Exploring the seaside and engagement party

We had a great night's rest and headed down for breakfast. We then went outside for an early morning stroll on the beach before we start our day in Constanţa.

The sand and the smell of the sea was refreshing. I can see why Emilia enjoyed her summers here. After the stroll on the beach, we met up with her parents and toured the local attractions. There are relocated homes and buildings from all over Romania here and it was nice to get a quick history lesson on early Romanian life. A nearby amusement park had lots to offer families. The area around the resorts is very clean and well maintained. As we got closer to lunchtime, the beach started filling up. This is the weekend before the "official" holiday time in Europe, so many places were still getting set up but welcomed us to come in and browse.

We went back to our room to freshen up and get changed for our engagement dinner party. Emilia's cousin Gabi and her husband Nico were throwing us this party on our behalf. We had a car and driver from the resort take us to a restaurant on the beach. Several of Emilia's aunts and cousins were there, along with her parents.

We had a great time and the meal lasted well over 4 hours. Lots of eating, and toasts and of course translations. I felt very welcomed by her family here and did my best to return the kindness. We did a short walk along the beach and headed back to our room at the resort.