The splendors of the royal Château de Blois

Happily situated in downtown Blois (Loir-et-Cher department) and heading the castles dominating the famous Loire Valley in France, Château de Blois has been for a long time a must on my list, ever since I fell in love with the history of the French monarchy. My dream finally came true and when I first caught a glimpse over the castle towers, I daresay I had tears in my eyes and probably a stupid smile of my face. I am actually coming back to my roots to discover the places I longed for so eagerly. Here are just a few names whose lives are related to the story of the castle – Louis XII, Anne de Bretagne, François I, queen Claude, queen Catherine de Médicis, Henri II, François II, Marie Stuart, Charles IX, Henri de Navarre (future Henri IV), Marguerite de Navarre, Henri III, the Duke of Guise, Marie de Médicis and finally… Louise de la Vallière.
Makes me tremble when I think about all the events that happened in this royal seat over so many centuries, especially the 16th, during the horrors of the wars of religion and the decline of the Valois dynasty.
 
The initial citadel dates from the 9th century and it was only meant to protect the locals from frequent Viking invasions. It was the Blois counts who owned the castle for several generations, until it came into the possession of Louis d'Orléans in 1392, the king’s brother, subsequently being attached to the crown.

The first significant reconstruction of the château took place under the orders of Louis XII who made Blois his seat, showing a special bond with this wonderful piece of land and aiming to express by its architecture the power of the royalty and the artistic magnificence of those times.  Erected in 1508 and adorned with the porcupine of Louis XII and the ermine of Anne of Brittany, the Louis XII wing displayed quite a modern layout for the beginning of the 16th century. It combines visible Gothic and some Renaissance elements.

François I was especially fond of Blois and took good care to continue the work of his predecessor by attaching a new wing - entirely a Renaissance chef-d’oeuvre, directly influenced by Italian art.  The sophistication of the newly architectural style is reflected in the façade des Loges and culminates with the famous spiral staircase, yet praised and admired by many modern architects. Some say it was Leonardo da Vinci himself who got this idea of asymmetry and innovation. The ornaments are mostly of Italian inspiration, marked by refined bas-relief sculptures. When the sun is shining, the entire façade seems to be brightened by a certain magic luminosity that highlights pleasant contours and evokes the sense of immortality.
As to the library created by François I at the château, although later on moved to Fontainebleau, it clearly constituted a novelty and showed the keen interest of the king for arts and science along with an acute concern for perpetuation.

The castle hosted some happy events, as the engagement of Henri de Navarre & Marguerite Valois, along with some tragic ones, namely the assassination of the Duke of Guise on the occasion of the Estates-General convention held at Blois in December 1588, under the orders of Henri III.  In this context, it is worth mentioning that Blois was the setting for the famous Mary Stuart’s childhood, before she became the wife of François II (who unluckily died a few months after their coronation) and queen of France.

The second wife of Henri IV, Marie de Médicis, spent several years at the castle, placed under house arrest by her son, Louis XIII. Her presence determined some significant improvements that were taken over in 1634 by Gaston d’Orléans, the king’s brother. He actually initiated the construction of the third wing, true mirror of French classicism: allegorical figures, coved ceilings and elegant effects. Due to some circumstances that led to scarcity of funds, the newest wing remained unfinished.

It is not until 1841 that the château de Blois was acknowledged as historic monument and a serious restoration began under the direction of Felix Duban, who seems to have made miracles, because what we actually see today is a fine, almost 100% imitation of what used to be the castle by the middle of the 17th century.

Naturally, the interior decorations and furniture hardly respect the initial disposition of rooms, but the main attractions have been successfully reestablished, and that’s the most important thing: the Royal Apartments, the Queen’s Gallery (Catherine de Médicis), the Queen’s Chamber, the King’s Chamber, the Room of des Guises, the Council Room, all situated in the François I wing. Furthermore, the oldest wing of the château hosts the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

It’s a little bit confusing to stand before such an intermingling of obviously different architectural styles (Gothic, Renaissance and Classic) but it shows progression and a vivid expression of evolution in art.

Of course, it wouldn’t be fair to allege that Blois is my favorite French royal castle, because I love them all, but let’s say it has a special place in my heart. At the château de Blois I feel like being home. I rediscover myself as I never did before.
For more pictures of Blois click here

Castelul Amboise – mostenire renascentista pe valea Loirei

Amboise este unul dintre castelele mele preferate in Franta; in primul rand pentru ca reprezinta expresia vie a artei arhitecturale din perioada Renasterii si in al doilea rand pentru ca istoria lui este legata intrinsec de numele lui François I, regele ctitor si morarhul deschizator de drumuri care a contribuit la inflorirea Frantei pe plan intern si extern in prima jumatate a secolului 16.
Bineinteles, mai subzista elemente medievale in ansamblul constructiei, situata in mod fericit chiar pe malul Loirei, pe o culme care ofera si avantajul unui peisaj magnific, ce poate fi admirat de pe terasele castelului, la inaltime destul de mare.
Si apoi, multa lume cand spune "Amboise" se gandeste imediat la Leonardo da Vinci, geniul sculptor si pictor (dar nu numai, sa nu uitam numeroasele sale inventii tehnice care au avut efectul unei revolutii). Acesta si-a petrecut ultimii ani din viata la Amboise, ce-i drept locuind in apropiere (la Clos-Lucé) dar fiind prezent mereu in preajma regelui pentru a pune in practica ideile sale extraordinare.
Recunosc, eu m-am dus la Amboise pentru François I si imaginea lui, atat de pierduta in timp, dar care inca mai domina locul in mod evident, dupa 5 secole. Dar, chiar si inainte de el, Amboise a fost multa vreme considerat un punct strategic pe valea Loirei, sa amintim cel putin asezarea care exista aici in antichitate, reuniunea dintre Clovis si regele vizigotilor in 504, dar si fortificatia medievala cea mai protejata din zona in acele timpuri. Incepand cu 1434 castelul este confiscat de regele Frantei Charles VII si devine domeniu regal, fiind locuinta preferata a lui Charles VIII. El este cel care decide sa extinda si sa infrumuseteze fortificatia medievala invitand artisti italieni la curte. Aceastia reusesc sa transforme Amboise intr-un veritabil palat. Opera sa este continuata de Louis XII dar mai ales de François I.
Stau si ma intreb daca nu cumva acest François I a fost un fel de Stefan cel Mare al nostru, atat de mester si priceput la toate, cu un spirit artistic desavarsit si manuitor de arme. Prezenta lui am simtit-o cu aceeasi pregnanta la Fontainebleau, Blois, Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Omul acesta pe unde a calcat a lasat ceva frumos in urma lui…
Revenind la castelul Amboise (nu pot sa-l numesc palat, pentru ca are mai mult alura de castel), Henri II si-a adus si el aportul in ceea ce priveste dezvoltarea arhitecturala a domeniului. Incepand cu Henri III regalitatea pierde cu totul interesul pentru Amboise, preferand alte locuinte, astfel incat castelul este folosit multa vreme mai mult sau mai putin drept inchisoare de lux pentru personaje din viata politica. Tot ce s-a intamplat dupa aceea este mult prea dureros ca sa poata fi povestit si e o minune astazi ca o mare parte din ce a fost odata s-a pastrat sau a fost restaurat cu blandete.
Interiorul foarte frumos este decorat cu piese de mobilier ce imita epocile respective, a caror poveste o putem afla de la ghidul ce insoteste grupurile de vizitatori. Salle du Conseil, Salle des gardes, Chambre de Henri II – minunate! Am fost realmente fascinata de turnul Minimes, in care urci fara sa-ti dai seama ca intr-o spirala, mirosind peretii impregnati de atatea secole de istorie.
Gradinile nu sunt atat de vaste cum ma asteptam si nici la fel de frumoase ca la Fontainebleau dar merita vizitate. Interesant este ca totul se afla undeva la intaltime, iar cand parasesti castelul si ajungi in strada ai senzatia ca ai coborat dintr-o alta lumea. Straduta din fata intrarii este animata de o multime de terase, restaurante si buticuri de unde poti cumpara diverse suveniruri personalizate.

