Category: Europe

Ciao, bella Italia! (Rome, Orvieto, Florence)

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Everyone should go to Italy at least once. I have always heard people singing its praises but until recently, I didn’t get around to visit and see for myself. So, in the fall of 2014, after a long and difficult year at work, my husband and I decided to take this long-awaited and well-deserved Italian vacation. We wanted to take a sample of the country, a bit of both the north and the south, scoping out places where we’d like to return and spend some more time. Continue reading “Ciao, bella Italia! (Rome, Orvieto, Florence)” →

Christmas in Romania – Part 4: Mocanita Steam Train

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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” →

Christmas in Romania – Part 3: Maramures

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Christmas in Romania – Part 3: Maramures & Traditions

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” →

Christmas in Romania – Part 2: Turda Salt Mine and Ilea Bed & Breakfast

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After Christmas, ten of us (six adults and four kids) loaded up in three cars and drove to Maramures, the north-western corner of Romania, near the border with Ukraine. The area is beautiful, with rolling hills and absolutely gorgeous lighting, guaranteed to make your photos glow – a photographer’s Paradise (if you don’t believe me, check out Adrian Petrisor’s photos).

On the way, we stopped to visit Turda Salt Mine. This out-of-this-world looking underground dwelling has been a mine used since Roman times but was officially built in the 18th century. It is now a popular tourist destination for those with respiratory troubles and healthy travelers alike, featuring self-service row-boat rides, a Ferris wheel, ball courts, and more. Continue reading “Christmas in Romania – Part 2: Turda Salt Mine and Ilea Bed & Breakfast” →

Christmas in Romania – Part 1: Trip to Romania and Christmas Feast

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This winter I escaped to my hometown of Brasov, Romania for the holidays and it was
everything I could have asked for: family, friends, food, wine, dancing, walking…and more food.

The trip didn’t start quite right. 20151217_141656I had this weird feeling that nagged me: “I’m not ready to travel yet.” This is very strange, as I am usually super-pumped about hitting the road, especially when it comes to going home, to Romania…  Continue reading “Christmas in Romania – Part 1: Trip to Romania and Christmas Feast” →