Tom Haines in Romania: Exploring the Outer Edges of the EU
Travel Blog • Michael Yessis • 01.15.07 | 9:15 AM ET
Romania officially joined the European Union this year, and the Boston Globe’s Tom Haines used the occasion to kick off a four-part series to see how the changes will affect the citizens of many of the nations that have recently been welcomed into the EU. Part one begins in the fog-shrouded foothills of the Carpathian range. “[W]ith a wash of midmorning sun, only faint wisps of white lingered above the village of Voronet and a stone church adorned with frescoes in rich red, gold, and blue,” Haines writes. “The Orthodox images of Adam plowing, of the Last Judgment, and more were not sheltered inside a sanctuary, but exposed, vulnerable, on outside walls.”
He continues:
When they were painted on wet plaster five centuries ago, a time when Turks attacked from the south, the murals on this and other churches nearby were meant to teach tales of Christian saints and soldiers to illiterate masses. In the centuries since, they have weathered not only sleet and snow, heat and sunlight, but also the strong hand of Austro-Hungarian rule, the chaos of World War II battles, and a forced silence that ended with the fall of Nicolae Ceausescu’s conspiratorial communist regime in 1989.
During this winter of change, the open-air frescoes, unique in Europe, witness not the struggle of empires, but the uncertainty of individual lives.
A narrated slideshow with photos by Alessandro Gori accompanies Haines’s piece. The final three parts of the series will be posted throughout 2007.
Photo of the Monastery of Sucevita by Alessandro Gori.
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Michael Yessis is the cofounder and coeditor of World Hum.
Josephine Weiss 07.13.07 | 10:08 PM ET
I just returned from a wonderful trip to Romania.
LON E. LIGHT 12.31.07 | 2:12 PM ET
MY GRANDFATHER WAS BORN IN BUHUANT..
ROMANIA..IN 1898..I WOULD LOVE TO WIN A TRIP TO ROMANIA…
Maria 01.10.08 | 7:19 PM ET
I too would like to win…my grandparents were from Transylvania (for real). Our dance group has been invited and performed throughout Romania but I was recovering from open heart surgery and couldn’t go - no good medical care available there. My brother-in-law is from Bucharest and I know others who come from Banat…I would love to go before I leave this place…just to see where I come from and if there are any relatives remaining, you know, just to connect.
Good luck to all who have registered…
Michelle White 01.13.08 | 4:42 PM ET
I would absolutely love to win a trip to Romania. I was born in Romania and came to the United States at the age of 14 (26 years ago). I have told my husband what a wonderful country Romania is, for its culture, people, food and scenery, and would love for him to experience it. We watch he travel channel daily and very much enjoy all Anthony Bordain, Samantha Brown and Andrew Zimmer. We are looking forward to Anthony Bordain’s show on Romania to be aired this season. Thank you. Mihaela (Michelle)
Oli 01.18.08 | 2:19 AM ET
When many people think of Europe these days, they only think of the west. Romania, and its Eastern neighbors are just as culturally diverse and interesting. It’s great that some spotlight is being shown on that wonderful place in Europe.
Shawn Gaugler 01.20.08 | 3:09 PM ET
My husband & I traveled to Romania and adopted our daughter 12 years ago. For a long time, she didn’t understand why her sisters couldn’t come and spend the night, not realizing the distance. We promised her that we would take her back to see the country and meet her biological family this summer. She was born in Sibiu Romania and still has contacts there. Of course, Travel Channel is our Sunday morning routine, and enjoy seeing all the different places, but, I can’t imagine anything better than seeing Romania with Travel Channel.
To whomever wins. Romania is truly a beautiful place with a beautiful culture and people. Enjoy!
Cristian 01.21.08 | 10:00 PM ET
Hi,i’m living in Bucharest,Romania and i was verry surprised about the new season’s shows .Anyone ho wants to come here shouldn’t miss ‘Casa poporului’ (the second biggest building in the world)is amaizing.About Sibiu,is right now the cultural capital of Europe.Brasov,Sighisoara,Timisoara are just a few towns you souldn’t miss, and that will not be enought without the food ,actually i have to put it on the first place ,is amainzing!!! Don’t miss anything of these if you are coming here,did i mention everything is natural and cheap at the same time ?????
Christian 01.21.08 | 10:42 PM ET
Woderful Latin country. The only Latin country of Eastern Europe. So much to do there and the people are very hospitable.
Donna 01.22.08 | 12:26 AM ET
My husband and his family came to the States over 20 years ago from Romania. Although he and I have visited Transylvania (where he’s from), and were married there 17 years ago, he would love to go back and visit his relatives. A lot has changed since the early 1990s, so seeing how far Romania has come from that time would be an experience; one of the Romania of yesterday and today.
Kristin 01.22.08 | 10:50 AM ET
I’ve traveled to Romania and spent time in Brasov, Fagaras and Voivodeni. It is a beautiful country and I plan on returning this summer. I grew up next door to a Romanian family and traveled with them to visit their family and see the country. It was an amazing experience and I can’t wait to return!!
Robert 01.22.08 | 6:52 PM ET
I would love to win a trip to Romania, as I have not been there since I adopted both of my two children from Arad, Romania in June of 1999. I have always looked forward to bringing my children back to this country so that they can answer for themselves some of the questions they have about their heritage and homeland. This would be a dream come true, our very own “Make-A-Wish”.
Anna 01.22.08 | 7:01 PM ET
I too would like to win a trip to Romania, My husband is from Miercurea Ciuc, we would love to go and visit the country where he is from, He hasnt seen his family since he came to the States in 2004. I would also love for them to finally be able to meet our daughter. But, If we dont win a trip we will be watching next seasons show about Romania.
Good Luck to everyone registering…
Tara ulmer 01.23.08 | 1:57 PM ET
I’d love to win a trip to Romania in order for my parents to see what I do in the Peace Corps. I’m leaving to serve for 2 years in the Peace Corps Romania and want my parents to witness all the good I hope to do.
Margaret 01.23.08 | 5:00 PM ET
We adopted from Romania 11 years ago and would love to take our son back someday. We met many wonderful people and would love to see the country in the summer as we were there during the very cold winter!
Sarah Pichler 01.23.08 | 11:36 PM ET
My grandfather was born in Romania and came to the US in the early 1900’s. I would love to go to Romania and see where he came from and learn more about the culture. In South St. Paul there are many Romanian Orthodox churches and they have different festivals that I have attended and have enjoyed that part of my culture. To actually see Romania and experience the country would be a life changing moment. Hopefully one day I will get to see it!
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