Denisa - Desert Girl
Impartindu-si viata intre facultatea din Bucuresti si distractiile din Oradea natala, Denisa Spin (21 de ani) eo vulpita ambitioasa, pentru care participarea la Covergirl - si castigarea acestei campanii - a fost provocarea anului.
Split between school and life in Bucharest and Oradea home entertainment, Denisa (21 years) is an ambitious girl, for which participation in Covergirl - and winning this campaign - was the challenge for her.
Denisa isi adora corpul, pe care are grija sa-l cadoriseasca deseori cu imbunatatiri mai mult sau mai putin naturale.
Denisa loves her body, which she takes care of often more or less naturally.
De ce ai participat la Covergirl?
Why did you attend Covergirl?
Ca sa castig experienta vietii mele.
To gain experience in my life.
Voiam sa apar pe coperta.
I wanted to appear on the cover.
Vrei sa ajungi vedeta? Ce fel de vedeta?
Do you want to be a star, what kind of star?
Da.
Yes.
Vreau sa ajung vedeta de televiziune.
I want to be a star of the television.
Sa fiu prezentatoare - emisiuni de divertisment.
To be an anchor - the entertainment shows.
Oana are aproape 20 de ani si e din Bacau, loc in care a ales sa-si continue studiile de economista.
Oana is nearly 20 years old and lives in Bacau, where she chose to continue studies in economics.
Ce-i drept, invata foarte bine si mediile ei o aduc chiar in postura de tocilara. What is right, learn well and we get called nerds.
Numai ca, de fapt, Oana e un dracusor impielitat, cu limba ascutita si minte brici. But, in fact, Oana is a terror, good with language and her mind is razor sharp.
Ce voiai sa te faci cand erai mica?
What do you want to when you were little?
Politista sau doctorita.
Cop or doctor.
Eram foarte baietoasa, ma jucam numai cu masinutele.
I was a tomboy I played with cars.
Papusile pe care mi le aducea tata le tineam bine.
Dolls that my dad bought I used to hang them.
Descrie-te in trei cuvinte.
Describe yourself in three words.
Desteapta, draguta, un pic impulsiva.
Clever, cute, a little impulsive.
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I read this today in The Guardian and it kind of upset me. After all the hard work people from my country have put in to try to make ourselves good members of the EU and able to stand on our own two feet proud of what we have achieved and proud of what we have come through as a nation, and now, due to problems beyond our control we have had to go and ask for help from the EU in the shape of cash loans to prop up our economy. We are very proud people and to be forced to do this is something we are not happy with.....but we have faced worse crises than this and come through it.
The European Union, IMF and World Bank today bailed out Romania with a €20bn (£18.5bn) loan in return for severe cuts in public spending and wages.
Romania becomes the third EU country to turn for financial assistance in the current recession after Hungary and Latvia which have together received €9.6bn from Brussels. Latvia has also been given €2.2bn from individual EU countries.
Today's package sees the IMF put up €13bn, the EU €5bn and the World Bank €1bn. The European Bank of Reconstruction and Development and other creditors are committing the extra €1bn.
East European countries in the EU are in economic freefall as the slump deepens in the west which is the main source of their exports. Business sentiment in Germany, the eurozone's biggest economy, today fell to a 27-year low.
"I am pleased that it was possible to come to an agreement rapidly on a significant financial assistance package," said Joaquín Almunia, EU economic and monetary affairs commissioner.
He added: "I welcome the commitment by the Romanian authorities to implement a major programme of economic adjustment aimed at bringing the economy to a sound and sustainable growth path, including through strengthening financial sector supervision.
"I am aware of the hardships that Romania and its citizens are encountering at this time of crisis but I am confident that, with the right policies and with the help of the EU and other international bodies, they will emerge stronger."
Romania, among the poorest of the EU's 27 members, is being urged to recapitalise its banks, boost its deposit guarantee scheme and toughen supervision, including winding-up laws.
It is also urged to undertake "an orderly correction of imbalances in the medium term" and "improve competitiveness" – IMF-speak for savage wage cuts. Latvians are experiencing cuts of between 20% and 30% in their incomes.
At the core of the programme is a commitment by Bucharest to limit the budget deficit to 5.1% this year and to cut it further to 3% – the ceiling imposed by the Maastricht treaty – in 2011. Other measures imposed as a condition of the loan are due to be outlined later.
The European commission and Ecofin, the council of economic and finance ministers, said the Romanian financial sector should continue to provide adequate funding of institutions and of the wider economy.
"In this context we would very much welcome the confirmation of the long-term commitment of foreign parent banks to Romania and to support their subsidiaries in the country," they said in a joint statement. Western banks have €1.5tn in outstanding loans to eastern Europe.
