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Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Romania 2014: Cabana Lui Gheorghe (part 4)
Romania 2014: Sibiu: The European Cultural Capital (part 5)
Romania 2014: Sibiu: The European Cultural Capital (part 5)
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
After sleeping in, Delia had prepared a wonderful brunch platter of meats, cheeses, vegetables, bread, and butter. She made coffee, while Andi made his special organic berry blended smoothie of bananas, wild raspberries, and wild blueberries.
Later we all went over to Delia’s family's home for a small reunion. We had also visited the Raulea home in 2011 and now Andi and Thomas were the new members. Delia’s mother made coffee and Romanian apple pie squares. I preface the food item’s with “Romanian” because it is unlike anything I’ve experienced in the US. I am officially a fan of Romanian food. After talking to Delia’s mother, sister, and father, our small group left for the center of Sibiu, the citadel.
Sibiu was named European’s "Capital of Culture” in 2007 and also was ranked as “Europe’s 8th most idyllic place to live” by Forbes. "In the 14th century, it was already an important trade centre. In 1376, the craftsmen were divided in 19 guilds. Sibiu became the most important ethnic German city among the seven cities that gave Transylvania its German name Siebenbürgen (literally seven cities), and it was home to theUniversitas Saxorum, the assembly of Germans in Transylvania.” (Wikipedia) Like many cities in Romania, the center of Sibiu is home of an ancient Citadel, a castle like fortress surrounded by tall walls with turrets made to protect the city. Romania has a long history of kings, kingdoms, and invading nations which have attempted to overthrow cities by force. These citadels would house the local rulers and towns people during these attacks.
We parked within the center and walked through the city streets, which were surrounded by beautiful German style architecture. We were led in to the plaza and took a lot of photos, ate pretzels, and had REALLY good gelato. I may have to dedicate a full post to Romanian cuisine…
We also took photos of Andi and Delia in the ancient surroundings. We visited a salon where Delia previously worked as a hairstylist and gazed at the huge German catholic church. Construction workers and craftsmen had been coming from far and wide to help with the restoration of the huge building. The city had even designated an apartment right next to the church for the tradesmen and women to stay in while they worked on the cathedral. Right outside this apartment, there was a pillar monument dedicated to these craftsmen. Each one is invited to create a nail to drive into the pillar as a remembrance of their contribution. It was very unique.
After walking in the hot sun, we found a cafe, enjoyed drinks, and planned our next destination.
We also took photos of Andi and Delia in the ancient surroundings. We visited a salon where Delia previously worked as a hairstylist and gazed at the huge German catholic church. Construction workers and craftsmen had been coming from far and wide to help with the restoration of the huge building. The city had even designated an apartment right next to the church for the tradesmen and women to stay in while they worked on the cathedral. Right outside this apartment, there was a pillar monument dedicated to these craftsmen. Each one is invited to create a nail to drive into the pillar as a remembrance of their contribution. It was very unique.
After walking in the hot sun, we found a cafe, enjoyed drinks, and planned our next destination.
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