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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Most exciting things to do in Brasov

Brasov (or Corona/Kronstadt/Brassai) is no doubt one of the most beautiful Romanian cities, and there are many reasons for that. First of all it is really an interesting urban gem, offering both modern ammenities and a strange exciting atmosphere of Middle Age.

Interesting reconstruction of the old fashion in Museum Casa Muresenilor from Brasov

 In the communist years Brasov became the most important industrial city of Romania, after Bucharest, but this development didn't affect the wonderful downtown. From the touristic point of vue, Brasov seems not only better prepared to receive its honored guests, but the atmosphere is better and the people more pacient. 

Start the visit of Brasov from Poarta Schei, walking towards the Black Church and the Central Market. Observe along the street the plates, all the buildings are protected and carefully preserved. In this part of the city the inhabitants used to be the wealthy Saxons and Germans, while the Romanians lived in the Schei quarter (the first Romanian school is still to be visited there, and it really worth the effort, as the curator is kind and charming).

Panoramic view of the wonderful city of Brasov, took from the way to Poiana Brasov (Schulerau)

Discover further the impressive Black Church, which is not so black actually, but faced a strong fire. The Black Church is very old and really huge, the biggest worship building between Vienna and Moscow. If you are lucky as usually, you can catch an organ concert, it is still working. Discover further the interesting paintings, ones are important not only historically, but also from an artistic point of vue. Don't miss, please the fantastic collection of oriental carpets, the biggest in Romania., having a simple explanation: Brasov has been in Middle Age one of the most important turning points of the trade between Vienna and Istanbul. As any trip to Istanbul was really a risk, the trader donated to the church a carpet when they returned well!

The impressive Black Church from Brasov

The Marketplace nearby (Piata Sfatului) is one of the most beautiful and spectacular in Romania. The buildings match one to another, the style is similar, and everything gives an impression of harmony. Here take place concerts and the renowned music festival "Cerbul de Aur" (The Golden Deer). Take a walk on the pedestrian area nearby, with lots of shops and restaurants and if you are tired enjoy a coffee or a meal in one of them ( my recommendation is Ambasador, offering an excellent report between quality and price, and also a few specialities you can't find anywhere else!).

Central marketplace from Brasov (Piata Sfatului), one of the most spectacular and iconic in the all Romania

The high tower in the centre of the market is the former town hall, hosting today a history museum, which you can visit daily, excepting Monday. But across the street ( Muresenilor street) is another interesting museum: Casa Muresenilor. Not only unique in the all Romania through the simple fact that is opened on Monday, but also interesting as it reconstructs the local atmosphere following the saga of a Romanian intellectual family.

Deeply seduced by the wonderful city of Brasov, you might try to get a panoramic view of it. Therefore you got two options: 
-whether you direct to Poiana Brasov, a winter resort nearby, which is another must on your schedule, making a break on the way where you catch the best view
-or you walk to the end of the street Apollonia Hirscher, and take cabin leaving you on the Mountain of Tampa, in restaurant Panoramic. There you really have Brasov at your feet.

You will enjoy your trip to Brasov, Iam sure about it. You can make it as city break, or as a longer stay, but please don't miss it. And stay tuned for other tips and tricks about Romania.

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Most important things to know about the Jews in Romania

Most important things to know about the Jews in Romania

Nowadays, unfortunately, there are only few Jews still living in Romania, most of them very old. We, the Romanians, or most of us, repent  very much this unhappy evolution.

But there are few things remembering their importance presence in the Romanian history. You can still find in Bucharest a huge Jewish district, with the Choral temple and the synagogue. You can still find people able to tell you some stories about the good old times, about the Romanian Jews, their ability for trade and our life together.

The Choral Temple from Bucharest is still impressive and still in use

Many Jews have  played for centuries an important role in the Romanian society (economy, culture, etc). They came and set here in waves, from different parts of the world where they was subject to persecutions and unfair treatment ( e.g. Galitia/Austrian Empire, Russia etc). The brave people escaping the Holocaust gone to Israel, getting finally a home there. Fortunately, we still have a few living and working in Romania!