Last week, in anticipation of further demands as the crisis deepens, the EU summit agreed to double a special fund for countries in balance of payments difficulties to €50bn.
Labels:
eu,
hungary,
latvia,
romania economy
The Romania national rugby union team, nicknamed The Oaks (Stejarii), have long been one of the stronger European teams outside of the Six Nations tournament. They take part in international competitions, notably the World Cup, the European Nations Cup and the Super Cup. Rugby union in Romania is administered by the Romanian Rugby Federation. They play in yellow and blue strips.
France first played Test rugby against Romania in 1924 when they tried to establish a rival to the Five Nations championship. At their best, during the 1980s, the national side defeated Wales (twice), Scotland (the 1984 Grand Slam side) and France (twice). In 1981, they lost to the All Blacks 14-6 but had two tries disallowed. Many felt it was wrong for the rugby powers to fail to bring them in to top-flight competition. There are even rumours that the Oaks were invited to join but refused because the championship took place during their winter break. However, with the subsequent deterioration of the domestic political and economic situation in the country rugby in Romania suffered.
Nonetheless, Romania played in the first six Rugby World Cups from 1987, with their best result being a win during the pool stages. However, the likes of Georgia have challenged Romania for top spot below the Six Nations, and Georgia, along with Portugal have both won the European Nations Cup (or Six Nations B). Romania played in Pool C at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, along with Portugal, the New Zealand, Italy and Scotland.
On 21 March 2009, Romania lost 22–21 at home to Portugal, meaning they will not participate in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
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Labels:
romania rugby
Monica and Gabriela Irimia, from Cluj-Napoca in Transylvania, Romania, but based in Britain. The sisters were born on October 31, 1982 to Doru and Margit Irimia. Gabriela is older by 10 minutes.
Their early life in Romania consisted of studying gymnastics and ballet and touring with the Hungarian National Opera. Moving to the United Kingdom with their mother in 2002, the girls shot to fame as the Cheeky Girls after auditions on the British TV shows, Channel 4's Model Behaviour and more importantly Popstars: The Rivals. Following two appearances on the show with their audition which had judges Pete Waterman and Louis Walsh not knowing what to say ("cheeky" Pete Waterman was later quoted as saying they were the worst act ever), various record companies approached the Granada Press Office. The Press Office contacted Paul Holland at Granada Ventures who was able to secure them a deal with the Multiply label part of Telstar Records. "The Cheeky Song (Touch My Bum)" was swiftly recorded and released in the first week in December. Entering the chart at number 3 the single peaked at number 2. In the week before Christmas this was one of three singles from the Popstars: The Rivals show to occupy the Top 3; One True Voice and Girls Aloud held the other two positions.
Their early life in Romania consisted of studying gymnastics and ballet and touring with the Hungarian National Opera. Moving to the United Kingdom with their mother in 2002, the girls shot to fame as the Cheeky Girls after auditions on the British TV shows, Channel 4's Model Behaviour and more importantly Popstars: The Rivals. Following two appearances on the show with their audition which had judges Pete Waterman and Louis Walsh not knowing what to say ("cheeky" Pete Waterman was later quoted as saying they were the worst act ever), various record companies approached the Granada Press Office. The Press Office contacted Paul Holland at Granada Ventures who was able to secure them a deal with the Multiply label part of Telstar Records. "The Cheeky Song (Touch My Bum)" was swiftly recorded and released in the first week in December. Entering the chart at number 3 the single peaked at number 2. In the week before Christmas this was one of three singles from the Popstars: The Rivals show to occupy the Top 3; One True Voice and Girls Aloud held the other two positions.
Labels:
cheeky girls romania
Sibiu in 1984.
Communist times.
Happy times ahead but how were we to know ?
Sibiu is one of the largest cities in Transylvania, Romania with a population of about 175,000. It straddles the Cibin River, a tributary of the river Olt. It is the capital of Sibiu County and is located some 282 km NW of Bucharest.
It is one of the most important cultural and religious centres in Romania as well a major transportation hub in central Romania. The city used to be the centre of the Transylvanian Saxons in Romania until World War II.
Sibiu was designated European Capital of Culture for the year 2007 together with Luxembourg.
And I love it in Sibiu.........
Labels:
sibiu,
transylvania
Praying in style, Bucharest.
Orthodox Easter marks a pinnacle of church
attendance in Romania each year, with even
the young and tragically hip lining up outside
churches to receive their blessings..
