First day in Romania
Trip Start
Jun 28, 2011
1
24
27
Trip End
Jul 25, 2011
Iasi, Romania
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Check-in at the airport yesterday was quite quick and we were both able to go through immigration even though there was such a big gap between our flights. We said our good -byes at my gate and we left our separate ways (Alex to Singapore --> Sydney; and I to Bucureshti--> Iasi)
Istanbul --> Bucureshti was a lonely but pleasant flight where I had an awesome romanian cheese sandwhich and some sort of cake. In Bucureshti the airport was really confusing so I went around the entire airport a few times until I found that the right stairs were right in front of the exit door.(duh - how could i not think of that)
Bucureshti--> Iasi. Tiny plane (it seemed to be a toy one or one you would see in a display at a museum of antiquities.I could touch the propellers!) Most people had to put their hand-luggage in a special basket before climbing up the steps to the plane as the overhead compartments were too small. Although someone else took my seat, the stewardess was kind enough to just move me to the front of the plane next to an exit door and a litle girl of about 6 or 7. Right before the plane took off though, I was warned by the stewardess that in case of an emergency I should take care of the girl and to ensure her safe exit as she was travelling by herself. At that moment all I could think of was how to manage to open the emergency door and I was carefully reading the safety instructions that I usually ignore. Then an agonizing sound engulfed the plane as it was trying to take off. Not just trying, it actually succeeded in taking off even though i was prepared for parts of the plane to fly away or some screws to come loose from the vibrations at any moment. Once at the right altitute however, the sound stopped and we were still flying - yey!. Everything went smoothly until the plane landed which was a complete shock as it was extremely sudden. Once I managed to control my trembling knees and make a few steps, I quickly collected my bag with a small incident which included an unintended small play on words with the baggage guard which is hard to explain here. I slept over at Gabi's in Iasi.
Today I had a full-on day of mostly talking.
After having breakfast with Gabi's (roasted capsicums in tomato sauce; egg plant salad; pastramy; cas(h) + fresh tomatoes) I met Buna and Aurel in Iasi. On the way to Vaslui, Buna explained to me what we actually saw in Istanbul and more of the history of the mosques and places we've seen and their connection to the romanian culture - more things make sense now.
Once in Vaslui, I did a bit of shopping (found new sandals) and went to the market(with Buna) - there were fresh fruits and vegies and the smell of freshly picked watermelons and other produce were unmistakable(love it). Then we settled at Buna's place to taste some of the pastries she's made + had lunch(egg plant salad and stuffed capsicums) + talked loads about travelling. Towards late in the afternoon, Dudu + Tibi joined me at Buna's and we had a quick catch up sesh over more sweets and drinks.
In Husi, Mamaya was waiting for us on the bench outside her block of units even though I told her I had no idea when we would leave exactly or how the road will be (as they were renovating the roads and it was also raining). Nevertheless, the 5 of us had some sweets and juice upstairs and another catch up sesh before Dudu+Tibi had to go back.
Once in Husi, I have no idea when the time flew - I've had a yummy dinner with my grandparents ( Bibiya was trying to teach me the tricks behind my favourate dish of roasted capsicums with the tomato sauce - tomorrow I was promised some cooking lessons); looked through millions of old photos; tried to explain to Bibiya that I do have a real driver's licence even though it looks so flowery and bright, and i cannot drive a manual car; and odd things like this.
About 10 min. ago Alex made his announcement that he has arrived safely in Sydney.
Comments
Where are all the photos?!
Sounds like you're having a good time- especially with all the romanian food. Este foarte bun? Say hi to Dudu and Tibi for me :)
Also who is Bibiya? Did they want you to take their car or something?
My flight was good/a bit crap. The turkish airlines leg was amazing- great food, huge tv, massive selection of movies, very new plane. Sat next to a small, warm vietnamese/indonesian guy, who laughed very loudly and in an amusing way at his movie. Qantas was the bit crap leg- tiny seats, no leg room under the seat cos of the computer for the screens, unappetising meals, old plane... but the stewards were very nice. My bag did turn up eventually in Sydney (yay) and I managed to get the baclava through customs (yay!!!). Feeling ok now- a bit tired but I think I can manage til tonight to sleep.
Have fun!
bibiya = my grandpa'
I hope you got some sleep on ur second flight since the conditions were sooo comfortable...
i didn't take too many photos...but I'll upload the few taken
the sun-flowers photo will come tomorrow I guess...obviously another photo was uploaded...