A snowy flower market, pigeons, and other sights

Since the apartment we're staying in this week is right in the center city, we've been taking the opportunites to do some urban exploration.  Each morning we've walked for an hour or more -- the kids have been strong and cheerful (although Strider may not look like it below) walkers so we've been able to see a lot.

The boys loooove all the pigeons.  Rayna, not so much.

The statue above is of Stefan III, whom the main drag is named after.  When we got home today, I assigned Strider the task of researching him  (we have to ease back into school at some point!).  He is one of the heroes and saints of 15th/16th century history here -- from when the region was known as Moldavia.  I hesitate to even mention that the country used to be called that... we've found that Americans have a hard enough time remembering the name "Moldova."  Over the last several months we've heard people ask us about Moldava, Maldavia, Moldovia, Monrovia, and my favorite, Genovia (from "The Princess Diairies" movies).  Anyway....

This morning when we went out, it was snowing.  We were thankful it wasn't raining instead, and set off undaunted. 

One of the best things we saw today, in my opinion, was this Flower Market:

It stretches down a whole block, and the best news is-- Pete's university is visible from it.  In other words, I should be getting plenty of fresh flowers over the next several months (hint, hint, Pete!).

One of the best things we saw in the kids' opinion was:

So happy Shrek could make it all the way over here.

The city is still all decorated with lights since tomorrow is their second New Year's celebration, so maybe we'll venture out this evening to see everything lit up.  We've been enjoying this time to explore and settle in.  It's been a good family bonding experience.  :)