Visit Romania!

[edyzmedieval]

https://img638.imageshack.us/img638/7017/romaniaw.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/638/romaniaw.jpg/)

Romania.

The land of Count Dracula, Gheorghe Hagi and Ilie Nastase, George Enescu and Nadia Comaneci, Constantin Brancusi and Hertha Muller, Lucian Bute and Daniel Negreanu, Stefan Odobleja and Nicolae Paulescu, Henri Coanda and Aurel Vlaicu and even George Pomutz, an American Civil War general. You may or may not have heard of the people I listed above but in their respective fields all of them have made a considerable impact.

And all of them come from a country in Eastern Europe called Romania.

Many of you have heard about this Eastern European country and with this thread I hope to shed a light on the beauty of Romania and hopefully help you make a decision with regards to a possible visit. :2thumbsup:

To start off the thread, I will present a couple of quick facts to make a better idea about Romania. :yes:

The first remains of human activity in Romania are from 42000 years ago, from the "Cave With Bones", and the earliest known written evidence of people living in the area are from Herodotus's writings mentioning the local tribes called "Getae". The Dacian Kingdoms which controlled the area later on were conquered by the Roman Empire and colonised in 106AD. Later on, the first medieval kingdom in Romania was founded in 1330 and up until the Declaration of Independence in 1878 with a new Kingdom of Romania, the territories in modern day Romania have been either independent or under foreign rule.

The creation of the Kingdom of Romania in 1878 under the reign of King Carol (Karl) I ensured stability and prosperity that culminated with the creation of Greater Romania in 1918, comprising of Wallachia, Moldavia, Transylvania, Bucovina, the Quadrilater and Bessarabia. After World War 2, Romania was a Communist country, led by Gheorghe Ghiorghiu Dej and later on by the infamous Nicolae Ceausescu.

Since the fall of the Communist Revolution in 1989, Romania has made the transition to democracy using a system of bi-chamber Parliament and a unitary semi-presidential republic with the capital in Bucharest and under the guidance of the current incumbent Traian Basescu.

And without further ado, here's some wonderful pictures taken from a great Facebook page called "273 places you have to visit in Romania."

http://www.facebook.com/273.ro

Bodi Lake

https://img690.imageshack.us/img690/3517/bodi.jpg (https://img690.imageshack.us/i/bodi.jpg/)

Calimani Plateau

https://img823.imageshack.us/img823/6001/calimani.jpg (https://img823.imageshack.us/i/calimani.jpg/)

Corcoaiei Gorges

https://img810.imageshack.us/img810/25/corcoaiei.jpg (https://img810.imageshack.us/i/corcoaiei.jpg/)

Peles Castle - built by King Carol I

https://img846.imageshack.us/img846/7496/peles.jpg (https://img846.imageshack.us/i/peles.jpg/)

Dawn at Costinesti, Black Sea

https://img263.imageshack.us/img263/4381/costinesti.jpg (https://img263.imageshack.us/i/costinesti.jpg/)

Postavaru Plateau, 1600m

https://img709.imageshack.us/img709/5021/varfulpostavaru.jpg (https://img709.imageshack.us/i/varfulpostavaru.jpg/)


Brasov - The Black Church, centered

https://img690.imageshack.us/img690/8725/brasov.jpg (https://img690.imageshack.us/i/brasov.jpg/)


Curtea de Arges Cathedral

https://img857.imageshack.us/img857/4840/curteadearges.jpg (https://img857.imageshack.us/i/curteadearges.jpg/)

Bran Castle - Dracula's wrongly attributed residence (Vlad Tepes's castle was Poenari)

https://img263.imageshack.us/img263/3006/brank.jpg (https://img263.imageshack.us/i/brank.jpg/)

Sucevita Monastery

https://img263.imageshack.us/img263/7503/putna.jpg (https://img263.imageshack.us/i/putna.jpg/)


Viscri Monastery - Prince Charles recently bought a house in the commune

https://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3600/800pxviscribisericafort.jpg (https://img339.imageshack.us/i/800pxviscribisericafort.jpg/)


The thread will be frequently updated with more pictures, couple of videos and other information regarding Romania, including a special lengthy post about the capital Bucharest, so stay tuned. :thumbsup2

Furthermore, if you wish to visit Romania, do not hesitate to post in this thread. I'd be more than happy to give you information where to go, what to visit, where to stay... :)

Here is the official website of the Romanian tourism - http://www.romaniatourism.com/

Thank you and I hope you enjoyed this. :bow:

[Husar]

Those are some beautiful pictures, I'm just afraid it doesn't look like that all around the year. ~;)

[A Nerd]

Beautiful pictures indeed! I watched a TV show once about Dracula and these fellow spent the night in that Dracula castle atop a mountain an looked for ghosts and such. Very scary! The coutryside was quite inviting, even in the evening, despite the ghosts of tradgedys past lurking about! :O

[Gregoshi]

Gorgeous! That second picture just knocked my socks off. Thanks for sharing you beautiful country with us edyz.

[Strike For The South]

WIMMENZ

[edyzmedieval]

Those are some beautiful pictures, I'm just afraid it doesn't look like that all around the year. ~;)

Sure it does, just a minor modification called extreme weather (very hot in the summer, very cold in the winter...this winter it was freezing) ~;)


WIMMENZ

Ok, ok, that too :grin2:

I'm glad you guys are enjoying it. I'll put more pictures up, including one with Little Paris (Bucharest). :bow:

[Rhyfelwyr]

WIMMENZ

:yes:

:romania:

[edyzmedieval]

Here's a couple of images of Little Paris - Bucharest. ~:)

Bucharest in 1837

https://img40.imageshack.us/img40/7278/bucurestipunte1837.jpg (https://img40.imageshack.us/i/bucurestipunte1837.jpg/)

Palace of the Parliament - heaviest building in the world and second biggest building by volume

https://img846.imageshack.us/img846/6940/palatulparlamentului.jpg (https://img846.imageshack.us/i/palatulparlamentului.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (https://imageshack.us)

Romanian Atheneum

https://img135.imageshack.us/img135/9521/800pxateneulromanb.jpg (https://img135.imageshack.us/i/800pxateneulromanb.jpg/)

Triumphal Arch

https://img546.imageshack.us/img546/4853/32117101522139897952101.jpg (https://img546.imageshack.us/i/32117101522139897952101.jpg/)

CEC Palace

https://img854.imageshack.us/img854/145/cec.jpg (https://img854.imageshack.us/i/cec.jpg/)

[Fragony]

Awesome pics, wish we had such natural beauty. What's the food like

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

I won't get mugged would I? :laugh:

[edyzmedieval]

Awesome pics, wish we had such natural beauty. What's the food like

Delicious. And I mean it.

It's a combination of Balkan-European-traditional styles, a mixture of everything, including original takes on already known recipes which makes it even better. :yes:

I'll post pics of dishes up soon.


I won't get mugged would I?

Common misconception. No, you won't get mugged, the streets are as safe as any other European capital (if you visit Bucharest).

[Brendan]

Mmmm, the first two pictures are very nice. As one who enjoys photography, I can very much appreciate them.

I have been told by Romanian acquaintances finding themselves in my country to visit Romania. They even told me to find a wife there, hehehe!

In any case, from those couple of pictures, if that represents Romanian landscape, I see I would very much like to visit the country sometime simply to photograph. There are probably things like inns and the likes, or not?

[edyzmedieval]

Mmmm, the first two pictures are very nice. As one who enjoys photography, I can very much appreciate them.

I have been told by Romanian acquaintances finding themselves in my country to visit Romania. They even told me to find a wife there, hehehe!

In any case, from those couple of pictures, if that represents Romanian landscape, I see I would very much like to visit the country sometime simply to photograph. There are probably things like inns and the likes, or not?

As you can see, Strike for the South and Rhyfelwr mentioned the topic of beautiful women... :grin2:

And yes, indeed, those are natural landscapes from around the country. With regards to accommodation, there's small hostels scattered all over the country where you can check in and enjoy a good bed and breakfast without paying too much. :yes:

[edyzmedieval]

Couple of more pictures, taken from a spectacular Facebook group - 273 Places to Visit in Romania
http://www.facebook.com/273.ro


Brasov in winter by night

https://img845.imageshack.us/img845/8193/18031018448916492523614.jpg (https://img845.imageshack.us/i/18031018448916492523614.jpg/)


Romanian Atheneum, inside

https://img692.imageshack.us/img692/633/18061519020459102036014.jpg (https://img692.imageshack.us/i/18061519020459102036014.jpg/)


Traditional Romanian wooden gate

https://img855.imageshack.us/img855/7416/16306717518859918862614.jpg (https://img855.imageshack.us/i/16306717518859918862614.jpg/)

Snow covered forest

https://img101.imageshack.us/img101/2060/16473417626495574765714.jpg (https://img101.imageshack.us/i/16473417626495574765714.jpg/)

Narrow street in Sighisoara

https://img851.imageshack.us/img851/818/16745217499334587481814.jpg (https://img851.imageshack.us/i/16745217499334587481814.jpg/)


All credits go to their respective photographers. :)

[A Nerd]

Beautiful! Do you have any pictures of ruins? I love that type of stuff! :D Time period is not important.

[Strike For The South]

WIMMENZ

DO YOU HAZ SISTER?

[edyzmedieval]

WIMMENZ

DO YOU HAZ SISTER?

Strike, I believe this will do for you.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?43728-Babe-thread&p=2053306404&viewfull=1#post2053306404

~;)


Beautiful! Do you have any pictures of ruins? I love that type of stuff! :D Time period is not important.


