Bună ziua

That is the Romanian greeting that is acceptable at any time through the day, so that's the one that I use, since I didn't have to learn the other three. They change, just like we do to say good morning, good afternoon, and good evening. I've learned a few phrases to help me survive. I can say "Excuse Me," "Thank You," "Breakfast was good," "You're Welcome," and "Water". Now, there are different kinds of water over here. So I order "Apa Plata" which is the type of water we drink from bottles in the US. The other is carbonated. I tried it, and it wasn't aweful, but I'd much rather just have the standard. Leave it to me like patterns, right?

The weather here has been HOT. Heather and I spent three days in Brasov which is by train 3+ hours into the mountain region. There it was beautiful and cool. We got a chance to stop and visit with Darin Wipf who is serving as a missionary here. It was a great time to spend an evening with someone from back home, and talk about all the things that happen there. It was quite encouraging for him, and it turned out the night we went out was his birthday!! We had a great evening and it was a major highlight so far.

Tuesday, we decided to hike to the top of the mountian that houses the Brasov letters that you see from the ground. The view was amazing, and worth the effort to get to the top. We also got a chance to get some things at the shops including a great picture. We wrapped up Tuesday by having supper with a director of Bucharest Christian Academy where Heather taught here for three years before coming to Mitchell. Another enjoyable evening spent speaking English, which is nice!!

Wednesday, we got a chance to go out and see Dracula's Castle, Bran. If you didn't know, the original stories of who Dracula really wasn't aren't true. Vlad the Impaler is actually who is protrayed by Dracula and this was his birthplace. It wasn't scary at all. We then caught the slow, hot train back to Burcharest. It wasn't like the nice one we took to Brasov, and I don't desire to be on that type of train again, ever!

I have some pictures to post later, so be looking for them soon! I'll be back with more updates.