Aging without Dignity

 Bucharest, 2011

This man seeking charity amid stopped traffic is among over 40% of Romanians who are poor, many of whom are elderly trying to live on meager government pensions that do not cover basic needs. There are not enough public or social community based care facilities here to give relief to the weak and ailing. 

With this post I do not mean to spotlight the negative side of my host country. I have witnessed plenty of heart-breaking poverty elsewhere in my travels around the world. And from what I've read, overall, Romanians are not without wholesome food. Still, that probably does not apply to this poor man.

It is rather disgraceful how even many so-called developed countries have removed the basic safety net for its retired senior citizens. I question our collective priorities daily.

Thus I reflect for Weekend Reflections and Weekend in B+W.

[SkyWatch] Soft Rainbow Cloud

When light passes through a wispy, high-altitude cirrus cloud a certain way, you get what is called a rainbow cloud... or a sun dog. They are apparently quite common, yet I have seldom seen one in such soft pastels as this one (almost no post-processing).

 Bucharest, 2011

Cirrus clouds are mostly tiny particles of hexagonal ice crystals, and when positioned just right so light enters a vertical side of a crystal and exits from its bottom face, it refracts or bends, just like light passing through a prism.

I'm not very good with the science, so feel free to correct or elaborate, but I was thrilled with this SkyWatch Friday view.

T is for Tattoo

Every city I've ever been to has its rundown section. Bucharest is no exception. This area we walked through looked like it was dying... one rundown or abandoned building after another. Perhaps to make way for new development? I don't know.

I was surprised, then, to see this tattoo shop with its provocative large sign. Who would go here?

Bucharest, 2011

Linking with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday and Lesley's Signs, Signs.

Hu U Lookin' At?

Bucharest, 2011

This cat lounging in the spring sun today joins Camera Critters.

Fashionable Reflections

 

Bucharest, 2011

When glancing into this shop window at the offering of spring fashions, I noticed not only the reflection of the Novotel Hotel across the street, but also the sky, a streetlamp, the tower of the next building, and more, clearly reflected in the hotel's glass facade.

Many more fun reflections are linked to Weekend Reflections.

[SkyWatch] Goodbye Winter. Looking Skyward.

I've said my hellos to spring (here and here). Today I salute and say goodbye to winter.

Walking through Kiseleff Park tonight, I joined the Roman poet Ovid in looking skyward. Soon the beauty of bare trees will be no more.

Bucharest, 2011

If you enjoy watching the sky as much as I do, check out the awesome skies around the world at SkyWatch Friday.

Over the Top

 Bucharest, 2011

Can you tell I'm not fond of in-your-face advertising? Piata Romana is made none the more attractive for it. 

This post links with Signs, Signs.