May 26 - Spirituality

First painted monastery

We were told that the Romanian people used to be, for the most part, illiterate and -- not being able to read -- they chose to paint the stories of their sacred religious texts on the walls of their churches in comic book style illustrations. These illustrations, located on both interior as well as exterior walls of their churches were then orated by the religious workers for those attending any meetings. It was such a shocking reality check for myself.

Cemetery

I wandered through a nearby cemetery after having my share of viewing the first painted monastery we visited. The cemeteries had become so familiar to me as I had been taking time to see them since the beginning of the Ireland trip when we went to Glasinev Cemetery. It was almost as if I was able to link all of these locations, cultures, and people together in my mind by walking through the cemeteries.

Market shops

I ended up purchasing an antique compass and clock. This clock was not just like some little time keeping wall ornament. This was a magnificent, massive, brass clock. I had no clue how I was to get this monstrosity home as I had already purchased a second suitcase in Ireland, which was already full. I then remembered that I had purchased the newest hipster backpack for my little sister while I was in Amsterdam. I had the guy bag the clock three times, wrapped that in one of the wool sweaters I acquired in Ireland, put all of that into another bag, then put this amalgamation into the medium-sized hipster backpack! It fit like a glove. I ended up carrying this all the way home using it as my carry on as to keep it safe since it had glass covering the original ceramic face plate. I am pretty sure I managed to tear my shoulder muscle carrying this through the airports on my way back home but it was worth it...

Second painted monastery

Not much different from the first except the surrounding environment. Again, just overwhelming amounts of illustrations strewn across every inch of wall space available.

No plans for the evening

Dinner at hotel

Walk to grocery store

Sleep!