Sure, I'll dig some pictures up and post them. :yes:

[Brendan]

Great areas shown, great. I can appreciate such landscapes, and even more who put it there.

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

Are there a lot of pretty women there? :balloon2::balloon2:

[edyzmedieval]

Great areas shown, great. I can appreciate such landscapes, and even more who put it there.

:bow:


Are there a lot of pretty women there?


Indeed. Ask Strike. ~;)

[Fragony]

Beautiful! Do you have any pictures of ruins? I love that type of stuff! :D Time period is not important.

Every town past Germany is a ruin your in luck

[A Nerd]

I meant medieval ruins or such. Ah, such an etherial atmosphere! You can sense it on the winds.

[Scienter]

Beautiful pics! Bran Castle is really cool, I've never seen slanted towers like that.

[edyzmedieval]

Beautiful pics! Bran Castle is really cool, I've never seen slanted towers like that.

Bran Castle was built by the Teutonic Knights in 1212 at the invite of the Hungarian King who wanted to ensure military control over the unruly Wallachian peasants who roamed the areas.

Today it's a major touristic attraction and inside it houses a splendid Romanian Royal Family museum. :yes:

[Louis VI the Fat]

Lovely pics, beautiful places!



Also, slight mix-up, I believe. Scienter means the cupolas on the Cathedral of Curtea de Argeş. Bran Castle is the picture below that.

[edyzmedieval]

Lovely pics, beautiful places!

Also, slight mix-up, I believe. Scienter means the cupolas on the Cathedral of Curtea de Argeş. Bran Castle is the picture below that.

Oh, I didn't notice that. The Curtea de Arges Cathedral is of obvious Byzantine style with Arabic/Moorish influence and was built in the late 16th century as the seat of the Orthodox Church. :bow:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtea_de_Arge%C5%9F_Cathedral



On another topic, here's two traditional Romanian dances. :yes:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRDtP1rKqqE

It's caled Calusul, and the dancers Calusari, which more or less means Horse Dancers.


And this is a typical Hora...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaNf2iFc7KI

That's just a collection of pics, I'm trying to find a video with a real Hora dance.

[edyzmedieval]

For all you gourmands out there... ~;)
Posted by a friend over at TWC, some really good examples of local food.


Cozonac

http://www.divainbucatarie.ro/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cozonac-cu-nuca-si-stafide.jpg

Traditionally Decorated Easter Eggs

http://cdn.bloombiz.ro/assets/articole/2011/04/1303551436.jpg

Sarmale (cabbage rolls filled with minced meat) alongside mamaliga (polenta)

http://www.addictedtotravel.com/Image_25416-350-350.jpg

Sarmalute in foi de vita (Rolls filled with minced meat in grapevine leaves)

http://www.produsin.ro/wp-content/uploads/cache/3487_NpAdvHover.jpg

Eggplant salad

http://www.lalaworld.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/img_7265_resize.jpg

Soup in homemade bread

http://www.restaurant-casa-voastra.ro/media/upload/products/big/ciorba_in_paine_de_casa.jpg

Vişinată and afinata (alcoholic beverage produced from sour cherries or blackberries)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SqVGitAW6jI/SOO9vmbDeQI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/jAPLm24AhiU/s400/5.jpg

Socată (soft drink made from the flowers of the European elder (or elderberry) shrub)

http://www.culinar.ro/forum/uploads/monthly_06_2008/post-39430-1212443984.jpg

Tuica (traditional alcoholic beverage usually made from plums - warning! - this can go up to 80 degrees :grin2:)

http://www.produsin.ro/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/LEAD-tuica.png

And a collection of excellent wines: Traditional: Tămâioasă Românească; Fetească Regală, Grasă de Cotnari, Fetească Neagră, Frâncuşa

International: Merlot, Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Muscat Ottonel.

http://img.wall-street.ro/images/slideshows/slide_89823_15731.jpg

[Fragony]

That soup looks incredible, never seen, or heard of, of using a bread as a bowl. Got to try that

[edyzmedieval]

You're more than welcome to come and visit Frag. :bow:

Culture Palace, Iasi

https://img812.imageshack.us/img812/1214/palatuldecultura.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/812/palatuldecultura.jpg/)

Lake Bicaz

https://img714.imageshack.us/img714/4357/bicaz.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/714/bicaz.jpg/)

Bicaz Gorges

https://img198.imageshack.us/img198/247/cheilebicazului.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/198/cheilebicazului.jpg/)

Slanic Moldova

https://img842.imageshack.us/img842/1717/slanicmoldova.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/842/slanicmoldova.jpg/)

[Fragony]

If you guys don't get angry if I chew on cables I just do that

[edyzmedieval]

Fortified monasteries in Romania, from Transylvania and Moldavia. ~:)


Putna Monastery

http://www.wayfaring.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/manastirea_putna_.jpg

Sucevita Monastery

https://img263.imageshack.us/img263/7503/putna.jpg (https://img263.imageshack.us/i/putna.jpg/)

Biertan Monastery - built between the 15th and 16h century

https://img812.imageshack.us/img812/1988/22173320806204588467620.jpg (https://img812.imageshack.us/i/22173320806204588467620.jpg/)

Prejmer Monastery - built in 1212 by the Teutonic Knights

https://img31.imageshack.us/img31/7730/prejmer.th.jpg (https://img31.imageshack.us/i/prejmer.jpg/)

Boian Monastery

https://img88.imageshack.us/img88/9248/22439620974826571605420.jpg (https://img88.imageshack.us/i/22439620974826571605420.jpg/)


More info can be found here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villages_with_fortified_churches_in_Transylvania

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Biserici-Fortificate-si-Cetati/203000273057520

[Gregoshi]

Lovely places and scenery. :yes:

[drone]

Prejmer Monastery - built in 1212 by the Teutonic Knights

https://img31.imageshack.us/img31/7730/prejmer.th.jpg (https://img31.imageshack.us/i/prejmer.jpg/)
I know it's just the camera perspective, but it looks like someone put a church in a football stadium.

Great pics. :bow:

[edyzmedieval]

Some more pictures.

Colilia Monastery, Dobrogea

https://img845.imageshack.us/img845/1935/colilia.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/845/colilia.jpg/)

Haystacks on a field

https://img580.imageshack.us/img580/5054/16469817786227558792514.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/580/16469817786227558792514.jpg/)

Detunatele in the winter

https://img101.imageshack.us/img101/4976/16578117797022557713014.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/101/16578117797022557713014.jpg/)

Vatra Dornei

https://img560.imageshack.us/img560/6887/17610318961609441254314.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/560/17610318961609441254314.jpg/)

[Fragony]

Maybe I DO need to visit Romania. Will I be able to get by in English

[edyzmedieval]

Maybe I DO need to visit Romania. Will I be able to get by in English

In Bucharest there shouldn't be much problem to get by. Albeit, Top Gear when they visited they had some problems with their pathfinding around the city but when in serious doubt always ask at the hotel/hostel, they will be more than glad to answer. :yes:

For the members of TWC, the thread is here - http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=448442

[edyzmedieval]

Some more pictures to delight your eyes. :)

Riding in the field

https://img94.imageshack.us/img94/6661/20130120043619666386614.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/94/20130120043619666386614.jpg/)

Dracula's Castle - Bran (it's actually Poenari but I'll go with the flow :P)

https://img861.imageshack.us/img861/4936/21070619922163345198914.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/861/21070619922163345198914.jpg/)

Fields near Suceava, northern Romania

https://img845.imageshack.us/img845/8383/19860219818513355563914.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/845/19860219818513355563914.jpg/)

Peles Castle (during winter)

https://img695.imageshack.us/img695/9537/19234919539565383458714.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/695/19234919539565383458714.jpg/)

[Fragony]

That is one creepy looking castle!

[edyzmedieval]

A couple of more stunning pictures taken by amateur photographers. :)

I encourage you all to visit this spectacular page - http://www.facebook.com/273.ro - the place where I get some of these photographs.

Rapeseed fields

https://img684.imageshack.us/img684/4426/24306920953982242017014.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/684/24306920953982242017014.jpg/)

Sunset

https://img46.imageshack.us/img46/9193/24245220931677910914114.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/46/24245220931677910914114.jpg/)

Brasov

https://img39.imageshack.us/img39/1363/22090020570482947033614.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/39/22090020570482947033614.jpg/)

Bistrita Monastery courtyard

https://img804.imageshack.us/img804/3179/21026220343271303088114.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/804/21026220343271303088114.jpg/)

[Fragony]

Can you tell some MORE about the cuisine, I always like reading that, my knowledge doesn't go beyond goulash

[A Nerd]

Beautiful country Romania is. Even in the most bitterly cold days of winter it must be a pleasant sight to behold. :)

[edyzmedieval]

Beautiful country Romania is. Even in the most bitterly cold days of winter it must be a pleasant sight to behold. :)

Definitely. :yes:

The rural areas have kept their traditional way of life, and they're not necessarily resistant to technology or any other advancements, it is just that many prefer to live the old way passed on by their forefathers.


Can you tell some MORE about the cuisine, I always like reading that, my knowledge doesn't go beyond goulash

Sure.