Concluzie: Amboise, un loc mirific ce debordeaza de istorie... Un loc ce ne face sa ne inchinam celor care au pus umarul cu atata drag si daruire la construirea unui asemenea edificiu durabil dar si sa ne punem intrebari. Oare ce cladire construita in secolul 20 va rezista macar un secol? Nici una... dar oare ei cum reuseau pe vremuri? Sa fie oare secretul jertvei umane sau un interes mai mare pentru viitor?
Photos Amboise

Smiling - a healthy & constructive approach to life

Ever since I can remember, I have been living in a world of stress, tears, worries and fear thinking that it is the way life is supposed to be, and there is nothing we can do to change the portfolio of our attitudes and approvals. But lately I have had the chance to get in touch with another universe of behavior, considerations and state of mind. I am not saying that French people are perfect, but at least they know how to preserve their level-headedness and no matter the situation they face it with a pure and innocent smile that already solves half the problem. Their attitude towards life is genuinely healthy and constructive. No nerves, no yelling, no resentment, no hatred, no envy. Everyone minds his own business, smiling and showing compassion or understanding towards the other.

I used to wonder whether the Romanian innate spirit of curiosity and evilness was to condemn or to pity. Now I am quite sure that I would never be happy as long as I think and act as a Romanian/Moldavian, dominated by anxiety, irrational mistrust, a sense of rage and betrayal. It’s simply not healthy. As a proof to that, being in Bucharest for 8 years made me very sick and brought me to a state of great tension and frustration with my life. I am now quite resolute: there is no happiness when spending nights awake worrying about money, family issues or disputes at work. No. The only chance to have a normal life and achieve contentment is to live in a healthy society where people smile at you sincerely and do not curse you behind your back, where they do not interfere but when asked to do so, always in a very gentle way, to avoid any offenses, misunderstandings or hidden meanings.
I am now eager to reshape my perspective on life according to some new values.

Dreams coming true

Louvre – visited (2009)
Château de Versailles – visited (2009)
Château de Vincennes – visited (2009)
Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye – visited (2009)
Château de Fontainebleau – visited (2009) 
Basilique de Saint-Denis – visited (2009)
Château d’Amboise – visited (2010)
Château royal de Blois – visited (2010)

Yet to come : Chambord, Chenonceau, Clos-lucé, Saumur, Chinon, Angers, etc.

Premières impressions sur Tours

Une ville magique, aux boulevards animés, pleins de touristes en centre, des rues presque vides pendant toute la journée, avec des maisons mignonnes, beaucoup de brasseries attractives, magasins chics, églises anciennes...

J’ai déjà compris où est le nord et où est le sud, voilà un progrès après seulement deux jours! :))
Les distances sont acceptables, du coup la marche à pied est une activité ordinaire pour les habitants de Tours. Un peu fatiguant pour une fille aux talons comme moi, mais je crois que je m’habituerai très vite!










Photos Tours

My top 5 most beautiful women

Sofia Rotaru – singer, 63 years, Russia, born in Ukraine, started her career in Republic of Moldova in early 1970s and moved to Russia to become one of the most popular and adored Russian singers.
Looks amazingly young and fresh! Always had a pretty face and a lovely smile.

 

Sophie Ellis Bextor – singer, songwriter and model, 31 years, UK.
Love her voice and looks, always elegant and attractive, a good example of femininity to all women.

 

Sophie Marceau – actress, 43 years, France.
Has the purest expression of French exquisite refinement, modesty and beauty, though simple, she’s always charming and very close to the concept of "femme fatale". Excellent actress, especially in "L’étudiante".

 

Kiira Korpi - figure skater, 22 years, Finland.
The best combination of innocent childish face and attractive woman body. Not the best in figure skating championships but her appearance is always a delightful pleasure to any human eye. Cute & eye-catching!

 

Isabelle Adjani – actress, 55 years, France.
Used to be gorgeous in her 20s and 30s, unfortunately not anymore… In good old times, she was very seductive!

Interviu despre nunta pe miresedisperate.ro

Am acordat recent un interviu site-ului www.miresedisperate.ro despre nunta de anul trecut. Il puteti citi la urmatoarea adresa: 

Interviu nunta Stela & Catalin

Stela Gheorghe poeta sau bloggerita?

Am observat in ultima vreme ca mai e cineva pe nume Stela Gheorghe in spatiul internaut. Ma amuza oarecum situatia. Tipa are vreo 55 ani si s-a apucat recent de poezie. Nu am nimic impotriva ei, dar avand in vedere si tentativele mele de a face poezie, sper sa nu fim usor confundate :)

Mentionez ca poeziile mele figureaza exclusiv pe acest blog in sectiunea my poetry. Nu au fost publicate niciodata in alta parte si nu le puteti gasi in alte surse.

