Tag: europe

• cherry wine

  Piana Vishnia (П’яна вишня) is a popular Ukrainian cherry liqueur known for its rich sweet-tart flavor, deep ruby color, and smooth finish. Made by infusing sour cherries directly in high-quality alcohol such as vodka, brandy, or a combination of both, it delivers a natural cherry flavor that feels balanced rather than overly sweet. Unlike many…

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• open to the world

  Lviv’s tagline, “Open to the World,” captures its identity as a city where history and modern life intersect. Shaped by Ukrainian, Polish, Armenian, and Jewish influences, the city carries a layered cultural legacy that is still visible in its architecture, traditions, and daily life. Home to a UNESCO-listed historic center, it is increasingly recognized as…

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• Level 4: Do not go

  There’s something alluring about being told not to do something. Even when the warnings are valid and rooted in real concern, there’s still that quiet pull to lean in closer and see for yourself what everyone else is stepping away from. Maybe it’s curiosity. Maybe it’s stubbornness. Or maybe it’s the belief that some experiences…

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• one year ago

  It’s wild to think that just a year ago I was landing in Romania for an adventure of a lifetime. Somehow it feels like everything has happened since then but also nothing has at the same time. Now that I’m fully back and tucked into the normal American routine, I’ve noticed that the more “settled”…

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• la revedere, românia

  I am writing this back home in Bend, OR and still very much jet-lagged. It feels very surreal that I’m in the US and my experience in Romania is over. I don’t think it has fully hit me yet that I am home. In the final week of my time in Romania, I was happy…

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• In dENIAL

  And just like that, it’s already July. It’s hard to believe that I have almost two weeks left here in Romania. It felt like just yesterday I was moving into the dorm and now I am already packing up to move out. With this truly incredible journey coming to an end, I am left with…

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• heatwave

  In my last blog post, I briefly touched on how hot it has been in Romania. Over the weekend, we seemed to have a bit of a break in the temperature, but this week we are seeing more rising and blistering temperatures, not only here in Romania, but all across Europe. Cities from Lisbon to…

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• IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN TIMIŞOARA

  It’s hot and I’m cranky. Very cranky. My body temperature hasn’t been able to regulate and there is no relief from the scorching heat and oppressive humidity in Timişoara. No one quite prepared me for how…swampy it gets here. I can’t sleep and I haven’t been able to get anything done due to the brain…

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• adventure in action

  Once again, a month flew by seemingly in a blink. My May calendar was completely full with classes, service projects, a visit from a friend, and wrapping up the month with a trip to Vienna. It was wonderful and I enjoyed every minute. May’s primary focus was service as I had various projects throughout each…

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• election day

  This year’s Romanian presidential election was more than just a political contest—it was a turning point in the country’s democratic journey, and a clear message to Europe and the world about the values Romanians want to uphold. After months of political uncertainty and electoral controversy, voters headed back to the polls this past weekend for…

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