Almost 100 years ago every Romanian town had a synagogue (here in Focsani)

Most of the cities and towns from Moldavia or Wallachia have their legends with Jewish traders and a central street full with different shops belonging to them. They had to be very innovative in their areas, as the Romanians, Armenians, Greek or Turks competitors were not waiting with crossed hands! Many of these downtowns in cities and towns with their obsolete atmosphere have been destroyed, turning in industrial towns. About these industrial towns with their uniform grey blocks of flat, everybody agree: they are not nice and attractive for the tourists, and the locals must reinvent themselves.

A much bigger, more modern and in use synagogue, in Cluj Napoca

Thus, a good opportunity for foreign investments, specially from the Israeli Jews who know Romania. We have shared our lives for a while, and wait for them to come back. For the younger ones, is to recommend a special tour for discovering the Jewish traditions. I will warmly and salute all of them, recommending the next steps!

And another important fact: Romanian is in Israel almost an official language. Everywhere the Romanian are respected and very well treated. We must say thank you for all these things, and trying to act in the same way!

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How to discover the best of Romania

There a few basic things to know about Romania, before starting to discover this promise land. Don't dare to tell the old story of your Romanian ancestors, if you have no evidences about, or you don't even know a few Romanian words.

Remember also the simple thing of the strong compact religion in this country: 90 % of the population is Christian Orthodox, but you shall not fear anything about. The Romanian are very tolerant toward any other religions and will respect for real your different beliefs.

There are a few fantastic places in Romania, which I can really recommend you warmly. Nevertheless, you must be aware that sometimes during the high season all these leading destinations might be overcrowded consequently to the mass tourism. I appreciate the following places to be the hottest in Romania:

1. Danube Delta is a fabulous protected area, where 300 of species are nesting in the hot season. Danube Delta is huge, 5000 sqkm and you need days or weeks to discover it in detail. Start conquering your Delta from Tulcea, and remember to do it by boat, otherwise is impossible anyway. Eat fish, there is a plenty of it, and taste the fish soup boiled with Danube water. Don't forget your favorite white half dry wine to pair with the fish. Be sure to have a good camera.

Bucharest is a charming mix between old and modern

2.Discover the spectacular Bucharest ,the Romanian Capital,  with its eclectic mix of Architecture styles. A visit in the downtown is a time travel, recommended for any Architecture student. You can have your Bucharest in style, or on a budget, it is an attractive city with more than 2 000 000 inhabitants, knowing to receive his honored guests. You can stay a day in Bucharest, or you can fall and stay a life, it happens. Don't miss the charming fountains and the parks. Also to mention in Downtown: there is frenetic night life!

The church of Sucevita is a must see among the Bucovina painted  churches

3. The painted monasteries from Bucovina are breathtaking, due to their intrinsic artistic value and their surrounding environment. If you are there on Easter, is perfectly for you. The locals will warmly salute and adopt you. My tip: discover the monasteries and the breathtaking landscapes by bike, within a few days, starting from Suceava, Radauti or other pension in the area. There is a fantastic peace and a strange yet strong force you can experience by yourself.

Cluj Napoca is a typical example of charming urban life

4. The urban life in Romania can be discovered through a few selected city breaks, e.g. Iasi, Constanta, Cluj Napoca, Craiova,Timisoara, Sibiu, Brasov. Some of the have airports, but you can also land in the capital Bucharest, making then a travel by car or train. My tip: despite the time pressure put on you, I find a good idea to visit at least two different cities from the mentioned list, in order to observe and compare the different influences exerted on them!

I even have an exciting proposal for Romania: a big wine tour, who will turn to be an unique event

5.Have a look to the Romanian vineyards, whether only one, or more of them during a big Romania Wine Tour, which is really an unique event. Also possible for ladies, who can taste champagne, it is really fair and democratic. Don't be afraid for the good condition of your liver, wine tasting has some hidden secrets I know, and the golden rule is to taste the wine, without swallowing it. You must spit it, no matter how sorry you might be! If you understand and agree this basic rule, you can book immediately

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Most important event in Romania: European  Youth Olympic Winter Festival EYOWF

If you would like to visit Romania, but always find a reason to postpone booking, hesitate or whatsoever, I can give you another serious reason to take the big decision.

