Romania - Land of rugged beauty, deep cultural and religious history, and a people as strong as their Dacian ancestors. Few people can visit without it leaving a deep impression that constantly becons them to return. Is it the hospitality of the Romanian people, the beautiful landscape, or the many ancient places that draw you in?
For me personally, a place is nothing without it’s people, and Romania is no different. What makes it Romania is the fierce survival instinct written on every face. They don’t have a few thousand years of history for nothing. There are so many stories of a Romania nearly vanquished, yet a strong leader arises and leads it’s people to victory against overwhelming odds. Even fairly recent history shows this as you look at the revolution of 1989 when Romania arose as a people to overthrow the dictator. You have to admire a people like that.
Tiahna and I landed in Romania and after a taxi ride to the train station in Bucuresti (Bucharest), and waiting for our train, we boarded and found our compartment in first class. Now, I honestly don’t know what Tiahna expected when I told her that my friend Cristina had reserved first class tickets, but I knew it wouldn’t be anything extravagant. I had to laugh when she sat down in her seat and the headrest fell off behind her. Welcome to Romania!
Streets of Hunedoara. Goat dance seen in the distance from a 3rd floor vantage point.
This isn’t me dissing Romania, you understand, I just knew that it wouldn’t be what we would think of in the US. First class just meant that we would be in a more private situation that would be safer for girls traveling across country alone. Even though I feel safe in Romania, it’s a good practice in general to take precautions when you travel. And I’m so glad we did, because we were in the same compartment with three older gentlemen that were some of the dearest strangers I’ve ever met.
We didn’t talk to them a whole lot, but since we had an eight hour train ride, it was very interesting to listen to their conversation. They talked of their time in the military (it used to be mandatory for many years that young people would spend 2 years in the military) and I believe they spoke of what life was like under communism. I had to smile at all of their stories. They asked me a few questions, but in general we didn’t speak much, as Tiahna and I were tired after traveling for about 16 hours at that point and were trying to doze as much as we could.
Cristina and Tiahna enjoying the goat dance.
I ended up curling myself up in an interesting way and trying to sleep and keep warm. I was nearly asleep when I felt a fairly decent weight fall on top of me and I sat upright in a hurry. One of the elderly gentlemen held up his hands and told me that my back was exposed and I was cold and I should lay back down. He had thrown one of their warm winter jackets over me to cover me and keep me warm. Tiahna said her heart melted when she saw what he had done, and I couldn’t help but think how appropriate for this to be her first experience with the Romanian people. It is something that still makes me smile to this day. It reminds me of what God does for us – he covers us under the shadow of His wing of protection. (Ps. 91:4) Such a beautiful picture.
How can I describe coming home after two years of absence? Joy, peace, inward dancing, sadness at the thought of knowing it wouldn’t last this time, all played inside of my heart as we got off the train in Deva and the pastor of my Romanian church drove us to my friend’s house in Hunedoara. Every sight, sound, and smell brought back a plethora of memories that had long been dormant. Oh, the beautiful ache of those memories. But enough of that, I had come to make new memories to treasure.
Christmas is one of my favorite times in Romania. It’s hard to explain, but Christmas feels more Christmasy in Romania. There are so many traditions that manifest themselves around that time of year that lend to this feeling. One of the traditions that happens every year is the Gypsy Goat dance. Groups dressed in costume roam the streets, beating on drums, sing and act out the elaborate story of the goat. There are several othercharacters that play their roles, and a few different version from what I’ve seen of the story, but it is fun to watch and listen to the din of their song as they go from shop to shop or block to block singing for donations. I tried to find something online to explain the significance of the dance, but I couldn’t find any detailed explanation in English, but maybe some day I’ll be able to photographically document and write the story for anyone interested.
Alina and Cristina
Another tradition is caroling. We go every Christmas Eve and carol late into the night. Unfortunately, due to getting sick soon after arriving, I was only able to go out from 6 pm-11 pm, and couldn’t sing very much due to lack of voice, but I had to go to be apart of it. I don’t have any pictures (besides phone ones), but believe me, it is a wonderful experience! Sometimes you just gotta put down the camera, and experience the life right in front of you.
Corvin Castle
We had Christmas dinner with a wonderful family and ate a lot of food, as you do at any holiday in Romania. I was just so sick that I didn’t enjoy it to it’s full like I would have wanted to, but I am so very grateful for the time spent with friends, old and new. I honestly think that there is no place like home for the holidays. Plus, I had the added blessing of introducing Tiahna to traditional Romanian food such as Sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and one of my favorite deserts, Cremes (a kind of custard pastry).
Razvan
Everywhere we went, people welcomed us with open arms. Tiahna said that she felt like she never stopped eating. Apparently, at one point we went into someone’s house and she ate without ever being introduced to them. I had to smile, because that’s just how it is in Romania. People like to make their guests (introduced or not) feel welcomed. I think we could learn a thing or two from Romania, don’t you?
The time in Hunedoara was way too short, but we spent it photographing people (the traditional photo shoot, and the family), historic places, and good times. We had some fun exploring the Corvin castle soon after we arrived, and I was able to grab a few quick shots of my friends Cristina and Razvan, and, of course, Tiahna too.
Although I’ve been so many times that it’s hard to count, it never really gets old showing people such a historic site. One’s imagination runs wild as you walk the cobblestones of the courtyard, picturing the lives lived and lost in those halls. Sometimes I wish that walls could not only talk, but that places could project images, almost like an immersion movie, so you could live certain significant moments in time. I guess that’s for future generations to invent, I just hope I’m around when they do. (Seriously, someone get on that!)
The short time was worth it for all the hugs and tears and joy that it brought. It was almost like a recharge until the next time. I didn’t get to see everyone, but I was blessed to see as many as I did. It just means I need to go back sooner to see everyone I missed, right?