Romane excelente, ecranizari proaste

Eu cred ca fiecare natiune are mentalitatea ei mostenita din traditii, mod de viata, felul in care a evoluat tara respectiva de-a lungul secolelor. Iata de ce literatura tarii reflecta atat de fidel spiritul unui popor. Intr-o inlantuire logica, ecranizari literare ar trebui sa se faca numai pe baza literaturii autohtone. De exemplu, francezii ar trebui sa-l ecranizeze pe Balzac, englezii pe Dickens si rusii pe Tolstoi. Dar ce se intampla atunci cand unii se aventureaza sa ecranizeze literatura straina? Nu poate urma decat un esec, sau o prezentare distorsionata. Viziunea originala a autorului nu coincide aproape niciodata cu viziunea regizorului.

De ce mi-a venit sa scriu despre asta: am vazut de curand un film facut de francezi in 2006 pe baza romanului "Lady Chatterley's Lover", de D. H. Lawrence (unul dintre autorii mei preferati) care m-a revoltat. Chiar nu inteleg cum au ajuns francezii sa ecranizeze un roman autentic englezesc si de ce… Mare greseala (literatura lor fiind atat de vasta, incat ma mir ca duc lipsa de subiecte). Numai cand ii auzi pe francezi cum pronunta nume englezesti deja iti vine sa renunti. Actori alesi foarte prost, actiune prea lenta, chiar si settingul nu seamana deloc cu cel din carte.

La aceasta categorie se mai incadreaza si alte filme, cum ar fi "Anna Karenina"(1997) sau "Rasputin" (1996) facute de americani. Tot respectul pentru Sophie Marceau, o ador, dar cand se apuca sa vorbeasca ruseste e dezastru. De ce sa faci un film in Rusia, despre rusi, cu actori americani? Mai bine l-ai face in intregime rusesc. Nu zic, e buna globalizarea, si la capitolul ecranizari literare, dar... de multe ori aceastea lasa de dorit.
Un alt exemplu similar: "Cei trei muschetari" filmat de americani in 1993, cam stupizel spre lamentabil. Nici nu pot sa mi-l imaginez pe d’Artagnan vorbind alta limba decat franceza, cu accent de gascon! Poate cer prea multe... Dar pentru mine unele romane sunt atat de sfinte incat mi se pare un sacrilegiu sa-ti bati joc de ele prin ecranizari proaste.

Aici insa trebuie sa mentionez cateva exceptii, si anume:
1) Rusii au facut cateva ecranizari dupa Alexandre Dumas tatal foarte reusite: "Cei trei muschetari" (1979), "Regina Margot" (serial 1996) si "Madame de Montsoreau" (serial 1997). Subiectele au fost tratate cu seriozitate, s-au respectat minutios toate detaliile prezentate in carte iar personajele desi nu vorbesc franceza, sunt minunate. Voi revedea aceste filme ori cate ori mi se face dor de ele.
2) Francezii si-au creat propria "Regina Margot" in 1994, cu Isabelle Adjani. Este una dintre cartile mele preferate dar Dumas n-a scris un roman violent si scandalos, ci a dezvaluit niste evenimente istorice intr-o maniera romantata. Interpretarea evenimentelor din film e slabuta, personajele parca sunt fugite de la casa de nebuni, Margot are relatii intime cu necunoscuti pe strada, etc. Un tablou ingrozitor si total necorespunzator realitatii. Nu e un film pe care sa vrei sa-l revezi.

Deci, filme bune, filme proaste, pana la urma tot mai bine e sa citesti cartea in original si sa ramai cu propriile tale imagini, atat de placute.

Reflections on the eve of my birthday

Hamlet’s question haunts me since I was nearly 16 and faced life’s difficulties for the first time. Not too much changed. But of course, efforts to be optimistic have been made all these years, attempts to become a better human being, to accomplish some great things and achieve a state of inner contentment. Too much agitation, energy spent on working, learning, fighting, hoping, every day. New ideas rushing into my head and not letting me sleep.

And all for nothing. In vain I have struggled. Old thoughts keep coming back to me. I am the same fragile teenage trying to escape reality, but all the doors are locked. I am condemned to watch myself grow into a dangerous state of frustration and alienation from my life.

We are thrown into this world, whether we want it or not, and forced to survive. Some of us are doing it better than the others. Some of us like the idea of constant fight and aspire to get on top of the wave to display their power to survive so well… while others are merely wondering what they are doing here and hide themselves behind the painful mask of illusion.

Non-sense? Not at all. These are the thoughts of a grown-up who has lived more than a quarter of a century, and has already experienced a lot: happiness in childhood, disappointment and anger in adolescence, love, hatred, passion and hope in youth and is now trying to draw some general conclusions. 

I am not the right person to confirm the existence of happiness. The concept is different for every one of us. But as long as we don’t have inner peace, self-contentment and self-confidence, happiness is almost impossible. Such an emotional equilibrium can hardly be acquired.

“To be or not to be?..
Whether it is nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing end them?”

Movie review: "Anne of the Thousand Days"

Great movie, though old enough (1969) to stir some reactions. I must say I am not a fan of very old movies, mainly because some of them are really boring (such as "The six wives of Henry VIII" series, 1970). But this illustration of Anne’s life amazed me with magnificence, excellent cast and quite truthful interpretation of events. It is the story of Anne’s ascension to power and downfall, during her 1000 days of happiness and love shared with the king. 

The actors - Geneviève Bujold, perfect in her role of Anne Boleyn, beautiful, delicate, keen but proud and very determined; makes almost a perfect Anne, though I picture her less nervous and a little more cunning; Richard Burton – the ideal Henry VIII, however too much goodness in his eyes for such a cold-blooded monster as he was sometimes; handsome, still attractive at his age (over 40, unlike the Henry played in "The Tudors" series by Johnatan Rhys Meyers who looked too young). I didn’t particularly enjoy the performances of Thomas Cromwell (played by John Colicos) and Thomas More (played by William Squire).

