Blogs from Bran, Brasov, Transilvania, Romania, Europe - page 2

The jury was still out on Romania after the 2010 trip to Bucharest. As described in Red Dogs & Englishmen and the very worthwhile book on all things football in Eastern Europe, Romania is not a very easy country to like - a cross between the appalling and the appealing. The five days in Bucharest elevated it’s status in our minds, so we thought we’d give it another go for the "special occasion". There would be no football this time anyway to bring us into contact with the less sophisticated members of society and the Henri Coanda Airport at Otopeni is a step up in class from the less than luxurious cousin down the road at Banesa. The EU funds had been well spent and the bag pick up was swift and efficient. Terminal 4 had ... read more

We landed to a rapturous applause by passangers as the shifty-looking Wizzair plane bounced off the runway at Targu-Mures municipal airfield. Emblazoned proudly on the side of the terminal are the words 'Transilvania Airport'. I feel rather cheated, having believed there is a 'y' involved. Bram Stoker, the Irish gothic writer, envisioned a medieval wild-west, inhabited by the vampire Dracula, Van Helsing, and all kinds of ludicrous creatures. Transylvania looks vast, dark and overpowering in much the same way today, except with more car dealerships. Many more. With a group of six other teachers, we wait for another who hasn't come through arrivals. We later learn that he missed his flight entirely. Our driver from the airport only speaks when pointing out the odd prostitute (alleged) walking by the side of the road. That, and likening ... 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

Geo: 44.9735, 25.8696After leaving Bucharest, I enjoyed the beautiful country scenery of Transylvania. In the mid afternoon, we arrived at Bran. Here is the castle the Vlad Dracul may have stayed at. There are many souvenir stores here.... read more