The Days' Diary Oradea, Romania
24 August 2008

We have been busy preparing for four days' training in the capital, Bucuresti, next week. As we've thought about this, we've wondered how to establish play therapy there and also to begin work in the child protection departments.

Capital contact
Last week by pure coincidence we met new friends, a couple who have recently moved to Oradea from the capital and who live just 300 metres from us. They have put us in touch with a key person within the Mayor's office in Bucuresti who we meet on Friday. What better introduction could we have?

Lonely at the top
Our new friends were involved in leadership of a charity. Other charity leaders working with children and families have turned to us for informal support as they work in a lonely job. It is a privilege to offer informal therapeutic support to these hardworking directors, who have dedicated their lives to helping former street children, traumatised Roma children or families in financial crisis.

Monkey business
Little Monkey, our faithful soft-toy friend, was busy comforting children at the camp two weeks ago. He went on the swing, was dropped in the mud and took part in the group sandtray at the beginning of the week. A good bath in the washing-machine brought him out sparkling clean. Now he faces the indignity of being squashed into a suitcase ready for the flight on Thursday. Find out more about him by joining the Little Monkey Fan Club on Facebook.

Flower power
For the third year running we visited the Flower Festival. Unfortunately, the displays of flowers on the back of trucks were just leaving as we arrived. The Dennis fire engine, a gift from the UK, was entertaining children, who sat in the driving seat. It is the only right-hand vehicle in Oradea apart from our faithful old Landrover Discovery. There was an abundance of Jandarmeria (riot police), complete with guns, flak jackets and sunglasses, to guard the traditional bread displays and prevent trouble from old ladies and families with young children. As we left, a group of six riot police had surrounded an old man leaning on a walking stick. Maybe he was the one they were looking for?

Roger & Christine