Lacul Rosu area. Tiahna Lynn Photography, edited by Alyssa Kay Photography, used with permission.
The fateful day finally came when Tiahna and I had to say good-bye to my beloved Romania family and to travel further north to meet up with my parents. I got only a few hours with a good friend of mine since she just got back from a trip in the early hours of the morning we left, but I cherished even those few moments. It’s hard to leave a place that has been home for so long. I’m convinved that life is just one long process of letting go and learning to fly, but knowing that there is always a nest to rest your wings. At least that is one way that I comfort myself in my long absenses.
Lacul Rosu area. Tiahna Lynn Photography, edited by Alyssa Kay Photography, used with permission.
After anther train trip, an interesting cab ride, a joyful reunion, a fun walk around the city streets of Targu Mures (have I mentioned how much I love how Romania decorates it’s cities during the holidays?), an overnight stay at a fun hotel, breakfast, and a car that DID NOT want to start the next morning, we finally were on our way to the city of Iasi. On our way, we drove through one of my favorite areas of Romania – Lacul Rosu (Red Lake). It is gorgeous no matter what time of year you go, but it was a new experience for me seeing it in the snow. Wow, just wow. It just makes you smile at God’s creativity. Of course, it was an adventure for my parents driving the narrow road with all the snow in our 9 seater van that I lovingly refer to as the Luse Cruise Ship,but it was also an adventure for T and I as we tried not to freeze in the back seat due to the heater being broken. It seemed that no matter how I wrapped myself in a blanket, I was still freezing! Still, memories that I cherish because they were experiences with people I hold dear.
Back of the Cultural Palace, Iasi. Tiahna Lynn Photography - used with permission.
Iasi – The cultural capital of Romania and the largest city in Eastern Romania, from what I understand of it. It is a huge center of religious activity with several Orthodox churches scattered throughout the city, and it is also a huge college town, which is one of the reasons my parents moved so far accross the country. They joined a ministry that reaches out to the foreign students in Iasi, so we had to opportunity to meet and get to know so many precious people in our short stay. They also work with a local Romanian Baptist church and other Romanian pastors in various capacities...and many, many other things. To put it mildly, they are busy, and I guess maybe that is where I get the need for a lot of activity in my own life – I’m telling you, parental influence goes deep.
Probably the only picture of the two of us we have!
New Years was a fairly laid back evening for us, since T and I were both kind of still in recovery (Yes, she caught what I had, but I pumped her full of garlic and ginger and she got better much quicker than I did, even if she detested the remedy!) and my dad was also a little under the weather. Besides the explosion of fireworks that is inevitable in Romania as the New Year dawns, we rang in the New year fairly calmly. We did go outside and a firework (just a noise maker) got a little loud for our liking, but besides that it was beautiful to watch. The echoes of the fireworks resounding off of all the block apartment buildings seemed to escalate the actual sound which just meant that you could not doubt that the New Year was upon us, even if you tried.
Claudia - Picture by Tiahna Lynn Photography, Edited by Alyssa Kay Photography. Used with permission.
In our various outings with the young people from the church, we had some photographic opportunities not only of the city and it’s picturesque cathedrals and Cultural Palace, but of the fun personalities that constantly surrounded us. At one point we kind of got snowed in, so we stayed in a coffee shop for awhile as we watched the wind whip aroundoutside and saw people trying to get inside as soon as possible. The wind was so bad that it took your breath away. All that said, the snow was still beautiful, and the fellowship that cold weather encouraged was sweet.
Anna
T and I had the opportunity to teach a small class on photography and (I think) we enjoyed ourselves and all the people eager to learn what we were able to convey. Again, we were not sure if the weather would permit, but they were eager and came anyway. It’s fun sharing knowledge with people who are eager to learn! It made me miss the environment that school can offer – creativity flowing from every corner of every room and that feeling that you could ask for help or give help to anyone – I miss that.
My never ending obsession with hands...
I can’t say that I took very many pictures in Iasi, but I think it’s because I wanted to experience it. I do wish that I had captured some of them because they are so fascinating as people from several different cultures (international students, remember), but I cannot regret just spendingquality time with them. As a photographer, I think you can get so caught up documenting the moment that you miss it entirely. Sometimes presence is more important than pictures. Did a photographer just say that? WHAT?!?! Yes, I did. Maybe it helps that I have been to Iasi before so I didn’t feel the need to snap away, but it is something that I think of often either way. When you have the camera, you tend to hide behind this need to capture everything, and in the end, you experience nothing. It’s one thing if it is your job and you capture someone else’s experience for them, but if it’s you, wouldn’t you rather remember jumping into the ocean, rather than be the one standing on the shore? Wouldn’t you rather say, „I did.” Than „I remember when you did...” ?
So, I’m not appoligizing for the few pictures I have of Iasi. I have some precious memories of new friends made, and new experiences had. I spent quality time with my parents that I hadn’t had in over a year. Do I regret putting the camera down and looking into the eyes of people around me? Never.
I can honestly say that in that short trip to Hunedoara and Iasi – I lived.
Models – Tiahna Somero, Cristina Turiceanu, Alina Turiceanu, Razvan Bolota, Anna and Claudia, Neli, Chanelle, and Dorian, (Shadow picture) You guys are the best!
Locations – Hunedoara, Lacul Rosu, Iasi - Romania
Special thanks to the Reinerth Family for the Christmas dinner and Heidi, Cristina, and Alina for having us to stay with them. Thanks also to my dad and mom – Ken and Monica Luse for coming to get us halfway and Emi and Fabi Goicovici for driving us to and from the train. There are just way too many people to thank, but you are all precious to us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
God bless you all!
~ Alyssa Kay