While Lucas was off having his amazing Speak Teens adventure in Italy (more on that in our last post!), and Michael was in the U.S. working on rental properties, Henry and I stayed behind in Romania—and we made the most of our time with the families who were still here.
Henry kept up his calisthenics routine with the crew of dads and friends still in town. It’s become such a great ritual—movement, laughter, and that sense of community we love so much. There were not as many mouths to feed, but there were still plenty of us left, so we continued to shop in bulk.
One of our highlights was a day trip to Brașov. It started with a trip to a trampoline park and ended with a stroll through the old town with Vicki and Dexter. We wandered the charming streets of Brasov, enjoying the colorful buildings, ice cream breaks, and tucked-away corners.
We even found Strada Sforii, one of the narrowest streets in Europe! It was originally built as a passageway for firefighters to move quickly through the city. Now it’s a fun, Instagram-worthy spot that makes you feel like you’re walking through a storybook alleyway.
We also took a trip to Peleș Castle with the moms and kids. This fairy-tale castle, nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, was once the summer residence of Romania’s royal family. Built between 1873 and 1914, it was commissioned by King Carol I and is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. The detail in every room is stunning with intricate woodwork, stained glass, and fancy furniture.
Another afternoon, we explored the gardens around Bran Castle. The kids ran through winding paths while the grown-ups soaked in the peaceful scenery and moody Transylvanian charm. On the way to the gardens, Chris, Kristian, and I took Henry, Dexter, Vivian, and Josh on an impromptu hike up a mountain near Bran Castle. The trail was challenging, and it was not meant to be hiked in sandals and Crocs, but the kids did great. When we reached the top, we were rewarded with stunning panoramic views—and we could even see our house in the distance!
Eventually, it was just the moms left in town while the dads (minus Michael) went to collect the boys. Naturally, we got a little silly and took the opportunity to send some silly photos to our camp crew. Let’s just say we fully embraced our goofy side.
It Wasn’t the Same Without Michael and Lucas… but we had a beautiful Week. It was special to have this one-on-one time with Henry, to slow down, explore new places, and spend time with dear friends. These shared experiences—both the big hikes and the little laughs—are what make worldschooling so meaningful.
Now that we’re all reunited (even after a dramatic return from Italy), we’re soaking in every story, every photo, and every memory made apart—and together.