For 2 hours and almost 20 minutes we are going through the most important events related to Anne’s life starting from her meeting the king in 1527 up to her death in 1536. Anne’s attempt to resist the king before their marriage is admirable and totally explains his impatience to get hold of her body and soul but as soon as he possesses her, he no longer needs her. (That happens in real life too!) I am not going to tell the entire story; you might know it from history books, other movies or my own previous notes. I just have one negative remark. The movie states no connection between Henry’s breach with Rome and the spreading of Protestantism in England. This element has been ignored or wittingly put away to focus on others. Such neglect can hardly be forgiven when it comes to presenting major events taking place in 1533-1536 that lead to the Reformation of the English Church, especially since Anne presumably took part in this initiative.

"Anne of the Thousand Days" won many international awards and received great praise from film-makers worldwide. I recommend it at least for great costumes and setting.

Revue de livre Jean-François Solnon "Henri III"

J’ai toujours été fascinée par le destin des enfants de Catherine de Médicis, surtout celui d’Henri III, avec qui s’éteigne la dynastie de Valois qui a dominé la scène politique de la France entre 1358 et 1589.
L’auteur du livre nous entraine dans l’aventure de sa vie, depuis sa naissance le 19 septembre 1551 à Fontainebleau, jusqu’à sa mort tragique survenue suite à un assassinat le 1er août 1589 au château de Saint-Cloud.
Henri, né Alexandre Édouard, a passé son enfance entre Blois, Fontainebleau, Amboise, Vincennes et Rambouillet à côté de ses frères et soeurs François (II), Charles (IX), Margot (reine de Navarre) et Marie Stuart. Après la mort de François II et l’avènement de Charles IX, en pleine maturité, il devient une sorte de vice-roi et commandant de l’armée responsable de la victoire de Jarnac et du siège de la Rochelle. Même si son comportement s’avérait plutôt ultra-catholique, Solnon exclue toute participation d’Henri dans les décisions prises pendant le massacre de la Sainte Barthélemy, premièrement à cause de son esprit tolérant et deuxièmement à cause de sa position comme candidat au trône d’une Pologne quasi-protestante.
Longtemps amoureux de Marie de Clèves il a énormément souffert en apprenant son mariage et puis sa mort. Elle a été la passion de sa vie, même s’il a montré plus tard beaucoup de respect et amour pour sa femme, Louise de Vaudémont.
Pendant le siège de la Rochelle en juin 1572 il apprend son élection au trône de Pologne (grâce à ses qualités militaires) mais ne s’empresse pas d’y partir. La santé fragile de Charles IX lui donne l’espoir d’hériter le trône de la France, ayant l’appui de sa mère Catherine. Il considérait la Pologne comme un exil.
C’est devant la Rochelle et puis dans son chemin vers la Pologne qu’il commence à constituer son entourage privé des futurs mignons: Saint-Luc, Caylus, La Valette, Saint-Sulpice, François d’O.
L’aventure de Pologne a été un échec. Aussitôt qu’il a appris la mort de son frère en juin 1574 la fuite vers la France devient inévitable.
C’est vrai que jamais aucun prince n’avait été plus impatiemment attendu par la France. Jeune, intelligent, bon militaire, religieux et bureaucrate, Henri III possédait toutes les qualités pour continuer la tradition de son grand-père François I.
Malgré les espérances, 15 ans plus tard, il devenait le plus détesté, haï et calomnié roi que la France a jamais eu. Ce qui me parait le plus curieux est notamment son caractère trop alternant et inconstant. Dans sa jeunesse il a démontré des capacités excellentes comme capitaine, guerrier, homme politique, mais aussi intellectuel raffiné (beaucoup plus raffiné que ses frères et qui avait plutôt des affinités intellectuelles avec sa sœur Marguerite). Toute l’Europe le voyait comme un autre François I. Mais dans la seconde moitié de sa vie, après avoir occupé le trône de la France, il se montre faible, craignant, instable. Sa prédilection pour la pénitence, la douleur, la foi excessive aussi comme son attachement à quelques bourgeois qu’il préfère dans son entourage plus que les membres de sa famille, relève un autre Henri, que sa mère Catherine ne connaissait pas, que la France ne pouvait pas anticiper. Comment a pu-t-il changer de cette manière en quelques années? Le vainqueur de Jarnac devient le roi désarmé, envahi par l’autorité des Guises et le travesti à mœurs dubitatifs…
Solnon explique cette transformation par la situation de la France à la fin du XVIème siècle: le pays étant divisé entre protestants et catholiques après huit guerres de religion, l’autorité royale ruinée.  Les passions ultra catholiques ont condamné Henri à la guerre contre les protestants et à défendre sa position contre le Balafré (François de Guise) qui a signé un traité d’alliance avec l’Espagne dans l’espoir de succéder au trône de la France. Monsieur son frère, François d’Anjou a aussi contribué à l’impopularité du roi par ses nombreuses fuites, révoltes et rêves de conquérir un royaume. Après sa mort en 1584, le duc de Guise devient l’ennemi numéro 1 d’Henri.  La vie du roi reste en danger surtout après l’occupation de la capitale par les ligueurs en 1588. Il est impuissant et faible, forcé d’exclure Henri de Navarre de la succession.
Á l’occasion des États Généraux de Blois, le soir de Noël 1588 Henri III donne l’ordre de tuer le duc de Guise, suite à une nécessité politique. Mais la paix ne s’installe ni dans son pays ni dans son âme. Plus acharnés que jamais, les ligueurs ne désirent que la vengeance de leur chef et organise l’assassinat du roi, le 1er août 1589, par l’intermédiaire d’un moine fanatique, Jacques Clément.
Le dernier Valois disparait ainsi sans héritier, laissant une nation plongée dans le désastre de la guerre civile. Pour la première fois personne n’a prononcé la célèbre formule: "Le roi est mort, vive le roi!" car la perspective d’un roi protestant était à ce moment-là innaceptable. Pourtant, après des luttes sanglantes et sa conversion au catholicisme, Henri IV, le premier Bourbon, accédera au trône de la France et initiera l’ère de la modernité.

Un bon livre, très compacte et objectif, à recommander pour des études sur la personnalité d’Henri III ainsi que pour une lecture agréable.

Voilà quelques citations que j’ai particulièrement aimé:

"La popularité d’Henri n’avait été qu’un soleil de janvier"
"Ce que j’aime c’est avec extrémêté" (Henri III)
"Il (le roi) redoute la défaite catholique, cependant il la désire"
"Mon fils, c’est bien taillé, mais il faut coudre" (Catherine de Médicis à propos de l’assassinat du duc de Guise)

Possible reasons for Anne Boleyn’s downfall

Anne Boleyn is one of my favorite personalities in the history of England. Her rise and fall have always been sympathetic to most history passionates and her fate caused many controversial discussions over the last 500 years since her death. So far, I know several alleged reasons for her downfall, though I do not totally agree with them and doubt they are based on real facts.

