I just got back from a three-day retreat in the mountains above a small village called Bran. Me, Mihaela, Cecilia, and four other ladies who are advisors in Education USA centers around Romania met there for some training and collaborating.

Our villa was on top of a mountain, and as I walked out onto my balcony to take in the breathtaking view, lo and behold, there was Dracula's castle, not more than 1000 meters away!

Every night we enjoyed a traditional meal in the restaurant decorated with sheepskins and antlers. The meal always started with a shot of Tsuinka, the famous Romanian plumb brandy, then a plate heaping full of polenta, sausages, pies, peppers, cheese balls, and yoguhrt. Then they served us hot wine as we went outside to watch the massive bonfire. A young man always played his guitar and sang folk songs, and people would join in from time to time. It was so soulful and hauntingly beautiful that it sent shivers down my spine and it hit me...I'm in ROMANIA!

After I settled down and we went back inside, I was mildly horrified to find out that what we had just eaten was only the appetizer. Out came another monstrous plate with two baked potatoes, bacon, lamb and chicken. Then wine. Then dessert. And when we went for breakfast the next morning it wasn't much less. I don't know how people eat like this three meals a day! I started eating less and less, and pretty soon the other ladies were claiming my leftovers after they had cleaned their plates.

One afternoon we visited the Rasnov Citadel, a massive contruction from the 1600s built on the top of a mountain a few kilometers away. It was quite impressive (I'll put pictures up next week!), and the view from the top was spectacular. Too bad for it there was no great vampire legend to make it famous, because it was definitely more striking than Dracula's castle.

I definitely feel that Mihaela and I bonded on this trip. Not only are our birthdays two days apart, which makes us both scorpios (very important to all the ladies), but she discovered that I too prefer Pepsi, and I like garlic flavored bagel chips, all things she was disappointed to see I had not put on my resume. We actually do have quite a bit in common, and I know working with her will be great fun and very productive!

Thanks for all your notes on my message board. It makes my day to hear from you!

Noapte Buna!