Romania

A rural community near Iasi in NE Romania

Last week I travelled to Romania with some colleagues for a meeting with Operations Directors from across the region. Romania is a fascinating but at times confronting place to visit.  The country became part of the European Union in 2007, and in some ways has modernised since the revolution and fall of communism in 1989.  Events at this time included the capture, rapid trial and subsequent execution of the final communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife.  After the fall of communism, images of thousands of children institutionalised under Ceaesescu's regime shocked the world and prompted a large scale effort to deinstitutionalise Romanian children.  Efforts in this work continue to this day. 

In many respects the country has made progress, but areas of deep poverty and challenges with social cohesion in communities remains.  This is due to a range of factors, including limited economic opportunities and a declining rural sector, and also the legacy of years under communism where community trust and civil society were deeply eroded or non-existent.  The capital Bucharest is relatively well developed, but in some other parts of the country it's hard to believe you are actually in Europe.  We travelled to north-east, near the city of Iasi.  This region borders Moldova and is one of the poorest regions of Europe.  World Vision has several long term development projects in the area, focusing mainly on economic development, education and health/nutrition.  On the project visit we saw some examples of strong community/government partnering and the emergence of civil society, but in other places the visible effects of extreme poverty including malnutrition and hunger were apparent.  Under-development and 'stunting' in children is common in some communities, and the living situation for many families is very basic.  

It is confronting to be faced with hungry children in the heart of Europe.

A clip outlining some of the challenges for children in Romania can be viewed at:  http://meero.worldvision.org/frontline-focus/oneinfour.html

The pictures below show the People's Palace in Bucharest, otherwise known as 'Ceausescu's folly'.  He commissioned the construction of the enormous building, and it was actually completed after his death. It is said to be the second largest building on earth in terms of surface area (the largest is the Pentagon), and is easily visible as you fly into Bucharest.  Disturbing to consider that it was built at a time of chronic poverty across the country. At present only about 30% of the building is actually used to house the Romanian Parliament.

An old photo of the People's Palace in Bucharest, which
now houses the Romanian Parliament

Dinner in London, but where are the kids?

An unusual confluence of events led to Sarah and I managing a dinner together in London this week. I've been in the UK for the past few weeks with work meetings, although managed to make it back to Cyprus last weekend to celebrate Sarah's birthday. I was back in London from Mon-Fri this week, and part of this time overlapped with a UK visit for Sarah who is attending a professional development psychology course at the Tavistock Institute this weekend.

A birthday bikeride for Sarah

We did not anticipate that a rendezvous would be possible, given the narrow overlap between our trips and also the distance between respective meeting locations.  However on Thursday night the planets aligned and we were able to enjoy a meal together in Clapham, along with Sarah's special friend Fiona Prior.  It was a bit surreal to be sitting in a small London Thai restaurant, knowing that the four children were safely tucked in bed and sleeping in Cyprus some 4000km away.  Fortunately the kids were in very good hands with Menaka, and also with numerous other friends who helped out with transport and logistics.  I did have a brief moment of concern when I received a text from Jessie on Friday saying 'Anna vomiting, but don't worry she seems happy now' ??!

I arrived home this morning at around 5am after the red-eye flight from London, only to be greeted by both Angus and Sam who were wide eyed and ready to get into the day's activities.  Alas no chance of a even a small sleep:)

Birthday drinks for Sarah and friends

Parenting feels a little like a tag-team at the moment, with Sarah back Monday morning early and then I'm off again on the same day to Romania for a few days.  Things should start to slow down after this week (we hope!).  

Here's a few pictures of our new house.  We have settled in well, and are enjoying the fact that the kids can make more noise without concern about the neighbours.  All in all a good move for us.

Our house, with flat for Menaka underneath

Jessie and Zoe

Nicosia river cycle path

A birthday treat from Menaka

One Perfect Day

I was just thinking of that old 80's song "One Perfect Day" by The Little Heroes.  A little out of context perhaps because the song is set in Australia, but today it happened in Cyprus.

This is Konnos Beach, located on Cape Greco, in the south east corner of the island.  The sand is clean, the water is clear, and there is a beautifully positioned cafe looking over it all. We've been a few times before with the kids but I'd always resisted going to the cafe with all of us.  It was too tranquil and peaceful a setting for all 6 Pipers; bound to underwhelm.

So today, being the 3rd November and our 17th Wedding Anniversary, Konnos Beach beckoned.  We had Menaka and Avramelina mind the children and we shot off in the car to enjoy a day out together.

A long ocean swim...

A long lunch...

A walk...

And a sit...

To my soul mate Ross; thanks for an awesome 17yrs.  God willing, may there be many more to come.  Here's a beautiful old hymn you might remember from our wedding day.  Also, for me, another "Perfect Day".