This is the 6th in a series of posts. See previous here.
Our long-delayed visit to this country finally happened. We had planned to be here as part of our 2020 travels, but the obvious derailed our plans. Thus we finally came to the Balkan countries as part of a big European Vacation which includes a total of 12 countries.
Romania feels close to my heart mainly because my beloved manicurist of decades is from Bucharest, as is most everyone at Jessica’s Nail Clinic in Los Angeles. The founder is Romanian and many of the women there have worked at Jessica’s since coming to the US. The language is familiar, as it is part of the Romance languages that include Spanish, French, Portugese, and Italian. Hearing Romanian at my weekly appointment provided comfort that it would be easy to navigate in the country. But English is compulsory in Romanian schools, so most everyone speaks that as well.
Our guide Daniel, owner of Romania on the Map, is amazing. Please refer back to a previous post to learn how we came to find him. And there he was promptly in our hotel in Chisinau, Moldava, for the long but comfortable drive to Bucharest. Daniel likewise connected us with our guide in Chisinau, a colleague of his named Victoria.
First up, the historic (140+ years) and legendary Caru cu Bere restaurant below. When in Bucharest, this is the place to try for authentic Romanian cuisine – huge portions of meat, lots of beer (or “Bere” as the name suggests), cheese-filled things — none of which we consumed. We did share some schnitzel, delicious and inexpensive as is most of the food here. And big!
Below, taste testing at Daniel’s choice for a Bucharest iconic pastry shop – Scovergaria Micai – in the older part of the city, with our delicious selections!
Daniel showed us Bucharest including many of the historic buildings from the 1800’s forward. Of course there was a lot of destruction when the Communists took over and subsequent rebuilding after 1989. Romania has advanced economically more than the other Balkan countries and is thriving today.
Below, one of many classic architectural buildings – formerly government – now a bank
The Palace of Parliament below – the world’s second largest building after the Pentagon. This is just one side of it. We’re in front for scale.
Below, the Union of Romanian Architects HQ showing off their talent by combining the old with the new in a single building. Impressive!
After a half-day, we had a lovely evening dining with someone who worked at my L.A. nail salon. She is now retired and living in her native Bucharest where most of her family likewise resides. My friend Mihaela lives a wonderful life here after working hard and doing well. She travels, enjoys culture, all the local restaurants and everything that Bucharest and the rest of the country has to offer. Good for her!
Above, at a our wonderful dinner at Sara Floreasca (one of Sara’s four locations). Great food & company!
Below, the open shopping area with deli, produce and gelato (not shown); my grilled branzino; arugla salad; pizza dough bread (YUM); simple pasta.
Following Bucharest, it was up into the Carpathian mountains for two iconic sites – Peles Castle and Bran Castle. Personally, Peles was much more interesting as I have zero interest in Dracula. Not to mention, the climb is very steep at Bran, some of which is through very narrow hallways and passageways. Bran is definitely not for anyone prone to claustrophobia! Both are must-see’s.
Above, Peles Castle. Below, photographed inside Peles with a knight in shining armor (or maybe two?)
Below, Bran (or “Dracula’s”) Castle with fitting gloomy skies!
Our night was spent in Brasov which historic old town (SEEN BELOW) could be anywhere in Europe. Since this was the Orthodox Easter weekend with wonderful weather, families were out en masse.
Below, it just SEEMS like Starbucks has been around since 1835!
Below, this sign is mounted in English AND Romanian, but apparently to no avail. Graffiti is sadly a massive problem everywhere. I don’t get it. 
The Brasov Radisson provided a story for the ages: I always ask for an extra pillow upon being shown to any hotel room. When it didn’t arrive, I asked again as we left the hotel for our town tour. Upon return, there was a pillow case (only) neatly folded on the bed. Next, we left for dinner so I took the pillow case to the front desk and asked for the pillow (again). When we got back – there was the extra pillow on the bed. Naked. No pillow case. Oh well. Let it go …
The drive from Brasov to our final Romanian stop in Cluj Napoca included a surprise stop in Viscri, where none other than King Charles (yes, the one from the UK) has a home and garden! Who would have thought. He has a long relationship with Romania and is well loved in the country. Below, the outside of his home and then the interior garden space. There is a larger garden behind the property.
We also made stops in Sighishoara and Alba Lulia en route to Cluj Napoca, a quite modern city of 500,000. Cluj is the second largest city by population in Romania, and where we would fly from for our next stop. Travel (and brain) fatigue led us to dining in (at the beautiful new Cluj Radisson) where we met head chef William, a Chicago native and now 8-year resident of Cluj. His stories were amazing, from supervising 14,000 daily “meals” at O’Hare Airport to now living in Romania (his wife is Romanian but they met in Chicago) and overseeing this beautiful new hotel. The quality of life improvement is obvious from there to here. He loves raising his son in this country.
Below, the Roman Catholic Cathedral — a huge draw for visitors to Alba Lulia
Thank you, Romania and guide Daniel for your hospitality. We enjoyed our time with you. Next stop – Bulgaria
