Former Romanian capitals

Romania as a success story celebrates this year 100 years from the Unification, which is actually our national day. But our history goes far beyond and is really troubled and interesting, no doubt.

Campulung, the first Capital of Wallachia

I won't go in the details, which are not very relevant for the today tourist. The today tourist must see something, taste a special food and have a place to sleep. We have plenty of them, and many travel agencies offer more or less outstanding travel to Romania.

I would go further and send you outside from the beatten path mentioning something about our former Capitals. Briefly speaking, during Middle Age, there were three Romanian countries, known as Wallachia, Moldavia and Transilvania. The today Capital, Bucharest, is rather a new city, grounded during the XVth Century. And of course we had our regional Capitals before Bucharest. In Wallachia we had Curtea de Arges, Campulung and Targoviste; in Moldavia Suceava and Jassy; and in Transilvania/Siebenburgen Alba Iulia and Medias.

The city of Campulung at 1900

Oops, I hope is not too detailed and still interesting, don't wanna bore you with unnecessary knowledge. All of these former Capitals are today rather little towns, which are nevertheless worth to a visit. You can still discover within their ancient walls the arrogance and pride, and imagine the ceremonial of the Court. Brave wariors, beautiful ladies, and a lot of people on the streets, really a golden brilliant age.

Happy Romanians celebrating the national day, 1st December

Any of these old cities would be glad if you visit them. They have a lot to show you, e.g. wonderful pieces of architecture, maybe something of their modern life. I will try to introduce you all these cities and release travel guides for every one, which is not an easy task!

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Only for honeymooners in Romania

As Romania is an unforgettable country, and your marriage or honeymoon is also supposed to be like that, I think you can have the both in the same time. That's why I would like to propose you Romania as the perfect destination for honeymoon or/and wedding.

The wonderful city of Iassy, perfect destination for honeymooners and culture freaks

But first of all, you must fill the first condition: you must be deep in love, over the ears! Then if you are looking for the best location for your marriage, please consider The Kiss Gate. It is a modern sculpture carved by Constantin Brancusi, an artist we are very proud of, lieing in a central park of the city of Targu Jiu. It not at all unusual having there your civil ceremony, and many Romanians do the same thing. Simply unique and unforgetable.

This is the Kiss Gate, one of the best place worldwide to have wedding

After that comes the religious ceremony, at least for us the orthodox. It lasts one hour and is very touching for sure. If you like to live it (my warm recomandation) and you are not an orthodox you need a prior baptisation. Almost 90% of the Romanians are orthodox, but you can also find many other churches, as we, the Romanian orthodox are very tolerant.

The religious wedding in an orthodox church is simply touching

The next could be the wedding party. Usually there are 300 guests eating and drinking all night long, waiting to dance with the bride and keen to give to the young pair  a present for the good start in the common life. If you can understand the words of the Romanian popular songs you will laugh a lot, some of them are really funny.

An interesting tradition we care a lot: the bride will launch pieces of cake and the catchers will be blessed and protected (future brides?)

And then I am sure you don't need whether a guided tour, nor to be part of a group. Take really care of your beloved one, put her/him first, even before you. This is the real love, and this is the secret of a long happy marriage. The passion is there, but you need sometimes the patience, please remember that. and about the location, I would reckon the wonderful city of Iassy for many reasons: there are a lot of students , plenty of clubs and concerts. The city is not so impressive big as Bucharest, but also not a small insignificant provincial town. Not at all, but on the contrary, as Iassy has been for centuries the Capital of Moldavia. You will be able the feel the arrogance and pride of a former capital and visit some of the renowned buildings and museums of the city (there are a lot, if you are a culture freak is the perfect destination). One hotel of Iassy has been drawn by Gustave Eiffel, that would be another recommendation.

I think is a nice busy schedule, and must disappear, as I don't intend to disturb your honeymoon in Romania. 

