I Get Acquainted with Town

Today was the first morning I woke up in Constanta.  Mihaela brought me to the piata, the market, to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from local vendors, some of whom grow the produce themselves.

At the piata

At the piata I bought some local honey, some beans, an onion, and some garlic.

Honey

The beans, onion, and garlic I bought at the piata.

After going to the piata, Mihaela took me to a supermarket, where I bought all the necessities, most importantly, shampoo!  My most intriguing purchase: yogurt made from sheep and cow milk.

Next, we went to the university where I will be teaching.  I met many professors in the English department, saw the classrooms where my classes will be held, and got a tour of the American Corner library and study center.  I found out that I will only be teaching on Wednesdays and Thursdays, which means I can spend my 5-day weekends travelling if I want.

On the way back to the apartment, Mihaela showed me a street where there are a lot of small shops in one area.  There are produce stands, a pastry shop, some mini-marts, a butcher shop, a dairy where you can get fresh milk bottled for you from a barrel.  There's also a bank, a cell phone store, and a clothing store.

Then I returned to my apartment.  I haven't showed you pictures yet, so here's what the outside of the building and the hallway look like.  I figured I should make you love the inside before you saw the grizzled exterior.

The main entrance to my building.  It photographs well; the camera is generous.

My apartment is the one on the second floor

From the hallway, looking at the entrance

Looking up the stairs.  My apartment is the door in the right hand corner.

In the early evening, I took my first walk on the beach.

Looking up at my apartment building

The beach is a bit shell-covered

The first sea glass I've found that's actually from the sea.