The long trip home is always well worth it… Three planes, one automobil, and 20-some hours later, my husband and I arrived HOME, in my natal Brasov, Romania. Having lived half my life away from home, I can say that I never stop missing my true home. Things are not perfect but they are good. Continue reading “Home, again, in beautiful Brasov, Romania”
I heard a lot about Chicago, mostly about the jazz & blues scene and the cold winters. I had the chance to visit very briefly while in college. I really wanted to go to a piano jazz bar. However, as fate will have it, I was a day or two shy of my 21st birthday. In Europe, this wouldn’t have been an issue but here we can drive at 16, be in a war at 18 but are not responsible enough to drink until we are 21… Anyway, the funny thing is that I didn’t even drink back then (it’s all over now 😉 ). I went to Chicago just for a day. I remember walking along the river and having the distinct feeling that I was in one of my favorite movies, While You Were Sleeping… Continue reading “My kind of town, Chicago is”
Christmas in Romania – Part 5: Brasov
Saving the best for last: Brasov, my home – always!
Home is always the best, at least for me. I can honestly say – and not just because I’m from there – that Brasov is one of the best cities in Romania. It has a perfect blend of old and new: melancholic cobblestone streets are meandering among brick and stone houses with red terracotta roofs, guarded by ancient watch towers, and the fortresses on the hill. Continue reading “Christmas in Romania – Part 5: Brasov”
Christmas in Romania – Part 4: Mocanita Steam Train
Mocanita from Viseu de Sus is the most famous narrow gauge train using a steam engine in Romania and the only one in Europe still in use. Mocanita Steam Train is also the only way to access Vaser Valley, a mountainous area, with century old forests, mostly untamed due to a complete lack of transport infrastructure and human settlements. Continue reading “Christmas in Romania – Part 4: Mocanita Steam Train”
While in Maramures, we visited a few traditional landmarks, happenings, and people: The Merry Cemetery at Sapanta, Traditions Festival in Sighetul Marmatiei, Ieud Monasteries, the famous wood carvings of Mos Pupaza, and Ples Folk Museum. Continue reading “Christmas in Romania – Part 3: Maramures”