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Labels:
praying bucharest
Ramona's Facebook Here
There is a myth attached to Râşnov Fortress. During a particularly long siege of the fortress, the citizens of Râşnov were concerned about the lack of available fresh drinking water. Two Turkish soldiers, having been captured earlier, were put to the task of digging a well in the centre of the fortress. These two men were assured that they would be given their freedom once the well was completed. According to local legend, it took them 17 years to finish the well, but they were still killed afterwards. This famous well still sits in the centre of Râşnov Fortress, and is 143 metres deep.
Labels:
rasnov fortress
Brasov Square Xmas Eve. Dominated by the Old City Hall (1420).
In some Romanian areas, on Christmas Eve, farmers gather back everything they’ve lent during the year. In Mehedinti county, parents put coins in their children’s pockets, in order for them to have a bountiful new year.
Also, on Christmas Eve, bread is placed under the table to bear luck for the whole family, and wheat is placed under the table cloth, to bring good crops.
In Romania, Christmas begins with fasting (as the majority is represented by the Orthodox Church), which takes six weeks (from November 15th to December 24th). Fasting implies giving up on meat, eggs and milk, or like our grandfathers would say, restraining from sweet foods.
A true fasting would mean giving up on physical love, on alcohol and paying back any dues. People from villages do not listen to the radio during the fasting period, they don’t watch TV and they don’t throw or go to any parties. The fasting ends on Christmas night.
On December 20th, people celebrate "the Ignat Day." On that day, they aren’t allowed to do any work, but prepare the pork. According to the tradition, those who are poor and have no pig (which is usually sacrificed and prepared at the farmer’s home) should sacrifice another animal.
An old belief was that in the night before Ignat, the pig dreams of its knife. Those who are faint at heart and feel sorry for the pig are not allowed to participate in this ceremony, unless it dies slowly and its meat is no longer good. Grandfathers usually make the sign of the Cross on their grandchildren’s foreheads, in order for them to be healthy.
Men and women start by cutting and preparing the lard bacon, the sausages and other traditional specialties. And thus, begin the preparations for the Christmas feast. Housewives choose meat for their delicious cabbage rolls, for steaks, and the grease for baking cookies.
In the old times, children were given pretzels, nuts and apples. Today, they receive money, candy and cookies. Both parents and children go carol-singing on Christmas Eve. The houses are beautifully adorned on that eve, perfectly clean and ready to receive the carol-singers. Carol-singing is a ritual made of ceremonial texts (carols), dances and gestures. Carols give messages and wishes of good health, prosperity, good crops and the fulfillment of all wishes. Carol-singing is the most widespread Romanian tradition.
In Transylvania, the tables are laid, waiting for the carol-singers. Carol-singers start their day at dawn, and end it at dusk. After they sing two or three carols in the courtyard, the youth are invited inside, to be properly welcomed and fed with traditional meals and drinks. Christmas Eve is a great opportunity for Romanians to visit their friends, neighbors and relatives.
In some parts of the country, there is a custom called "carrying the icon", which symbolizes the birth of Jesus Christ. In the north of Moldavia, the Christmas Eve feast is made of fasting food. And no one is allowed to uncover the table, until the priest comes through the door.
The priest blesses the feast, he is the first to taste the meals, and only after that do the rest of the household start eating. The pig slaughter on Ignat day is a purely Romanian custom, which was in fact "Christianized" at the end of the middle age.
As always, there is a legend behind this custom. The legend says that a man called Ignat, trying to slaughter the pig, accidentally hit his father in the head with an axe.
In the Romanian Christmas traditions, within the typical Romanian family, there is a lot of love, poetry, fairy tales and respect. Whoever wants to get to know the Romanian spirit has to enter a Romanian house, especially in wintertime. He will see the Romanian bowing to the East, where light comes from, and how he makes the sign of the cross before eating, or how before cutting the bread, the traditional Romanian woman makes the sign of the cross three times.
There are many, very beautiful traditions and customs that focus on the two great winter holidays: Christmas, i.e. the birth of our Lord Jesus, and the New Year’s Eve. Customs and traditions are common for all places on the planet…yet the hearts of the people are the most important during a feast. As you already know, many celebrate Christmas but without The Celebrated One, without the One whose birthday Christmas is. Feast or no feast…without the very core of Christmas which is Jesus Christ Himself, Christmas is nothing but another tradition.
Labels:
xmas brasov romania
....thrown right back
into the sea
waters black, as can be
creatures lurk
and creatures bite
dangerous without a light.
sadly though, i cannot see
stranger thoughts are left of me
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into the sea
waters black, as can be
creatures lurk
and creatures bite
dangerous without a light.
sadly though, i cannot see
stranger thoughts are left of me
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Labels:
black sea constanta
There is a short time until the temple in Brasov will celebrate one hundred years. For history, it only means one second, but, for the sake of all the generations of Jews from Brasov who, within its confines, wept with pain of joy, found comfort in prayer, and, most importantly, felt they were not alone, this moment deserves to be honored in a special way. "I have been thinking about the project of renovating our synagogue for two years now", opens his confession engineer Tiberiu Roth, president of the Jewish Community in Brasov. "A project born out of necessity. The temple's cupola suffered serious damage in time. In order to turn this idea into a general purpose, I felt I needed to focus the energies of the entire community, and especially those of the youth."....More
Labels:
synagogue of brasov
Location: They are situated between the Lacu Rosu Resort and the Bicaz-Chei commune.
