Fanciful
My bed and breakfast in Sighisoara was on the main square and I looked onto this view each time I drank coffee on the terrace. (I was reminded of Prague and the street of tiny houses where Kafka’s family once lived.) These colorful houses tilted backward or leaned forward as if drawn by a cartoonist: curving inward and then bowing outward at the foundation and roofline. I couldn’t quite capture the effect, but this view gives you an idea. The colors were bright, but I made them brighter and I ended by using Snap Art 3 just to complete the illusion.
Tulips in Cluj Market
My hotel in Cluj wasn’t so charming but the price was right. I can’t complain. It was clean and the staff was charming and helpful. I could walk out the door and be in the market which was a block or so away. It was a lovely warm day and Daniel and I sat in the square and took surreptitious shots of unsuspecting Romanians, which we compared and critiqued. Fun.
The market was filled with good things to eat. The strong smell of home made cheeses and cured meats was tempting. By this time, I’d eaten a lot of cheese, ham, bacon and sausage and I wished I could bring some back to California. Of course, that is out of the question, but luckily I can buy them in the international markets in the Los Angeles area.
Bottles of home-made palinka, (many homes have a still) was for sale as well. This is an apricot liquor that is popular in Hungary and Romania. The man selling it offered me a drink. I told him I’d already tasted it and that once was enough for me. It’s strong!
Romanians love flowers as do most Europeans. I think they write flowers at the top of their grocery list. Maybe because most of them don’t have yards as large as we do. I can just pick some of my husband’s roses, can’t you?
Here are some tulips. So many beautiful colors and look! a bumble bee. If only he’d spread his wings. Wait. Let me look. Yes! One of my other shots has his wings open. I’ll have to work on that next. Just goes to prove that taking more than one shot is a good habit to have. You can reduce the risk of an unsharp shot as well.
Although the photograph really needs no ‘gilding’, I did use Snap Art 3 on the tulips as well. Just to keep in the mood. When I show the bumblebee’s wings, I’ll just show the photo unenhanced. You can choose which you prefer.
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