Artmark

Yesterday morning found us at Artmark, a beautiful art gallery, where we (Chad and I) participated in a lecture and discussion on Romanian culture and architecture.

The girls got to play upstairs with crayons and crepe paper.

Charlotte wants to sculpt.

Afterwards, enjoying the yummy afternoon weather at Titan Park, which was recently renovated with great play structures.

Jackets

The girls tested out their new jackets at the park today. It was a nice misty afternoon.

Tubtime: Ava performs for Charlotte "Since You've Been Gone" using the hand-held shower for a mic. The weekend has begun.

Fixer

I fell in love with it the moment I saw it. This dream of a fixer is waiting patiently to be restored. It's hard to see in the photo, but the roof is crumbling off, the conservatory (yes, a conservatory!) has lots of broken window panes, and the yard is a jungle. Can you say "potential"?

After expressing a desire to leave their country, Romanians often will ask me what I think of Bucharest, how do I like it here. I tell them I like it very much (and realize that my life here is not the life of an average Romanian). Like this old villa, sure there are lots of problems, but you see the beauty in spite of them, and recognize the potential to be achieved through time and lots of hard work.

Girls' Night Out

Look how happy they are. Bellies full of mac n' cheese, and a dance floor all to themselves! It was Friday night at Hard Rock Cafe with friends Gabby and Evelyn.

Kidi Coaf' Club

Audrey shows off her new haircut. We found the CUTEST salon /spa/party center: "KidiCoaf'Club". That's right, moms and dads, sit back, relax, and get your hair done while the kiddies play upstairs. As it was Halloween, we happened upon their festivities.

Well of course it's in a pink building.

Mommy's vampire stylist.

Face painting, crafts and fun upstairs.

Halloween Charity Ball Bucharest 2009

The Halloween Charity Ball at the Palace of Parliament was spectacular! It's a benefit for Ovidiu Rom, a charity emphasizing the improvement of children's education.

Making myself at home in the Palace.

Alison and David cut the rug. Like us, they have three girls. They are expats from Canada. We met them by chance in September at Hard Rock Cafe. They live about 5 hours north of Bucharest and came down for some "civilization" this weekend. We had a fantastic double date! Check out Alison's blog here and see what it's like outside the comforts of Bucharest.

In my glory: at a palace, dressed up, and dancing!

Schatz and Schoene aka Cowboy and Indian.

School makes you great! The ad campaign for the charity.

The beautiful ballroom.

My new buddy: actor Ethan Hawke. (He wore a "Great Expectations" ensemble with coat and top hat, not seen here. His mom founded the charity.)

Your wish is my command. After hitting road blocks in my quest to make a flamenca costume (such as there are no patterns here . . . you just take your fabric to the dressmaker), I was pleased to find this Princess of India/Genie ensemble at a costume rental store.

Regretfully, The End.

Off to the Ball

Will tell you all about it . . . later!