Best Romanian destinations on Halloween

Best Romanian destinations on Halloween

We in Romania are not very superstitious, even on the contrary. I mean, we believe in God, or 90 % from us do, on a good reason, fearing the ultimate instance. But further we make a lot of fun and a lot of jokes about black cats and other common superstitions coming from outside, mainly Scotland and America.

The picturesque Romania is a good place to spend Halloween

We also make a lot of fun of the number 13 (it brought me always luck and happiness). But we have also Dracula, and every body is very serious about him, as an important motor and vehicle for the Romanian travel industry!

We all love Dracula here, and I owe you some details about his life and real history. Dracula was a ruling prince in the Romanian Vallachia, who dared to fight against the threatening Turks. He was may be a little bit too cruel, not only against the Turks, but also again the rich Romanian seniors and landlords, who were not very loyal. That is why the people loved and venerated Dracula, whose real name was actually Vlad Tepes. There are a lot of myths and legends about Dracula, but I am going to tell you about not this time.

Staying to the Halloween and the related Carnivals, as we have nowadays in Romania a splendide weather. It is a fantastic and spectacular Autumn, with daily temperatures up to 25 degrees Celsius! So, you can spend a wonderful Halloween in Romania, even an unique one. Of course you need a special vestimentation, which must be very cosy, but also very sexy, and there a few special places for Halloween!

1. Sighisoara hosts the birth house  of Vlat Tepes Dracula, inside its unique medieval citadel, an UNESCO world heritage. Nowadays you can eat there (take a lot of garlic), it is a good restaurant. Not far a torture museum, an weapon museum and a secret room, where - but I'd better let you discover by yourself!

2. Bran Castle is also known as Dracula Castle, but had nevertheless with Dracula not very much in common. It was the property of a grandfather of Vlad Tepes Dracula, and Dracula himself was hosted one or two nights there. But the legend still lives, and it can be very useful for the Romanian tourism.

3. Piatra Fantanele resort lies even on the Borgo pass, where Bram Stroker placed the action of his strange novels, making from the poor Dracula a superstar, on the Hollywood connection. Thus, it has much more in common with Dracula as the Bran Castle!

Despite its interesting palaces, Bucharest is a fav Halloween destination

4.A carnival in Bucharest, on the Lipscani street, in a fancy local, not far from the royal court of Dracula, where he has a statue.

You will find anywhere an interesting mix between the local ingredients (Dracula wines or vodka, e.g.) and the international suits for Halloween, and you are going to have a big time for sure!

Read more »

Comparing Romania and Hungary in the friendly way

A few decades ago no one, but absolutely no one, could dream to dare comparing Romania and Hungary. It was such a silly emnity and rancour between these two countries, forced by the Geography and History to stay together, one next to the other.

Romanians and Hungarians love wine and enjoy life

I am sure than we have much more in common than one could think. The personal relations are really excellent, I am honored to have among my friends a few Hungarians, and I even managed to learn a few words. Koeszonem szepek to all normal friendly relaxed Hungarians, which are not necessary the enemmies of Romania. The only problem are the silly crazy politicians, like Jobbik, Gaudi, Vadim Tudor. With a normal relation between Romania and Hungaria they must perish for sure, they won't accept it easy! Despite the extremists of the both sides, I must say: I like Hungaria, I love the Hungarians and I am very fond of the Szeklerland! Without forgetting that I am first of all Romanian.

Oradea/Nagyvarad/Grosswardein  is a nice Romanian city, with stong traces of the Hungarian culture

There might be extremists on the both sides due to historic facts, myths and legends etc. But don't let the History separate you, allow it only bring you nearer. We have an unique chance, we are both European countries and there is a generous model between France and Germany.

Is this Bucharest or Budapest? Be very careful when doing a plane reservation!

Besides, Bucharest and Budapest are closer than one might think, similar in some directions and anyone can take one for another. 400 fans of a Spanish football team landed in Budapest, while the match was held in Bucharest. Funny, but true; unbelievable, there are people on both sides who feel insulted by this interesting error. Other, much crazier, guess a conspiracy behind.

