Brasov and the Carpathian mountains of Sinaia

The trip from Sibiu to Brasov was impressive. We left to a cool morning with sun emerging across the mountains jutting into the sky like a knife. It became misty as we approached the mountains in the private mini bus, in search of the glacial lake known as 'Balea'. The ascent through pine forest gave way to barren tussock land, then rock, following a series of switchbacks that had an amazing view across the valley from whence we came. The military entertained us at the summit, firing mortars with accompanying sounds, that seemed as though they were blasting the mountain apart! Spare bthe odd souvenir shop and people working on the roads at the summit (a winter resort, like many other places) we were the only ones there.

It was then down to the horse stable, where they are trained for the Spanish riding school in Vienna....I opted out of this 45 minute add-on, but relished the following visit to the largest monastery in Transylvania on our way to Brasov. A late afternoon arrival gave us a chance to explore with the help of our enthusiatic local guide, Julian, self taught English speaker and native Brasov-ian! The blackened church, black tower, city walls, overt 'Brasov' hollywood style sign, the cemetery, stories of the 1989 uprising....all kept us captivated for 24 hrs. The autumn colours are impressive, and kept doing so until our ride into the town of Sinaia later the next day. We paid a token visit to Bran castle, the palce that Dracula stayed only one night contrary to common belief, and had the past 2 days to explore Sinaia, mountain resort of the Carpathians. It was a gloroius day today to see the summit after a 2.5 hr ascent through pine forest, yellow leafed trees, and finally tussock lands that were very dry. Faster then the tourisdt centre predictions, I had ample time to ramble along the ridges and met many people for a quick of longer chat about the great scenery. I even talked to Dan, a 7 time titled for downhill skiing champion of Romania, a legacy from his ancestors evidently!!

We are off to Bucharest tomorrow, me nursing a sore left calf, but soon to get better with good physio treatment and running rest.

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