Monasteries Galore!

We took a Saturday to take a day trip tour to several Orthodox Monasteries and a Romanian Fortress. It was a great trip and for the first time I felt like a tourist. Living here is a cool experience because we get to experience Romania in a different way than just being a tourist for a few days. It was fun, however, to check out some of the cool historic sights around us!

We are just as amazed with dead rodents outside the Monasteries...

First, we went to Manastirea Neamt. There we met the nicest monk! He spoke really good English and told us about his life and work as a monk. He impressed us with his knowledge of U.S. cities and state names and was just so sweet!

Caught a shot with one of the Monks

American girls take over Romania

Inside the church

Second was Manastirea Secu! Next we went to Manastirea Sihastria which was my favorite Monastery. It was so beautiful and there was so much to see! We see a lot of churches, but they don't seem to get old. It is so cool to see all the similarities and differences between these old Orthodox churches.

Me and our dear friend, Teo

Me and Lexi unintentionally matching

Finally, we hiked up to a 15th century Fortress of Stephen Cel Mar. While we were there, they were preparing for a wedding at the top of the fortress. What an unlikely place to get married!

Stephen Cel Mare Fortress

After an exhausting hike to the fortress!

Just chillin in the church pews

It was a fun day trip with some of our favorite people. The whole BYU group went along with Mario, her daughter, and our good friend, Teo! We love them!

Along with the wonderful hikes and tours, we got to experience something else truly Romanian....the bathrooms! I felt this was blog-worthy so I could share in the joys of European traveling. Those who have used one can understand, but it was definitely a surprise for us first-time travelers!

Yes we took pictures...awkward, but worth it!