- The guilt of adultery summoned her as traitor to the Crown. She has been accused of intimate relationships with her brother George and some other men. Who could believe such a non-sense? Anne was too well educated and respectful of her family to be able to commit such an immorality. She cared too much for her position as queen to imperil it as did Catherine Howard. The testimony of Countess of Worcester and the poem of Lancelot de Carles were taken  as only proof, which in our days is not sufficient evidence. Moreover, the investigation lasted only 17 days. The time was too short to clarify things in a proper manner.

- Henry was deceived in Anne due to her frequent miscarriages. This is probably the most powerful argument in his decision to get rid of her. It’s true, she failed to produce a male heir during their three years of marriage but even so, he was too harsh on her. Anne was fully aware of the huge responsibility on her shoulders and thus put under a lot of pressure. I don’t think she had fertility problems but stress might obviously affect the normal development of pregnancies. Henry was too hasty, she was too eager to offer him what he wanted and so her hours were counted. Let’s not forget that the king lived with Catherine of Arragon for 24 years and she only produced a girl, the future Mary I. If Anne had been spared her death I am sure she could have given him many sons.

- Anne dug her own grave by showing too much of her character. Yes, her strong personality charmed Henry VIII before they were married but irritated him after. She was indeed very ambitious, straightforward, sincere, jealous, proud and impulsive which caused her great trouble in the relationship with her husband, Thomas Cromwell and other members of the court who either adored her or hated her deeply. But that could hardly be a reason to imprison or kill someone.

- Thomas Cromwell’s dislike of Anne and the fear for his own position determined his plotting against her, even before Henry had anything to do with it. There was no evidence of her being unfaithful, so he had to find it. Cromwell was more of a pro-Spanish partisan while Anne, due to her education in France, has always shown more interest in a French alliance. There was also another issue between them concerning the dissolution of monasteries, an affair entirely controlled by Cromwell. The two enemies were constantly and visibly competing over Henry’s mind, but unfortunately for Anne, some additional circumstances determined the king to claim her disgrace. The beheading of Cromwell followed soon after, but at that particular moment his position at court was not threatened.

- Some say that the appearance of Jane Seymour in Henry VIII’s life determined his cruel attitude towards Anne and his urgent desire to get rid of her. I do not agree here. Jane was the right girl at the right moment, when the king needed a new hope for his descendancy. And we all know how easily he was sometimes influenced and how changing was his mood. He met Jane, fell for her and saw in her a possible match, especially since she seemed to be everything Anne wasn’t: shy, obedient, submissive.

- According to popular belief of 16th century England, Anne Boleyn was a witch. I am sure Thomas Cromwell and the other members of the court initiated the rumors and you know how superstitious people can be. A terrible story of her miscarrying a deformed fetus was circulating throughout the country but no such evidence ever existed.

- Anne’s Reformist ideas led her into trouble. I do not totally agree with this argument. As part of the Boleyn faction Anne clearly supported new ideas and the transformation of the English church but she never exaggerated her faith nor imposed her opinions on others. Henry’s break with Rome was entirely his own intention but Anne had to bear the consequences.

I sometimes wonder what could have happened to Anne if she succeeded to produce a son during her short reign. Her fate would have certainly been different. Nonetheless, she and Henry were too similar in character to have a long-lasting and peaceful relationship.

Just received from Amazon Eric Ives’ book on “The life and death of Anne Boleyn” and can hardy wait to devour it during my vacation. Perhaps I would find other arguments to delight you with next time!

World Cup 2010, sau cum sportul rege coboara in panta disgratiei

Fotbalul nu mai e ce era odata. Acest sport este victima unor interese care l-au transformat intr-o afacere globala. Echipele traditionale ale Europei sunt obosite si expirate. Jocul e neinspirat si plafonat. Jucatorii de exceptie sunt din ce in ce mai rari iar echipele pentru acest mondial au fost dresate ca pentru o expozitie de catei. Arata bine dar…
Antrenorii sunt prea departe de a intelege cultura tarii a carei echipa o conduc pe teren; jucatorii se bazeaza pe reflexe conditionate acumulate in cluburile unde sunt formati, iar aptitudinile lor uneori nu pot fi transpuse sau adaptate la echipa nationala. Unitatea lipseste de cele mai multe ori si este mai mult decat evidenta in timpul jocului.
Cupa mondiala este in momentul de fata o excrescenta monstruoasa a unui fotbal international care nu mai reprezinta asa de sugestiv natiunile participante; identitatea tarii nu coincide cu identitatea jocului.
E si vina spectatorilor intr-o oarecare masura. Prea mult se discuta si se exagereaza in jurul balonului rotund, prea mult se fabuleaza pe la meciuri si in emisiunile dedicate fotbalului, comentatorii incercand sa se intreaca in metafore si explimari sofisticate pentru ca in final sa realizezi ca au uitat care este esenta acestor discutii (oricum inutile). Tot acest spectacol nu e decat lobby pentru un fenomen hipersaturat de remarci si observatii, informatii periferice, opinii avizate care distrug orice initiativa orientata catre obiectivul tinta.
Mass-media este obligata sa intre in aceasta hora din motive financiare. In ziarele de sport nu mai exista decat rublica fotbal si poate una sau doua randuri buimace despre alte competitii, transformand cu timpul cititorii in scavii acestui sport. Cineva trebuie sa aiba ceva de castigat din mediatizarea atat de ferventa a fotbalului la nivel global… dar ne-am gandit oare vreodata cu adevarat la asta?
Ma intorc la Cupa Mondiala, cel mai mediatizat eveniment fotbalistic. Nu am nimic impotriva competitiei in sine, urmaresc toate campionatele europene si mondiale de mai mult de 15 ani dar parca atata falsitate si lipsa de esenta nu am remarcat pana acum. Totul se reduce la sabloane, publicitate si renume, impresie intarita si de prezenta acelor vuvuzele care iti duduie in cap 90 minute si anihileaza orice dorinta de exprimare a unei emotii pure: un cantec de bucurie/incurajare a suporterilor sau chiar linistea atat de necesara uneori in anumite momente. Un sunet care lasa impresia ca toate meciurile seamana intre ele. Sau cum spunea Shakespeare “too much ado about nothing”, adica prea mult zgomot pentru nimic, deoarece, din pacate, marile echipe ale Europei nu au aratat prea mult fotbal pana acum.
Avem in schimb stadioane superbe care au costat miliarde, mediatizare fara precedent, jucatori super obositi dupa campionatele interne, caricaturi de meciuri care nu se ridica deloc la nivelul cerut de aceasta competitie. Imi aduc aminte cu placere de vremurile cand un meci de fotbal imi provoca admiratie si emotii pozitive. In prezent scopul nu  mai e spectacolul ci scorul sau capacitatea de a sta in defensiva.
Traditionalele Anglia, Franta, Germania, Italia, Spania, Portugalia – au dezamagit pana acum. Ne-au surprins insa echipe mai putin cunoscute dar vizibil motivate si omogene, fara jucatori „vedete”: SUA, Elvetia, Coreea, Australia.
Competitia nu s-a incheiat, insa sper din tot sufletul sa apuc vad ce imi doream pana la finalul ei. Adica fotbal de calitate, fara mofturi, prejudecati sau sabloane.

