Welcome to our day trip downtown...to the old, OLD former port Tomis(TOE-mees), a thriving port. As long ago as the 7th Century B.C., the Greeks founded a number of colonies on the Black Sea shore. These were the ancient cities of Histria, Tomis and Callatis (now Constanta and Mangalia), strategically located at points where the Danube River flows into the Black Sea.
Five centuries later the supremacy of Greece declined, and a new power arose: the Romans. The Dacians (the locals) fiercely fought to defend their land against Roman occupation, resisting more than 20 years! These "locals" don't look so fierce though....
Traianus, a great Roman leader, conquered the great Dacian city only after a traitor sold him the secret of the hidden water pipes. The Romans left the city without water, forcing it to surrender. Decebalus (the local leader) killed himself, and Traianus celebrated the victory for 123 days. In honor of this victory he also erected a sculpted column to tell the story of conquering Dacia. Traianus's column still stands in Rome....just look at him go on his little bicycle with a basket on the front....(ding, ding!) Go Traianus, go!
During the two centuries of Roman Occupation, new roads and cities were built in Dacia. The official language was Latin, from which the present Romanian language was born. The Romans retreated from Dacia in 271 A.D. .....which brings us to modern day Constanta...named after the Emporer Constantine.... a flourishing port city, with about 300,000 people, full of life and diversity.
This building is the ICON of Constanta, a beautiful Art Nouveau Casino which sits on a prominent point at the port.
Dancing in the street!
A beautiful boardwalk fronts the sea, near the casino. It was picturesque at sunset with sweet hearts walking hand-in-hand, vendors (selling things from the Phillipines or China), delicious dining smells and accordian music wafting down the sidewalks. Ethan gave this guy some money and he sang and entire song just to him with a big broad smile! It left us all with a little spring in our step, had some nice rhythm!
Sweet Olivia! Made friends with a little girl whose parents both spoke English. He was a local Orthodox priest and she was a stay at home mom that paints icons for sale at the church. They were the nicest people, we visited for over 30 mins. I'd love to run into them again.
Someone told Ulyssa that cute girls always tip their heads for photos!
Ash and Izzy explore the wavebreakers at the base of the casino. This is supposed to be a great area to scuba dive, lots of wonderful sea treasures to explore...also a favorite wedding photo location.
Our girls....
Our boys! Little handsome devils!
Love those smiles! We're still wondering where they all came from! ha ha
A few random shots to prove that we are completely off-the cuff and chaotic (word to all you who think we tour in leisure) Would love to say that everyone walks in a perfect line and never hangs off dangerous ledges or runs into traffic, but then that would be A BIG FAT LIE! :) Touring with 6 kids is a lot of work, but ultimately has a great payoff...as long as they stick close!
Famous mosque minaret in downtown Constanta...didn't get to go inside....they barred the doors when they saw us coming.....just kidding. This is why....would you let this bunch in your place of worship? ha ha I would!
oh lisa! you just have the cutest family and the prettiest kids- i just cried looking at those pictures of all the kids together. Each one of them has so much personality, are all so sweet, go good, so FUN!, and I just really miss you guys all so much! yr such a great mom! It looks like you are all having so much fun seeing the sites but the most fun coming from just being with each other! You guys could be anywhere in the world and still have a blast as long as you were all together! i miss you guys a ton! I can't wait to see you in rexburg/idaho falls soon!
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