One note to begin with - Goulash is Hungarian. :wink:

As I said before, Romanian food is a mixture of everything. Mainly influenced by Ottoman cuisine but also Hungarian, Serbian/Slavic, German and a couple of traditional dishes which have existed for hundreds of years around these places. Most of the dishes you will find in other countries, except that around here they're original takes on well known recipes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanian_cuisine

[edyzmedieval]

I will focus this post on Sighisoara, one of the last truly medieval inhabited towns, also known as the Pearl of Transylvania -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sighi%C5%9Foara

Map of Sighisoara in 1735 - taken from the website www.celendo.ro

https://img808.imageshack.us/img808/2143/harta.jpg

The Clock Tower

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/66/Sighi%C5%9Foara_clock_tower.jpg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/95/Clock_Tower,_Sighisoara,_Romania_2006.jpg

Vlad Tepes's place of birth
Inscription reads - "In this house Vlad Dracul, son of Mircea the Elder, lived between 1431-1435"

https://img715.imageshack.us/img715/8918/vladdracul.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/715/vladdracul.jpg/)

The Covered Stairs

https://img831.imageshack.us/img831/8487/scarav.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/831/scarav.jpg/)

Narrow (stair) street leading up to the Clock Tower - taken from http://www.panoramio.com/photo/26393573

https://img829.imageshack.us/img829/6941/panoramicw.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/829/panoramicw.jpg/)

Narrow street in Sighisoara

https://img851.imageshack.us/img851/818/16745217499334587481814.jpg (https://img851.imageshack.us/i/16745217499334587481814.jpg/)

All credits go to their respective photographers. :)

[edyzmedieval]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mogo%C5%9Foaia_Palace

Mogosoaia Palace - built by Constantin Brancoveanu at the end of the 17th century. What's really surprising is that it survived 400 years in almost perfect shape, alongside a ransacking of the Ottoman Army, a couple of fires if I recall correctly and the test of time.

Entrance of the Mogosoaia Palace

https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/5317/palatulmogosoaiaintrare.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/508/palatulmogosoaiaintrare.jpg/)

Mogosoaia Palace

http://travelsplendid.ro/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Palatul-Mogosoaia.jpg

[Prussian to the Iron]

Wait, they have electricity AND Camera's in Romania? news to me.

[edyzmedieval]

Wait, they have electricity AND Camera's in Romania? news to me.

Maybe I should rename this to Surprising Romania. ~;)

Couple of more pictures, as usual, taken from here - http://www.facebook.com/273.ro :2thumbsup:

Apuseni Mornings

https://img51.imageshack.us/img51/5263/apuseni.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/51/apuseni.jpg/)

Ostrov Lake

https://img109.imageshack.us/img109/2170/ostrovlake.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/109/ostrovlake.jpg/)

Parang Mountains

https://img823.imageshack.us/img823/6192/paraue.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/823/paraue.jpg/)

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

How you get money to go to all of these places?

[edyzmedieval]

How you get money to go to all of these places?

I've seen many of them but not all. And these pictures are taken from a Facebook group which tries to promote the beauty of Romania worldwide to encourage tourists to visit. :yes:

www.facebook.com/273.ro

[A Nerd]

I am still waiting for my ruins edyz! >:| :)

[B-Wing]

I actually have a cousin in the U.S. Marines who is currently serving in Romania. He's stationed near Constanta, which is on the Black Sea coast, so he hasn't been able to see any of the mountains (which would be my main interest). He mentioned that there's a constant wind that blows there, which we're unaccustomed to. He likes the bars and restaurants.

[edyzmedieval]

I actually have a cousin in the U.S. Marines who is currently serving in Romania. He's stationed near Constanta, which is on the Black Sea coast, so he hasn't been able to see any of the mountains (which would be my main interest). He mentioned that there's a constant wind that blows there, which we're unaccustomed to. He likes the bars and restaurants.

Kogalniceanu Military Base. :yes:

It's the constant wind because of the Black Sea, and with regards to the mountains, they're around 500kms away, proper mountains. Because Dobrogea, the region where Constanta is, has it's own range called the Macin Mountains but they are around 400 m tall. Something of a taller hill.

And JuJuBee, coming, coming! :sweatdrop:

[PanzerJaeger]

I would love to visit the area around Targu Frumos for obvious reasons. I wonder if there is anything left from the battle?

[edyzmedieval]

I would love to visit the area around Targu Frumos for obvious reasons. I wonder if there is anything left from the battle?

I don't have any knowledge of anything remaining, but I'll check for you. :yes:

Couple of edifices from Romania. :)

http://www.facebook.com/273.ro

Cantacuzino Palace, Bucharest

https://img713.imageshack.us/img713/5282/54933167536446620508142.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/713/54933167536446620508142.jpg/)

Tropaeum Traiani, Adamclisi (raised by Emperor Trajan after his victory over the Dacians)

https://img84.imageshack.us/img84/1977/72719161445227229630142.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/84/72719161445227229630142.jpg/)

Rupea Fortress, Brasov (this one is for JuJuBee :balloon2:)

https://img845.imageshack.us/img845/2522/14900216268541043894514.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/845/14900216268541043894514.jpg/)

Sturdza Palace, Miclauseni

https://img546.imageshack.us/img546/1909/40768142751862432300142.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/546/40768142751862432300142.jpg/)

[A Nerd]

Brilliant! The Trajan picture was too my liking too! :)

[edyzmedieval]

Brilliant! The Trajan picture was too my liking too! :)

Unfortunately, it's only a reconstruction and inside the reconstruction there are a couple of big blocks left from the original which was destroyed looong time ago.

The original was much bigger.

[A Nerd]

Well, it was still a lovely sight to behold! All that open countryside in Romania is just intoxicating! :D

[edyzmedieval]

Well, it was still a lovely sight to behold! All that open countryside in Romania is just intoxicating! :D

Indeed. There's huge empty tracts of land in the country, and only the cities are densely populated.

But nevertheless, it's really beautiful if you manage to hit the untouched areas of nature. :yes:

[PanzerJaeger]

I don't have any knowledge of anything remaining, but I'll check for you. :yes:



:bow:

[edyzmedieval]

I wanted to do a post about the Romanian Royal Family so here it is finally.


Why did I want to do it?


The Romanian monarchy consolidated the state and greatly raised its prestige, so much so that Bucharest in the 1920's was a very fashionable place to live in, hence the nickname Little Paris. In the brief time of the monarchy, from 1866 to 1945, Romania became a known country throughout the world and at the same time respected for the progress and achievements it had managed to achieve. :)


What's the connection with a thread presenting Romania?


As I mentioned earlier, the Royal family more or less put Romania on the known map of the world. Queen Marie's visit to New York caused a ticker tape parade in the middle of the city, showing how much the status of the country increased from when the family took over. Also, under their guidance, some of the most visited Romanian landmarks have been built or restored to their former glory, the notable examples being the Peles Castle and the other being Dracula's castle, the Bran Fortress. In a nutshell, the Royal Family drew considerable positive attention to the country :)


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanian_Royal_Family






Brief History


The first Romanian king of the United Principalities (Rom. - Principatele Unite) was Alexandru Ioan Cuza from 1859 to 1866 when he was forced to abdicate. The true Romanian Royal Family was established in 1866 after Prince Karl of Hohenzollern Sigmaringen (Prince Karl Eitel Friedrich Zephyrinus Ludwig of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen) took up the throne of the United Principalities, backed by both France and Prussia.


Under King Karl's (Regele Carol) leadership, Romania achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1878.


https://img12.imageshack.us/img12/9407/caroliportrait.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/12/caroliportrait.jpg/)






King Karl is the one "responsible" for the creation of the superb Peles Castle. :yes:


https://img846.imageshack.us/img846/7496/peles.jpg (https://img846.imageshack.us/i/peles.jpg/)


Not only that but he's responsible for the smaller Pelisor as well. Both castles can be visited and have an impressive array of weapons and other items reminiscent of the royal era.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelisor


https://img853.imageshack.us/img853/7274/peliorcastle.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/853/peliorcastle.jpg/)






King Karl's died without issue and so the throne was passed to his nephew, King Ferdinand.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdinand_of_Romania


King Ferdinand married Princess Marie of Edinburgh, who became Queen Marie of Romania, one of the most loved figures in Romanian history. Because of her intervention after WWI, Romania was able to achieve the unification of all Romanian-speaking territories, including Bessarabia, modern day Moldavia.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Romania


https://img820.imageshack.us/img820/1402/queenmaryofromania2.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/820/queenmaryofromania2.jpg/)




Queen Marie was also nicknamed the Soldier Queen for her dedication to the Romanian Army (lieutenant of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment "Rosiorii") but was also a Red Cross nurse (probably the only Queen to do so).






After King Ferdinand came King Karl the IInd (Regele Carol al II lea), this time one of the most controversial figures in Romanian history.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_II_of_Romania


Apart from the troubled time under his reign, he gave orders to expand and improve the Royal Palace, which is now the National Museum of Art that houses an impressive collection of both international and Romanian artworks. Can be visited daily. :)


https://img219.imageshack.us/img219/9757/muzeulnationaldeartaalr.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/219/muzeulnationaldeartaalr.jpg/)


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Museum_of_Art_of_Romania






The last member of the Royal Family to sit on the Romanian throne was King Michael (Regele Mihai). To date he is the only surviving head of state from World War II, alongside Tsar Simeon of Bulgaria.


https://img26.imageshack.us/img26/6393/mihai.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/26/mihai.jpg/)


King Michael's actions at the closure of World War II are estimated to have shortened the war by around 6 months by turning arms against the Wehrmacht allies and supporting the Allied effort on the Eastern Front.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_of_Romania


Today, the Royal Family promotes the image of Romania overseas.

[woad&fangs]

How far would $500 (plus airfare) get me in Romania if I stayed primarily at hostels? My girlfriend just broke up with me about a month before I was going to buy an engagement ring. I need some way to use my research stipend money and traveling sounds pretty enticing.

edit: Before anyone makes a comment, yes I am a complete and utter moron. It is part of what makes me so charming.