Blagues tristes sur la situation actuelle de la Belgique

1)  Une salle de spectacles à Bruxelles où sont réunis un grand nombre d’artistes du pays. Dans un micro, une voix dit aux Flamands de s’installer à droite, aux Wallons à gauche. Des voix s’élèvent alors : «Et nous les Belges, on se met où ?»

2) L’immeuble de la célèbre radio télévision belge, Bruxelles, qui abrite les journalistes francophones et flamands. Lesquels sont virtuellement séparés par un mur. Sur la porte de la partie francophone du bâtiment, on peut lire : «Ici, on parle le français.» Sur l’autre porte, celle des Flamands, il est écrit : «Ici, on ne parle pas, on travaille.»

Despre cei care isi petrec viata in caverna ignorantei

Exista o categorie de oameni care nu traiesc decat din barfe si invidie. Nu ca ar avea prea multe motive sa invidieze pe cineva, dar pur si simplu sunt prea limitati ca sa se apuce de alte activitati mai prolifice. Ei isi petrec timpul asteptand sa treaca timpul... si de fapt nefacand nimic. Trag de timp, se uita in jur mult, la altii, ca sa-i analizeze si respectiv sa gaseasca noi subiecte de barfa, in loc sa-si vada de treaba. E mai interesant sa urmaresti pe altii atunci cand in viata ta nu se intampla nimic. Dar de ce nu se intampla nimic? Pentru ca nu vrei. Pentru ca nu ai chef sa misti un deget ca sa ajungi acolo unde au ajuns altii, pe care ii invidiezi cu atata ravna.
Acesti oameni se tem de singuratate. Cand raman singuri se simt stanjeniti si de fapt realizeaza cat de limitati sunt. Orice activitate intelectuala este pentru ei greu de suportat, din simplul motiv ca li se solicita creierul. Iar ei nu doresc sa-l utilizeze decat pentru a scormoni in vietile altora si a inventa scenarii care nu au nici o legatura cu realitatea. Traiesc intr-o lume a lor, inchisa, unde nu patrunde lumina adevarului.

In acest context mi-am adus aminte de Mitul Cavernei, a lui Platon. Pe scurt, niste prizonieri ce locuiau intr-o pestera vedeau numai umbrele oamenilor/obiectelor care treceau/se aflau pe langa zidul incaperii si aveau astfel o intelegere foarte limitata a realitatii din exterior, traind din supozitii. Cititi aici in intregime Dialogul

Acesti oameni erau bolnavi de nestiinta pentru ca nu aveau acces la lucrurile reale, vazand numai niste fantome ale lor. Imi permit sa fac o paralela intre personajele lui Platon si barfitorii/invidiosii despre care vorbeam anterior. Personajele mele nu numai ca sunt prizonierii propriei nestiinte ci refuza orice iesire din pestera din cauza ca adevarul este prea orbitor atunci cand mintea este prea limitata...

Diferenta dintre "a fi indragostit" si "a iubi"

Multa lume confunda cele doua, pentru mine insa au fost mereu doua trairi total diferite. Ceea ce pentru mine este atat de evident si logic pentru altii poate parea aberant (m-am mai confruntat cu polemici pe tema asta).

A fi indragostit de cineva - este un sentiment temporar, trecator dar foarte intens cauzat de prezenta cuiva care iti suscina atentia, te atrage, fie prin fizic fie prin altceva. Acest sentiment acapareaza mintea aproape total pentru o perioada si afecteaza gandirea rationala. Oamenii indragostiti sunt cei mai predispusi la nebunii sau actiuni iesite din comun (pe care nu e fac in mod obisnuit). Eu percep starea de a fi "indragostit" mai mult ca pe o patima, pasiune, aproape obsesie temporara, o energie incredibila, dar care in cele din urma dispare (nefiind alimentata sau in urma unei dezamagiri) sau se materializeaza intr-un sentiment mult mai profund si indelungat, acela de "a iubi".

A iubi pe cineva - este un sentiment de lunga durata, profund si rezistent la perturbari de mica amploare (certuri, neintelegeri), care apare in doua cazuri: in urma unui sentiment temporar de a "fi indragostit" sau in urma unui proces indelungat de cunoastere a unei persoane si care trece treptat prin starile: admiratie, respect, placut, atasament, drag. Trairea nu apare niciodata spontan si nici nu dispare rapid, pentru ca este cladita la un alt nivel decat cea descrisa anterior. A iubi pe cineva inseamna mai mult a-ti fi drag/a-ti pasa de cineva, a fi foarte atasat, a te atrage, a respecta foarte mult, dar toate la un loc.

Bineinteles este foarte greu sa descrii sentimentele prin cuvinte, dar uneori trebuie sa te faci inteles prin incercarea de a formula o definitie aproximativa.

Da, din punctul meu de vedere poti iubi pe cineva fara sa fi fost anterior indragosit de persoana respectiva. Sentimentul poate aparea in timp datorita mai multor factori.
De asemenea, poti sa fii indragostit de cineva fara ca aceasta emotie sa se transpuna intr-o iubire de lunga durata.
Cele doua sunt foarte des confundate. De vina sunt si filmele, in care personajele isi fac declaratii de dragoste mult prea repede (mai ales cele americane, pentru ca in limba engleza termenul uzual "i love you" poate avea mai multe nuante in functie de context, dar este intotdeauna tradus in limba romana prin "te iubesc").

