More Wanderings in Northern Romania

We stayed in the small town of Sighetu Romania, along the Ukrainian border because it was close to the Wooden Churches and the Merry Cemetery. But we also found two interesting things to see in town. Both tell stories of abuse of power in Romania, first at the hands of the Nazi regime, and then at the hands of the communist regime. Stark reminders of how power corrupts, especially in fascist, nationalist and non-democratic movements

Elie Wiesel’s Memorial home

Ellie Wiesel lived in this home until at age 15, he and his family were deported to various Nazi internment camps in 1943. After the war he became a famous author and speaker about the Holocaust, and the search for the perpetrators. He authored 57 books, including Night, and was a Nobel Laureate. As a university student I attended one of his lectures. Very powerful.

The house recently reopened, following some renovations. It was a bit surreal to be in his house watching videos of his life and the things he accomplished.

Memorial to the Victims of Communism and of the Resistance

This building was a prison during the Communist Era. It is now a museum/memorial for the millions of Romanians imprisoned and killed during the Communist time period (1949-1989). Each former prison cell is set up to tell a different aspect of this dark period of history. The displays are all in Romanian, but the staff provided each of us with a booklet in English that explained each room. Another dark reminder of the inevitable destruction that lies down the road of Communism. Such an important lesson as just next door in Ukraine, Russia is waging an imperialistic invasion.

Further to the east, we stayed in Suceava while visiting the Painted Monasteries. While here, we found a great restaurant and a couple of other interesting things to see:

Suceava Castle

This fortress began in the 1400’s and was continually improved until it was overrun by the Ottomans in the 17^th century and partially destroyed so it couldn’t become a stronghold again. In recent years it has been excavated and meticulously restored, though not completely rebuilt.

Painted Eggs Museum

This was an interesting find based on the recommendation of other blogs. This museum is in a small village a few miles away from one of the Painted Monasteries we visiting. Over 1500 decorated eggs fill this museum’s display cases. Most are the creation of Lucea Contrea. Lucea’s granddaughter was manning the museum the day we visited. In addition, visitors have given her eggs from over 50 different countries throughout the world. After this museum I will forever feel incompetent when dying Easter eggs.