[edyzmedieval]

How far would $500 (plus airfare) get me in Romania if I stayed primarily at hostels? My girlfriend just broke up with me about a month before I was going to buy an engagement ring. I need some way to use my research stipend money and traveling sounds pretty enticing.

edit: Before anyone makes a comment, yes I am a complete and utter moron. It is part of what makes me so charming.

It depends how much time you want to stay in Romania. I mean, if you want to stay let's say a week, you shouldn't have any problem managing your budget. :yes: More than a week depends but you will manage for around two weeks without any problem if you know how to spend.

It also depends on your spending habits, if you eat at local, cheap restaurants then 500$ is a good budget. I'm talking here about Bucharest. ~:)

[Husar]

edit: Before anyone makes a comment, yes I am a complete and utter moron. It is part of what makes me so charming.

No, I just wanted to say welcome back, haven't seen you in a while I think. ~:)
And next time find a better girl!

[woad&fangs]

Thanks for the welcome, Husar. It has been a while. She convinced me there was more to life then the ORG. Obviously this was a mistake. :wink:

Thanks for the information edyz. I was hoping that amount of money would get me a longer stay but I might just keep my eyes open for a good deal on airplane tickets so I can spend more in Romania. This idea does sound pretty appealing.

[Husar]

Thanks for the welcome, Husar. It has been a while. She convinced me there was more to life then the ORG. Obviously this was a mistake. :wink:

There is, but more means more and not that one should drop the org and only concentrate on the "other", because there is more to life than that "other" stuff as well, for example the org. ~;)

And don't forget to visit Moldova while you're in the area.

[edyzmedieval]

Thanks for the welcome, Husar. It has been a while. She convinced me there was more to life then the ORG. Obviously this was a mistake. :wink:

Thanks for the information edyz. I was hoping that amount of money would get me a longer stay but I might just keep my eyes open for a good deal on airplane tickets so I can spend more in Romania. This idea does sound pretty appealing.

You're welcome. :bow:

As I said, if you're going to a cheap hostel (lately they've started to catch in Romania, more of them springing up), with the right amount of frugality you can live off two weeks without any single worry. More than that you will have to stretch it but you should be able to go for around 3 weeks max 4.

[edyzmedieval]

A couple of pictures from the Belis Dam in Transylvania.


The road towards the dam.


https://img695.imageshack.us/img695/3697/25908216195389078611818.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/695/25908216195389078611818.jpg/)


https://img10.imageshack.us/img10/9734/26672816195404278991818.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/10/26672816195404278991818.jpg/)


https://img810.imageshack.us/img810/5096/25826616195417879331818.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/810/25826616195417879331818.jpg/)


https://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3222/25872916195413079211818.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/221/25872916195413079211818.jpg/)

[edyzmedieval]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7XZ5uu-3Dc&feature=related

Promotional ad for Romania. :yes:

[Dovie]

Truly nice pictures with a good amount of history behind them, brings back some nice memories of the past as well as the fact that I'm going next summer. Cheers from a fellow Romanian?

[Montmorency]

What's the kickback for this thread anyway?

[Fragony]

Don't know but check your pockets right now anyway

[edyzmedieval]

Truly nice pictures with a good amount of history behind them, brings back some nice memories of the past as well as the fact that I'm going next summer. Cheers from a fellow Romanian?

Cheers. ~:cheers:


What's the kickback for this thread anyway?

To encourage people to visit Romania and see more about my country. :yes:

[edyzmedieval]

Retezat Mountains. ~:)


https://img59.imageshack.us/img59/9700/31402124987056172042914.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/59/31402124987056172042914.jpg/)


Visit Romania!

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

Cheers. ~:cheers:



To encourage people to visit Romania and see more about my country. :yes:


Can I stay with you to save money :laugh: :laugh:?

Also, is there pretty ladies there in Romania?

[Fragony]

Can I stay with you to save money :laugh: :laugh:?

Also, is there pretty ladies there in Romania?

From what I heard from a friend of mine, there seems to be something in the water there. Something good that turns them into supermodels who love Dutchies (and wallets)

[edyzmedieval]

Can I stay with you to save money :laugh: :laugh:?

Also, is there pretty ladies there in Romania?

I don't know dude, there's so many pretty girls in Romania that I can't tell the difference between them and a supermodel. ~;)

[Major Robert Dump]

I went through the Romanian airport, passing through, and in a short layover saw more hot chics than anywhere else in my entire life.

[Drunk Clown]

But they always ask money.

[Fisherking]

But they always ask money.


You can always ask for more money from your bridge tolls. :laugh4:

[Kranos]

Sibiu (Romanian pronunciation: [siˈbiw]; antiquated, Sibiiu; German: Hermannstadt; Hungarian: Nagyszeben) is an important city in Transylvania, Romania with a population of 154,548. It straddles the Cibin River, a tributary of the river Olt. It is the capital of Sibiu County and is located some 282 km north-west of Bucharest. Between 1692 and 1791 it was the capital of the Principality of Transylvania.
Sibiu is one of the most important cultural centres of Romania, and was designated a European Capital of Culture for the year 2007, in tandem with Luxembourg. Formerly the centre of the Transylvanian Saxons, the old city of Sibiu was ranked as "Europe's 8th most idyllic place to live" by Forbes.
So here are some few images from my hometown ! :pop2:

http://www.scs.ubbcluj.ro/~mbir0415/img/SIBIU%20art%20historia-radu%20oltean.jpg

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/25384322.jpghttp://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/25384310.jpghttp://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/25384280.jpghttp://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/25384266.jpghttp://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/25384367.jpghttp://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/25384355.jpghttp://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/25384295.jpghttp://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/25384316.jpghttp://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/25384332.jpg
http://www.qiei2008.ase.ro/imagini/05.jpg
http://www.qiei2008.ase.ro/imagini/07.jpghttp://lh3.ggpht.com/_SWN1U40GVxk/RPRVGu5tABE/AAAAAAAAAnE/FewhwOA_BFs/August2006FestivalulMedievalDeLaSibiu.jpg
http://v21.lscache3.c.bigcache.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/31116433.jpg
http://travelbiz.ro/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Sibiu-Large-Square.jpghttp://www.vinsieu.ro/uploads/oras/large/869bb8d5b67929d65fa1eeb9de3735cf.jpg

[Peasant Phill]

definetly puting Romania on my 'to visit'-list

[Fragony]

Awesome pics AGATHODAIMON. Love the architecture

[edyzmedieval]

Transfagarasan Highway

https://img708.imageshack.us/img708/9015/29081225814495422632314.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/708/29081225814495422632314.jpg/)

[Fragony]

Transfagarasan Highway

https://img708.imageshack.us/img708/9015/29081225814495422632314.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/708/29081225814495422632314.jpg/)

That has to be the most illogical highway ever. But you convinced me, going to check it out, if only to avoid Romanian beggars here at home AT EVERY BLOODY SUPERMARKET PISS OFF

scuzi much better now

[edyzmedieval]

Well, it is a very scenic spot, and on top of that, it's a real pleasure to drive on that highway. :yes:

[woad&fangs]

It seems like such a beautiful country. It's too bad my uni expenses increased so much this year. That pretty much killed any chance I have of traveling while in uni.

[edyzmedieval]

Mamaia, Black Sea


(picture taken with a mobile phone by a friend of mine)


https://img651.imageshack.us/img651/3977/28749425969471406068410.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/651/28749425969471406068410.jpg/)

[edyzmedieval]

Autumn shots ~:) Taken from http://www.facebook.com/273.ro


Maramures

https://img810.imageshack.us/img810/3489/34115326004873736927814.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/810/34115326004873736927814.jpg/)



Bilbor Mountains - http://regiuneabilbor.ro/

https://img836.imageshack.us/img836/2448/30402826992651304816714.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/836/30402826992651304816714.jpg/)

[Fragony]

Gawd. Reminds you of how crowded it is over here, if somebody can point me out a place in the Neds with a one kilometer radius without a traffic-sign please tell me, I want to go picknick there. The Netherlands is great but it's sooooo tiny, it's impossible to get lost here without narcotics

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

Do they have Cashews and Milk there? :2thumbsup::book2:

[Fragony]

Do they have Cashews and Milk there? :2thumbsup::book2:

You aren't really Dutch if you didn't have everything. I should open a visit the Netherlands topic really, We don't have forests and mountains but we do have towns Lots of them. Most tourits go to Amsterdam but it's to us what NY is to the USA, it exists here that's all

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

You aren't really Dutch if you didn't have everything. I should open a visit the Netherlands topic really, We don't have forests and mountains but we do have towns Lots of them. Most tourits go to Amsterdam but it's to us what NY is to the USA, it exists here that's all

Do you guys have Cashews and Milk?

[Vladimir]

Do you guys have Cashews and Milk?

Milk and honey > Cashews and milk

[edyzmedieval]

Gawd. Reminds you of how crowded it is over here, if somebody can point me out a place in the Neds with a one kilometer radius without a traffic-sign please tell me, I want to go picknick there. The Netherlands is great but it's sooooo tiny, it's impossible to get lost here without narcotics

You're welcome to visit Frag any time. :grin:

[Fragony]

You're welcome to visit Frag any time. :grin:

Maybe we should trade, I really like these buildings and that nature thing, half of Romania is soon going te be here anyway, deal

[edyzmedieval]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdlnbJAijII

Definitely suggest you watch this video/film. :yes:

[edyzmedieval]

Organised campaign to promote Romania. :yes:

https://img842.imageshack.us/img842/8805/37872910150434561369124.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/842/37872910150434561369124.jpg/)

[edyzmedieval]

Romania looks astonishingly identical to the great Pacific Northwest! For that alone, Romania must surely be the greatest country in Europe.

