Blogs from Brasov, Transilvania, Romania, Europe - page 10

I returned to the 'mici restaurant' to savor a final helping of their version. There was a little combo in there playing Romanian tunes, lounge-lizard style. I got the back of my pants wet in the toilet from unknown substances on the floor, forcing a hasty retreat to my nearby pensiune for a quick hand wash. It rained all night again forcing me to pack damp clothes. It was 8:00 when I was ready to go to the bus station and I had to wake up Reception to take my payment for the last day. LOL I had a short walk from the city bus to the gara but I had a printout of the bus schedule so I was a happy man. I had contacted a chat friend and arranged a short visit to Brasov. ... read more

Last night we left Budapest and took a night train to Brasov, Romania. I didn't expect things to be so different here, but they really are. The night train was alright, kind of cramped but the bunk beds were better than any of the hostels we've stayed at. Jessica and I were watching a movie on her mini-computer when the cabin door flung open and a train attendant sharply demanded something in another language. Everyone gave him their passports and tickets for inspection so we did too. About an hour later the door flung open again and another train attendant asked for passports, but this time only from Jessica and I. He took our passports and wrote down information from them. I found it pretty alarming because it was a different person, which means they're keeping ... read more

Varna to Bucharest was an absolute mission!! I went to the train station in the day to get a seat reservation for the 10pm train. I was told by two people this wasn't necessary so went on my merry way to the beach. However, when I came back at 9 I tried to get on and was told I did in fact need a reservation... However, as it is during high season, all of these had gone as Romanians and Bulgarians headed home from their holidays. I was told by the conductor, who said he didnt know was interrail was, was to buy a ticket from him for 80 US dollars! Seeing as the reservation should have been around a quid, i told him where to stick it. So I found another train which was heading ... read more

7/26/09 Austin: It has been awhile since we last blogged, and we have a lot to update on. We have been traveling through Romania for the last two weeks. We went to the Transylvania Alps, near Sinaia, and braved the weather to hike to the top in very windy conditions. We also spent a night in a freezing cold Cabana at the top of the mountain. The views are beyond words in the beauty of flat topped mountains at about one mile high. ----- We saw the most extravagant castle so far called Peles Castle. It use to be owned by the King of Romania. It has many fancy designs in the wood work and structure. The art was priceless. His collection of weapons is the largest in Romania. ----- We went to Dracula’s Castle in ... read more

I have to admit that the only reason I was interested in visiting Transylvania was because of the Dracula movies. But Ill have you know that it wasn't because of Dracula, but rather the castles and the mountainous scenery the movies showed. And although it wasn't quite like what I had imagined, I certainly was not disappointed. The train ride through the Carpathian mountains was jaw-dropping; mountains that were over 2500m high, lush forest all around, following a beautiful stream and every now and then a beautiful castle. After arriving in the city of Brasov, I once again followed a backpacker to their hostel (although I have kinda been travelling with the girl (Jacqui) I followed) and it payed off once again. I quickly ditched my bags and went exploring this touristy but beautiful town that ... read more