Romania Day 6 (& 7)

Today we travelled to Cluj, as the first part of our journey home. We called in briefly  at Tinaud, to give some books to the Faurs, to help them in their work with the children.

The journey is through some beautiful countryside. The road twists and turns and there are many climbs and descents but the road is good.

We arrived in cluj, and picked up another Pastor whose name was Paul. He knew the best way to the Hotel, and so he was our Sat Nav. unfortunately he spoke very little English so it was impossible to have any meaningful conversations.

After settling into Hotel Beta, we started to explore the city. I found a hotel I had previously stayed in. We looked at Catholic, and an Orthodox cathedral. What sad places they are!!.

Looking for a few gifts to the home, and a bite to eat we wondered around.  We finally found a shopping mall (Iulius) where we had a Doner Kebab and a cake.

After a bit more shopping we walked back to the Hotel and settled down to watch some Tennis from the French open. We reckoned that we had walked about 7 miles in total ( later measured to be 8.5 miles on Google Earth), which will have been good for us considering the amount that we have eaten, and that we have spent a lot of time sitting in houses

The hotel was 2 stars. It was clean, but basic everything worked, and it was reasonably priced. However, the shower, which was a good temperature and pressure, had a holder that was broken and the bus station was situated next door, which ran rather nosily through the night. There were hoots and shouts going on until the early hours. The remote controller for the TV was missing parts, although it worked and the numbers etc were rubbed out.

So while it was Ok, with a little more care, Hotel Beta could have been  well  better.

We got up at 4:45, and left at 5:05 for the airport. We boarded efficiently for the flight back to Luton, where we were met and driven home to start the washing!

Romania Day 5

On Day 5 we went to see the offices of Editurii Făclia, and our associates Dinu and Lidia Moga. It was interesting to see the process through translation and production.He is able to produce small runs efficiently as he has found otherwise he carries too much stock.  Dinu has a large number of books available. Some titles and authors we recognized and some we did not. Some were from the UK and some from the USA. There were also collections of sermons from Romanian pastors.

We were able to purchase some books for our host and for the work in Black Forest.

After a sandwich and pudding lunch, we went to catch up with Christi and Autillia who we had met previously  Christi was pastor at Cordau which I visited and preached at on my last visit to Romania. It was good to see them settled in thier home. Last time they were living with parents after having to move out of thier flat because it was too expensive for them. 

C&A - a much missed old friend

We went to a shopping mall. It was a pleasure to find a C&A store, much missed in England. i used to buy most of my clothes there. Then it was off to KFC for a taste of home. We got told off for taking photographs by the manger which seemed a strange rule. Our hosts had never had KFC before, and they enjoyed it. We returned to our base, and were offered another meal at 9:30 - more chicken. 

Birthday at the Chequers

Went to The Chequers, Houghton Conquest for lunch on my daughters birthday.
Had a lightish lunch of sausage bap with side order followed by Chocolate pudding.

Good prices , service and food. Truly Child friendly.

Day out in London

Spent last Friday going around Hampton Court, a place rich in the history of the English & church. Henry VIII having been gifted a house from Cardinal Wolsey, set about making a statement about his kingship.
Of course it is from the Hampton conference that the King James Version was produced, and it was the home to William and Mary (Orange).
Afterwards we took a meal in Central London at Las iguanas which was good especially the warm chocolate brownie - see pics below.

Jerk Chicken

Chocolate Brownie Sunday







I thought it good value for London.

Work Christmas Dinner

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First of a few nice dinners I expect -we have much to celebrate
thanks to the Jester at Ashwell.

La Tasca

As it was our wedding anniversary this week, and a baby sitter was available,  we went out to La Tasca in Milton Keynes. We had a variety of dishes including chicken, lamb, and rice and salads.Very nice and reasonable especially with a promotional voucher.

The restaurant is fairly basic but the service was good.

Eating out 2

http://blackhorseireland.com/
A pleasant surprise to be invited out to for a meal on Wednesday at short notice. After securing a baby sitter at short notice. A time to catch up with old friends and enjoy some Good food.
Service was good as was atmosphere.
Venison sausage in black pudding crisps to start, followed by T bone stake accompanied by the intriguingly named triple cooked chips. Highlight was the sweet - a raspberry soufflé which was absolutely scrummy.
Will return sometime God willing.

A meal out

For the first time in a while my wife and I went out for a meal at "The Fancott" A nice place just outside Toddington. Food was well cooked and the portions were well measured. The Belgium waffles with cream, ice cream and fudge source were especially tasty.
Not sure it did much for my figure.