Thank you. :bow:

[Fragony]

Great stuff. Maybe more of these would be great fun as we have such an international crowd here.

[edyzmedieval]

Great stuff. Maybe more of these would be great fun as we have such an international crowd here.

There's been quite a promoted advertising campaign for Romania that has been airing lately on the TV channels. Shame I can't get the videos from YouTube, they haven't been uploaded by anyone, but there's a fair chance you will see them on major TV channels all around the world. :yes:

[A Nerd]

Any Romanian ghost stories you can share edyz? I love that kind of stuff! :D Provide pics if applicable!

[edyzmedieval]

https://img638.imageshack.us/img638/7017/romaniaw.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/638/romaniaw.jpg/)


Happy Birthday Romania! ~:)


Romania celebrates on the 1st of December, since 1918, the Great Union Day of all of the main regions of the country. Since the collapse of Communism in 1989, 1st of December has been declared the National Day of Romania.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Day_of_Romania


National Anthem of Romania


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqYCLYCQ2vs

[edyzmedieval]

Christmas market in Romania. :yes: :santa:


https://img405.imageshack.us/img405/2444/37392629932571344158014.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/405/37392629932571344158014.jpg/)


Taken from www.facebook.com/273.ro

[Fragony]

I knew I was missing a tent

[Beskar]

Are there any interesting or good Byzantium sites or other historically significant things in your country?

I know the answer is "Yes", I am simply asking to find out exactly what kind of things are there. I am quite curious and interested but rather ignorant in my knowledge of the area. I liked some of the pictures of the medieval city too and other things you posted, but I might be a little greedy in wanting to know "More" !

What is the culture like in Romania too? As in, if I went there as a tourist, with my complete lack of Romanian language, how far would I get and how would I be treated by the locals?

[Fragony]

TRIVIA with 12.73 cm Romanians have the smallest penisses of Europe. Their Bulgerian neighbours have the largest with almost 17 cm, impressive

[Sarmatian]

TRIVIA with 12.73 cm Romanians have the smallest penisses of Europe. Their Bulgerian neighbours have the largest with almost 17 cm, impressive

Conclusion - you can allow your wife a trip to Romania with her girlfriends but Bulgaria is a no-no.

[Fragony]

Conclusion - you can allow your wife a trip to Romania with her girlfriends but Bulgaria is a no-no.

Looks like it

[edyzmedieval]

Are there any interesting or good Byzantium sites or other historically significant things in your country?

I know the answer is "Yes", I am simply asking to find out exactly what kind of things are there. I am quite curious and interested but rather ignorant in my knowledge of the area. I liked some of the pictures of the medieval city too and other things you posted, but I might be a little greedy in wanting to know "More" !

What is the culture like in Romania too? As in, if I went there as a tourist, with my complete lack of Romanian language, how far would I get and how would I be treated by the locals?

Byzantium didn't have a lasting influence from a archeological point of view. Culturally speaking, Byzantine influence is widespread and you can see it mainly in architecture, theology and late medieval works. Check out the Curtea de Arges Cathedral - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtea_de_Argeş_Cathedral

As a tourist, just like in any other country, depends very much on where you go and if you meet the right people. :yes: Even without the knowledge of Romanian you can get along in English without much of a problem in the major cities - rural areas might pose some problems but not significant. Same goes with the locals, I've had friends who came over from European countries (Austria, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Israel too) and they loved the country and the scenery and how warmly they were treated by the people.

It all goes down to each individual. You can absolutely love it or you may not find it that interesting. All I can say is that take the chance and visit. :yes:

[Sarmatian]

How hard is Romanian to pick up? I have never once seen it offered in a class here in the states.

If I remember well, it's the closest spoken (as in, non dead) language to original Latin, even closer than Italian. Go from there.

[edyzmedieval]

How hard is Romanian to pick up? I have never once seen it offered in a class here in the states.

Sarmatian is right, it's the closest spoken to original Latin. So if you know any Latin language (French, Spanish, Italian...), you should be able to progress without much of a problem in Romanian. :yes:

[edyzmedieval]

A spectacular winter gallery from Romania. ~:)

A Happy New Year to everyone, may all your wishes come true. :bow:


Brasov under snow

https://img823.imageshack.us/img823/6875/38122630632140607534414.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/823/38122630632140607534414.jpg/)

Forest around Timisoara

https://img864.imageshack.us/img864/5191/38940929765663027515514.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/864/38940929765663027515514.jpg/)

Magura, near Brasov

https://img864.imageshack.us/img864/9794/38409030543468283068314.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/864/38409030543468283068314.jpg/)

Dognecea, near Caras-Severin

https://img692.imageshack.us/img692/1434/38516729541632049918614.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/692/38516729541632049918614.jpg/)

Bumbesti, Gorj county




https://img851.imageshack.us/img851/726/39788031407467196668414.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/851/39788031407467196668414.jpg/)


Check out the full album here - http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.295416303832521.75595.142699105770909&type=1

[Fragony]

Dang, that's some pretty country.

I'd say, very pretty. Hungary sure is heavy on postcardworthy snapping bliss, awesome pictures all of them. I really can't think of anything mean and that is pretty rare since it's eastern-europe

[edyzmedieval]

I'd say, very pretty. Hungary sure is heavy on postcardworthy snapping bliss, awesome pictures all of them. I really can't think of anything mean and that is pretty rare since it's eastern-europe

Eh, Frag, too many beers on New Year's Eve? :grin:

Romania, not Hungary.

[Fragony]

I don't want to know the difference between Hungary and Romania so I guess I had enough

[Fragony]

I think the chief difference is that one is generally more well-fed.


:creep:

Hungarian are better hung, but it's a really small difference, tiny in fact

Here's a handy map http://www.geenstijl.nl/mt/archieven/2011/12/polen_hebben_kleine_piemels_al.html, names the countries are shown so you know which one is which

[edyzmedieval]

Around two, three weeks ago - Welcome to snowed Romania, where the snow can reach even five metres on the side of the road.


https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/5379/40439435010081167668910.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/338/40439435010081167668910.jpg/)


Also, I wanted the wonderful Facebook album I so often quoted. Check it out. :yes:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.295416303832521.75595.142699105770909&type=1

[edyzmedieval]

https://img844.imageshack.us/img844/7140/55931036989725971775814.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/844/55931036989725971775814.jpg/)


Typical countryside house in spring. ~:)

[edyzmedieval]

http://hashconspiracy.tumblr.com/post/21139571079/romania-a-surprise

Straight to the point blog post about Romania. Definitely worth checking it out. :yes:

[edyzmedieval]

Some more pictures.

Interior courtyard of the Peles Castle, Sinaia

http://i46.tinypic.com/z0as2.jpg

Turnul Portii

http://i45.tinypic.com/1195xxf.jpg

Dawn at Saliste

http://i50.tinypic.com/1zvvek2.jpg

Orsova, southern Romania

http://i45.tinypic.com/2hwo64j.jpg

[edyzmedieval]

Magnificent sunset in Bucharest.

http://i48.tinypic.com/2nh1d1k.jpg

[edyzmedieval]

Wanted to update this a bit, with a little rising sun over the city of Brasov in the summer.

https://i43.tinypic.com/mmfqfk.jpg


Taken from - www.facebook.com/273.ro

[Strike For The South]

Bring me your women

[Fragony]

Bring me your women

Absolutily. Give me your lust and your sorrow, and everything inbetween

[SwordsMaster]

So, will be visiting Bucha-town for work for a whole week - 9 days in early August. Any highlights? Must sees/dos? Any warnings? Any good places to eat/drink/be merry?

[Ibrahim]

Around two, three weeks ago - Welcome to snowed Romania, where the snow can reach even five metres on the side of the road.


https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/5379/40439435010081167668910.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/338/40439435010081167668910.jpg/)


Also, I wanted the wonderful Facebook album I so often quoted. Check it out. :yes:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.295416303832521.75595.142699105770909&type=1

it can be 9-10m in Michigan....this is more like Silverton and it's surrounding mountains (mainly the mountains), where the snow could be up to 20 feet as late as June.

[edyzmedieval]

So, will be visiting Bucha-town for work for a whole week - 9 days in early August. Any highlights? Must sees/dos? Any warnings? Any good places to eat/drink/be merry?

Ahhh, there's plenty to be enchanted about Swords! Must do - party. Muse see - the museums, concert halls and the general spectacle of Bucharest. Lipscani (the Old Town) is a must, and will probably turn into the first place you will see.

Places to eat? Depends on the budget. Zexe and Locanta Jaristea for Romanian food (along wth Caru' Cu Bere), plenty of other restaurants if you want international cuisine.

Be merry? A bit of shameless advertising here, but I outlined them all here in specific detail - http://www.randomwander.com/bucharest-nightlife/


Oh, and Strike buddy, you have to come here and get them. ~;)

[edyzmedieval]

Here's a couple of pictures from the trip through rural Romania! Transylvania was the target, with a little trip to Viscri as well, Prince Charles' Romanian spot.




