Catching up on our first Trip to Braila

We have been working hard wrapping up our training.... taking Language tests, finishing up projects, and frankly just relaxing for once! Two weeks ago, we took a trip to Braila (our soon to be home starting next week) and we wanted to catch everyone up on our first impressions before we move there. We were very impressed with the 10th largest Romanian city of approx 218,000 people. The side-walks are wide and clear, trees line the streets, and the city center is filled with plenty of interesting things to see and do!

On the way to Braila from Ploiesti (which means city of rain by the way, and what do ya know.... it's raining here today!) by autocar (one of those tour buses) we had a chance to see some of the countryside. (These are pictures taken from the bus)

Upon arriving in Braila we were shown to our potential house (if we like it, which we do) which belonged to the family of one of the founders of my organization. The organization generously offered this nice place already furnised and ready to go! How lucky are we!!!

So, we were in Braila from Thursday afternoon to Sunday morning and got to see quite a bit of the city. On Friday Nils and I met with my organization (both organization coordinated the schedule so we could meet each organization together... nice, huh!). My organization (CDIMM) is an NGO designed to help small and medium size entrenpreneurial ventures in Romania get the training and technical assistance they need to get off the ground. They have worked with PC volunteers before in 1994 and unofficially in 2006 so they have some experience with the Peace Corps. Everyone at the organization is great and I look forward to learning more in the next few months.

Nils' organziation was our Saturday activity. Pro Democracy is an organization designed to provide education about citizens' rights to vote and encourage youth to involve themselves in local and national politics. They work primarily with youth when it comes to volunteerism and involvement, but their impact reaches far more. Pro Democracy has several clubs and chapters throughout Romania and are becoming more widely-known, establishing for themselves a good reputation. Here's a picture of some of the team leaders from the balcony of their office...

Nils and I are very excited and look forward to providing more insights into this beautiful city! Below is just a bonus picture I really liked that I took from the same balcony of Pro Democracy... the top of a beautiful church (a trademark of the city) across the street. Nils' place definitely has a nice view!!