Nowadays is taking place in Romania a major winter sports event of this year, namely The International Olympic Youth Festival. It is going to be a brilliant success, judging the flamboyant start from Saturday. As the event is very important, the president of International Olympic Commitee (IOC), Mr Jacques Rogge was present in person to the inauguration, and declared to have found an excellent developed infrastructure.

This is the picturesque Romanian city of Brasov, hosting the EYOWF Festival right now. You can still join the gang.

The Festival is taking place in Poiana Brasov and nearby, there is a lot of snow and the people are all very happy. An Olympic fire is permanently burning in Brasov. Mr Rogge would be delighted if Romania wins a medal, and meanwhile this thing has been already accomplished.

There have been rumors for decades in Romania in many circle to organize the Olympic Games. O,K, for the Summer Games Romania doesn't qualify, but for the Winter Olympic games is perfectly fit. This Olympic Festival is the perfect test and general repetition for the aspiration to organize The Winter Olympic games. At this moment all the hotels in Poiana Brasov are completely booked, and also on a 100 km radius. But if you still want to book and take part to this unique event, I can give some tip and help finding the best solution.

Poiana Brasov/Schulerau and its many slopes are hosting the most of the Festival. 

Once there, don't waste time, please. Besides the normal time on the slope for the sport freaks, you have so many things to do. Visit Brasov, Bucharest, or Sibiu, visit Dracula castle in Bran, or make a few of the recommended tours. Go shopping, go partying, there are so many things to do in Brasov. You are going to love the fantastic animation caused by the Festival, which you can observe in all bars and restaurants from Brasov. The city is once again charming and appealing and turned to a Babilon Tower. Unfortunately, a few restaurants ran out of wine, but will renew the strategic resources. The Festival has attracted many sportsmen and spectators showing to be a success. Prominent Romanian singer Inna sung in the first night of the event and everybody forgot the freezing temperature as any other trouble.

If you are a winter sport freak and fond of events, please join the tribe. If you are not in the mood for overcrowded places, wait two weeks, until the Festival is coming to an end, and the prices fall down.

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Romanian Festivals in 2013 (part I)

2012 is still on, you (or us) still have some good possibilities to celebrate Christmas, New Year,  with a plenty of wine and food. But we still can celebrate the current days: today, tomorrow. Thus I found some reasons to drink another glass of wine to you, but you are ought to do the same!

Thinking to the next year is not an easy task. First of all, we must reach it in the best shape and mood, which I sincerely wish you, with all my heart. Really hope that the Maya predictions will prove them wrong, and we will pay our taxes next year too.

In downtown Cluj Napoca there is a celebration on Christmas and New Year

I think that would be a good idea to schedule your trip to Romania for the next year based on the many feasts, carnivals and festivals scattered all year long in the most diverse corners of this wonderful country, as it follows

January.
The New Year is everywhere celebrated, in the all country. Every human settlement marks it in its own way, and they will be really happy to welcome you there. The main condition is to drink some tzuica (strong plum brandy) , wine and to eat a lot. In many places these celebrations take place in the streets, and are really spectacular.
During the second week of January in Deva there is a festival of popular dances.
On the 30th of January in Iasi takes place the religious celebration of The Three Saints.
On the last Sunday of January in Campulung Moldovenesc is organized the Festival of the Winter Sports.

Authentic Romanian dresses in the central market of Sibiu

February.
On the third Sunday of the Month in Targu Jiu falls the Festival of the Charming Water Sources (popular traditions and miners orchestras)

March
In Halmagiu (Bihor) The Kissing Festival was once a meeting place for the single, which nowadays turned to popular music and sheepherds' traditions.

