UPDATES GALORE-Let's start with Senior Prom

I know it has been a looong time since I posted anything, but life has been crazy! I'm going to upload several different posts instead of doing one long one and potentially bore you, so I'll start with Senior Prom.

I was invited to attend my school's senior prom and I was really excited to see the differences between American and Romanian proms, and I wasn't disappointed. The night started with one of my students picking me up in her borrowed convertible and we rode to the beautiful "Roco Hotel" in Izvin, one of my neighboring villages. The scene was gorgeous-roses everywhere, a fountain, gazebos, and even peacocks roamed the gardens. We were seated in a hall with decorations fit for a wedding and ate several courses of food. We danced, we laughed, we stayed until after midnight (the teachers did that is) and then let the kids party the night away without us. I thought it was wonderful that the teachers were honored at the event and were invited to join in the festivities. I really had a great time talking to my 12th graders and hearing how this last year really meant a lot to them. I'll miss seeing them next year!

Do you see the peacock?

They were everywhere!

Oh, and there is another one.

Too much sun, poor kid can't see. One of my 12th graders.

The banquet hall, beautifully decorated!

My girls from12, minus a few.

The students made a tunnel with roses and the teachers walked through it into the banquet hall. Once inside, we were given a glass of champagne and our own rose!

The first course. In the tomato is eggplant salad and there is a cheese spread on the pepper.

Vali and I, sweaty from dancing.

I LOVE the yearbooks the kids get. They all have a photos shoot and get to pose however they want for a full page spread. Yes, this kid is holding a pipe in his pictures. Love it.

Another amazing spread. This page belongs to the boy in the middle. The girl to his left is his gf, the other girl is her best friend. Priceless!

Graduation day with a student and Vali

One of my

12th graders, Vasile. He is the one with amazing yearbook photos above.

Sheep in Recas

Just from reading this blog you know that I love sheep. And I love running into the same herd every time I walk to my train station. But recently, I have loved them even more (I know...you didn't think it possible) because there are little lambs thrown into the mix! I never get tired of seeing them.

These two were playing and running around, he almost ran out of my shot.

Taking a break against Momma.

And this one was curious, loved it!

International AIDS Remembrance Day

Some of the quilts, designed for victims of AIDS.

 Last Sunday I went to Timisoara to participate at an AIDS Remembrance event in Piata Unirii. The event was held to honor those that had passed from AIDS in Romania, and the world. Handmade quilts were made with the names of those that have died, and there was a timer that showed that every 16 seconds, someone in the world dies of complications from AIDS. The night was wrapped up with a night walk to the river where we lit candles and sent them down the river.  It was a beautiful event and I was honored to be apart of  it.

The mega-screen set up in the Piata.

While the event was going on, there was also a public viewing of the Timisoara/Galati soccer game. The game was huge because it determined whether Timi would have a shot at 1st place in the championship. It was a good showing, but Timi lost. :(

The timer showing the number of victims of AIDS.

Loyal Timisoara fans.

 I love the clash of old world Austro-Hungarian architecture with the present day soccer fans.

Candles lit for victims.

Making a human ribbon.

The game is getting dramatic.

This was after Timisoara scored.

Lighting candles and putting them into the river.

Look at all the candles!

"FESTIVALUL LADA CU ZESTRE" March 14th (Pictures by Ciprian Dughir)

Here are the pictures from "The Dowry Festival" this past weekend! Recas hosts this festival every spring and villages in our "comuna" come to participate in singing, dancing, poetry reading and cooking. These pictures were taken by a man from Recas, Ciprian Dughir, and with his permission I'm posting them on my blog because they are absolutely beautiful. Enjoy!

Traditional Dances

Some of the younger dancers!

Traditional Costumes

Presentation of food.

This is pickled cabbage, pickles, olives and carrots.

Traditional song and presentation.

Spinning wool.

Some of my students waiting to preform!

One of the choirs singing-these are students of mine as well.

Food presentation from the town of Ghiroda

Traditional breads.

Love this hat!

Musica Populara

Traditional Costumes

More traditional costumes from areas around Recas

A trip to Silvia's House.

 After a long day at the Festival (pics to come soon!) Silvia and I went to her parents house where we hung out and rested our feet, and took pictures. I love going there because I get to see the huuuge garden, flowers, and chickens!! (And obviously hang out with her family-which is amazing.)

Silvia rockin' that awesome traditional shirt!

Enjoying the sun!

Silvia's adorable pup-Laika.

The chickens they raise "just to eat". I already signed up to help kill the next one. I figured if I can witness the pig, I can do chicken. Sorry guys.

This poor hen thinks she has babies to keep warm, She doesn't. Silvia says she's just confused...clearly as she's been there for 2 MONTHS, leaving only to eat. Poor thing!

Laika tormenting the chickens in the coop.

LAIKA!

I love the one on the left. Nice Hair.