Revelion

Some of the best things in life are the unexpected. During my time in Romania, I have learned how to throw plans out the window and fly by the seat of my pants. Being unprepared does not settle well with me for I do not excel when put on the spot. But at some point, I had to realize that you can't always be prepared for life...there's always going to be that element of surprise. Awkwardness will always prevail so you might as well embrace it whole heartedly.

New Year's Eve has always been one of those holidays that in my mind needs to be a big bang; but the harder you plan for this the more disappointing it turns out to be. There indeed have been some memorable years; spending the night at a hotel with cousins, a skiing trip with the family and a gong show at the cabin with friends. However, this year I didn't get overly jacked up nor make any plans...yet...it turned out to be one of my favorites. It went a little something like this...

After a lazy morning of cafea and cozonac with an older lady friend (a visiting PCV), we decided to take advantage of the nice spring day that December 31st brought. We met up with a fellow Campulungian and set out for the big hike. On our way to the Rock, we stalked some local loggers (exhibited above). The winds were streamline and definitely Curent inducing but amazingly we survived.




Obviously a celebration was in store, so we met another volunteer and her visiting brother at my favorite little cabana Istrate for some vin fiert and a little impromptu Popular dancing.







As dusk set in, we headed back to the Bouse and caught sight of the Blue Moon.





We ran into some serious mud problems on the slippery slope down my lane.

Arriving home in our intergalactic mud boots and 20 lbs heavier... de-mudding, fac'ing foc and holiday cheer were in need.


Our invigorating conversation whipped up an immense appetite and my Betty Crocker talents landed us at New Look for the infamous Ciorba Radauteana. On our way to the local "bistro" we caught the end of the Popular dancers in centru. The costumes were amazing, yet a bit terrifying.



Once we had all been satiated, we were only left with time until the big count down at the Campulung Moldovenesc Times Square AKA the Plateou. So we headed to the other side of the tracks and over the Moldova River on the ever dependable draw bridge. We passed the time playing Makawa, the Romanian version of Uno, and wearing fur vests.

Excessive friendly banter led us up to the moment we had all been waiting for... a little place I like to call The Revelion Battlefield! It was like nothing else I have ever seen, let alone experienced. Not only did the Primaria provide fireworks (that may or may have not been done "professionally"), everyone and their mother had their own fireworks. Several went above and beyond the call of duty, which entailed spraying champagne and then smashing (perhaps even catapulting) the bottles onto the ground. Below is a small sample of the atmosphere and trust me, it does no justice to the actual monstrosity that ensued and still leaves me smiling! Happy New Year si La Multi Ani!