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Only in Romania

Every country is different, and sometimes is good to think about the national specific. That is why so important to go somewhere else and getting a new fresh perspective. That's why I travel often to Germany or other European countries, but also to visit all my friends living there.

There are a few fantastic museums in Romania for the culture freaks (here selected glass works from the beginn of XXth century)

First of all, thank God, in Romania not everything is set and reglemented. We still have genuine landscapes and a certain joy of life. We love our mountains, hills and plains, we love the Danube Delta and the Romanian Black Sea Coast. Despite the globalization, Romania still remains the main target for the vacation of the Romanians. That's why I dare to invite you here, you have a lot to see.

The wonderful city of Brasov is a highlight due its Medieval downtown

We also do have good hotels. Private property, international chains, Romanian chains, be sure to find everything you want, no wish remains unsatisfied. Besides, the friendly and educated Romanians will invite you private when visiting a village. An amazing people for sure, very proud and sometimes dissapointed by their corrupted politicians.

Dracula Castle from Bran. If you seek the sensation, we have the myth of Dracula

We deeply love and respect Transilvania, Moldavia, Dobrogea and Valahia (our historical provinces) with their long and troubled history. We love our minorities, the Hungarians, the Szekely, the Germans (unfortunately this community is shrinking, but the Romanian President is Klaus Iohannis), and also the picturesque Roma and Sinti. There are obviously regional differences, due to traditions and minorities, but we are still there holding together, as we love this country. That's why I dare to invite you there, you are welcome.

Happy tourists, friendly locals. The two people from the front(my arms on their shoulders)were one of my best and loveliest groups, thanks

You can do a lot of things in Romania. You can ski in the winter on the slopes of the Carpathians Mountains, you can fish and hunt, you can make a detoxification and practise some sports. In the summer you can swim in the Black Sea, you can watch interesting shows. In spring and autumn you can take part to some cultural tours, e.g. following the traces and the history of the German Saxons.

Danube Delta is really genuine and peaceful

About the gourmets, they won't be dissapointed at all. Taste the cabbage rolls with polenta, is simply fantastic. If you didn't know (that's you you might need me and that's why I am here) Romania is a wine country, one of the most important producer worldwide. You will fall in love with our drops of wine and ask for more. On the other side, the beer drinkers will also find something special and be very happy. Wonderful country, that is why I invite you here.

Who seeks urban life, will find in Bucharest. Don't miss the Ceausescu Palace and the night life

For all these reasons, becomes Romania a must for you. And there is another reason, but I can't find the words for expressing it. Maybe a certain vibration, maybe a cosmic radiation which you can try to discover by yourself.

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If you can't reach the snow on Pluto, then visit Romania

For God sick, the man are fundamentally sad and unhappy. If you wanna understand why, try to learn some philosophy, starting with Hegel or Bertrand Russel. But even if you will understand why should the men be unhappy won't release you from your unhappiness.

Spectacular Sunset in Romania, as caught from the Western Carpathians (Muntii Apuseni). Forget all your fears, everything is o.k. on our Earth, including Romania

But I have also simplier better ideas. Try to live now and here, don't dream with open eyes flying to Mars or reaching Pluto with its snows or frozen mood. You could rather think visiting Romania, I am sure you won't be unhappy anymore, forgetting your sadness.

Happy German bikers in Hotel Ten Constanta, visiting Romania through the travel company Karpaten and a good travel guide (that's me, paw)

If you come to Romania right now you can discover some interesting things. Start with the people: they are not reach, but seems to be very happy. How do they do that, is a huge mistery. Climb the mountains, walk in the forests, lie in the sun at Mamaia and try to find yourself. It is not easy at all, I know, but is a good chance to discover yourself.

