Peles Castle, Sinaia Ski Slopes

My best friend and I were joking the other day that we probably have forgotten how awesome the mountains can be, seeing as how both live on flat terrain. She's in North Dakota, whose motto is "Liberty and Union Now and Forever, One and Inseparable," which also describes how I feel about her. So serious. On the other hand, she is the pinnacle of comedy, capable of making me laugh under any circumstance. In fact she's even made me pee my pants, which as those who know me, is not hard. But on a bike? That takes skill.

At any rate, it was she who I was thinking about today, as I went north to Sinaia, for a quick power trip. After the massive cabin fever epidemic, I was giddy to escape the city! I went with a good friend (who was on a mission to preview the mountain town before a scheduled field trip), a gregarious and kind driver (who I want to be my friend), and of course Deets (who goes where I go). We were thrilled to escape a -14C temperature to a balmy -5C. 

No frozen snot today, so happy!

Quaint and beautiful, Sinaia has one the of oldest ski resorts that peaks out at a whopping 2400 meters (7,874 feet). Two gondolas are in operation for mountainy pleasures. I enjoyed a newbie skier in tight periwinkle pants fly-wedge his way down the beginner's slope ending with a backwards down-dog. 

The gondolas are PINK!

Pretending I didn't miss making my own fresh tracks, we moved on to check out the Peles Castle, an apparent summer house for King Carol I back in 1914. It's absolutely amazing, and the prettiest I have seen yet. Alas, they were closed for touring the inside, but I don't think Deets minded.

Um, please pay attention if you will.

Feeling extravagant and hoity, we countered with a humble trip to the Sinaia Monastery, founded in 1690. 

Turns out they are open everyday, but being fueled by a hangry baby, we continued onto lunch. Afterwards, we attempted to ride the gondola as a last hurrah, but missed it by 3 minutes. Not wanting to get stuck in Bucharestian traffic, or see an atomic baby meltdown, we headed home tired but pleased by our "discoveries" made on the day. To my BFF, this town is waiting for you.

Tram/ski map. So retro.