Description: The Bicaz Gorges are cut by Bicaz River in the central-eastern part of Hasmasu Mountains. They are 8 km long. In this area Bicaz Valley is flanked by some heights locally called “Pietre”( Stones) like Piatra Altarului (the Altar’s Stone), Piatra Arsitei ( the Burnt Stone), Piatra Glodului( the Mud Stone). In the central part of the Bicaz Gorges there is the most spectacular point called “the Devil’s Throat” which consists in very steep walls situated very close one to another so the sun rays can not reach to the surface of the water. The region is very frequented by the alpinists. The Bicaz Gorges are a natural protected reservation.
George Enescu (known in France as Georges Enesco) (born: August 19, 1881, Liveni – died: May 4, 1955, Paris) was a Romanian composer, violinist, pianist, conductor and teacher, preeminent Romanian musician of the 20th century, and one of the greatest performers of his time. This beautiful building is named in his honour and it houses a wonderful museum. The Bucharest Symphony Orchestra also perform there.
Click the thumbnails for a bigger picture.
Aged 20, Nicoleta is a very successful model who hails from Cluj-Napoca.
She describes herself as a girl who is friendly, modest, with a sense of humour, but also very stubborn and often "sorry not to keep silent about her thoughts of other people. She is considered an eccentric and vain girl, who does not like to be controlled by anyone. The ideal guy for her should have "something that attract me." Normal guys that like beauty, a beautiful face but is not essential. She also says she would never be involved with a footballer because "fotbalistii" have no education, so I do not see what you could talk with such a character!" See, she does not mince her words.
She is a big fan of Steaua Bucuresti and has done numerous photo shoots for them to promote the club.
Labels:
nicoleta macarencu
Even the 3 km walk up Calea doesn't prepare you for the sheer size of this place when you're standing in front of it. It is powerful, overbearing, enormous and a stark reminder of Ceausescu's reign of terror.
Built by Communist Party leader, Nicolae Ceausescu, the colossal Parliament Palace (formerly known as the People’s Palace) is the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. It took 20,000 workers and 700 architects to build. The palace boasts 12 stories, 1,100 rooms, a 328-ft-long lobby and four underground levels, including an enormous nuclear bunker.
When construction started in 1984, the dictator intended it to be the headquarters of his government. Today, it houses Romania’s Parliament and serves as an international conference center. Built and furnished exclusively with Romanian materials, the building reflects the work of the country’s best artisans. A guided tour takes visitors through a small section of dazzling rooms, huge halls and quarters used by the Senate (when not in session). The interior is a luxurious display of crystal chandeliers, mosaics, oak paneling, marble, gold leaf, stained-glass windows and floors covered in rich carpets.
Interesting facts:
1. It is the world’s second-largest office building in surface (after the Pentagon) and the third largest in volume (after Cape Canaveral in the U.S. and the Great Pyramid in Egypt)
2. The crystal chandelier in the Human Rights Hall (Sala Drepturilor Omului) weighs 2.5 tons
3. Some of the chandeliers have as many as 7,000 light bulbs
Built by Communist Party leader, Nicolae Ceausescu, the colossal Parliament Palace (formerly known as the People’s Palace) is the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. It took 20,000 workers and 700 architects to build. The palace boasts 12 stories, 1,100 rooms, a 328-ft-long lobby and four underground levels, including an enormous nuclear bunker.
When construction started in 1984, the dictator intended it to be the headquarters of his government. Today, it houses Romania’s Parliament and serves as an international conference center. Built and furnished exclusively with Romanian materials, the building reflects the work of the country’s best artisans. A guided tour takes visitors through a small section of dazzling rooms, huge halls and quarters used by the Senate (when not in session). The interior is a luxurious display of crystal chandeliers, mosaics, oak paneling, marble, gold leaf, stained-glass windows and floors covered in rich carpets.
