Transylvania

We have the weekend as free time, so Mel, Jody, Sonya, Alaina and I have come to Transylvania.  This morning we were in Brasov visiting the Black Church and town square and spent the afternoon at Bran Castle.  Outside Bran Castle was an open air market that was enjoyed by all, especially Jody.  We enjoyed our free time immensely, but find our conversation keeps returning to the children at the clinic.  They have worked there way into our hearts and are constantly in our thoughts.  Upon arriving at our hotel this evening we were excited to see a children's store next door and Sonya has finally found a mobile for Anna Maria.  (There are only two at the clinic that we know of and lots of babies.)  Below are some pictures from todays adventure.

On our way to Transylvania we stopped at a roadside stand selling this delicious sweet bread the is roasted over hot coals and covered in cinnamon and sugar.  Jod and Mel are watching as he makes us a fresh batch.

Sonya took and early morning stroll in Brasov and discovered this beautiful small wooden church.  These are some of the windows in the church.

The buildings in Brasov are really pretty. The architecture here wasn't affected as much as other cities during the communist era.  It also has more of a German influence.  This is actually the post office where we stopped to pick up some post card stamps.

Jody and Sonya enjoying Transylvania.  The large church in the background is Black Church.

Black Church. It was renamed in the 1600 after a fire destroyed much of the town of Brasov and caused damage to the church.

Brasov town square.   The weather was fantastic. It was a little chilly, but there was plenty of sunshine.  

A church that Mel and I discovered just off the
Brasov town square.  They were having a baptisim ceremony for several children.

Bran Castle, also as Dracula's castle.  Although there is little evidence that Vlad the Implaler lived or even stayed in this castle. 

 We were sad that Cindy, one of the other volunteers couldn't join us in Transylvania.  She could only stay one week in Romania and was on her way home, so we drew a picture of her to take with us. This is Cindy entering Bran Castle. 











The view of the town of Bran from the castle.