Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Ellie Rogers...in our "National Geographic Photo"

In the center courtyard of Vidin Castle, Baba Vida...Opa!!

Vidin, Bulgaria

This medieval castle on the banks of the Danube was named "Baba Vida".  It endured centuries and avoided the sad destiny of the other medieval castles along the lower Danube because it was outside the scope of the Russian - Turkish Wars.



Up the Lower Danube River to Bulgaria


Both of us were in a bit of a daze, we made it to Bulgaria!

Along the Lower Danube...

Historic sites like this!

Up very early before dawn to enjoy tying up The River Concerto.
Another Eastern Orthodox tradition.

Elena placed a red and white ribbon on the tree in the main square.
 A custom that dates back to the 6th Century. (no doubt with...a little prayer.)



Thursday, April 3, 2014

Made it to Bucharest and the Black Sea!!

Wonders never cease. Here I am on The Black Sea 
...almost two months AFTER the games!

After last minute decisions and a comedy of errors in airports with m’dear old friend Shirley Lind, we made it to Bucharest, Romania, the Paris of the East!  We had a royal look at tree lined boulevards, elegant mansions, lovely parks, dracula’s historic building, embassy row, the ‘arch d’triumph’, and orthodox churches with so many sacred icons and holy candles lighting the way for hopes and dreams of these lovely Romanian people who have suffered much in the past.

AND so many historic landmarks with heaps of ancient history along with an in-depth look at recent history as told to us by locals who lived through the 1989 revolution.

A bus ride from Bucharest to Constanta on the Black Sea where we boarded the awesome ship named Concerto with its upbeat crew and its UPBEAT PASSENGERS, (that would be us: ) AaiiiYA!  It is all too much for words.

Ah this  Eastern Orthodox holiness.


I could feel the goodness of the
local Romanians as I passed by.

Architecture grandeur

Ancient Roman...BABY BOTTLE!

Petrified wine, yup it really is!

Rolled m'trousers to feel The Black Sea

Happy Easter, m'luvs!
Shirley in our cabin on the Black Sea.

We're off. (The historic canal of the southern part of the Danube River)