The People's Palace (Parliament) -- and the Final Medical and Dental visits in Bucharest-- March 25, 2009

I was able to visit Mogosoaia and the Center for Children that needs future funding, and also to finally see the "People's Palace" where the Romanian Parliament meets in Bucharest. Here are some pictures, there are many more in the albums:

Danube Delta Trip -- March 15, 2009

My friends Sonny and Gloria Cosico accompanied me on a memorable trip to the Danube Delta. It is a famous birdwatching paradise, with more than 300 species in the summer. Unfortunately we were too early to see many birds, but it is a fascinating place at any time of year. It was a chance to get some terrific photos, and I'm posting some of them here, but there are many more in the photo albums. Sonny and Gloria are Peace Corps volunteers from San Francisco, originally from the Philippines, and we've had fun traveling together during the past year. Thanks to Gloria for occasionally taking pictures of me, since I'm usually behind the camera!

We had a boat for three days and arranged a pension at Mile 23 through the helpful services of Daniel Nitu of Escape Travel (www.deltaescapetravel.ro). Daniel says the best time to visit is after the middle of May, when the baby birds are big enough to come out and show off. (Of course, bring lots of mosquito repellent!) Every part of this trip was an adventure, including the simple task of going to the bathroom. Our outhouse was equipped with running water and a Turkish toilet. If you don't know what that is, you definitely should look at the Danube Delta photo album!

The Delta is a fascinating place where there are old labor-intensive traditions like gathering reeds to use for roofs, fences, and insulation; fishing with nets from sturdy but seemingly ancient rowboats; agricultural cultivation by hand, and raising goats, cows and horses. The old town of Sulina is located at the very mouth of the Danube where it flows into the Black Sea, it is a major location for the Politia de Frontiera border patrol. This entire area is history up close and personal. They are still in the beginning stages of developing tourism services so conditions may be somewhat rustic. It is especially famous for the white pelicans, and we were surprised to find one lone "scout" pelican had arrived early, so we could see it while we were there.

Gloria and I are with Daniel Nitu who gave us traditional snowdrop flowers for Martisor, a big tradition in Romania for March 1st. It continues until International Women's Day on March 8th.

...oh, and I'd better display our one, lone white pelican!