These spectators are also performers

April
Resita hosts during the first weekend The Spring Festival, which is a folcloric one.
In the middle of the month in Paltinis-Sibiu we can see the Snow Festival. In Apata /Brasov the strange festival of Cock Killing coming from the XIVth century!

Through all the country you have the unique opportunity to celebrate The eastern, which is by far the most important celebration,in  church or private. Very spectacular indeed.

Also in April an important opportunity for celebration is the day of the Saint George The Warior. It is followed in all Romania, because there are many Romanians carrying this name, but the main target is the town of Saint George, by Brasov.

May.

All this month long in Bucharest, Cluj Napoca, Constanta, Iasi  is celebrated the Festivinum, a Wine Festival. Best place for the wine afficionados, like me!

In a few villages of Maramures find , please, the peasant Festival of Fertility and Nature.

In Sibiu there is the Mayfest, when germans and germanophones gather together in the Dumbrava park.

In Brasov, during the first Sunday after Easter the spectacular festival of Junii Brasovului ( The Brasov Youngs).

Again in Sibiu the Jazz festival.

Allow me to continue tomorrow with the rest of the year!

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The best city breaks in Romania

Thinking to a city break lasting 1-2 days I wanna propose a special selection for Romania. I have made this selection based on the things to do in every mentioned city, hotels and restaurants, museums, airports. It is possible to organize the transfer, where we can't find an airport immediate next to the mentioned city!

The selected cities are selected all over Romania, and everyone is in the happy position to offer an unforgettable city break. So, these are my winners:

1. Brasov/Kronstadt, maybe the most travel oriented city in Romania. You can even ski in Poiana Brasov. At every step you will be welcomed by hotels and restaurants, giving the city an exceptional flair. You can take a walk in the centre and downrown, you can climb in Restaurant Panoramic  to get a wonderful spectacular view of the city. For gourmet, Aro Palace is also a target, there is a wide selection of exquisite wines. Landing in Bucharest or Sibiu requires a 100 km long transfer, also very easy and affordable.

The Black Church from Brasov is the biggest Gothic Cathedral in the South East Europe

2. Bucharest. The Romanian Capital needs a longer break, if I may to say so. This city is huge, you must only avoid it in summer, even the locals are going out in the mountains or to the seaside. It is really warm, nevertheless charming after 18 hours with so many open terraces to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer. Discover the Bucharest fountains with their legends, Bucharest museums and Bucharest parks. Walk in the downtown on the Magheru Boulevard or Calea Victoriei, which are really expensive, even comparing with other famous streets worldwide.

You can walk on Calea Victoriei from Bucharest, but avoid entering the boutiques if you are on a budget. They are really expansive

3.Iasi. hasn't an own airport yet, transfer from Bucharest lasts 5 hours, but you can also use the airports of Chisinau or Bacau (2 hours). I can organize wonderful breaks in Iasi, with wine tastings . Don't miss the Culture palace with its 4 museums, and visit Hotel Restaurant Traian, the city's oldest and biggest. The city is build on 7 hills, similar to Rome, and you can have a relaxing walk in this city.

The Culture Palace from Iasi is a must see for any art freak

4.Cluj Napoca/Koloszvar/Klausenburg is really international and definitely worth to your time. Take a walk in the downtown, be sure to visit the catholic church of St Michael and also the orthodoxe cathedral. Visit the New York Palace, today Continental Hotel. Other important points: History and Art museum. But first of all, observe the fantastic cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city sitting in a restaurant from downtown. You will be able to hear more languages, mainly Romanian and Hungarian, and the locals can easy commute among these two!

Cluj Napoca and the Orthodoxe Cathedral

5.Constanta, the old Tomis, is a must see for the sea lovers, but it is not limited to that! Its position on the seaside gives him some advantages, against other cities from Romania. The vineyards from Murfatlar and Niculitel are very close, and the city has a breathtaking History Museum. Coming in summer, you have at your disposition a wide selection of beaches. Coming out of the season, you will find a quiet peaceful city, which is also very affordable, you can stay on a budget for sure!  

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