Tower of Stefan, Baia Mare


https://i44.tinypic.com/2pt5hfb.jpg




Fortified Gothic Church in Viscri


https://i39.tinypic.com/2ia6eqv.jpg




Fortified Church in Rotbav


https://i40.tinypic.com/140zxo3.jpg




Green fields


https://i41.tinypic.com/2119dvt.jpg




Church tower of the Cluj Cathedral


https://i42.tinypic.com/2v93fyx.jpg






Bit of shameless advertising here, but if you want more pictures, I wrote a blog post about the whole trip - http://www.randomwander.com/rural-romania/

[edyzmedieval]

A little rural Romanian landscape. :yes:

https://i44.tinypic.com/nlao0i.jpg

[Fragony]

Really gorgeous

[edyzmedieval]

:bow:

[Fragony]

I especially like these fortified churches and monasteries, never seen a thing like that. Got some background to share

[Myth]

I especially like these fortified churches and monasteries, never seen a thing like that. Got some background to share

The Ottoman Empire. Muslim turks raping&pillaging and generally not being fond of christian temples. Every monastery in Bulgaria that survived is walled off and built with thick stone. Still a great number of those more easily accessible (read, not built high in the mountains) had been torched and razed at least once before.

BTW I'm going to Bucharest tomorrow (been there several times), I really enjoy that pedestrain area with all the pubs and the restaurant with the large internal plaza and live music.

[Fragony]

Take a nap and set your alarm clock at 12 AM, at night it's kinda different you will never be innocent again

[Myth]

Heh, unfortunately it's meetings with managers and QBRs for me... My GF lives just across the Danube in Ruse, but I won't be able to see her eitehr. I'll be wtih the boss man, and he's insufferable.

[edyzmedieval]

I especially like these fortified churches and monasteries, never seen a thing like that. Got some background to share

Myth is quite right on some aspects.

The idea behind them was to protect, and almost all of these fortified churches and monasteries (mainly those in Transylvania at least) were built by the peasants to protect themselves. The Moldavian monasteries were built mainly by the voievode (domnitor / voievod), but with the same idea in mind - protect the local community around the church.

Most of them haven't been ever razed, and quite a few of them survived numerous assaults.

Enjoy Lipscani Myth! :bow:

[edyzmedieval]

Sleepy mountains.


https://i43.tinypic.com/xfanhj.jpg


http://www.facebook.com/273.ro

[edyzmedieval]

A little picture of the interior of Bran, or how it's known, Dracula's Castle.


https://i41.tinypic.com/5aktjb.jpg

[Empire*Of*Media]

I cant believe how Romania is beautiful!! now im happy that i loved Romania before!!
Viva RomaniA !!!!! (what is Hello - Thank u - bye -and Viva InRomanian?!?!)

just 1 question,,,,,,is romania still having its folk culture like croatia or norway or sweden or they have been influenced and ordered by the NEW WORLD ORDER too?!?!

[edyzmedieval]

:bow:

Hello - Buna! (or Buna Ziua, which means Good Day!)

Thank you! - Multumesc! (informal - Mersi!)

Bye - La Revedere!

Viva - Viva ~D

[edyzmedieval]

Since scary Halloween is coming up, perhaps a little outlook on Dracula should be a starting point for your costume on the 31st. :tongue:


https://i41.tinypic.com/693sso.jpg


So what is the real story behind Dracula? Are the legends to be believed? Was Vlad as bloodthirsty as he was depicted? Did he really love to impale people for his own cruel fun? :hmm:


Short answer, yes. Longer answer, no. Vlad was not different from any of the other princes and kings, but he had his unique methods. Given the fact that he stayed on the throne for so long with such a ghastly preference… well, that says a lot.

His little reputation of a blood thirsty monster came from German pamphlets spread throughout Transylvania and Europe that depicted him as far as the imagination could go. One of the main reasons for this legendary cruelty was his relative tactic of impalement – a number of historical sources mention Vlad conducting raids south of the Danube into Ottoman territory. The men, women and children were impaled and displayed down the Danube and along the roads, shocking both the invading Ottoman army and the already frightened locals. Vlad had frequent battles and wars with the far more numerous Ottomans, so he had to resort to everything he could do defend his little principality.



https://i44.tinypic.com/1zwzukm.jpg


Despite what everyone thinks, Bran is not Dracula’s castle.

In fact, Vlad Tepes had nothing to do with Bran, which was built first by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. The splendid castle you see today was taken care of by Queen Marie of Romania back in 1921, fully restored by 1929. Vlad on the other hand had his own castle called Poenari, and the legend of Poenari is just as interesting as the Dracula created by Mr. Stoker.

During the end of the 15th century, around 1460, Vlad had to create his own stronghold that would guard the pass between Wallachia and Moldavia. Right on top of a rock, guarding the flowing river and the snaking roads underneath, Vlad rebuilt the castle of Poenari established back in the 13 century. But this castle wouldn’t be rebuilt by simple workers – no, no. This is Vlad, and Vlad hated his boieri (nobles) for constantly plotting against him.

According to legend, Vlad used the boieri as unskilled workers, breaking their backs as they carried the heavy stones to the top of the rock. Scores of them died, but the castle was completed and it soon became operational and quite useful for Vlad’s defence purposes. In reality, he used specialised workers, but back then even the smallest bits of gossip ended up as truth.

Tepes was a different kind of king. He wanted to defend his principality at all costs and as such used every tactic he could think of, making him one of the more popular Romanians (if you can call him that) in history.

Impaling people was relatively common in the medieval age but he brought it into public perception. :tongue:




If you want to have the complete story, I outlined a couple of more bits on a post - http://www.randomwander.com/draculas-little-legend/


Oh, and enjoy your Halloween! I hope Vlad makes your party more enjoyable :tongue:

[Fragony]

Well he did was kinda naughty, first known case of biological warfare. He send out plague victims to infiltrate enemy lines, and even catapulted plague victims into cities. That's just rude

[edyzmedieval]

That's just rude

~;)

:grin2:

[A Nerd]

Nice to see this thread is still going edyz. Your pictures of Romania are always beautiful and fun to admire. :)

[edyzmedieval]

Much appreciated, A Nerd. :bow:

[Lenin Cat]

Basileos Leandros I....
Guess who is here !
Can I have a balloon ? :) I want the first one from my first post here.

[edyzmedieval]

Welcome Lenin Cat. :bow: :balloon2:

Oh, and on that note, I'll try and get some beautiful autumn shots for the thread.

[edyzmedieval]

A belated Happy Birthday on the National Day of Romania! :bow:

[edyzmedieval]

Two beautiful winter photographs. :bow:



Poiana Marului, Brasov


https://i42.tinypic.com/1z56xjr.jpg




Traditional wooden house


https://i43.tinypic.com/1234bvl.jpg

[edyzmedieval]

I made a little post about the architecture in Bucharest - the eclectic mix that you can find in every corner. (2435 historical monuments, to be precise)


Kretzulescu Palace


https://i59.tinypic.com/1z5oy90.jpg




Cantacuzino Palace


https://i61.tinypic.com/2reif40.jpg




If you're interested, you can check out the rest of them at this little post I made - http://www.randomwander.com/bucharest-architecture/

[edyzmedieval]

A little green tunnel that heralds spring.


https://i61.tinypic.com/rjiayx.jpg


Taken from here - http://florinavramescu.blogspot.ro/2013/09/tunelul-mai-explicit.html

[totalkimbrough]

Wow looks amazing.

I am infact planning a Europe trip this summer - I was thining Madrid, Barcelona, Paris ... clearly I am staying far to West ... I am quite kenn to work as I go so to support the travelling. Has anyone else (from the States) done this kind of thing before?? Simple work I was thining - grape picking in the country, bar work in the cities ... - is there a working/visa you can apply for like in Oz? Or do people think it is better to opt for the ol' cash-in-hand mallarckie ~;)... ? Typing in 'American working in Europe' into Google and came across (apart from 'Tender is the Night') this site - http://www.green-card.com/ - all well and good for Romanians keen to make it in NYC, but not what I was looking for. Does anyone know if there is a site going in the other direction. Greencards to Europe that is ...?


PS: wasn't Dracula from Transylvania ... ???

[Fragony]

Don't skip the Netherlands, my hub

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/Fragony/imagejpg1_zpsf002930d.jpg

That isn't my actual hub by the way, mine is here http://www.krommestraat.nl

[edyzmedieval]

Ah, Frag, I visited your little Amersfoort, beautiful little town. (I love Holland!)

And yes, Dracula was from Transylvania, at least Bram Stoker portrayed him as such. :yes:

[edyzmedieval]

This little thread is now 3 years old, so I want to thank everyone who saw it, commented and appreciated. :bow:

Always welcome to visit Romania guys!

[edyzmedieval]

Night shot of Bucharest.

https://i58.tinypic.com/zjxklc.jpg

[Gregoshi]

Awesome picture and sight.

[Beskar]

I agree with Gregoshi, they do look lovely.

[edyzmedieval]

Thank you guys :bow:

You can check this Facebook page for more wonderful pictures - https://www.facebook.com/BucurestiOptimist

[A Nerd]

Lovely pictures. Please keep them coming. :)

[edyzmedieval]

:bow:

More pictures coming up, stay tuned!

[burphat]

I have always wanted to visit Romania. I am looking forward to try the food. I can't wait to have Ciorbă ,pască and cozonac. My friend who visited last year keeps on telling me beautiful Romania's culture is.

[edyzmedieval]

:bow:

If you can, do it around Christmas time - plenty of snow, beautiful scenery and amazing food! (Pasca is more or less done more on Easter, Cozonac is the choice for Christmas)

[edyzmedieval]

Sucevita Monastery - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

https://i60.tinypic.com/30s8x80.jpg

[edyzmedieval]

1st of December is Romania's National Day, so to all of my fellow Romanians, a belated LA MULTI ANI! :bow:

A picture from this year's military parade.

https://i60.tinypic.com/2yx1wmw.jpg

[edyzmedieval]

A Happy New Year from us over here in Romania, and as a little bonus, here's a shot of winter in the countryside. :bow:

https://i61.tinypic.com/16rtpf.jpg

[Gregoshi]

This is still a great thread. Thanks for updating it from time to time edyz. :bow:

[edyzmedieval]

Always my pleasure, I hope that it will convince more than a few to visit my beautiful country.

