Well here I sit on a cruise ship surrounded by music, food and laughter. We just set sail from Romania where we visitied the port city of Constanta. Constanta is a gritty, port city on the Black Sea with a definate faded glory feel of the past Soviet influence. James and I took a shuttle bus into the centre of the city of 350,000 people to find a real mix of beautiful old buildings intermingled with stereotypical Soviet concrete structures that have been left in disrepair. Unfortuately, Constanta is the most visually, economically depressed city we have visited so far. It has seen better days. The general mood of the place is tired and somewhat sad with graffiti and litter strewn about. This is a real contrast to our last port city of Odessa where there was construction everywhere and a true sense of rebuilding. In Constanta we visited some of the parks where locals did relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the trees. Also there is a beautiful structure called the Casino which is not a Casino at all but a restaurant located on a pedestrian walkway situated along the water. I do have photos of both the wonderful old historic building we saw as well as the poor living conditions of the people. I will post these later when I am on a faster internet service after the cruise.
Images that come to mind when I reflect back on our short (3 hours) but powerful visit to Constanta are of friendly people trying to make a living in a depressed enviroment. The port its' self is surrounded in concrete and machinery that reminds me of huge praying mantises. At the port there is also a monsterous mound of strap metal full of everything including several kitchen sinks!! James who is a waste management and recycling freak was in awe at this site! Another amazing site to me was all the electrical lines that accessoried every street downtown. I guess the main images that come to mind for me are the maze of electrical lines, the graffiti, litter and stray dogs who wander the streets. Hopefully, one day Constanta will return to its former glory.
Our next port of call is Haifa. It will take us two days at sea to reach this port city in Israel.
James and I are taking a 12 hour tour to Jerusalem. I will let you know all about it!! Bye for now!
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2 comments:
WOW- I thought you just disappeared!!! I'm so jealous! Love to see your photo's when you get back!
Oh Linda it sounds like you are having such a great time! Enjoy it-I think winter is coming, it's sure rainy today! I can't wait to see all you pictures, and your cat pictures too! I'll have to visit there someday! Enjoy the rest of your trip Linda-were missing you!
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