If 8 is great and 50 is nifty, what is 66?

Yesterday was my birthday and Elder Wahlquist said I could do anything I wanted. And I did!  It was a day with no scheduled meetings or activities so I slept in, which was a wonderful treat.  After our usual morning studies we went to lunch at the Marriott which is just two blocks away.  We had their delicious ciorba and hummus with warm Lebanese bread.  A perfect meal!

After lunch we went to Old Bucharest to visit a church that was built in 1724.  As you can see they are doing some work on the street in front of the church.  Romania must not have an OSHA. We have yet to see a hardhat or any steel toed boots.

Biserica Stravapoleos

Then it was back to our air conditioned apartment to cool off and relax.  For me that means quilting.

Later we took a bus, then the metro, followed by a tram ride to an "authentic" Mexican restaurant for dinner.  We didn't know what to expect but we were very pleased.  The guacamole was delicious and the enchiladas were very good.  It was so spicy our lips were burning and Elder Wahlquist had sweat on his brow.  When the waiter saw that we couldn't finish our meal, he wanted to fix us another plate that wasn't so spicy.  Now that we know we can ask for "mild," we will take the other senior couples in Buc back for an evening of good Mexican food.  The Romanians have embraced McDonalds, Pizza Hut and KFC but we haven't found any Taco Bells.

The day ended with the Zone Leaders calling and singing "La Mult Ani."  Literally translated that means "to many years."

I think 66 is going to be great and nifty!

Very Special Delivery!

Taryn's friend, Adriana, from Boston is here in Bucharest visiting her Grandmother.  She was kind enough to bring a bag of goodies from Taryn for us.  We loved visiting with her and hearing the story of how she came with her family from Romania to America when she was 10 years old.  She took us to a wonderful restaurant that serves authentic Romania food and because she speaks fluent Romanian she was very helpful translating for us.  She showed us a lovely part of the city that is very old and historic.  When it is not so hot we will visit again and linger!

In "Caru' cu bere," a historic restaurant in old Bucharest.

Looking down one of the historic streets in old Bucharest.

Thanks, Adriana, for sharing your heritage with us and thank you Taryn, for a little taste of home.