Mountains, mushrooms, monasteries and maps!

What an amazing and long day we have had. We all took a rented 16 seater van to amazing monasteries in Romania/Moldova? I’m not quite sure where they were to be completely honest. All I know is that the architecture dates back to around the 15^th century, the mountains are beautiful in Iasi this time of year, and I loved the interior byzantine frescoes.

We visited 3 different monasteries, stopped for a bit of soup, and ended our trip with a  surprise visit to the original salt mine in Romania.

At the first monastery, we met the most wonderful nun named Sister Helen. She knew a bit of English and was able to speak to us. I definitely got a picture with Sister Helen. I wanted to start singing, “The hills are alive, with the sound of music…”, but I figured it may not be appropriate for the setting!

This one was famous for its exterior painting of “The Last Judgement” scene. It was painted all the way around the monastery as well. We weren’t able to take pictures, but it was absolutely beautiful inside.

The entire interior was covered floor to ceiling with fresco paintings. In the Romanian orthodox church, iconography is very important. Even walking around Iasi, you will see people cross themselves anytime they see a religious icon.

In the church, it is the same way when they enter. They will approach the altars in front, cross themselves, sometimes even brushing the floor and finish by kissing the picture at the alter. Sometimes, they will kneel down and pray as well. It is very interesting. I haven’t been to one of their services, but I would really like to go and observe. I have noticed that they are very devoted to their religion here. About 90% of the people in Romania are Roman Orthodox. I was actually very surprised to see how similar the layout of the church was to the ancient temples – like Solomon’s temple for example.

They also pay tribute to the living and to the dead outside the monastery. In a little shed area, they will have lit candles, some lit for those who have passed on and some for those still living.

For the most part, the monasteries were very similar in structure and architecture. The paintings were obviously different, some more elaborate than others. They also varied in size. The third one we went to was incredible and massive.

I wish I could remember all of the things I learned in my AP art history class in high school. I know that most of the artwork is byzantine with some gothic influence. In one of the monasteries, the apex area had been updated with artwork that had more of a Renaissance influence. Each of them was absolutely breathtaking. To know that these had been here for over 500 years was unbelieveable.

On the way to our 3^rd monastery, we stopped at a restaurant high up in the mountains. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. I felt like I was up at Sundance in the fall. It was a little bit of home there for a bit! The food was absolutely delcious. I ordered supa de hribi – soup with mushrooms. Romania is known for its wild mushrooms, and I can testify to that! I also ordered a green salad. Um, a little bit of home once again!

Like I said before, we stopped again at the famous original salt mine. We went 80 meters underground (by stairs of course) to a tunnel of rock salt. It looked exactly like you would expect an old mine to look like. Rocky walls, dimly lit tunnel, a musky, humid smell, planks of wood here and there. I felt like I was in a spook alley at a haunted house. Then at the very end, the tunnel opened up to…a giant wood floor ballroom with chandeliers! Completely random, I know! If there is one thing I have learned about Romania, it is that you never know what to expect.

After that, we headed home. I know this doesn’t even do it justice – cramming 12 hours into a few paragraphs, but it was an unforgettable day. Even with a lot of pictures and souvenirs, I can’t even begin to describe how beautiful the scenery, monasteries and food were! I’ll take a day off work like that anytime!

Can I tell you my favorite part – not really my favorite part, but a good finale to my day? When we got off the bus, the bus driver guy handed us a city map of Iasi. Fantastic! I have been looking for one everywhere and tonight I get handed one like it’s no big deal. We are definitely going to be doing a bit more navigating around Iasi now. Love maps!