365 days project 2. Day 31. When the old becomes new

   Today I was looking for some shoes all around town. I took my time to walk from one shop to another and I looked around at the old buildings, the peaceful pedestrian streets and the beauty of Cluj surrounding me everywhere. 

   I always saw my city as the coziest home I could have. It had everything I needed. My school, my university, my family and friends, places to go out and a parks, art and culture. But after a while you get so used to a place you don't see its attractions the same way a traveller sees them.
   Today I looked at Cluj from a different perspective. After having travelled a bit in the past years I realized that my city is not as random as I thought after living here for my whole life. I began to understand why everybody who came to Cluj fell in love with the city. It's not huge, it doesn't have as many attractions as Sibiu or Sighisoara, but it has its own unique charm that you will discover if you walk around the city at your own pace, watching the people passing by, feeling their mood and the whole vibe of the town. Cluj really is wonderful! It has that "je ne sais quoi" that makes you want to stay more, explore more, fall in love more. It creates stories that deserve to told to kids and grandkids. It's unique, cozy... the perfect place to call home (aside from Venice ;) )!

365 days project 2: Day 21. Before and after

   Before I was expecting to celebrate my surprise bachelorette in Sibiu or Brasov... or even Turda for some odd reason. After I found out I'm actually going to Venice, the whole internet saw my super happy reaction.

   Before I was eagerly awaiting for the honeymoon in Italy in 4 months time, now, after I went to Italy waaay sooner than expected and tasted the Italian vibe, I am looking forward to the summer getaway with a huge grin on my face because I know exactly what I'm going to find. I don't care if Bologna, Florence, Pisa, Milan or Genoa are going to be full of tourists, the architecture and the wonders of Italy will definitely take my attention away from the crowd. Yes, I know for sure Italy is not going to be Prague. 

   Before I thought Venice might be too overrated, now I know it's exactly what the pictures show on the internet and so much more. Definitely not overrated, worth seeing by ANYONE.

   Before I thought Cluj was the best home for me and I would always miss it when I was away for more than a week, now, after having seen Venice I realized this is my second home, the place I'd always return to with love and anticipation, knowing I don't need thrills or special activities to feel at home there and that just wandering around its little streets would be enough. 

   Before I thought I hated the sea, now I know the sea can be breathtaking if it's close to a very beautiful city. The buildings in Venice have raw history in them, they have witnessed so many stories, so many people passed them by, they have a unique beauty that makes you want to keep wandering on the canals and watch them... before and after the sun sets.

    Before I was smart, after seeing Venice I became wise. Just a little bit.

    Before it didn't sink in that I am actually going to Venice, now, after coming back I can't wait to go back. I miss its streets, its canals, its gondolas, its random kind grandpas, the addictive food in Antica Trattoria Poste Vecie and even the cheap wine we drank together, the book shops, the people, the feeling of bliss.

365 days project 2: Day 15. One year

   Today it's exactly one year since Oliver and I moved in together and my feelings are 180 degrees opposite from what they were 365 days ago. 

   I was crying after my parents left. I realized I will no longer live with them, under the same roof, ever again. So even if we had phones and skype and visits, it would never be the same. I wanted this move for at least 10 years and when I finally got it I realized what it actually meant and tears formed in my eyes. Sure, we've been through highs and lows with my parents but they were always my best friends and this time I was completely on my own. Ok, maybe sharing everything with Oliver, but they weren't there to help me with absolutely everything. I wasn't afraid that I didn't know how to cook (God knows I love doing that even though years ago I saw cooking as a MUST not as a passion), or that I didn't know how to wash clothes, dishes and clean my home (my parents taught me that plenty of times) or not even that I don't know how to fix things because I knew the internet had the answers to anything and my dad was just a phone call away. I was ready to fly away from the parental nest, but the emotional side of it has never occured to me until I actually saw myself closing the door behind my parents. It hurt. But it was bittersweet, you know? Because I knew my life was just beginning and I was VERY excited to finally live it according to my own rules, without any sort of boundaries or curfews.

   And so it was. I had this apartment in front of me, this little part of Cluj that reminded me so much of my buni and my childhood years, all my giggles and games I played with my brother, and these memories gave me more enthusiasm to really make this place mine... ours. Since I always loved interior design and I had a file in my computer full of photos for inspiration for my own home I started putting into practice all those ideas I always loved. I handcrafted some decorations, I put an artistic touch all around the apartment and I realized I really loved seeing butterflies and owls everywhere and that's how the apartment became known as the Butterfly Home or rather The Owl Residence. I now have a lot of butterflies and all shapes of owls (including a candle) around and many, many candles in the big room. I can truly say that this year has helped me decorate my dream home, that place that makes me feel relaxed and in my own element every time I step inside. A vase with fresh flowers always by the entrance, the fluffy pillows on the sofa, the Klimt painting on the wall and lately the leafy curtain are everything I need to feel at HOME. Ah, home, what an amazing feeling!

   Oli and I were the best team starting day 1. We have always worked very well together and we are very good at planning dishes, parties, cleaning and washing and whatnot. We see each other mainly in the evenings and during weekends, but that's the normal standard nowadays anyway so we compensate by random love messages throughout the day. This way we keep the love and passion alive. Love, such a humble yet amazing feeling! I don't think I could have lived away from Oliver for much longer and this move has definitely turned us into husband and wife even before the actual wedding. One year later and we're still a great team, we love each other more and more (and I'm not just saying it because it sounds good, I swear!) and I'm more sure than ever that this move has been the best decision yet. I am definitely the happiest woman alive!