Urban civilization in Oradea, Romania: the fantastic passage of the Black Eagle, a good illustration of the Art Nouveau in the dawn of the XXth century

There are many ways to discover Romania, it is a destination for all season, but the most recommandable is in Spring and Autumn. As a change, you can come in Winter for ski, and in sumer for bathing and beaching on the Black Sea coast. Be only aware of one simple thing in midsumer, I mean July and August, the locals are also spending their vacations on the Black Sea Coast, and all the beaches are full., to the delight of the entrepreneurs. Also, a very intensive night life, the best treatment against depression.
So, my dear and beloved friends, stop dreaming to Mars, or Pluto, or even trying to see green horses on the ceiling, and start to live by visiting Romania.

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Romania for Beginners and Greenhorns

In any aspect must be a first time, and Romania is not an exception. Your first time in Romania must be totally special, unbelievable, sensational. I would dedicate this report to all the people who really love and care about Romania, whether Romania or foreigners, but the target are the people who dare to dream about visiting Romania.

Urban life in Bucharest, Romania

Romania is special, and the Romanian are broadly speaking very special. We are proud, very proud, about our beloved country which is not among the richest countries in Europe or in the all world, and we strive to preserve our standards. More than anything we love to describe Romania and its legends to you, dear visitor coming for the first time in Romania.

If you visit the Danube Delta, please preserve and protect it

Romania and the Romanians are not easy predictable, e.g. the fall of Ceausescu or the election of Klaus Iohannis as Romanian President (he is Romanian, born here as a member of the German minority). You should be aware, dear Beginner and Greenhorn in Romania: despite your thoroughful documentation, the reality is much more interesting comparing with what you might have read.

Sensations in Romania: Dracula legends and the follow of its traces.

Further, you bust have read dear firstimer in Romania about our natural wonders and parks. The Carpathian Mountains  in Romania host some fantastic forest, unbelievable well preserved. And within these forests you are going to find the last significant European populations of bears, wolwes, lynxes or chamois, which former dictator Ceausescu used to hunt. No joking, due to these populations Ceausescu became one of the most renowned hunters worldwide.

In some parts of the country, these traditional ports are still belonging to the daily life

Don't need to mention anything more about Danube Delta. It is for sure a natural paradise familiar to you, neverending source of crazy unbelievable stories and legends. Imagine the locals, which are sometimes totally away from the civilization we love so much, without to suffer. They live very lonely and isolated and are unbeatable fishermen with a respectable knowledge. Really unforgettable if you eat a simply fish soup in the Danube Delta cooked by one of these local masters!

In some places Romania is an opened book, you must only look carefully around (Fortress of Prejmer/Tartlau)

Dear beginner and greenhorn in Romania, you are not supposed to be a nature freak or a lonely wolf if you pay us your honorable visit, but on the contrary. Please remember that we have an intense urban life in Bucharest, our capital, or other big cities, with plenty of museums or architecture monuments. You can also go shopping in Romania, follow Dracula traces and legends or stay in a good hotels. We also have some exquisite wines and an interesting kitchen with different influences you must guess!

Happy foreigner tourists in Romania (Brasov/Kronstadt)

Remember one thing, dear visitor: most important than anything in Romania are the Romanians themselves. They will love you, spoil you, pamper you and if you feel the same you will surely come the second and third time in this blessed country. 

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Romania seen from China, an unbiased opinion

Sometimes I do think to love too much this country of mine, but this is love indeed. That's why I try to depict now Romania from a more neutral point of vue, courtesy of Thomas Meriaux from http://chinesetouristagency.com/

China has become the country that provides the most tourists worldwide. Increasingly more Chinese decide travel abroad and now they are more willing to visit different destinations such as Romania.

Chinese outbound tourism would give a huge boost to Romanian economy

In 2014, the number of Chinese tourists who crossed the borders of their country exceeded 100 million compared to 97 million Chinese tourists in 2013. The rise of the middle class and te rise of disposable income makes traveling easier. It is expected that by 2020 there will be 200 million Chinese outbound tourists.

