So much to tell and so little time and space! A bright spot in our day was when the Sisters Heart Attacked our door..... so fun. You know by now that we walk a great deal to go anywhere and everywhere; so our assignment for apartment checks in Oredea and Timesoara took us on new adventures. We ventured out to the ticket office and bought train tix to both places and loaded up a little food as you have to take all your food and water and lug it around with you on train trips. When you arrive at the "gara" (train station) after you find the linal you are on you just walk across all the train tracks in the rocks and dirt to get to the right vagon. After our 3 hr. train ride we met the Elders in Oredea who helped us navigate buses and walking to find their apt. Then we were on our own to walk across the city to catch our train back to Arad. The trains stop in small villages and pick up people quite often or stop to let another train pass. Lonnnnng day!
We now share a car with the Elders, but only drive when we have to go to another city. Our first drive was on Oct. 5 leaving for a Seniors Retreat in Brasov which is about 8 hours away. We broke up the trip by staying in Sibiu for a night; I had maps in hand and Dave did a great job of driving. Sometimes the names of the streets are on the sides of buildings; sometimes not or old and can't read! All roads lead to Centru in the cities which is the middle, then you have to find your way back out! We have a royal blue Skoda; license plates 100 LDS the other cars of the couples are the same color but different LDS #'s. There were 9 couples from across Romania gathered including our Mission President and his wife. As we toured, the blue LDS line of Skodas trying to caraan was pretty funny. In Brasov we toured the Biscerica Negera which is massive and was burned on the outside not affecting the inside which was old and incredible. The restaurant where we had dinner at Centru took about 3 hours. We found this was the norm for fine dining in the evening. We had fun and interesting food at these places; their presentations of the food are enchantingly delightful. We had our work meetings at the little church which is actually a branch next to our wonderfully modern and plush hotel. We went to visit Peles Castle in Sinia which is tauted as the most beautiful castle in all of Europe. We all voted that way; so picturesque against the Fall colors and pine trees and rolling landscape leading up the cobblestone road. It is still used today by the king of Ramania. We felt so spoiled to have a bathtub---no a jacuzzi! and a comfy bed with carpets and yummy beautiful breakfasts. The next day was a trip to Poiana, a ski resort in the mountains; we ate dinner there in a big fantastic German Restaurant with a big cozy fire and rustic decor. Another 3 hour meal in this beautiful place and the warmth was great as it had turned very cold. Oh am I homesick!!! We went to church on Sunday and left for "home" staying again in Sibiu for a break. We had snow and realized that Fall and Winter had really hit as we got home to our very cold apt. They turn on the heat sometime in Nov. as we are in a bloc and they turn it all on at once without notice. We have no control over the heat, so right now we put on just about as many layers as possible and try to keep warm. Back to the real world and work here in Arad in our humble place.
Let us express our love and thanks to you all for your prayers and thoughts. There is a great deal of work to do here in Romania. Until next post.......Iubim from Elder and Sora McFadden
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