Interesting facts:
1. It is the world’s second-largest office building in surface (after the Pentagon) and the third largest in volume (after Cape Canaveral in the U.S. and the Great Pyramid in Egypt)
2. The crystal chandelier in the Human Rights Hall (Sala Drepturilor Omului) weighs 2.5 tons
3. Some of the chandeliers have as many as 7,000 light bulbs
Labels:
bucharest,
ceausescu,
parliament palace
Sirnea is located in the Bran Rucar Pass near Brasov. It is an area rich in history. It is where the The Battle of Călugăreni took place and it was one of the most important battles in the history of mediaeval Romania. It took place on 23 August (13 August on old style calendar) 1595 between the Wallachian army led by Michael the Brave and the Ottoman army led by Sinan Pasha.
The whole Ottoman force was estimated to have between 70.000 and 180.000 troops. According to a report written by the Spanish ambassador only 20.000 Ottomans (who were an advanced detachment) took part in the battle, against 10.000 Wallachians.
Michael the Brave had in total about 16,000 and 12 large field canons, with Transylvanian, Hungarian troops, Serbian and Bulgarian haiduks under Stephen Bocskay and Sigismund Báthory. Because he had smaller forces, Michael the Brave chose a terrain that would negate the Ottoman's numeric superiority. South of the village of Călugăreni, where the Câlniştea river flows into Neajlov river, the terrain is a muddy marsh, with forests around. A narrow bridge over the Neajlov river was a mandatory pass point. The battle had three different phases.
First Phase Of The Battle
The day of 23 August 1595 started with probing cavalry attacks. The Wallachian cavalry surprised the Ottoman cavalry in front of the village and pushed it over the Neajlov river. Michael the Brave positioned himself with 10.000 troops and 10 canons north of the Neajlov river and south of the village. The Hungarian commander Albert Király was in charge of the reserve, 6.000 strong (including the Hungarian (Székely) troops sent by the ruler of Transylvania, and the Hungarians, Serbs, and Bulgarians as well as the cossack mercenaries. The reserve was positioned rather far, north-west of the village, to stop any possible attack from the direction of the village of Singureni
After the cavalry skirmish, Sinan Pasha send forward a force 12.000 strong. Michael the Brave let the force cross the river and then, after a strong bombardment, attacked fiercely pushing this force back over the river. First phase of the battle ended favorably for the Wallachians.
Second Phase Of The Battle
The second phase of the battle started at noon, when Sinan Pasha launched an attack with all the forces he had at that moment. Janissaries made a frontal attack over the bridge while other forces made a double flanking maneuver (Mehmet Satîrgi Pasha in the east and Hasan Pasha (beilerbeg of Rumelia) in the west). Janissaries attacked not only on the bridge, but also used logs and planks to help them cross the marsh. Initially their attack was stopped, but Ottoman cavalry managed to cross the river via a ford in the east and threatened the Wallachian left wing. Michael the Brave retreated, abandoning all his canons. He rallied his troops north of the village where he stopped the Ottoman advance. Second phase of the battle ended favorably for Ottomans.
Third Phase Of The Battle
The third and last phase of the battle took place in the afternoon of the day and started with a strong frontal Wallachian attack, led by Michael the Brave.
Captain Cocea had just returned from a scouting mission with 400 cavalry and his fresh forces were used in this attack in a flanking maneuver. Mehmet Satîrgi Pasha’s troops were pushed into the Janissaries and the Ottoman forces were crowded in a narrow space north of the Neajlov river.
The Wallachian counterattack reached the bridge and the canons were retaken and used to inflict many casualties to the Ottomans. Sinan Pasha tried to restore the situation by advancing with his guards, but the Ottoman forces went in disarray when captain Cocea’s cavalry attacked them in the rear and also the Ottoman camp that was near the Hulubeşti village.
In the disorganised retreat, Sinan Pasha was thrown from his horse in the marsh, but saved by one of his slaves. The Wallachians couldn’t pursue the fleeing Ottomans because Hasan Pasha appeared on their right flank. Michael the Brave turned against Hasan Pasha and routed his forces.
Aftermath of the battle
The casualties are estimated at least 1,000 men lost by the Wallachians while the Ottoman casualties were about between 10,000 and 15,000. Michael the Brave knew that he was greatly outnumbered, and during the night he retreated north. He abandoned both Bucharest and Târgovişte, stopping at the winter camp in Stoieneşti, near Bran-Rucăr pass.
Sinan Pasha captured Bucharest and left there Mehmed Pasha with 10.000 troops, then captured Târgovişte where left another 1.500 troops and 30 canons. The bulk of the Ottoman army advanced to Stoieneşti, where they took positions in front of the Wallachian army, but they didn’t attack.
On 6 September, the Transylvania ruler, Sigismund Bathory, arrived with around 7.500 cavalry to support Michael the Brave. Early October another 1.500 troops from the Hasburg empire and 300 cavalry from Toscana arrived. These combined forces attacked the Ottomans and defeated them at Târgovişte (18 Octomber), Bucharest (22 October), and Giurgiu (26 October).
