Lodging: Bucharest Capitol Hotel

Hotel Capitol is located close to the University of Bucharest and Cismigiu Gardens in a lively and central area of the city, and features an on-site restaurant.
The property was built in 1901 andLæs mere
Bucharest Walking Tour

This city has a fascinating history from Vlad Dracul to WWII to the communist era.
Our guide, Cristian, is the son of a woman who lived for 30 years under communist rule, having to watch her everyLæs mere
Lunch

Lunch at Caru' cu bere, a restaurant with Bavarian styling and traditional Romanian food. For dessert, we had papanash, a cream covered donut thing. So good.
Some pics of the streets around old town.Læs mere
Crazy Eyes at Caru' cu Bere

When your sisters get you to make crazy eyes - Sean
Bellu Cemetery

This beautiful cemetery is open to the public. It was lovely to wander around and see how people have chosen to honor their lost loved ones.
We all went, but Anya and I stayed and wandered around forLæs mere
Dinner, Treats, and Fountains

Amidst the remnants of its communist past, Bucharest is reinventing itself as a vibrant and cosmopolitan European destination. Stroll through the charming Old Town, where centuries-old churches andLæs mere
Run at Herăstrău Park

I ran 3.2 miles at Herăstrău Park. It's conveniently just off a metro stop. It's a large park with green grounds and lengthy paths surrounding Lake Herăstrău, which is fed by the ColentinaLæs mere
Bear Alert

In addition to almost getting thrown off the train, our phones also got a bear alert as we went through Predeal!
Peleș Castle Entry and First Floor

We stopped by Sinaia on our way to Brasov. The little hunting lodge of King Carol I. Pronounced "pelesh".
Our taxi ride up here was crrrraaazy.
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Peles Castle, nestled in the scenicLæs mere
Peleș Castle First Floor and Gardens

We had a local tell us to skip the castle, it wasn't worth it. Boy, are we glad we ignored that advice!
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King Carol I, the first monarch of modern Romania, played a pivotal role in shaping theLæs mere
Found My Restaurant

Romanian Trains - Always an Adventure

Our family of 5 almost got thrown off a train yesterday using our eurail pass, and we're still not sure why. A fast talking young man that had some English clearly recognized our pass and that we hadLæs mere
Dinner in Old Town Brasov

Brasov is a lovely little town at the foothills of the Carpathians. Perfect base to see Bran Castle and visit the Romanian National Stables to see the lipizzans.
Once again, Eowyn immediately madeLæs mere
Anya and Her Dress in Bucharest

Anya in Her Dress in Bucharest 2

Lodging: Heart of Brasov

Modern, newly renovated apartment in the heart of Brasov. The apartment building is located in a private courtyard, which adds safety and makes the apartment very quiet. Great if you want to be a 5Læs mere
Trail Run up Mt. Tâmpa

I ran / hiked from our room in Brasov up nearby Mt Tampa. The mountain is part of the Carpathians and it was a beautiful place for a run. At the top there is a trail behind the Brasov sign above theLæs mere
Muntele Tâmpa

This park, mountain, and the old walls and towers of Brasov are a delight!
Rising majestically above the medieval town of Brasov, Muntele Tâmpa is a natural wonder that offers both stunning vistasLæs mere
The Streets of Brasov

This town is really lovely. Directly at the foothills with great walking paths, a medieval old town, modern shops, reliable internet and friendly people.
Brasov, a charming medieval town nestled inLæs mere
Gondola and Brasov Sign

This was a fun trip up. The mountain is made of limestone, which keeps things warm at night. It's verdant and pleasant up top.
The Brasov sign is known as the Transylvanian Hollywood sign.
Look Who's Here!

So incredibly thankful to have Sabina here. It's a blessing for all of us to spend time together.
Brasov Walking Tour

Éowyn helped our tour guide lead us on a tour of Brasov.
This area of Transylvania has a varied history from Vlad Tepes (who we call Dracula) to being a German town to life under the communists.Læs mere
Entering Castle Bran

This was a highlight of Romania for me! Although it's not actually Vlad Tepes' castle 🏰, Bran Castle is the fortress that inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula...and boy, do they hype up theLæs mere
Castle Bran

They were currently hosting an exhibition on Bram Stoker.
Legends and Myths

They also had an exhibit of Romanian myths and legends.