Romanian Cuisine

                

The food in Romania is to die for. When a holiday approaches (mainly religious holidays), every man, woman, and child is in the kitchen preparing for a feast. Maybe that's an exaggeration, but food is a very big deal. Here are two of my favorites:

Sarmale means cabbage rolls. I was served sarmale in every city I lived. Every time was like tasting a piece of heaven. I so badly wanted to replicate the dish once I arrived home, but it just does not taste the same. Ask any Romanian woman for a recipe, and you'll be scolded, saying there's not need for recipes. If there's a special dinner prepared, sarmale will be present. 

Another food I loved in Romania is called placinta. It means pie. You can fill it with fruit, potatoes, or with salty cheese, or sweet cheese. It can be served formally in a restaurant, or sold on the street. Both are divine. I also tried to make this dish with my family, and it was a hard fail. This gives me all the more reason to return.

(Pictures source: Tataru, Autor:. "Folclorul Moldovenesc Călătorește Prin Lume Prin Cărțile Poștale Create De Soții Crani". #diez. N.p., 2015. Web. Oct. 2016.)

Sibiu - The Best Place to Be

During my two-year stay in Romania, I spent six months in the most beautiful city, Sibiu. It became, undoubtedly, my favorite city. Without a car or a bike, I was privileged to walk these streets every day and to try new food, meet new faces, examine the exquisite architecture, lend a hand to someone in need, and to preach the gospel in the homes of those who were willing to have us. I made very close friends in this city, and part of my heart remained when I left.

Sibiu is about twice the size of my hometown, Saskatoon. There are large green parks, and it was easy to find someone friendly to talk to. The main attraction is the city center. There's a spacious area called Piata Mare (Big Market) for shops, food, concerts, presentations, and casual pigeon watching.

There is an evident German influence in the architecture in Sibiu. It is seen in the large green and yellow clock tower in Piata Mare, or the Wall of Sibiu. Most notably, the buildings are built with little slat vents in the roofs, and they look like eyes.

Sibiu is a gem of a city, and I would go back in a heartbeat, if given the chance.