The whole Ottoman force was estimated to have between 70.000 and 180.000 troops. According to a report written by the Spanish ambassador only 20.000 Ottomans (who were an advanced detachment) took part in the battle, against 10.000 Wallachians.
Michael the Brave had in total about 16,000 and 12 large field canons, with Transylvanian, Hungarian troops, Serbian and Bulgarian haiduks under Stephen Bocskay and Sigismund Báthory. Because he had smaller forces, Michael the Brave chose a terrain that would negate the Ottoman's numeric superiority. South of the village of Călugăreni, where the Câlniştea river flows into Neajlov river, the terrain is a muddy marsh, with forests around. A narrow bridge over the Neajlov river was a mandatory pass point. The battle had three different phases.
First Phase Of The Battle
The day of 23 August 1595 started with probing cavalry attacks. The Wallachian cavalry surprised the Ottoman cavalry in front of the village and pushed it over the Neajlov river. Michael the Brave positioned himself with 10.000 troops and 10 canons north of the Neajlov river and south of the village. The Hungarian commander Albert Király was in charge of the reserve, 6.000 strong (including the Hungarian (Székely) troops sent by the ruler of Transylvania, and the Hungarians, Serbs, and Bulgarians as well as the cossack mercenaries. The reserve was positioned rather far, north-west of the village, to stop any possible attack from the direction of the village of Singureni
After the cavalry skirmish, Sinan Pasha send forward a force 12.000 strong. Michael the Brave let the force cross the river and then, after a strong bombardment, attacked fiercely pushing this force back over the river. First phase of the battle ended favorably for the Wallachians.
Second Phase Of The Battle
The second phase of the battle started at noon, when Sinan Pasha launched an attack with all the forces he had at that moment. Janissaries made a frontal attack over the bridge while other forces made a double flanking maneuver (Mehmet Satîrgi Pasha in the east and Hasan Pasha (beilerbeg of Rumelia) in the west). Janissaries attacked not only on the bridge, but also used logs and planks to help them cross the marsh. Initially their attack was stopped, but Ottoman cavalry managed to cross the river via a ford in the east and threatened the Wallachian left wing. Michael the Brave retreated, abandoning all his canons. He rallied his troops north of the village where he stopped the Ottoman advance. Second phase of the battle ended favorably for Ottomans.
Third Phase Of The Battle
The third and last phase of the battle took place in the afternoon of the day and started with a strong frontal Wallachian attack, led by Michael the Brave.
Captain Cocea had just returned from a scouting mission with 400 cavalry and his fresh forces were used in this attack in a flanking maneuver. Mehmet Satîrgi Pasha’s troops were pushed into the Janissaries and the Ottoman forces were crowded in a narrow space north of the Neajlov river.
The Wallachian counterattack reached the bridge and the canons were retaken and used to inflict many casualties to the Ottomans. Sinan Pasha tried to restore the situation by advancing with his guards, but the Ottoman forces went in disarray when captain Cocea’s cavalry attacked them in the rear and also the Ottoman camp that was near the Hulubeşti village.
In the disorganised retreat, Sinan Pasha was thrown from his horse in the marsh, but saved by one of his slaves. The Wallachians couldn’t pursue the fleeing Ottomans because Hasan Pasha appeared on their right flank. Michael the Brave turned against Hasan Pasha and routed his forces.
Aftermath of the battle
The casualties are estimated at least 1,000 men lost by the Wallachians while the Ottoman casualties were about between 10,000 and 15,000. Michael the Brave knew that he was greatly outnumbered, and during the night he retreated north. He abandoned both Bucharest and Târgovişte, stopping at the winter camp in Stoieneşti, near Bran-Rucăr pass.
Sinan Pasha captured Bucharest and left there Mehmed Pasha with 10.000 troops, then captured Târgovişte where left another 1.500 troops and 30 canons. The bulk of the Ottoman army advanced to Stoieneşti, where they took positions in front of the Wallachian army, but they didn’t attack.
On 6 September, the Transylvania ruler, Sigismund Bathory, arrived with around 7.500 cavalry to support Michael the Brave. Early October another 1.500 troops from the Hasburg empire and 300 cavalry from Toscana arrived. These combined forces attacked the Ottomans and defeated them at Târgovişte (18 Octomber), Bucharest (22 October), and Giurgiu (26 October).
