Briceni, Our First Visit

Oh, where to begin?

A Briceni sunset from the kitchen on the fifth floor of our future apartment.

First of all, we both like Briceni. It is a raion center (equivalent of an American county seat, being as Moldova is a relatively small country and its "regions" are more similar to our county sizes than states) of the raion or region also called Briceni. You say the word "Bree-chen" ('i' at the end of a word will be silent). The region seems to have slightly more trees than its southern counterparts such as Chişinau. Being a raion center also means that the small villages nearby use the city (~9,900 people in the oraşul (city) at the 2012 census) which brings in extra commerce than would otherwise happen in a village of less than 10k people. Briceni has a surprisingly high number of apartment buildings (compared to Truşeni and Bacioi, 8,500 and 10,600 populations, respectively).
 

 The pictures of art below are out of focus on purpose. They are meant to give you an idea of our host dad's art, not provide clear duplication. Our host dad also made the sculpture above. We are not sure about the Knight, but I am anxious for the story. In solitude, it graces the top of the family piano. (And yes, it is better than mine, but James would give this wood-carved knight a run.)

 We were lucky to meet and get to stay with our future host family. The Ghetu familia includes Arcadie (host dad), Rodica (host mom), and Ana (21 year-old host sister). Arcadie is a gifted artist specializing in impressionist paintings, but we got to see some of his sculpture art (pictured below). He also works at some of the schools (our prospective school included!) teaching art.  Rodica teaches at the primary school that is part of the liceul where we will be working. She has published a number of books including one focusing on teaching pedagogy and another of activities for children (or copii in Romanian). Ana is an amazing pianist and has studied in Chişinau. She is now attending an academy after having completed her undergraduate degree. We are excited to live in their apartment with them, but I feel under-talented when it comes to integrating with this family of painters, writers, and musicians.

Our pull-out bed on the 5th floor with a beautiful view!

There is English graffiti in the form of short phrases?

School!

The school auditorium!

A famous poet and the school's namesake.

Ştefan cel Mare, one of the most celebrated Moldovan nationals.

 The school has an authentic museum! These artifacts have been donated by families and local associations. All pieces have come from the area of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine. It is very neat to imagine all these artifacts for teachers' use!

Amazing student projects!

 

The school computer lab.

A question of size and scale :)

The health teachers (see below) and our Directoara!

Shelbi and I will be working in the same school which includes grades 1-12, called a liceu in Romanian. We were very pleased with the staff and administration we will be working with, having met them during our brief stay July 8-10. Our Directoara (Principal) noted the connections we seemed to all create when she said it feels as though we have known each other for years. That comment made both Shelbi and I feel very welcomed and connected to our future partners.
The school building itself is very beautiful and well-kept. It seems many parents (informally and formally through a PTA) contribute to the upkeep and beautification of the school.

Shelbi and her future partner health teachers.

We will get to permanently move to Briceni on August 15th, just hours after we swear an oath with the Peace Corps and begin officially as "Volunteers." We are looking forward to putting all of our new-found wisdom, knowledge, and language skills (we wish!) to great use for the people of Briceni!

The Orthodox church of Briceni. The first church was destroyed by the Soviets.