Winter took its time getting here, but when it arrived it came with a vengence! Now, Romania is experiencing one of the coldest winters on record. We are fine here in Bucharest. The branches of these ice-coated trees in front of our apartment hang almost to the sidewalk. We have seen some interesting sights as we watch people cope:
The snow ploughs show no mercy to the parked cars.
A large pile of snow makes a perfect display for shovels and sleds.
Gathering firewood urban style.
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Gathering firewood rural style. Whether in town or in the country, you need a license to cut trees, so most people scrounge for fallen branches.
Black Sea coast at Constanta. The port was closed for a week due to frozen conditions, but when the sun shines, folks come out to see the unusual winter scenes.
From our window we see the snow has almost buried these cars across the street.
Many people in the rural parts of the country are not so fortunate. Authorities including the military and Red Cross are working to clear roads and deliver emergency food to towns and villages in eastern Romania who have been stranded by blocked roads and blizzard conditions. According to reports, some people had to cut tunnels through 15 feet of snow to get out of their homes.
We have been in contact with the Red Cross and have offered to help with supplies. They tell us that they have enough supplies for now. Their greatest need is heavy vehicles and helicopters etc. to deliver to the supplies to the people. They are grateful for our offer and will call us when they need our help. There is no sign of a break in the weather, so we might have an opportunity to be of assistance.