Sighisoara was known as Sandova and dates as far back as the 3rd century BC. A charming medival city. The taylor's guild was the richest in town and this can be seen in the imposing tower that carries its name. Built in the 14th century, the tower was initially as tall as the Clock Tower but its upper part was destroyed in a fire in 1676, when the town's gunpowder deposit which was located in this place exploded. The Taylor's Tower is the second access road into the citadel, an entrance consisting of two vaulted galleries, which used to have huge oak gates with iron lattice. The tower was restored in 1935
Labels:
romania,
sighisoara,
the taylors tower
Vaser Valley, where you can find the only logging train hauled by narrow gauge steam engines (760 mm) still in use in Europe, crosses the Maramureş Mountains in the middle of one of the most wild and beautiful Romania's landscapes.
The Vaser River is 62 kilometres long, forming a spectacular canyon-like valley, where cliffs alternate with fir and beech forests, clearings and mineral water springs.
The access point to the Vaser Valley is the town of Vişeu de Sus, which is also the starting point for "Mocăniţa" ( the narrow gauge steam train), the only means of transportation in the valley. Built between 1930-1932 for the express task of transporting wood, the train is still used for the original purpose, attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world.
They run several steam engines: the oldest one was built in 1910 ("O&K") followed by one other made in 1921 ("Krauss") and 5 Romanian steam engines built at Resita between 1953-1955. On the railway run also several Diesel engines (built in 1960's-1970's) and other vehicles.
The journey is long and with several fuelling stops. The train can also fall off the rails, but at the slow speed of 10 km/hour that poses no danger. The passengers (who are experienced in the matter) help get the train back on the rails using anything they can lay their hands on: cut pieces of wood, chains, axes, or hooks.
The main line is 43 km long (Viseu de Sus-Comanu), with other two branches (Novat Valley-13 km long, and towards Stevioara-3 km), and usually takes (just until Faina, the main station, situated at 32 km from Viseu), between 3 and 4 hours.
A journey with the Mocanita is like going back in time: in the valley there is no cell phone signal (there are only working radio stations), there are no shops and provisions of food and other consumables have to be made before departure. Also there is no certainty about the departure and return hours. The Vaser Valley is on the border zone with Ukraine, and a valid identity card or passport has to be brought along.
Laura Cosoi was born on 2 January 1982 in Bucuresti. She is a young dancer and model who was discovered by the TV station Pro TV.
Name : Laura Cosoi
Date of birth : 02 Ianuarie 1982
Height : 1,68m
Weight : 55kg
Dimensions: 90-60-90
Who is Laura Cosoi?
She finished the Faculty of Philosophy, specialising in Social Work. She has shown great passion for dance. She practiced ballet for 12 years and participated in a series of dance sport competitions, having her mother as her coach.
In 2002 she debuted in the television series Adina in "The Block", broadcast on the TV Pro Tv.
In 2005 she played in the series "Girls with glue, running on Pro TV.
On TCTV she got a chance to participate in one of the most popular dance competitions in Romania "Dancing for you". Laura said of this experience: "It was beautiful, worth every effort and this effort was for a few weeks no more and no less than 10 hours of dance training per day, seven days a week.
After these challenges Laura has been proposed more offers from magazines for men, finally appearing in Playboy magazine.
In 2007 she performed the role of an ambitious young girl named Mara Sun, in the television series "One step forward". Laura Cosoi has changed and look for the role which she performed in the second season of the series "One step forward."
Hobbies: yoga, skiing, tae-bo, travel, books, photographic art, music.
Favourite food: "I eat Dorada, I really like the grilled fish with vegetables and potatoes."
Romania's Big Wild Cat
The Lynx in Romania is the largest wild-cat of all the lynx types world-wide, in the species "Lynx lynx Eurasian Lynx", with short tails, and a tuft of hair on the tip of the ears.
There are about 2200 lynxes in the Carpathians, making them the largest continuous lynx population west of the Russian border.
Romania's large Lynx have large paws padded for walking on the deep winter snows in the Carpathians, and long whiskers on the face. The colour of the body varies from light brown to grey and is occasionally marked with dark brown spots, especially on the limbs. They range about 5 kg (11 pounds) (roughly the size of a large domestic cat) up to about 30 kg (66 pounds).
The Eurasian Lynx found throughout the mountains of Romania is significantly larger than the other species found in the U.S. and Canada.
Habitat
The lynx inhabits the high altitude forests with dense cover of shrubs, reeds and grass. Though the cat hunts only on the ground, it can climb trees and swim. The same Lynx as found in Romania, the Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx), was considered to be extinct in other parts of central Europe, but continued to thrive in the rich habitat of the Carpathian mountain system and across parts of the Transilvanian plateau.
Behaviour
The Lynx is usually solitary, although a group of cats can travel and hunt together. Mating takes place in the late winter just before the snow melts start in the lower ranges of the Romanian mountains. Its desired resting place is in crevices or under ledges, and it gives birth to 2 to 4 kittens at a time. It feeds on birds and mammals and often on sheep and goats. However, spotting a lynx is an event most seen by shepherds in the Carpathians, due to the rather shy and solitary nature of the animal.
