Continuing from my day yesterday, I must say and reiterate what an amazing experience it was to gift those gifts. Thank-you so much to everyone who made this possible. A little bit really went a long way. The big hits were the soccer balls, the barbie, art supplies and the nice clothing.
Soon after the gift giving, we all went outside and played soccer. The kids literally dripped off of me, always holding, hugging and calling my name. They did anything to impress, from standing on their hands; crossing their eyes and doing flips. It was quite cute and impressive. The children are also eager to learn more English and asked me to read words on packaging etc. They were also eager to teach me Romanian, which I soaked in.
Soon after the gift giving, we all went outside and played soccer. The kids literally dripped off of me, always holding, hugging and calling my name. They did anything to impress, from standing on their hands; crossing their eyes and doing flips. It was quite cute and impressive. The children are also eager to learn more English and asked me to read words on packaging etc. They were also eager to teach me Romanian, which I soaked in.
They also encountered two fascinations; my blue eyes and ripped knee jeans. They were staring at my eyes and asking if they were real. They were gasping and laughing when I said no. Then, was the ongoing saga of the ripped jeans, and let me tell you - it sure made each one quite curious. I told the kids that in Canada, they are "cool", and they looked at me like I was crazy. Before I knew it, their hands were going inside the holes and this continued all afternoon. Even the staff said to me "freezie?"
Later in the day, I went out for dinner with a staff worker named Ted. He is a nice, young, professional man that helps House of Angels and has been quite the tour guide and translator. Thank-you Ted! We went out to the town for dinner and I enjoyed a very delicious pizza. I also saw a very interesting manequin in the window that was mooning the pedestrians with no panties. Perhaps it is inappropriate to mention it, but alas, it made me laugh so hard it hurt!
For those that have not had the priviledge of visiting Romania, it truly is quite a sight to see. The area that I am in is the country, and compared to Canada, certain areas are quite rural. Romania came out of the communist republic only 16 years ago and just joined the European Union on January 1, 2007. So, I think it is accurate to say that they are just on their way to developing a very amazing economic country!
The areas that I have seen in the country so far, have consisted of flat plains with horse and wagon, with older woman loitering the streets with a stick cane. Speed limits are not apparent on the highways, and it seems like only the best survive. Semi trucks pass other semi trucks, its quite hilarious! The roads in certain areas are quite poor too. Looks like they specialize in patching up previously patched up jobs. Apparently, the logan car is not a desired car! And, if you are driving an older car, or rather a complete "beater", the cops pull you over and interview you!
For some jokes or general info on Romania, check out this link! It is quite funny! And yes, most of it seems true!
P.S. I hope to post photos of the kids within the next day. My laptop does not have the proper converter, and so I have been using the HOA's office computer.