:bow:

[A Nerd]

Beautiful edyz. Looks cold though!

[edyzmedieval]

Beautiful edyz. Looks cold though!

For the past two weeks, it actually has been very cold around these places (-15 degrees Celsius, going to -25 in some areas) which is rather unusual because Romania has a temperate climate.

[edyzmedieval]

Traditional wooden Romanian house blanketed by snow.


https://i59.tinypic.com/wi33o5.jpg

[A Nerd]

lovely.

[edyzmedieval]

Something rather unique, which I found about a couple of days ago - forgotten in the north of Romania, you can find a unique half Orthodox, half Catholic church in the village of Hiliseu Crisan.

Legend has it that the local boyar, Alecu Curt, fell in love with a girl, Ana. Problem is, he couldn't marry her because she was Catholic and he was Orthodox, so she found a way to do it by adding Catholic motifs (13 life-size statues) and a bell tower to a wooden Orthodox church.

Apparently, it's also the only church in Europe that has the entrance through a bell tower.

https://i61.tinypic.com/2chaw08.jpg

More details over here - http://www.randomwander.com/orthodox-catholic-church-of-hiliseu/

[Gregoshi]

That is a beautiful picturesque church! And has an interesting history as an added bonus.

[edyzmedieval]

:bow:

A real shame it's not taken care of, it needs urgent repairs or otherwise the bell tower will collapse in the next years.

[Gregoshi]

Peeling paint, cracked plaster, etc, adds character to old buildings, but structural issues - those should be addressed before it is too late.

[KukriKhan]

Hi ii

[edyzmedieval]

Peeling paint, cracked plaster, etc, adds character to old buildings, but structural issues - those should be addressed before it is too late.

I do hope that will happen sometime soon, because it's not looking too good at the moment.

Hello to you too my dear KukriKhan. Good to see you around here! :bow:

[edyzmedieval]

As spring comes, 2 beautiful pictures to highlight the differences in seasons in Romania. :bow:


Winter in the mountains

https://i61.tinypic.com/10x7hg9.jpg








Spring by the hills


https://i59.tinypic.com/1109o36.jpg

[PhillipCross]

I was in Bucharest last year and i saw that they have open top busses like the ones in England. The life is preety cheap there.

[edyzmedieval]

We do indeed, it's for the tourists - open-top double decker buses for the tourists who wish to visit all of the landmarks in Bucharest. :yes:

[edyzmedieval]

4 years of Visit Romania, thank you to everyone who visited and appreciated the thread. :bow:


Here's a shot of a beautiful morning in the hills.
(taken from here, as always - www.facebook.com/273.ro (http://www.facebook.com/273.ro) - photograph by Marius Petric)

https://i60.tinypic.com/fkznte.jpg


I hope that many of you will one day have the chance to visit Romania and enjoy all that it has to offer. :balloon2:

Multumesc. :bow:

[edyzmedieval]

Summer morning in the Romanian countryside, in Transylvania near Brasov.


https://i61.tinypic.com/2mcvj3t.jpg


(taken by Adrian Niculescu - https://www.facebook.com/273.ro )

[edyzmedieval]

Calea Victoriei, a main boulevard of Bucharest, at night.

The building is the Grand Hotel Continental - http://continentalhotels.ro/Grand-Hotel-Continental-Bucuresti/en/

https://i59.tinypic.com/2mpn72f.jpg

(https://www.facebook.com/BucurestiOptimist)

[AllenRBryan]

This country look pretty amazing. I will surely pay a visit there in the near future.

[edyzmedieval]

Everyone is welcome to visit Romania. :bow:

[edyzmedieval]

http://www.touringbalkans.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/peles_castle_romania_carpathia-1.jpg


Peles Castle during summer. :)

[Gregoshi]

Welcome back edyz. Thanks for reviving your thread. :bow:

[edyzmedieval]

Never left, Gregoshi. Always around, at least lurking. :bow:

Always going to keep this up and running, I want to show the world how beautiful my country is.

:bow:

[wooly_mammoth]

Eh, ever since I've been looking over this thread, even before joining the org, I've been under the impression that it is misleading. :laugh4:

I've been living and traveling through Romania for nearly 30 years now and I wouldn't feel alright inviting anyone here. Generally I find its services way overpriced and much too lacking in many basic respects when compared to other European countries. It's way too easy for a foreign tourist to get taffed over in the most horrible ways here. It could be made worthwhile, but it would take some long-term competent management that can actually provide services at civilized standards.

Now, I don't want to hijack your thread, and no place on Earth is perfect after all. I just felt like sharing a second opinion.

[edyzmedieval]

Wooly, that's no surprise. We're very aware that our services are not up to scratch, it's common knowledge, but in the past years this has been improving. Slowly, but it's on the better path.

Don't expect top notch European services unless in some places, and in some unexpected ones as well, but we're improving.

:bow:

[Gregoshi]

Guess it all depends upon why you would go to Romania. It might not be the place to go for a Five Star Luxury Resort experience (yet ~;)) but to be out and about for the scenery (with my camera), looks pretty good to me. I prefer basic services anyway. I feel like a fish out of water when I have to stay in a high-brow place.

Anyway, back to the gorgeous pictures.

[edyzmedieval]

We have our own five star luxury hotels as well to stay in, and we're quite good at the luxury part ironically, but the middle-way services which appeals to most foreigners (not too expensive, not too basic) is what ails us and it's a known problem.

That being said, it is improving. :yes:

More pictures coming!

[wooly_mammoth]

Guess it all depends upon why you would go to Romania. It might not be the place to go for a Five Star Luxury Resort experience (yet ~;)) but to be out and about for the scenery (with my camera), looks pretty good to me. I prefer basic services anyway. I feel like a fish out of water when I have to stay in a high-brow place.


When I said services I was actually thinking about very basic stuff too, like at least half-decent roads, reliable transportation, access to medical services. The kind of stuff that needs to be there in order for you to be able to safely enjoy the wilderness & all the jazz.

I could go into a lot of personal stories about the simplest things not working here as they should, but I'll just mention one situation that really stuck with me. I was once involved with an event in one of the biggest mountain resorts in the country. A foreign guest ended up with a very serious leg injury and we had to drive him with one of our own cars to the hospital in another resort about 10 miles further because the emergency unit back in the first place wasn't staffed with a leg doctor. The doctor in the second medical unit was the only person we found in either hospital that could manage any kind of foreign language, and he couldn't do much either aside from basic patchwork due to lack of staff and supplies.

Anyway, I don't want to be perceived as being negative. The pretty pictures are real, but I wouldn't want anyone to come here unprepared, for their own safety. Romania is still pretty far from having the infrastructure and services that are needed in order for you to have a safe and good time, particularly if you are traveling on your own and you don't have friends here or someone competent to help you sort out the problems you'll run into.

[edyzmedieval]

When I said services I was actually thinking about very basic stuff too, like at least half-decent roads

Definitely improving. 10-15 years ago it was horrendous, I used to do a lot of travelling with my family and our cars would get beaten up pretty seriously on the roads. But it's really improving, leaps and bounds how it was like 15 years ago.


reliable transportation

Slightly improving. Could be way better, and definitely not always up to European standards, but it's not horrendous any more. 15 years ago, just like the roads, crumbling Communist infrastructure but it got replaced. Modern trains, modern buses, all that.


access to medical services.
This... unfortunately... is spot on. The Romanian health system is a disaster unfortunately, and while they're doing some serious work to reshuffle, restore and improve, it's still a looooong way to go. This is a serious problem and while it is being tackled and always in the press, it needs work. We do however have a top notch elite level emergency services unit - the SMURD - those guys are fantastic.

That being said, no country is perfect, but if you do want a good vacation, you should definitely come. :yes:

:bow:

[Fragony]

What fun would it be if it's perfect, that would be pretty boring

[edyzmedieval]

A lot of people have concerns about Romania, some founded, but a lot of them unfounded. What I'm trying to do here is to show both the beauty and the reality, and to make everyone look at Romania in a much better way.

:bow:

[Fragony]

I like irt when things are both broken and beautiful, both are to be apreciated in perfect sinq

[wooly_mammoth]

I'd be ok with things being broken too if it didn't involve millions of people paying their backs off in taxes & insurances of all kinds. Makes you wonder where all that money goes. :dizzy2:

[Fragony]

Someone has to build that beautiful nature no ;)

[edyzmedieval]

Corruption in Romania is endemic, that's very true, unfortunately. But we're on the right path - as evidenced by the European media and New York Times articles highlighting the importance of the NAD - or in Romanian, the DNA. :yes:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Anticorruption_Directorate

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/04/woman-leading-war-on-corruption-romania

[edyzmedieval]

Wild Carpathia - the north of Romania. :bow:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yRny5R0j6c

[Fragony]

gorgious

[edyzmedieval]

:bow:

Wild Carpathia is 4 episodes long, the fourth one has been recently released, but if you get the time, watch the other 2 parts, 1 and 2.

[Fragony]

Will do. Romania is a fascinating country, modern yet really traditional at the same time

[edyzmedieval]

For those of you who use AirBnb, you had the chance this year to spend your Halloween in the famous Bran Castle, the place related (rather wrongly :tongue:) to Vlad Tepes.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/oct/31/dracula-castle-spend-night-airbnb

[edyzmedieval]

Today is the National Day of Romania - 1st of December - always an anniversary of the unification of Greater Romania.

Happy National Day to all of my fellow Romanians!

