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Easter itineraries – or in search of inspiration
Read more: Easter itineraries – or in search of inspirationNowhere else is the sweet stillness of spring and the cheerful chirruping of songbirds as soothing as in the Romanian countryside in those last quiet hours before Easter, at the foot of a mountain dotted with caves and age-old monasteries. We spent three days around the northern parts of Gorj and Valcea counties in southern…
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Quote of the day
Read more: Quote of the day“Men will always be what women choose to make them. If you wish then that they should be noble and virtuous, let women be taught what greatness of soul and virtue are. “ J.J. Rousseau – Discourse on the Arts and Sciences (1750)
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Quote of the day
Read more: Quote of the day“In our day, now that more subtle study and a more refined taste have reduced the art of pleasing to asystem, there prevails in modern manners a servile and deceptive conformity; so that one wouldthink every mind had been cast in the same mould. Politeness requires this thing; decorum that;ceremony has its forms, and fashion…
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Women, mothers and really old ladies
Read more: Women, mothers and really old ladiesNow that March 8 is behind us (a day also known as Woman’s Day or Mother’s Day in Romania and, yes, flowers are expected!), it is time to introduce you to another Romanian tradition. This time, we’re talking about a really old one, dating all the way back to the Romans: the Days of the…
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Dragobete, Mărțișor and beyond
Read more: Dragobete, Mărțișor and beyond“Dragobetele pupă fetele.” Romanian folk saying (Dragobete kisses the girls) How many of you know that Romania has its very own early-Christian Valentine’s tradition? It’s a spring fertility ritual called Dragobete, which takes place on February 24, and it dates back to the Early Middle Ages. Not only this, but since the addition of Valentine’s…
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A Valentine’s present
Read more: A Valentine’s presentDear friends and followers, Valentine’s is upon us. If you’re still wondering what to gift your special someone this spring, I have a very special surprise for you. The second edition of my poetry collection BEHOLD THE SEARING WIND, containing some of the most popular poems on this blog as well as many others, is…
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My interview with RFI Romania
Read more: My interview with RFI RomaniaA few days ago, I was interviewed by Otilia Ghitescu from RFI Romania about our travel guide TIMISOARA23 and the European Capital of Culture 2023. You can read or listen (in Romanian), here. Our stories about Timisoara and the Banat region, beautifully illustrated by Claudia Tanasescu, can be ordered on Amazon, in paperback or e-book…
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In 2023, discover Timisoara and the Banat region!
Read more: In 2023, discover Timisoara and the Banat region!Dear friends, On January 9, 2023, Timisoara officially became European Capital of Culture 2023 (together with Veszprem and Elefsina), by taking over from last year’s capitals in a ceremony held in Athens. The first major events in Timisoara will take place during the weekend of 17-19 February 2023. Until then, if you intend to visit…
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Letter to Santa
Read more: Letter to SantaDear Santa, How strong must a desire be for it to finally come true? When people fail to hear each other’s needs, I’ve the solution: I shall turn to you. Please give us will to do what’s right and patience to endure pain when we must meet it; strength to fight off meanness; boldness to…
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Winter
Read more: WinterSo the snow comes down from the sky through an invisible sieve, hissing. Water – like a woman – in so many states, so many attires. The birds have all gone, and so has the neighing of horses. Cold. The crisp, muzzled silence the night’s only sound. Homes sleeping. Frayed blankets of white alight from…
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Coming soon!
Read more: Coming soon!With 2023 fast approaching and Timisoara preparing to become European Capital of Culture, our storybook-style travel guide is almost ready to hit the bookstands (and your tablets)! If all goes to plan, it should be ready to pre-order on Amazon in a few weeks. At 236 pages, the paperback’s not too bulky (probably less so…