But this the lovely Budapest, no doubt

The people are not so different after all. Romanians and Hungarians love wine and enjoy life. They like to sing and dance, they like to have a good meals, but are also hard working. There are many happy mixed marriages, most of the people from Transilvania feel to be simultaneously Romanians and Hungarians, sharing simply similar traditions of a fantastic richness. It is definitely time to stop fighting or hating just because speaking other language. Make love, not war.

I have got a warm Jo napot for all the Hungarians I know, or I still don't know, and please help me to learn other words and phrases.

Read more »

Knowing  Romania in style

There are many possibilities for traveling in Romania with style (Btw: What is actually traveling in style? I understand hereby traveling in luxury, to be clear from the beginning! In order to refine this definition, what is luxury, we might have different approaches!).

Visiting The Medieval Fortress of Sighisoara is really stylish and chic

You won't find luxury exquisite hotels in every corner of Romania, but you can bet to find in the big cities. For Bucharest is even difficult to make the right selection from the wide offer. But I can still manage giving you the best advice with some insider tips, resulting from my long experience.

Traveling in style means for the men for sure wine tasting, while the women have a soft spot for spa.

1. A good solution for the both would be ***Hotel Continental Targu Mures, offering since short time a special wine tasting in a salt mine. The atmosphere while the wine tasting in that salt mine is special, yet really fabulous. It is actually one of The Europe's biggest salt mines, nowadays not working any more. Even if the hotel doesn't have a spa center, the ladies can enjoy a special package, known as Women Muz Capriccio, when they will be really spoiled.

2.Not far, in Sighisoara, at Binder Bubi ****, you can find a spa, and even a good one. Besides, Sighisoara is one of the best destination for traveling in style, with its amazing Medieval fortress, being the unique in all Europe still populated. Visiting the fortress is in my opinion really chic and stylish.Service and kitchen in Binder Bubi are convincing and alluring, enjoy them both! Wine tasting in restaurant or in the neighborhood, at Butoiul Sasului!

The exquisite hotel Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest has a long tradition behind, but also a glorious present!

3. Bucharest is a totally separate discussion, and I would like to recommend a traditional hotel, namely Ahenee Palace Hilton, located in the center of Bucharest, showing style in all details. Make your shopping in the exquisite boutiques from Calea Victoriei, which are anything else than cheap, and meet the Romanian Capital through long walking tours. Observe its stylish parks and fountains, visit Bucharest Museum. You can fill your time with most exciting activities and events, this city could draw your attention weeks and months.

4. In the Romanian mountains is totally in to ski in Poiana Brasov/Schulerau, as the renowned winter festival EYOWF is over. Consequently, you can find excellent offers. On Prahova Valley other exquisite targets would be in Predeal the hotels Orizont **** or Piemonte****

Hotel Malibu in Mamaia is one of the newest and best on the Romanian shore

5.For the coming summer there are a few luxury destinations on the Romanian Black See Coast, directly on the beach, but not far from the beloved clubs from Mamaia. The Hotels Malibu and Yaki are the best choices for that matter!

Read more »

Epic palaces in Bucharest with myths an legends

As I love Bucharest so much, can give you a reliable tip: there are actually two or more cities of Bucharest, and you can observe all these layers entering the big city from any directions, but specially from Ploiesti and Brasov.

Watch first carefully the modern buildings, car repairing workshops, wonderful villas with modern amenities, this is the first level, the most recent one. It is followed by industrial factories from the Ceausescu's communist times, with their sad blocks of flats, really living siloses, whose inhabitants dream desperately to live definitively (only 10 % succeed!). The last layer consists of official or private buildings, build up to 1940, in very different Architecture styles, to the delight of any visitor. The resulting eclectic mix is the mainly reason to love Bucharest from the first sight, for any locals or visitors. Here is the heart and the head of the city indeed!

The CEC Palace at night, but it is no less impressive in daylight

Interior of the renowned CEC Palace. To visit it inside you must pretend to be a bank client!

