January 2021
~SIBIU~
This is Sora Anderson and Sora Tobler! We had Sora Tobler close to us in Mihai Bravu for a little bit so we got to enjoy getting to know her there and Sora Anderson is newer and she had a rocky start at the beginning; there were some outside influences that one would not normally encounter but she survived with flying colors and is a phenomenal missionary. Everyone loves Sibiu as it is a little university town and is so quaint and adorable (even with the large population of about 170,000 😉)!
"Since 2007, a traditional Christmas market has been held in Sibiu. The first of its kind in Romania, it is inspired by Viennese Christmas markets, being a project developed by the Social Attaché of the Austrian Embassy in Romania, dr.h.c. Barbara Schöfnagel" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sibiu
At Christmastime in 2018 we went on the Danube River Tour with some friends and throughout the trip at every port there were these amazing Christmas markets. The Christmas markets are so stunning and such fun. There are a zillion booths, crafts, clothes, entertainment, food, Merry-go-rounds, ice rink, singing, etc., just plain fascinating!
When we were called to Romania I was so excited to have the opportunity to go to these markets at Christmastime; especially in Sibiu. Unfortunately, Covid hit so only a few cities (Isai was one) still had the markets going (on a much smaller scale). This year there is a slim chance 
that we might be able to see the market here in Sibiu ~ it usually opens at the end of November so we might have the chance to drive up there (or better yet take the train) before we come home; a lot of it depends on the condition of covid and how that is affecting the city! We do hope to have the opportunity to go but if not, perhaps another year we will make it back to Europe to experience the full immersion of these phenomenal works of art!
Picture from: https://targuldecraciun.ro/en/sibiu-christmas-market/#group_1230-1
We stayed in the same hotel as we did before, The Continental Forum Hotel. I can't remember if the price was this low before or if it is lower because of Covid? Anyhoooo, it is the perfect hotel as it is centrally located and walking distance to Brukenthal Museum and Piata Mare along with many other sites.
Before heading to bed we took a stroll in the Piata Mare and just admired the beauty of the town; these places are truly breathtaking!
Romania has had a overwhelming history of ownership; wars, conquests, defeats and just plain arguments as to who owns what and when and if this part of the country should be theirs or someone elses or if another country still has part of Romania that should still be considered Romania ~ you get the drift. This is the documented Historical affiliations of Sibiu from Wikipedia 😁
"The Eyes of Sibiu are the iconic eyebrow dormers on the roofs of Sibiu's houses. The eyes, which are a symbol and a tourist attraction of the city, have given Sibiu the nicknames of The City with Eyes, The City Where Houses Don't Sleep.
There are legends, according to which the eyes were built to frighten the people, making them believe they are being watched. Their real purpose was to act as a ventilation system for the houses' attics. Nowadays, the eyes have become one of Sibiu's most famous symbols, making them a tourist attraction."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eyes_of_Sibiu
On our way out of Sibiu I took a few more snapshots of the gorgeous picturesque villages. The frozen ice on the rocks amaze me as they came from a little waterfall up above. There was an accident (which honestly, I don't know why there are not a million more on these roads) but even in the mountains the police get to it fairly fast which is always a blessing. This is one of my favorite drives as we leave Sibiu and head towards Pitesti!
~La Revedere Sibiu~