The Lynx in Romania is the largest wild-cat of all the lynx types world-wide, in the species "Lynx lynx Eurasian Lynx", with short tails, and a tuft of hair on the tip of the ears.
There are about 2200 lynxes in the Carpathians, making them the largest continuous lynx population west of the Russian border.
Romania's large Lynx have large paws padded for walking on the deep winter snows in the Carpathians, and long whiskers on the face. The colour of the body varies from light brown to grey and is occasionally marked with dark brown spots, especially on the limbs. They range about 5 kg (11 pounds) (roughly the size of a large domestic cat) up to about 30 kg (66 pounds).
The Eurasian Lynx found throughout the mountains of Romania is significantly larger than the other species found in the U.S. and Canada.
Habitat
The lynx inhabits the high altitude forests with dense cover of shrubs, reeds and grass. Though the cat hunts only on the ground, it can climb trees and swim. The same Lynx as found in Romania, the Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx), was considered to be extinct in other parts of central Europe, but continued to thrive in the rich habitat of the Carpathian mountain system and across parts of the Transilvanian plateau.
Behaviour
The Lynx is usually solitary, although a group of cats can travel and hunt together. Mating takes place in the late winter just before the snow melts start in the lower ranges of the Romanian mountains. Its desired resting place is in crevices or under ledges, and it gives birth to 2 to 4 kittens at a time. It feeds on birds and mammals and often on sheep and goats. However, spotting a lynx is an event most seen by shepherds in the Carpathians, due to the rather shy and solitary nature of the animal.
Labels:
carpathian lynx
The village of Snagov is a short jog north of Bucharest, and may be a worthwhile trip for any Dracula enthusiasts. The most notable feature is the lake, in the center of which is located an island. On this island is a 16th century monastery . . . and in the monastery—you guessed it—is the tomb of Vlad the Impaler. What setting could be more perfect for the grave of one of history’s spookiest personalities?
The Legend of Snagov: In one version of the story, Vlad the Impaler was murdered in a nearby forest, and the monks of the monastery took it upon themselves to inter the villain. Perhaps the monks felt indebted to Vlad for the additions he insisted be added to their abode—most bizarrely, a prison and a torture chamber. Whatever the reasons, the monks dressed the body richly and put it to rest in front of the church alter.
The Mystery of Snagov Monastery: Less romantically, there are some arguments against the body in the tomb being that of the real Vlad. While Vlad did request to be buried at the monastery, some say that it was another nobleman who was placed in this tomb.
Romania has chosen Elena Gheorghe as their representative in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Moscow. She will be singing a song called "The Balkan Girls", it's not really my thing. A great introduction, nice studio tricks and a great arrangement shouldn't be enough to win Eurovision with a decent song being in there as well.
However when you remember Latvia's winner in 2002 and the Greek winner in 2005, this might be a contender as Romania isn't short of neighbours and diaspora votes. We have several European neighbours who are famous/infamous for rigging the votes as is common knowledge all around Europe. It is actually quite a farce this whole Eurovision thing but it's just a bit of fun really. I think that this is a very likely finalist and might even go Top 10 in Moscow.
Fagaras is a city in central Romania, located in Brasov County. It lies on the Olt River and has a population of 35,400 as of 2004.
Although the city has become almost totally Romanian-populated through Saxon and Hungarian emigration, the diverse background is still obvious. The most important attraction points in the city are the fortress, Radu Negru High school, the Reformed Church and the local Catholic church.
In the 20th century, Fagaras's castle was used as a stronghold by the Communist State of Romania. During the 1950s it was a prison for opponents and dissidents. After the fall of the Communist State in 1989, the castle has been restored and is currently used as a museum and library.
The city's economy was badly shaken by the disappearance of most of its industries following the Revolution, critical hardships, and reforms. A large part of the city population left as guest workers to Italy, Spain, or Ireland.
Labels:
brasov county,
dissidents,
fagaras,
opponents,
prisons,
romania communism
The Rolls Royce, formerly the property of HRH Princess Maria of Romania, Queen of Yugoslavia, being auctioned at Christies.
She was the daughter of King Ferdinand and of Queen Marie of Romania. She became by marriage Queen of Yugoslavia and after her husband's assassination and following WWII she lived in England where she died. As a great grand daughter of Queen Victoria she is buried together with the other British Royal Family at Frogmore near Windsor.
Princess Mignon of Romania and all the Princesses and Queens of Romania make the object of an Anthology entitled: "Blouse Roumaine - the Unsung Voices of Romanian Women"
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