I started the year as good as possible. I mean, leaving home! I begin to feel the pleasure of spending time with retirement. A good friend gave me the opportunity to live for a few weeks in a city in northern Romania. A place where you can spend a real winter. I've grown pretty close to these places and the winter now reminds me of childhood. The most beautiful memories are those of childhood!
Whoever wants to visit Romania and understand her history and beauty must visit this city.
The city center, this northern city called Iasi. Iasi was designated the historical capital of Romania. It's a beautiful city full of universities, historical monuments and a gorgeous botanical garden. A pleasant, pedestrian area surrounded by beautiful historic buildings. Everyday I go by, I drink a good cappuccino and I like to look at the small houses that are actually stalls.
Ah, almost forgot! Who knows me knows that I'm dead for music. I think any blog is more enjoyable if we listen to some music when we read it. I suggest a song that has nothing to do with the theme ... now only admiration for the old and almost forgotten Ten Years Later.
Returning to our sheep, that is, our stalls. First with non-food products. The first one offers even different icons and church orthodox ornaments. There is happening here. The imposing Orthodox cathedral is very close and that is why there are many buyers of these objects.
Most people who come here look for:
Winter clothing and footwear
Food!
Meat and milk products. Traditional products made in peasant families, not industrial food. Very tasty and sought after products by everyone.
Alcoholic beverages
Mainly wine is the most sought after. Hot wine version!
Besides hot wine, you can buy boiled corn and baked chestnuts. Very tasty! I can prove it today.
A good combination. My glass is waiting for me!
We also find a good combination in the winter. Red wine and nuts.
Around the market in the middle of the city, more a tourist market. I'm going to see my favorite market in the summertime. When I leave, I pass the symbol of the city, the Palace of Culture!
A last look at the stalls market. You can see in the background the tours of two important and beautiful churches:
Metropolitan Cathedral! Built in 1887. Here is the body of the holy Paraschiva and the largest pilgrimage in Romania is organized. There are hundreds of thousands of believers involved.
The Three Hierarchs Church! My favorite. Built between 1637-1639.
I'm back on my way to my favorite summer market, the underground market.
The underground market Invaded by the snow. Now wait for the spring to melt the snow.
There is also a closed and heated area (somewhat). Not much of the merchandise. More decorative.
That was little journey through markets. Winter. A well-known Romanian saying says: "Winter isn't like Summer" ... very smart, wasn't it? (in fact, the author of this affirmation is a former president of Romania, a president for whom I have sympathy)
It ends with a flower, a custom borrowed from @dswigle. It's not even a flower. It's a bush with red fruits. I photographed it in front of my temporary home in Iasi.
Fate has made me unable to post in #MarketFriday for several weeks. I have overwhelmed my regrets and the mood that today I have the time and the silence necessary to try again. Until now, I felt like this little dog with a guilty look ...
This was Friday. Friday! When I say Friday I say #MarketFriday and my shopping day. When I say Friday I think about @dswigle and her wonderful challenge!
