I am , again, participating in the Indie Challenge hosted by Bootsnall. Just like last year, I’d be posting an article a day, based on the question / challenge of that day.

>>you can join the challenge by clicking here

Nov 19
Seeing Yourself in the Context of a Rich & Complex World

CHALLENGE: Let’s see you, wherever you are right now, in the world. Post a photo of yourself somewhere outside, and tell us about where you are. Whether you are local or abroad, give us some information about your location, what makes it unique, and why you like being there.

When this post goes live I’ll in Arad ; by evening I’d be in a train to Cluj. And by 11:10pm I will be in Cluj.

The above photo was taken in Arad, Romania in October 2015. Arad is located in the Western part of Romania, near the Hungarian border. It was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire which means it resembles architecturally plenty cities in Hungary and Austria. If you go to Szeged, Hungary, you’d find the Palace of Culture bares a striking resemblance with the one in Arad.

This photo was taken in one of the parks which line the bank of river Mures. Fall is beautiful here but the “golden hour” for foliage is by mid November and it lasts about a week. Really easy to miss.

I was born in Arad and although I love to travel, the safety it gives me makes me want to stick around. Our country hasn’t seen any terrorist attacks – don’t jinx yourself here! – and my city sometimes may feel too quiet. But I love it.

The second photo was taken in Cluj in Central park just last week (Tuesday, Nov 10). Needless to say I have yet to ask Alex to share with me the photos he took of me so…you are left with my sneakers.

Cluj is my second love. My father was born here so I am technically “half” from Cluj, “half” from Arad. As a child I used to stay in Cluj during the summer vacation. It was quieter back then and I loved it. It’s a lot more agitated now – being a major university center.

Located in the center of Ardeal, Cluj (or Cluj Napoca by its official name) is a good example of a city where minorities can live together peacefully.

I do have a thing for parks and outdoor so as we were walking last week, I wanted to pass by the park. It was already getting dark outside so I have a handful of photos (more to come since we’d stay longer this time).

Just like Arad, Cluj is safe. It is also a lot bigger and with plenty of things to do. I’ve been to the Botanical garden several times, I’ve walked in its parks and enjoyed what is left of the Citadel.