Driver's Ed

I did it. I survived my first day at the wheel in Bucharest. I volunteered to drive for Ava's field trip, so the night before, I took the car out for a spin to familiarize myself with the car and with the art of the infamous roundabout. Traffic is not so bad at 11 o'clock pm, and I had no problems as I looped back and forth between the arc de triumph and de Gaulle roundabouts. Turns out more parents were able to drive than they needed, so I was prepared for nothing . . . or so I thought.

Later, that evening, Chad was stuck at work, so I took the plunge and armed with the GPS, headed downtown to dance class. I got through two major roundabouts without anyone honking at me, and thought I was home free until Ms. GPS told me to turn left at a signal with no left turn. Rats! Then, like the parting of the Red Sea, all three lanes of oncoming traffic stopped just as I was entering the intersection. I seized my miracle, quickly turned and arrived unscathed at my destination. Let's rock 'n' roll!

This may seem like a minor victory, but you just don't know how they drive here. I was so pleased with my accomplishment, I shared it with one of my Romanian dance colleagues, who was equally impressed with my feat: she doesn't drive here at all because she is too afraid!

(I let Chad drive home.)

Foster Home Alexandra

One of the benefits for Romania of being a member of the European Union is receiving EU funds for much needed projects to strengthen it's infrastructure and social welfare. (Romania was admitted to the EU in 2007). Today Ava's class went on a field trip to a foster home for disabled children. Foster Home Alexandra was built with funding from the EU. The children at the home performed a little show which they had been working on the whole summer with the help of some mentors. A touching and heartwarming sight. The joy of performing is magic and applause needs no translation.

The children looked adorable in their costumes.

VIP seating.

The pet bunny was a big hit after the show.

Palace of Parliament (Casa Poporului)

Officially known as the Palace of Parliament, locals still call it the People's House or palace, it's the second largest building in the world (I'll have to correct an earlier post where I noted it as the largest. Oops. The US Pentagon claims that title.) The girls did well during the 45 minute tour--snacking their way through immense marble halls and flights of stairs. There are times when you just don't ask whether food is allowed.

Come on girls, get your shoes on, we're going to the palace!

According to the tour guide, Romania is one of the few places where rare pink marble is found!

Little Paris

I snapped a few pics while taking Charlotte for a walk this week. You can see why they call it "Little Paris."

Not so parisian, but a very sweet little church and garden.

Nice red roof.

The National Romanian History Museum has really lovely lions guarding the steps.

One night we went up and enjoyed the view from the top of the arc de triumph, which has stairwells inside the columns.

By the way, besides the fresh lemonade, when you come to Bucharest you'll have to order a Green Apple: apple and lime juice, brown sugar and granita ice. Refreshing!

Space Cadets

Waking up to a rainy morning left us with no choice but a trip to the mall. (Be proud, this time we avoided McDonald's.) Baneasa Shopping City is just one party after another. The girls attended the Astronautclubul Buchuresti, turning this trip to the mall into a trip to the moon. Check it out:

Our little astronauts suit up. Note the Romanian flag on the sleeve.

3...2...1...blastoff!

Ready to moonwalk.

Meltdown: the pressure was just too much for BooBoo.

Ava bounces on the moon inside a special capsule with closed circuit tv for our viewing back on earth.

Honorary crew member. (The helmet was way too big, but the hairnet fit.)

Haaai -Yaaah!

Enjoy a few minutes of Ava's karate class. Shaky footage compliments of Charlotte in my left arm, Audrey on my right crying "I'm hungry" (translation: "Put down the camera mom and pay attention to me.")

Farewell Summer

That nip in the air that spells autumn is here. It's amusing to live in a place with actual seasons . . . the change is distinct: leaves coloring, that cool undercurrent to the afternoon sunshine, the pungent smell of over-ripened grapes (everyone has a grape arbor here). So farewell, summer, we'll be thinking of you fondly as we approach notorious winter. (Romania borders the Ukraine, you know!)

Summer started off with graduation from pre-K!

Then we headed for so. Cal. and Nana's rock'n'roll birthday bash.

The girls love Nana's house!

RIP Jeremy. (That drive down from San Francisco was a little overzealous.)

When Audrey saw the water feature at Legoland, she simply disrobed. I was laughing too hard to even help the poor girl. I recovered, and put the bathing suit on her.

Dinner at Ojai's Deer Lodge. Cowboy hats required.

Sunday walks.

Taking in the 4th of July parade in Ojai (town of my nativity).

From so. Cal. it was on to Las Vegas via the marathon greyhound ride. Pool time at Gigi and PopPop's Casa Caliente (aptly named!).

Gigi spoiled us with the greatest show on earth.

Bunny watching with PopPop. (Hint: rabbit is that tiny speck on the upper right of the green.)

The Mandalay Bay pools are the best! (A tip from Chad: bring a few inflatables to sell--the hotel charges $16 for a small one. He sold three and made $35. That's my Schatzi.)


Mr. Jet Set, I mean, Daddy, squeezed in some time in Paris, London and Bucharest. We'll forgive him, after all, he brought us strawberry marshmallows from Laduree.














Reunited at Silver Lake.











A mother's pride and joy (both the baby and the pram, which is a vintage coach built Pedigree model, with 16" and 18" rims--perfect for lakeside strolling).







Back home, Audrey enjoys the red sauce at Ad Hoc in Napa.













Why not hike half dome a week before moving to Europe? Congratulations, Schatzi!











The new faux lawn we had installed 4 days before leaving for Bucharest. Forever green.