Our relatives have something special planned for us today. They invited us to Rosia near Sibiu to attend the 90th birthday of a now famous Romanian writer, Eginald Schlattner. It is a big thing, two ambassadors from Germany and Austria respectively are supposed to be coming, given that most of his writings are in German and concerned the German community in Romania. There will be a feast and speeches so it sounds interesting, the only problem is that we have to wake up early for the two hour and a bit drive to Rosia.
When we arrive it is quite difficult to find a parking place as there are quite a few people that arrived earlier. Not via horses though, that is more local.
Inside we discover that a shaded area has been transformed into a party area where likely there will be food later. Right now it is only drinks on request. We have some time before the celebration start so we decide to look around starting with the priest’s house which was built in the 18th century. In fact it is likely the house where Eginald lives, given that he is a priest at this church, the reason why the celebration is held here.
The courtyard of the priest house has some old carriages, a small museum really. They likely haven’t been used in a while but still are cool to see. There is also a pen with the usual rabbits, chickens and so on.
The fortified church complex also has a clock tower, which we climb as far as we feel safe and the church itself, all surrounded by a wall. Our attention is then taken by two visitors that seem to be of high rank and yes we find out that it is the German Ambassador with his wife.
After that excitement we explore a bit more and decide to visit the church before everyone enters for the celebration.
It is not a large church but it is a scenic church. It is Lutheran so there are not as many decorations as in a Catholic church but we like the more intimate feel of this smaller church vs the large cathedrals.
There are stairs going upstairs and we think a bit if we want to brave them…of course we will, what is there to think about?
There is a different view from upstairs that we enjoy as we notice that people start to assemble in the hall below. No one will come upstairs however, the balcony is so narrow that no one can likely enter there without being a contortionist.
Back downstairs we examine the details on the altar and pulpit more carefully but as more people start to gather it is time to find a place to sit.
After everyone is in the guest of honor is also brought in, this is the first time we see Eginald. He seems quite happy about all the attention and soon settles near the altar to listen to the speeches.
And there are lot of speeches, from religious authorities, from local authorities and from universities. It takes about two hours including the thank you speech from Eginald himself.
We are happy when we are back in the sun again, it was quite cold inside especially as we had to stay on the bench for such a long time. We explore a bit more the area around the church and even walk near the wall to see the village from above.
And then it is time to walk to the banquet area but not before gawking at the donkeys that have taken refuge in a shaded area. They are quite a highlight as many people are taking the detour to watch them.
As everyone is settled it is time to eat after the guest of honor also find a place at the top (as much as there can be a top on a round table) of the table.
The food is reasonably good paired with lots of water (which is good) and even some alcoholic beverages. Then we wait for our relatives to discuss with other attendants and gift some books about Eginald produced by the university and then it is time to return back to Cluj to rest.