Romania, located south east of Europe is one of the largest Balkans countries. It is a country filled with cultural and historical treasures that would be very appealing to Chinese, the biggest spenders when traveling. A few years ago Chinese tourists focused on buying luxury goods and traveled in groups but this is changing. Chinese outbound tourists seek a different kind of experience than going from one shopping mall to another. They want to spend more time and money on cultural and historical experience as well.

Here is an overview of some of the most wonderful places Chinese tourists would definitely enjoy visiting.

The Danube Delta:

The Danube Delta is a UNESCO natural world heritage and one of the most matchless places in Romania with an incredible variety of flora and fauna. This magical place has 23 different ecosystems with 3450 animal species along 4,152 km² of canals, marshes, lakes, islets and sandbanks, including the largest stretch of reedbed in the world.

 

Danube Delta, a natural paradise

 The Danube Delta provides tourists with the opportunity to enjoy landscapes of astonishing natural beauty and a spectacular sunset. Chinese tourists increasingly seeks beautiful scenery like these

Transylvania:

This eerie region has been the birthplace of stories and legends related to vampires such as Dracula.

Despite its gloomy charm, Transylvania stands out because of its art, culture and amazing medieval towns.

Between majestic valleys and mountains with virgin forests there are some of the most unique castles and fortified citadels of Europe.

Transilvania is not only a Dracula destination, but this myth makes a good publicity

Sibiu

Sibiu is one of the mandatory cities for tourists because is a European Cultural Capital with Baroque buildings such as the Brukenthal Palace, ancient fortifications that defended the city hundred years ago and excellent museums.

Sighisoara

Sighisoara is one of the best places to visit in Romania due to its beautiful preserved walled city which is also a UNESCO-protected historic center.

The fantastic town of Sighisoara, a must see in Romania

Brasov

Brasov is a city with medieval treasures surrounded by the CarpathianMountains. This city is considered a mountain resort with skiing and ice skating.

The painted monasteries of Bucovina:

Bucovina is situated between Romania and Ukraine and there tourists can find one of the most picturesque treasures of Romania, the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina, of which exterior walls are painted with frescoes that depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Those frescoes are dated to the 15th and 16th century.

One of the wonders of Romania, the Voronet church

The best-preserved monasteries are Moldovita, Sucevita, Humor, Probota, Patrauti, Arbore and the Monastery of Voronet.

Bucovina owns stunning natural scenery and villages which seem have been suspended in time.

Maramures:

Maramures is in the north of Roumania and is a land of wooden churches, mythological richness, amazing landscapes and ancient customs.

The highest wood church worldwide is in Maramures, Romania, measuring unbelievable 74 Meters

This city is surrounded of forested mountains and its time-capsule villages give it a magical aspect. The culture, traditions and lifestyle of a medieval past has been preserved during the time in Maramures and even habitants use horse-drawn carts to get around.

Bucharest:

Bucharest is the capital of Romania ant therefore one of the most active cities of the country with many museums, theaters, restaurants and shops.

The architecture is a mix of different eras and styles such as medieval and baroque.

Ancient Bucharest: the prince Dracula was here also.

The most popular attractions in Bucharest are the Romanian National Art Museum, the Romanian Parliament, the Jewish Cemetery and the Herastrau Park.

China is the world's largest source of tourists which provides 100 million of tourists per years. Government, companies, hotels and restaurants from Romania must try to attract Chinese tourists because they also are the biggest spenders over the world and could help to boost the country economy. However, to catch their attention it is in the digital world that Romanian tourism agency must be. Indeed, China is the country in the world with the most internet users and 70% of the bookings are done online. Indeed, for traveling, Chinese love to

·         Take advice from their “circle of friends” on social networks,

·         Read online news about potential destinations and

·         Learn what they can from travel specialized platforms such as Tuniu

Romania has a potential to exploit. With a better use of digital media, to attract those premium tourists; Romania may well benefit from a higher tourism growth than 2013’s 10% growth

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