contrasts

A few days ago, when we were walking to school, I saw this van parked outside. It had been raining during the night, there was a shy morning light and there was a sheet of leaves along the street. Students were coming little by little with sleepy steps. However, nobody or nothing could steal the feeling of freedom the van added. The sea scene, the small boat on the top were so inviting that I couldn't prevent from stopping and having a look. It was just an ephemeral moment but it made me start the day in a different way.
Liberty, obligation, outdoors, indoors.

Invitation to Transylvania

This is said to be the most beautiful movie ever made about Romania and it depicts one of the areas I love most in this country.
I would be honoured if you took the time for this virtual visit.
And please remember you are always welcome for a real one!

Movie trailer

We have legends, too. :)
And bears.

A loan

Someone said this today, and even if this idea is by no means new, it's good to hear it expressed from time to time.
"We should see our country as it is today not as a heritage from our ancestors, but as a loan from our children."

Remember Brasov?

Postcard

A place for a book and a glass of wine, on a quiet street, what could one wish for more? Just for the time to stop there. Unfortunately, I had none.
Greetings from Brussels.

new trade

Balance, sustainability are the foundations of this public exchange market. No money in between, just a shake of hands. Change the world in an alternative way! But it is much more than this, it means humanizing trade, solidarity, sharing resources, understanding.
It is the first time this kind of events is held in Ávila, perhaps crisis is making us see the world in a different way.
I only had a look in the morning and it was very early for the market to be evaluated. I think the idea is good, although the organization was a bit chaotic. Perhaps the second edition will be better.

Good luck!

Off to new adventures.
Good luck and good-bye!

Celtic wish stone

medieval sounds in Ávila.

Walking among the different medieval works allows you understand better the way life could have been.



Ancient instruments in exhibition, classical music played by amateur musicians. In this case, it's not medievla music but from the Rennaissance.




I'm not sure this was a common scene for medieval times in Ávila, but even so, markets would probably have had something like it.

Anniversary

Grorge Enescu's 130th anniversary

Castle

Special photos

Here you are.

London

Edinburgh

In the Grass by the Lake

I know it's not a good time for blogging, and this one has no more point to exist, but somehow I can't leave this blog, even if I tried.

I like taking pictures of insects and animals, it's demanding enough to prevent me from thinking of anything else, and makes me feel close to them.

A Reunion

Seven of my former students who had graduated 12 years ago invited me to a small reunion last week. At first I refused, but then one of my favourite students called and said: you have to come and see us, we are so grown up and handsome we can't believe it ourselves, we got flowers for you, or tell us the address and we'll all come over. They had only invited me and their class tutor, but she is retired and was out of town.
So, I went to meet them- and she was right. They were all not just adults, but mature: the way they spoke about their lives, their plans. Successful with their studies, their jobs, most of them married, two even parents. I was proud of them.
I never post personal photos here, but here I am with the girls.It was a very affectionate and touching reunion and after I came home (they drove me because of all those flowers!) I thought I must have done something very good all those years ago. I don't know what, but it sure was something very good.

Anniversary Trip

In 1986, when the staying in NATO poll was held, we voted by mail and went on a trip to Oropesa.
We liked the small village, el Parador, the landscape around and the people. I was given a revival of this moment for our 24th anniversay. Here are some moments.
Places have changed because a lot of restauration work has ben done, but the general atmosphere remains the same. and I liked it again.

Forever

An image for this and a symbol for us.

Peaceful moments

Being on holidays is not so bad, on a cool rainy morning. I've been cooking without hurry and watching TV at the same time (chicken and olives for Sorin, he suddenly craved for that, and pasta with zucchini for me) while Frodo was desperately trying to steal an olive and play with it as soon as I turned my back to her. She got slapped every time, so now she got tired. As you can see on her face, she is holding grudge. What she does not know is that I saved an olive for her and she'll get it when she wakes up and my work in the kitchen is finished. Most of the cats love olives, the smell, probably.
I have to clean the kitchen a bit and then- the balcony, a blanket-yes, it's that cool!- the laptop, a new book, the flowers, the cat. Who said holidays were bad?
Enjoy yours!

the new kids in the block

no palyground shouts, no running pupils, no balls, nobody around. so mum chose this shadow to take out her small ones for a walk and a drink. Look at them, the new kinds on the block.

after sunset

Brno

Dusk to dawn at the 13th floor

Not my pictures. Spending so much time in an office on the 13th floor can bring a lot of nice views...

Nearby

As close as Brasov, but in another country. A town called Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. Not bad, but I was happy to be back here.

Beginning?

There was a student in ATOM in charge with photos at times when I could not take them. I chose him because he liked photos, he is a bit shy and it seemed a good way to encourage him, and it worked. His photos were very good, he was very proud of them, of the team's appreciation and after each occasion I commented on the photos and had a small prize for him.
He took photos both during our last Flasmeeting (100 of them!) and today, at the parents meeting. But the very last one is a surprise. It's this quote that was left on the board in he room, probably from a graduation ceremony, he must have considered it the best ending.
It says: "Any new beginning coincides with the end of another beginning".
How could I not weep right now?

Ending

I don't like changes, I don't like endings.