In Downtown Bucharest the buildings are very different not only regarding the style, but also concerning the intrinsic value! The Parliament Palace is very new, huge and controversial; because of it an important part of the historic Bucharest has been sacrificed. Moving and destroying a few churches from this huge area triggered the curses which will kill Ceausescu ( popular myth!). Only a few steps away, crossing the dambovita river over the Izvor Bridge find, please, and observe the downtown, on Calea Victoriei. Next to it, on Stavropoleos street, an important target which you are not going to miss. Simply not allowed to waste the opportunity to visit Caru cu bere/The beer wagon, even for me, which I am normally a wine drinker and afficionado.

Caru cu Bere remains even today one of the Bucharest's best restaurants. Build at 1876 by a German architect (you could guess, I am sure) in New Gothic style, keeps inside the same obsolete atmosphere, and looks simply like a German brauerei from Bavaria e.g. It is overcrowded at any hour when is opened, due to the excellent kitchen and wonderful services. Don't be scared please by the noble local, it is still possible eating in Caru cu bere on a budget! At noon, e.g., there are easy to find some special offers, e.g. The Student menu, or the Senior menu, which are very cheap. Don't dare ordering any of them, you will be probably asked to show a document proofing one of these qualities!

This is maybe the best location for the Romanian National History Museum!

Back in Calea Victoriei, with a full stomach and a wonderful feeling, just to visit shorter or longer two other important palaces, real landmarks of Bucharest. First of it, the magnificent palace of Deposits and Economy bank/ CEC Palace, build at 1900 on a project from french Architect Gottereau, on the very place where an iconic church of the city was lieing. It has a fantastic eclectic style, fancy interiors with smart decorations. For visiting inside, is very difficult for big organized groups, but easier for individual, pretending to be the bank clients!

Just opposite to the CEC bank, a former residence of Post Administration hosts nowadays The national History Museum, build at 1894-1900 by the Romanian architect Savulescu on the ground of an important family of Romanian landlords, namely Balaceanu. Inside fantastic artifacts tighten with the rich history of the country would welcome you, it is worth a visit from you: fragments of the Roman Traian's Column, and the world renowned gold collection "The brood hen with its chicken"

Read more »

Most amazing palaces in Bucharest

Bucharest is an amazing overwhelming city, and has the huge advantage to have an excellent position between East and West. The strong trade always drove the city in the right way, and its supremacy against other important cities of Romania is obvious.

You can guess in Bucharest behind the civilized western buildings a strong vibration, coming from the opposite direction of the East full of myths, stories and unbelievable legends. But you need some training to feel this vibration, it is not easy, and totally impossible from the first sight!

Besides its old churches, its legendary fountains or its parks, the secret spirit of Bucharest still lives through its wonderful castles and palaces. There is no a clear regulation or systematization, these buildings are still in public use, many of them, after successive restaurations, and they could emerge in the middle of otherwise totally boring and insignificant streets.

The Justice palace strives to remain official

On Dambovita River, not far from the controversial Parliament Palace ( also knew as People House, or Ceausescu house) meat the nice Justice palace, a temple of the right things. It has been build in a record time, 5  years long ( please don't smile, between 1890 and 1895) according project of French architect Ballu, who build other famous Justice palaces in Paris and Brussels. The sculptures giving the building charm and refinement have been carved by an important Romanian artist, Carol Storck, and represent The Justice, The Law, The True, The Force and The Caution. The Architecture Style is New Renaissance, and the Room of lost steps covers a quarter of the building.

The ruins of the Old Royal Court can be visited in the very center of the modern Romanian capital

Very close, one of the oldest buildings of Bucharest, nowadays only ruins where you can visit a small museum, namely the Old Royal Court, where many ruling princes, e.g. Dracula, had their residence. Observe carefully the poor furniture, and imagine that they haven't smart phones or Internet, specially if you are computer addicted and need detox!

Next to The Old Royal Court, a very picturesque Inn, The Manuc's Inn, dating from a totally different period, the begin of the XIXth century. It is still one of the best restaurants in Bucharest, but the hotel is a
little obsolete. Manuc bey was a Turk and his grounder. The Manuc's Inn saw and hosted many important historical events, e.g The Peace talks and Treaty between Turkey and Russia from 1812. Make again the above mentioned fantastic effort of imagination, and figure out where were the horses, the camels or the best rooms.

