2012, Louis and Scottie, Bucharest, September

Arriving in a BUSY household 9-14-12

The minute we exited OTP airport in Bucharest and found Alina waiting for us, all the months of planning for this day were worth it.

Louis and I took overnight flights from Dulles through Munich to Bucharest on Lufthansa. Even as relatively short people (5'8" and 5'5"), we found the legroom and seat recline on the new AirBus 330 to be HORRIBLE, so we'll try to find another carrier next time.

Soon after we arrived at the Vernon's apartment near Bucharest's version of Central Park, called Herastrau, Christie (9) and Andrei (7) arrived from school to join little George (2) and his nannie, Christina.

Here's a link to information on the park, so you can see more of what makes it possible for a family of five to live in an apartment with three young children.
Herastrau Park

Chuck reads Georgie's new book to Andrei, Christie, and George.

Alina has to come see, too.

Louie cooks while Alina checks CVV's math homeowork.

This family eats the healthiest food imaginable...YEAH!

George likes yoghurt.

Andrei has a few teeth missing!

Beautiful autumn Saturday at Brancovan Palace at Mogosoaia 9-15-12

After a leisurely breakfast, the seven of us drove about 15 minutes to a lovely palace outside Bucharest. A perfect afternoon. That evening we four adults went to dinner at a hip, elegant restaurant downtown--Collage.

Here's a link to the palace web site:
http://palatebrancovenesti.ro/en/

Louis was taking the photo.

Entrance away from the river/lake

Front entrance on the water side

Lovingly prepared wholesome picnic food

Doves awaiting release for one of the many wedding parties in the park

Palace of the Parliament 9-16-12

Chuck kept George while Alina, Christie, Andrei, Louis, and I visited the huge Palace of the Parliament, advertised as the largest civilian building in the world (second only to the Pentagon, I'm told). Built during the Ceaușescu regime, it is also called the Peoples' House. It was a cloudy day, but lots of interesting sights and facts--fun to see things through the eyes of a boy 7 and a girl 9.

Preparations for a rock concert in the square in front of the Palace

Lunch at Caru' cu Bere restaurant downtown Bucharest

Street view of entrance

Interior of the traditional Romanian restaurant

Interior stairway

Chamber music at lunchtime (beautiful musicians, too)

Stavropoleos Monastery downtown Bucharest

We stumbled upon this beautiful monastery from the early 18th century while having lunch at Caru' cu Bere restaurant in downtown Bucharest. It's on a small street, with nuns attending the candles and shrine. It was one of those finds that can't be anticipated or overestimated.
A splendid afternoon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stavropoleos_Monastery