Nu poti spune cuiva dupa 2 zile "te iubesc", poti eventual sa-i marturisesti ca "esti indragostit" pana peste urechi si n-ai stare.
Nu exista reguli pentru temporizarea acestor genuri de declaratii, pentru unii un "te iubesc" dupa o luna de relatie poate parea inoportun, pentru altii rezonabil.

Recent government measures reveal the degradation formula

During the slump the government is expected to spend less and target better. But does it have the necessary skills and intelligence to do that? Our political system has recently shown nothing but inefficiency, focusing only on cuts. A great deal of the burden lies on the middle class - the segment of our economy that has to support most of the costs running this nation. The wealthy elite advantages are left untouched; their millions are untaxed.
Cutting spending as well as raising taxes will definitely affect the economic growth in the long-term. There is no dream of prosperity for Romania at this moment; it’s science fiction.

I am not sure the recently taken measures are a safe method to pump up the economy, because having less money to spend, people become less confident and more insecure about their lives. (They acknowledge that the system is obviously going wrong but can do nothing.) Cutting spending is likely to cause more unemployment, especially in small companies. They will be no longer able to produce, expand or hire; always overwhelmed by the fear or even higher cuts and tax increases.

So, the challenge of our government is to find an intelligent way to combine reducing deficit with stimulating growth, smoothly and consistently. Unfortunately, most of our elected officials are only anxious about their own self-interests and don't care a bit about the future of the country. Their attitude is not only startling but also alarming, at a time when the nation requires competent leadership to pull us out of the recession.
They seem to have noticed that our economy tumbles down into a terrible abyss but the only solution they found is cutting wages and pensions to avoid hiking the flat tax and VAT (which is unavoidable, it’s only the next step, since the first solution will certainly not show any visible results).

Politicians have no idea how demoralizing and risky these measures are. The number of homeless people will increase, as well as suicides.

Here’s the formula I compiled to show which the future of our nation is in the years to come:

Cutting Wages -> Lower Consumption -> Layoffs -> Unemployment & Small Firms’ Bankruptcy -> Homelessness & Suicides -> Degradation of the Nation

Why do I love "Pride & Prejudice" (2005)?

Ranges among my favorite movies ever because:

- Presents a pure love that no longer exists in our century. There are practically no erotic or passionate gestures, no touches but you can sense the chemistry going on between the two lovers in their looks, in their verbal fencing. The single physical expression of their love is the final kiss.
- Includes one of the most romantic moments i have even seen in movies, namely, the final scene happening at dawn, in the fields, on the background of the rising sun, so innocent, so divine and so long expected by us, the witnesses of an angelic kiss rounding up the story.
- The characters are perfectly embodied by Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. I have read the book years ago and their representations are both very close to the image i had in my mind (most viewers prefer the Darcy played by Colin Firth - 1995 version, but i like Matthew Macfadyen better). Instantly fell for both of these characters as much as they fell for each other.
- The plot is funny, even though the subjects treated are nothing but serious. There is much humor in the story, especially when it comes to the Bennet family sisters' behavior, their mother's changing attitude towards events and Mr. Collins' snobbish and exaggerated manner of talking.
- The movie is based on a novel written by a woman, in fact, a very courageous one for the beginning of the 19th century. Let's not forget the fact that women had no jobs, no rights and no freedom of choice at that time. Subsequently, it's quite understandable why the movie appeals more to the female public (including me!)

Romance and love are the key words to describe this wonderful picturization leading us through the meandering adventure of Lizzie up to the point where she finally admits her true feelings and the fate drives her right into the arms of the perfect man.

I can watch this movie over and over again, it's still fascinating to me. A classic love story - old-fashioned, emotional, simple. That's all.

"Being alive" perceptions

Many people wonder, what could have happened if… they had chosen another road, at a certain point in their lives.
The truth of not being able to go back there and try the other option, reconsider old views and opportunities, claim for more, acknowledge new facts, is killing us.
Revelations and memories is all we have left.

I cannot face the fear of the future, it's so uncertain and shadowed by questions.
I cannot go back into my past, there is no place for me there, not the way I am now. Though I am deeply longing for some parts of it.
I cannot live in the present either, it's so unsympathetic, unreliable and fragile.

My desire is not to alleviate this pain of "being alive" (and never really where i am supposed to be), but rather to see how present-day perceptions can contribute to my reluctance in sharing past-time memories with someone, who would be able to grasp just a tiny piece of them, naturally, without any effort.
My desire is not to go back into my past, but rather to pick up bits of it, bond them to my present and make this "being alive" a little more certain and bearable.

4 days to go till World Cup opens in South Africa

4 days to go till World Cup opens in South Africa.
I have watched all the European and World Cups ever since 1994 but almost never watched any other important football competitions, not even Champions League. You will probably wonder why. Indeed, this passion comes to me only once in two years.
I guess the answer would be: I love competitions between countries, not clubs. I am probably being subjective but it's not only more fun, it's also more motivating to perceive the participants as a bunch of representatives for a nation. It's never grueling nor tiresome, only enthusiastic. At least for me.
For the same reason I love the Eurovision contest.

P.S. I hate post-match comments. It's merely vacuous drivel.

My favorite teams: Portugal, Italy, England, Spain

My favorite football player this year: not awarded yet... still need to think
My favorite football player ever: Davor Suker.

Alanis Morissette - Precious Illusions

you'll rescue me right? in the exact same way they never did..
I'll be happy right? when your healing powers kick in

you'll complete me right? then my life can finally begin
I'll be worthy right? only when you realize the gem I am?

but this won't work now the way it once did
and I won't keep it up even though I would love to
once I know who I'm not then I'll know who I am
but I know I won't keep on playing the victim

these precious illusions in my head did not let me down when I was defenseless
and parting with them is like parting with invisible best friends

this ring will help me yet as will you knight in shining armor
this pill will help me yet as will these boys gone through like water

but this won't work as well as the way it once did
cuz I want to decide between survival and bliss
and though I know who I'm not I still don't know who I am
but I know I won't keep on playing the victim

these precious illusions in my head did not let me down when I was a kid
and parting with them is like parting with a childhood best friend

I've spent so long firmly looking outside me
I've spent so much time living in survival mode

Cea mai mare catastrofa ecologica din America

Stirile care anunta ca scurgerea de petrol rezultata din explozia platformei petroliere care a avut loc pe 20 aprilie 2010 in Golful Mexic nu sunt decat niste zvonuri disperate cu scopul de a linisti planeta. Dar acest accident este un dezastru de a carui amploare nici nu putem sa ne dam seama deocamdata.

