and hope that the cars stop for you (yes, occasionally I have closed my eyes for a second) because that is the only way to cross the road.
-Because the traffic rules are different (if they exist, I’m not sure), but honking is not a method of expressing road rage. It’s more of a communication tool for other drivers or pedestrians. I thought all Romanians had road rage when I first arrived because I would hear honking ALL the time.
-In the elevator, you have to wait for 2 bumps before opening the door.
-Always keep your bus ticket. Occassionally security guards will come and do a check. I would hate to know what happens if you are caught empty handed.
-Everyone in Romania gives flowers. I see people carrying flowers all the time. It’s made me appreciate flowers more. However here, you always make sure you don’t give an even number of flowers because it symbolizes death (only appropriate to bring to funerals). I’m thinking I might adopt this giving flower tradition.
-There is a delicious bakery we pass on the way to church and work everyday that smells like powdered sugar or fresh Italian pizza.
-When you go to the grocery store, you have to bring your own bag (or buy them) and you should have your money ready to go and have your groceries already bagged up by the time the checker gives you the total cost.
-Women walk down the street arm in arm all of the time because it is a sign of “sticking together” and makes them less vulnerable
-In my favorite little park that I get to walk through everyday and where they have beautiful flowers in the middle, there are built in chess boards.
-There are stray dogs EVERYWHERE (I will not attach an opinion to this one, although you probably know how I feel about that)
-The older women wear beautiful scarves on their heads. I believe traditionally it is a sign of their marital status
-Langosi is heaven sent. Fresh hot scone, filled with melted chocolate, rolled in powdered sugar…need I say more?
-Gypsies or “Roma” as they are called are shunned in a lot of places. Most of them wear fluorescent colors and are easy to spot. In tomesti and away from downtown, many of them will have a horse drawn cart as their method of transportation.
-We do not drink tap water. We go through “apa plata” or bottled watter like you wouldn’t believe.
-The fresh market is beautiful with mounds of fresh fruits, vegatables and flowers
-The cultural palace is truly an architectural wonder
-I live on the 6th floor here, I work on the 7th floor of the hospital. I am grateful for elevators that can hold more than 3 people
-Romanian children are beautiful
-The Romanian people I have worked with so far (workers, kids, branch members) are very patient people (That, or I am being incredibly blessed to be surrounded by patient people!)
-Female Romanian names are pretty – Loredana, Elena, Yoanna, Nicolina, Roxanna, Florentina (to name a few).
That’s all for tonight. I’m sure I will be able to add to the list.
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