The picturescque Manuc's Inn hosted  important crucial moments of the Romanian history

Only a few steps further a sort of mall from the XIXth century, Hanul cu Tei/ The linden Inn. Observe the wide inside court (patio), very similar to Manuc's  Inn. In the Linden Inn you have unique possibilities to buy hand made objects, all the former city guilds still have representatives here! Which doesn't happens very often in a city like Bucharest!

My tip: visit all these palaces and Inns during a Bucharest Architectural Tour, as they all are located in the Old town, inside a small circle, and you can see them all easily by walking or riding bikes.

Read more »

Epic  stories about the most famous churches of Bucharest

As you know Bucharest nowadays, it is a seducing capital, perfectly mixing the most modern buildings and hotels with the old ones. Bucharest is worth a visit for any people, of course, but first of all for any Architecture student, due to its unique Styles mix.

One of the most important part of the Romanian history  and tradition are the churches, and Bucharest is of course not an exception. Near its picturesque fountains, wonderful palaces or sad communist blocks of flats, the churches are for sure a landmark for the big city. At the Romanian countryside, the church is supposed to be the highest building. You can realize, that in Bucharest was impossible to keep this old unwritten traditions. The Bucharest churches still hold full of pride the famous names of their founders, members of the renowned aristocratic Romanian families. Nowadays the churches remained small islands of peace and worship in the middle of a busy city. Locals and visitors as well find them very lovely and inviting.

The curses triggered by the moving of Mihai Voda church caused the tragic death of Ceausescu and his wife!

The Michael Church/Biserica Mihai Voda was founded by the Romanian prince and ruler Michael the Brave and is an amazing and convincing splendid example of  Oriental Byzantine Architecture. His grounder build it on a hill, but when Ceausescu build the new Downtown, the church has been removed by a tank behind the blocks of flat. On that occasion the treasure hunters searched desperately for special prey, but did not find anything. The curses triggered on this occasion have finally hit Ceausescu.

The Patriarchy Cathedral rules over the city from the top of a hill!

The Patriarchy church has a much better position, and has been build in the XVIIth century; the noble prince and ruler Constantin Brancoveanu added later the bell tower. The church hosts nowadays the relics of St Dimitrie The New, the Protector of the Romanian capital. The impressive palace nearby was up to year 2000 the headquarter of the Deputies Chamber from the Romanian parliament.

The small Bucur church is accounted to the City founder, the shepherd called Bucur, which is not accurate, historically speaking, as the charming church dates back from the XVIIIth century! Please close your eyes about it, take it easy and don't ask so many questions!

The Good News Church; the news were good for sure for the ruler crowned years for centuries!

Very old, maybe the oldest, is doubtless The Good News Church/Biserica Buna Vestire, from the old court! Build around 1550, it has been for two centuries the place where the local rulers from Wallachia  have been crowned.

Smaller, newer, but very beautiful and even arogant, is the Stavropoleos church, build around 1720, by a Greek monk. It is after all a magnificent example of Brancoveanu Architecture style

Read more »

Myths and legends about the most significant building worldwide

Between West and wast, between traditional and modern, between breathtaking beauties and ugly buildings, Bucharest is a place to discover. And even a place to live for its almost 3 Millions inhabitants, 10 % expats, ask them if you don't trust me!

The Romanian capital welcomes you very natural and unsophisticated. Its seducing architecture mix is very promising for any art or history freak. Very close to the Downtown, with its many restaurants and bars, even if you don't wish, The People House will arise before your eyes like a sun. It is simply impossible to miss it, as its central position on a rocky hill makes it visible from a long distance.

Only a few old people can remember the quiet life before 1977 in the area. It was a wonderful quarter with houses for the middle class, all covered in green.  It was a charming quiet oasis in the middle of a busy Capital. After the earthquake of 1977 a few houses and old churches of the area have been severely damaged, and urgent reparations were needed. Instead, Ceausescu took the decision to build an exclusive quarter for him and his nomenclature. All the Romanian people payed a high price for it, measured in the huge deprivations we suffered. 20000 people, solders and workers, have worked for 5 years from dawn to sunset, using the best available raw matters (wood, marble, crystals etc). It is said (only a legend, which we can't check anymore) that some people died, and have been buried in the foundation! But the results are convincing and even breathtaking. The Guiness World Records Book places it on the 2nd rank worldwide, behind the Pentagon,  with total surface of 330 000 sqm! Thinking about its volume of 2 550 cubic metres ranks the third worldwide. Also known as the "Devil's Nest", it has some dimensions: length 270 meters, width 240 meters, height 84 meters, and depth 92 meters (atomic shelter and a network of tunnels are beneath the huge building).

