Last week I went on a short adventure with a couple of my favorite volunteers (Chris and Jen) to the little city of Brasov in Romania. Luckily for us the drive over wasn't complicated with snow. But, it was nine and a half hours so I guess it's hard to say that it was easy. We arrived in the little city late at night and caught a cab to our hostel. The hostel was tucked away down a little ally but didn't have any trouble finding it. That evening we were tired and pleased to find a delicious restaurant to enjoy our first night.
The next morning we woke up and Jen and I set off to explore the town, while Chris took to the slopes. Brasov has a beautiful old town center. The streets are all cobblestone and the buildings were colorful with just enough character (my fav!). Jen and I had a beautiful day of exploring down little streets. Seeing the black church, the town square and taking pictures in the smallest street in Europe (Strada Sforii). We took our time observing the cultural differences and similarities between our home in Moldova, and both decided it was probably for the better that this beautiful little city wasn't in Moldova, or we would find ourselves making many weekend visits. We sat in a cafe and enjoyed a coffee, we strolled through the streets, and took a ride up the main hill in Brasov boosting the famous 'BRASOV' sign, just like the one in Hollywood... maybe not just like it but we will give them points for effort. We enjoyed hot spiced wine at the top, taking the view of the old city walls below. We ended the day by hiking up to the Brasov Fortress.
That evening we went out on the town. It's always exciting going out in a new city, but fun always ensues when I am with these two. We found ourselves in a funky 1930s themed restaurant that had great live music. Later, at an Irish pub we made friends with some very lively boys from Australia and England. Chris' leftovers may have been eaten by our new friends, and they may have ended up passed out at the bar but, we did make some lasting and laugh-filled memories. In all we had a great night.
The following morning we rose early to go on a castle tour. Brasov is in the Transylvania region of Romania and no trip is complete without a visit to these beautiful landmarks. In the morning we visited Peles Castle, near the city of Sinaia, the Castle was built for King Carol I of Romania. We took a tour of the inside and I can say that guy knew who to hire. It was a truly beautiful place both inside and out. Our second stop brought us to Bran Castle, the infamous 'Dracula's Castle'. We enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the little village before heading to our third and final stop, Rasnov Fortress. We hiked up to the Fortress and explored the outer-wall and the little buildings and winding streets within the fortress. By the end of the day trip the snow began to fall heavily, dusting everything with a fresh layer of powder and adding a unique quality to the mountainous landscape. That evening found us following a similar route as the night before. Meeting new people and making more fun memories from our short little trip.
The next morning we walked around the town square and packed-up. We then boarded our bus for the long journey home. It was short and sweet, but just what one needs in the dead of winter in Eastern Europe, a little pick-me-up as we wait for Spring.
Happy last day of February to you!
The next morning we woke up and Jen and I set off to explore the town, while Chris took to the slopes. Brasov has a beautiful old town center. The streets are all cobblestone and the buildings were colorful with just enough character (my fav!). Jen and I had a beautiful day of exploring down little streets. Seeing the black church, the town square and taking pictures in the smallest street in Europe (Strada Sforii). We took our time observing the cultural differences and similarities between our home in Moldova, and both decided it was probably for the better that this beautiful little city wasn't in Moldova, or we would find ourselves making many weekend visits. We sat in a cafe and enjoyed a coffee, we strolled through the streets, and took a ride up the main hill in Brasov boosting the famous 'BRASOV' sign, just like the one in Hollywood... maybe not just like it but we will give them points for effort. We enjoyed hot spiced wine at the top, taking the view of the old city walls below. We ended the day by hiking up to the Brasov Fortress.
That evening we went out on the town. It's always exciting going out in a new city, but fun always ensues when I am with these two. We found ourselves in a funky 1930s themed restaurant that had great live music. Later, at an Irish pub we made friends with some very lively boys from Australia and England. Chris' leftovers may have been eaten by our new friends, and they may have ended up passed out at the bar but, we did make some lasting and laugh-filled memories. In all we had a great night.
The following morning we rose early to go on a castle tour. Brasov is in the Transylvania region of Romania and no trip is complete without a visit to these beautiful landmarks. In the morning we visited Peles Castle, near the city of Sinaia, the Castle was built for King Carol I of Romania. We took a tour of the inside and I can say that guy knew who to hire. It was a truly beautiful place both inside and out. Our second stop brought us to Bran Castle, the infamous 'Dracula's Castle'. We enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the little village before heading to our third and final stop, Rasnov Fortress. We hiked up to the Fortress and explored the outer-wall and the little buildings and winding streets within the fortress. By the end of the day trip the snow began to fall heavily, dusting everything with a fresh layer of powder and adding a unique quality to the mountainous landscape. That evening found us following a similar route as the night before. Meeting new people and making more fun memories from our short little trip.
The next morning we walked around the town square and packed-up. We then boarded our bus for the long journey home. It was short and sweet, but just what one needs in the dead of winter in Eastern Europe, a little pick-me-up as we wait for Spring.
Happy last day of February to you!
No comments:
Post a Comment