The Sights of Romania

Having spent most of my time in Tirgu Mures, I managed to take a few shots of the local iconic buildings before travelling on the bus on some roads that needed some serious repairs, to the beautiful town of Sibiu.   Luckily we headed off early in the morning, because with no air conditioning, a crowded bus with people standing, and an extremely hot day, the three hour trip could have been long suffering!!  Instead it proved interesting and very scenic, with views of Romanian cottages dotting the road sides through villages, fields of crops like corn and sunflowers growing, and areas of forest trees with patches of windy roads up the hillsides; a very beautiful display of Romanian countryside.
Sibiu shows itself to be another example of amazing historical buildings that fill European countries, with the Old City cobbled streets lined with buildings and churches dating from the 13th Century and the Astra Open Air Traditional Folk Civilisation Museum showing buildings prior to that.

It would have been nice to have had time to see more of the Transylvanian area, and the forests, mountains and seaside areas that are also part of this beautiful country.

Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Tirgu Mures

Tirgu Mures city building

Sibiu, in the old town area

Ceiling in entranceway to Orthodox Church, Sibiu

part of the remaining fortress wall, Sibiu

Some great renovation projects in the old city, Sibiu

Piata Mare

Bridge of Lies, Sibiu

Windmill at Astra Traditional Folk Civilisation Museum, Sibiu

Shed for farm wagons

Tradional housing

Astra showing traditional housing

Tirgu Mares on the side of the road into town

fields of sunflowers

Casa Kiwi, a wonderful home for some great kids

It has been a privilege to meet the team at Casa Kiwi in Targu Mures, a home where children who have not had the best start to life through no fault of their own, now have a loving, caring and well equipped home to see them grow and mature and have opportunities that they didn't have before.  A first hand look at the renovation project on the go at the moment and time visiting the temporary home each day has given me such an appreciation for the work, time and funds that numerous generous people have put into making Casa Kiwi all it is today.  With Sonia and Carol from the Hawkes Bay here visiting as well, us ladies had a great time taking the kids out and generally just hanging out with them and enjoying their company.  What a great bunch of kids they are, so caring of people and one another, helpful and well behaved.  Such an awesome time and meeting these kids has put the work of the foundation here into fresh perspective.  The last two weeks has certainly been life changing and hats off to the wonderful people here in Romania who are having such an impact on the lives of many children.  May God continue to open doors, bless and protect you....

having fun with balloons

the sheer excitement with bubbles

visiting Casa Kiwi

and the poses.....

fun on the swing

we love to swim

the Kiwi team

Spain

Barcelona would have to be the most vibrant city marketed for tourists, with large side walk areas, street artists of all kinds, stalls, an array of cafes and restaurants, and people strolling around till late at night.  The metro would be the best that I have seen in a city, well signposted, clean, and foreigner friendly, with elevators and lifts for buggies and luggage, a good ticketing system and comfortable airconditioned trains to travel in.  Cyclists, rollerbladers, runners, and walkers come out to make use of the waterside avenues and at this time of year in particular, the city is a hive of activity.  I linked up with a free walking group called Discovery Tours (pay by tipping)  where a local showed us the old city area (Bari Gotic) and gave some interesting  insights, and a tour past some buildings in the new city area where there was an era of architectural competition (1880-1920's) and some amazing facts given about them as well.   A great way to learn about a place that is interesting and cost effective!!   Here are the works of Gaudi .....

the ongoing construction of theSagrada Familia church showing the towers of the 12 apostles

Sagrada Familia

Casa Batllo

Guell Park

Guell Park

La Pedera (Casa Milo)

Fountain at de Montjuic

Magic  Fountain with music, colours and fountain sequences

From the top of Castel de Montjuic in the park

Then out of the hustle and bustle to experience a little of mountain life, suck in clean air and marvel at the views up in the Pyrenees.  So much more could be seen of this great mountain area that stretches over to the Atlantic coast and into France, so really all I managed at this point in time was a brief encounter with nature here by way of a mountain train and a magnificent walk back through the mountain pass.  Peaceful, beautiful and so serene!

Walk from Nuria to Querelbs

mountain flora

Through the trees to the river

walkway by the river

view over the valley

Mountain view

Outlook from Queralbs

Streets of Queralbs

Amalfi Coast

Was definitely a good move to leave the luggage in Naples, and travel light to the Amalfi Coast, with many steps, and winding paths to negotiate to get to accommodation!!!  Magic views high up from my room in Praiano overlooking the coast and nearby Positano, a meandering walk down a quaint path to my Isle of Capri accommodation and a brief hike through town to the hotel in Sorrento.  I am grateful I am still fit and healthy to do it all relatively easy, and enjoy the experience along the way.   Stopped to take in the views, the surroundings, and the atmosphere that make this part of Italy such a sought after area for both Italian and international holiday makers.  The deep blue waters and rocky coastline that are so much a part of the Mediteranean are pleasing to the soul, and the adaptability of people who reside here is something to be marvelled at, with the structure and location of villas, cafes and other buildings dotting the terrain.  Fantastic hiking tracks up in the hills take you to scenic viewpoints and places of interest, before descending back down to another quaint little town or seaside restaurant.    Lying down in the bottom of  a little row boat on the Isle of Capri, you are taken through a hole in a rock  and into a cave illuminated deep in the water by the sun that turns the water a beautiful blue .  One of natures miracles!!  Take that and the ballad your Italian rower sings and you have an experience of a life time.
Time to move onto Spain .... hello Barcelona ......

up 200+ steps to accommodation at Praiano

Amalfi

Blue Grotto, Isle of Capri

Cala Grotto de Diavolo, Praiano

view from the balcony, Praiano

Marina Piccola, Isle of Capri

Montepertuso, mountain with a hole

Positano

Path of the Gods Walk

Street of Praiano

Path of the Gods Walk above Praiano towards Positano

Path of the Gods Walk

View from Praiano

view from Capri