Toate incercarile de a infunda conducta pentru a opri scurgerea au esuat, dar asta ni se comunica doar cu jumatate de gura la televizor iar unii mai optimisti (sau naivi) afirma chiar ca s-a pus capat problemei prin blocarea circuitului cu un zid de "ciment". Cine mai crede asemenea bazaconii? Ce poate sa faca un zid de ciment in fata unei scurgeri de mai mult de 3 milioane de litri de petrol PE ZI? Mi-e si greu sa-mi imaginez acest volum.
Un spectacol trist pentru flora si fauna zonei, devenite victimele petrolului. Ecosistem distrus poate pentru totdeauna pe coasta Americii.
Americanii se lupta cu terorismul, se duc sa impuna regimuri democratice in alte tari, acaparati mereu de goana dupa bani si putere, incat uita sa protejeze ceea ce au deja mai de pret, natura.

Nu sunt oare accidentele de genul acesta un fel de "genocid" ecologic, o crima contra naturii, un atentat la viata unor copii care nici nu s-au nascut inca?
Evident, dam vina pe neatentia umana, ignoranta, inconstienta si egoismul imbecil, dar invatam ceva din asta? Sub deviza "nu ni se va intampla noua", sau "pe noi nu ne afecteaza" traim in continuare fara sa ne marcheze prea mult asemenea intamplari. Insa ne intrebam cu nonsalanta uneori: "oare de ce murim pe capete de cancer?" sau "de ce apa potabila nu mai e potabila?", "meritam asa ceva?"
Explozia din Golful Mexic (si efectele ei) nu este o catastrofa naturala, ci una cauzata de o eroare umana inadmisibila. Ceea ce s-a intamplat si se intampla inca acolo mi se pare mai grav decat 11 septembrie, mai grav decat moartea lui Kennedy.
In doar cateva zile a fost distrusa o opera la care s-a lucrat timp de cateva mii de ani.
Enjoy the picture!

Casa arde dar baba se piaptana, pana in 2012

Francezii sunt obsedati de viitorul lor politic. In loc sa se concentreze pe guvernarea actuala si sa rezolve problemele primordiale ale tarii, ei nu fac decat sa discute despre prezidentialele din 2012 iar ziarele sa emita ipoteze privind posibilii candidati.
Dreapta, in speta partidul lui Sarkozy, aflat la guvernare, ar fi bine sa se agite mai mult ca sa-si imbunatateasca imaginea, cam sifonata dupa esecul la alegerile locale din martie, avand in vedere si popularitatea lui Sarkozy, mereu in descrestere, iar stanga, in frunte cu PS, ar fi bine sa lase deoparte vulgaritatea, stilul taios de a ataca pe oricine si lisa de diplomatie.
Iata ca se aplica foarte bine zicala "casa arde dar baba se piaptana". Europa e in plina criza, tara e coplesita de somaj (180.000 offres d'emploi pour 500.000 CV. Vous avez quoi comme solution?) dar politicienii nu fac decat sa viseze la niste alegeri care sunt departe de momentul prezent. Eu nu inteleg aceasta fervoare si nevoia se a se agata de ceva intangibil.

Cu scuzele de rigoare, prefer sa urmaresc si sa comentez din cand in cand situatia politica din Franta decat cea din Romania - care ma umple de dezgust si ma lasa mereu fara cuvinte. (Nici grevele si nici starea generala de nemultumire a oamenilor nu vor schimba nimic. Suntem condamnati la tacere, cel putin pana isi termina Basescu mandatul. Intre timp, ar fi bine sa invatam din greseli si sa nu le mai repetam.)

China, o noua forta militara de temut, dar oare ce urmareste?

China s-a lansat recent intr-o ofensiva mediatica avand ca scop dezmintirea zvonurilor potrivit carora ar trebui sa existe temeri legate de cresterea considerabila a puterii sale de innarmare in ultima perioada.
Tarile occidentale acuza de ceva timp lipsa de transparenta a Chinei vis-a-vis de politica sa militara. Se pare ca in 2010 peste 532 de miliarde de yuani din bugetul national au fost alocati pentru aparare si cheltuieli militare. 

Faptul ca Pekinul refuza sa difuzeze date exacte despre cheltuielile sale militare genereaza in mod evident niste intrebari legate de ambitiile si obiectivele sale de viitor. Doreste oare China doar sa se protejeze sau planuieste sa cucereasca noi teritorii? 

Pe masura ce China acapareaza in ultimii ani prima pozitie in economia mondiala (in mod surprinzator si neasteptat pentru multi), am observat ca s-a rasturnat balanta de forte economice, oarecum fixata dupa cel de al doilea razboi mondial. Iar acest dezechilibru si aceste aparente ambitii nu pot decat sa anunte schimbari, la care urmeaza sa fim martori, doar ca nu stim inca exact despre ce este vorba. (Vreau sa evit sa fac paralela cu Germania anilor 30 secolul trecut... dar imi vine in cap fara sa vreau; oricum nu sunt aceleasi premise si nici porniri, dar mai stii?..:))

Daca urmareste doar sa-si apere interesele economice, e inutil. Conform estimarilor in 2040 China va deveni cea mai bogata tara din lume iar cota ei din PIB al lumii va ajunge la 40% (sa nu credem orbeste in aceste date, sunt orientative). Se pare ca in ultima perioada China investeste din ce in ce mai mult in resurse energetice, cucerirea spatiului si solutii informatice (invatand sarguincios de la altii si educandu-si tinerii in Occident!).

Pentru a mentine linistea in jurul acestui subiect Pekinul trebuie ori sa dea dovada de diplomatie, evitand sa-si atraga suspiciunea altor tari, ori sa ofere transparenta si sa arate care este situatia reala din acest punct de vedere. Deocamdata doar Ministerul Afacerilor Externe isi bate capul de acest aspect incercand sa nu deterioreze relatiile diplomatice printr-un discurs care se vrea linistitor si responsabil.
Cert este ca anumite tari sunt deja cuprinse de suspiciuni si temeri in ceea ce priveste planurile de dominatie mondiala ale Chinei.