Very huge and spectacular, the Romanian parliament house has been build with a huge price

Nicolae Ceausescu did not achieve his building, and did not manage to see it in the final version. When he died in 1989 only the face and a few rooms were ready. It is also said, that the constructors, exhausted by the daily sessions  with Ceausescu, and his unbelievable demands, even took the decision to bury a crane (which will check the Archaeologists, in a few hundreds or thousands years!). After the Romanian revolution and dissolution of Ceausescu regime, nobody knew what should be done with the huge building. Some voices found it an ugly dark symbol of the communist regime, and even asked its demolition! Another idea of the same level was transforming it in a huge casino, following the Las Vegas model. Fact is, The People house, could be neglected, ruining itself. The most reasonable and wise decision has been finaly made, namely to end up the works, at other speed and other budgets, of course. Nowadays it hosts the Romanian Parliament and some international meeting and conferences. An inside visit is also possible in a few rooms (there are 6 floors and 20 building corps), The monumental sculptures, golden works, marbles, huge tapestry and heavy crystals  will impress any visitor.

The second biggest building worldwide is very impressive inside too!

Thinking about this house, there is a strange prophecy of an Indian, namely Sundar Singh,born in 1889, who has visited the Christian countries during the first decade of the XXth century. He foresees a golden future for Bucharest and Romania, as an island of neutrality and tolerance, speaking even about a huge building in the heart of Bucharest.

I still have many things to tell you about The Parliament House, Bucharest etc. Maybe during your trip to Romania!

Read more »

Best Family trip in Romania

I am sure you are very fond of your profession ,you have to, and took part to teambuildings in some places with you mates. I am also very sure that you have neglected your family. They can understand that, but with some limits and you must act before this issue becomes a problem.

The charming city of Bucharest is for sure your first target on a family tip to Romania. But not longer than one day,please

So, I propose you a family (re)building in Romania based on a concept  which I did not discovered, but I must remember you. First of all, never forget to enjoy the rare relaxing moments with your beloved one and the children. Please realize that these moments never come back and they are number one for you, much more important than the job. And from time to time, please go in a vacation with your family, I propose you Romania and a special selection for it.

The town of Suceava is interesting like its picturesque railway station

You can make this trip only on your own, with your family, or with a guide (not absolutely necessary, but funnier and more interesting!).  Arrive in Bucharest for the first day and stay there for a night in a good small hotel (avoid the exquisite business hotel, you really need something more private). On the next day do a Tour of Bucharest, visiting one of its museum (there is a wide choice, and depends only on your family's specific interests). After that, leave the big city in the afternoon by train or car, heading for Suceava, a charming town, and discover the painted monasteries. Stay there 4 days, and visit the town, the fortress, discover the hills and mountains in the neighborhood with their magnificent landscapes. Discover the monasteries, by bike eventually if you land there in summer and enjoy every minute.

A wine tasting with your family is a good occasion for rebuilding status and relationship

That region of Romania is the best for these family travels. Quiet, peaceful, clean with special people which are very happy welcoming you there. Really an event for your family life, you are going to feel it. If your children are boys, teenagers maybe, take them to a wine tasting, whether in a good Suceava restaurant, or even better in Cotnari, which is a famous vineyard only 100 km away. Your son(s) and wife will be surely enthusiastic about that.

If your children are girls don't miss the markets from entrances in every monastery, they have some special handmade works. And even if you, or them are not Orthodoxe, you can find interesting things in the  shops officially opened in every monastery. Observe the unique exterior painting and try to recognize the Bible histories about and the persons. You have a lot to do for your family, but you will get major compensations. Or you can allow them to attend Romanian gastronomy courses!

Read more »