Introduction to Iasi

Iasi is the second largest city in Romania and not on very many tourist's "must see" list. There is a blend of old, dilapidated buildings from the communist era with a few new and very modern structures. There were many run down apartment buildings, like this one, that we saw as we walked around the city.





We also visited the Palas Mall and did some shopping. It was fully air conditioned and had some great shops. One of them was H & M!





Aimee worked in the orphanage this morning and took a taxi to our hotel afterwards. It was lunch time so we went on our first Romanian dining experience! She ordered Sharoma (chicken, mayonnaise, cabbage, French fries, and dill pickles wrapped in pita bread) and Gyros (lamb and pork, tizaki sauce, French fries, onions, and tomatoes also wrapped in pita bread). Both were delicious!!!



Sharoma is on the right and Gyros is on the left!



We also had a type of bread called kurtos that is wound on a large tube, baked, and covered with a sugar coating for dessert.



As we walked around the city we saw some interesting things. One was an abundance of small tables setup on the sidewalks where women were selling makeup and perfume. They had a variety of products and also the Avon catalogue on display.



We also visited the piata or outdoor/underground market where Aimee buys her produce.



Vendors bring a variety of items to the market where they display and hopefully sell them. Today Aimee bought an apple and grapefruit.



There were counters where large rounds of cheese were displayed and the seller would cut off the portion needed. It was very smelly!



We had a chance to visit Aimee's apartment which is on the seventh floor. There are stairs going all the way up but the girls use a small and very rickety elevator. It looked and sounded so bad that I was worried we might get stuck!



Aimee served us red orange juice . . . Which was delicious!



I loved the quote Aimee wrote and posted on the inside of the front door. Something to think about every time you walk out the apartment. I don't think any of these girls are the same person they were when they left Salt Lake City in April.



Aimee's roommate Nicole was celebrating her 21st birthday so we went to Pizza Hut for dinner. Pizza Hut in Romania is a nice restaurant, not just a take out place. I was impressed with the service and the pizza was delicious! Far better than at home.





It was a wonderful first day in Romania! The highlight was just being able to see and hug Aimee! Tomorrow morning we visit the orphanage and then the three of us fly to Bucharest!

By the way . . . I was so tired last night I had to stop blogging at 11:30 pm but when I laid down I could not sleep. Unfortunately, this is typical of me and how my body deals with jet lag. At 4:30 am I gave up and finished this post! At least I made good use of the time!!!

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