:bow:

[edyzmedieval]

A little heads up - tourism in Romania has increased quite significantly in the past year, leading to some really impressive tourist numbers.

Why don't YOU Visit Romania? :yes:

:romania:

[edyzmedieval]

Romanian Protests light up... literally. This is Romania. :bow:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVKTDOCkfPs

[edyzmedieval]

Gonna leave this here for those who are considering investing and doing business in Romania. :bow:

http://investromania.gov.ro/web/business-in-romania/

[Fragony]

page is really slow heh

[Strike For The South]

Do you sell Dracula merchandise?

[Vincent Butler]

Wow, Frag, that "heh" is really Dutch. What can I say, I was born in Utrecht, and all my mom's family is still over there, either by Utrecht or Nieuwegein.

I would love to see Romania. I did not realize till recently that Romanian is a Romance language, was listening to their national anthem. It would be really neat to see where Trajan fought, and of course the countryside would be nice to see too.

[Seamus Fermanagh]

Do you sell Dracula merchandise?

I have little doubt you will find such. I would also not be surprised if they were selling wood from the "true stake" used by Tepes. Plus I remember readings something about them being big in the modern slave trade. Certainly that would be vampiric in character.

[Vlad Dracula]

Everyone knows Vlad Dracula made Romania even more famous and infamous he was a hero but to others a devil!

[edyzmedieval]

I have little doubt you will find such. I would also not be surprised if they were selling wood from the "true stake" used by Tepes. Plus I remember readings something about them being big in the modern slave trade. Certainly that would be vampiric in character.

You will find a ton of merchandise like that, especially by the Bran Castle. Everything is merchandised - caps, t shirts, mugs, you name it, they offer to sell it.

[Seamus Fermanagh]

You will find a ton of merchandise like that, especially by the Bran Castle. Everything is merchandised - caps, t shirts, mugs, you name it, they offer to sell it.

I assumed so. I grew up in a beach resort town, and removing as much money from the wallets of tourists as painlessly as possible was -- pardon the pun in context -- our lifeblood.

[edyzmedieval]

To be fair, since the whole topic is so wildly popular, not capitalising on it would be a real shame and an annoyance for tourists who want souvenirs.

[Seamus Fermanagh]

To be fair, since the whole topic is so wildly popular, not capitalising on it would be a real shame and an annoyance for tourists who want souvenirs.

Absolutely. At least when they stop taking selfies long enough to actually a) see something of Romania, and b) realize that life is not just getting a picture.

[Vincent Butler]

Absolutely. At least when they stop taking selfies long enough to actually a) see something of Romania, and b) realize that life is not just getting a picture.

Instead of taking time to enjoy beauty, they want their friends to see what they are doing, and using selfies puts the focus on them, not the scenery. As if life consists of status updates.

[edyzmedieval]

Well, to be fair, people were taking pictures of themselves at landmarks before, except that nowadays we do it more than before :bounce:

Bran Castle (the castle in question) is so popular that in 2016 it received 600.000 visitors.

[Fragony]

Everyone knows Vlad Dracula made Romania even more famous and infamous he was a hero but to others a devil!

Well impaling people (that's cruel lol) and catapulting plague-victims or letting plague infiltrate is kinda mean. Using disease as a weapon is kinda brilliant though, brilliant but kinda sadistic

[edyzmedieval]

A lot of the details are pretty much made up in legends. There's considerable exaggeration with regards to the local Saxon chronicles, despite them having historical basis (real eyewitness accounts).

However, Vlad was an enemy of the local Saxon merchants - so they had a good reason to publish all sorts of stories about him.

[edyzmedieval]

Bucharest today. :bow:

https://i64.tinypic.com/2555pg2.jpg

[Fragony]

Lovely

[edyzmedieval]

Thank thee. :bow:

It's really beautiful now, all summery and gorgeous.

[edyzmedieval]

Painted eggs are a Romanian tradition, and since Easter was just last weekend, here's a little tidbit of info.

https://www.uncover-romania.com/attractions/history-culture/traditions/romania-painted-eggs/

[Seamus Fermanagh]

Painted eggs are a Romanian tradition, and since Easter was just last weekend, here's a little tidbit of info.

https://www.uncover-romania.com/attractions/history-culture/traditions/romania-painted-eggs/

My wife and daughter want us to go to Transylvania this summer. What are some good suggestions for must sees (me big history buff; them emphatically not)?

[edyzmedieval]

My wife and daughter want us to go to Transylvania this summer. What are some good suggestions for must sees (me big history buff; them emphatically not)?

Hi Seamus. :bow:

Glad you're coming over to visit!

I'm going to split this up between For The Fam and For You, so it's easier to see.

For the Fam



go for a walk in Sibiu, the European Capital of Culture for 2016 ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sibiu )
Sighisoara - must see, the oldest inhabited fortress, a walled city with a lot of charm
visit Viscri - Prince Charles's spot in Transylvania
Brasov + the famous Black Church ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biserica_Neagr%C4%83 )
Bran Castle - the famous place for Bram Stoker's inspiration, totally unconnected to Vlad Tepes
have a little walk around Oradea, a beautiful Habsburgic town
watch the change of guard in Alba Iulia - a Vauban fortress called Alba Carolina and a town of huge historical importance (unification of Greater Romania happened there)
Timisoara - some old charm, some new charm, cute little city



For You



Poenari Castle - walk up 1400 steps to Vlad Tepes's real castle, in between Transylvania and Wallachia
Rasnov Fortress - must see, close to Brasov, a wonderful hilltop fortress built by locals in the 13th century
Viscri - it has a really old fortress-like church from the 15h century
Prejmer Fortified Church - a whole wall built in a half circle around the church - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prejmer_fortified_church
Calnic Castle - a peasant built fortress, with a guard tower in it's midst, surrounded by sleepy hills and old houses


Little tip - if you go by car, have a look at Gurasada Church. It's a fantastic little church built in the 1280's, a local village church, full of charm and beauty.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurasada#/media/File:Biserica_Sfantul_Arhanghel_Mihail,_Gurasada,_HD.jpg

[edyzmedieval]

This thread is now more than 7 years old - thank you to everyone who viewed and hopefully visited Romania. :bow:

https://www.travelagentcentral.com/destinations/17-fascinating-facts-about-romania-home-world-s-heaviest-building

[Seamus Fermanagh]

This thread is now more than 7 years old - thank you to everyone who viewed and hopefully visited Romania. :bow:

https://www.travelagentcentral.com/destinations/17-fascinating-facts-about-romania-home-world-s-heaviest-building


Had to reschedule our trip for another year. Daughter needed car.

[edyzmedieval]

Had to reschedule our trip for another year. Daughter needed car.

Flights are cheap to Romania, RyanAir flies often. :yes:

[edyzmedieval]

p/BgzOVQFAKNV

p/Be_KbyaAFT4

p/BhchA-IDU6K

[edyzmedieval]

https://scontent-otp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/28276605_2067084466640093_4869613985859267911_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=d8bd36e304ccffb2c3c3eb7a7c6a1db5&oe=5BCEA98A

A candid winter shot.

Taken from here -> https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2067084466640093&set=a.2061238833891323.1073741970.100000156789283&type=3&theater)

[Montmorency]

Hey, someone's visiting Romania.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7OZBd8lhhA

[edyzmedieval]

Speaking of Untold...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VvYZLAyKWM

[edyzmedieval]

1st of December was the National Day of Romania!

To mark this, I just want to say that last week on the 1st of December Romania celebrated 100 years since the Great Union. :yes:

Happy Birthday my beloved country! ~:)

[Gregoshi]

Happy Centennial!

[edyzmedieval]

Thank you Gregoshi! :bow:

Seeing that it's Christmas, here's some ideas on how we celebrate it :yes:

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/romania/articles/how-do-romanians-celebrate-christmas/

https://www.uncover-romania.com/attractions/history-culture/traditions/romanian-christmas-traditions/

[Fragony]

Goingthere next month, two perhaps
, depends on mate, Ï wil buy you a drink of you apreciate it

[edyzmedieval]

You're coming to Romania, Frag? Wonderful! :yes:

When exactly? And where?

[edyzmedieval]

Aman Museum - an art museum.

p/BnrP1HZBFoQ

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnrP1HZBFoQ/

[edyzmedieval]

p/Bsohye4naMo

Triumphal Arch

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsohye4naMo/

[edyzmedieval]

Some more pictures!

p/BuO4UcGlWk-

p/Bub7Si3Fpni

[edyzmedieval]

Here's an interesting video explaining the geopolitics of Romania, particularly on the historical side and the economic development problems.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j5B_ADq9RY

[Seamus Fermanagh]

Do you work for the Romanian tourism board? You should.

[edyzmedieval]

I do my best to promote Romania to be fair, because I love my country and it has a lot of things to offer - and I tend to steer away from working in the public sphere. A very complicated thing to work with / for the government.

Thank you for the appreciation Seamus. :bow:

[edyzmedieval]

1st of December again so Happy Birthday Romania! :romania:

1st of December Military parade, as is tradition.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NkXX5Q57Ys

[edyzmedieval]

When the Irishman was released, the local Odeon theatre turned it a bit... theatrical.

p/B6rRTtTpWF6

[edyzmedieval]

Some splendid shots of Bucharest.

p/B-Ajwejp-na

p/B5DZ6kJnTEW

p/B9BU93PJcXs

p/B9cHBe3Jc_m

[edyzmedieval]

I'll take this time and show you some historical bits, particularly about Romania's role in World War I. Courtesy of The Great War channel.


https://youtu.be/S7-hTqDhps4


https://youtu.be/fLj2s0mbkVk


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puipcp5eS_4