Ripley Chronicle #3: Brasov 'n Co.

Feeling the love of a cool summer breeze, Brasov was greeted with open arms. I was overjoyed to see Mark join us for the last leg of our haul. He took the train from Bucharest and conveniently met us at Council Square where our beautiful hotel was located. As if we hadn't already been eating and drinking to our heart's content, we stuffed our gullets at a few spectacular restaurants worth mentioning: Keller's Steakhouse, Bella Muzica, Naturellement. Regrettably, on date nite with Mark, the "Rough Guide" led us astray with one particular restaurant, Sirul Vamii. Their food just made me sad. 

Between feeding times we were awed by formidable, fortified churches and castles in nearby towns, all very much worth the small effort it took to get there. Mobile phone pics just don't do them justice...

Prejmer built 1212. Forty ft high, 10-15 ft thick.

Loopholes. They weren't messing around.

Inside the walls... cozy 8'x10'
rooms for livin large.

There was also the Harman fortified church built in the 13th century with its original frescoes on display, though it was being renovated.  Next up? The iconic Bran Castle, built between 1377-1382. Queen Marie shacked up here 1920-1947, a beloved leader and advocate for Romania's citizens during the Balkan war.

Deets sized windows.

Perfect place for day dreaming. Or spying. 

A Breath of Fresh Air: Winter in Translyania

Odorheiu Secuiesc this weekend was absolute paradise. We were treated to clear and balmy thirty degree, windless weather, a far cry from Bucharest's trodden ice sluice of a capital. Mark, Deets, Jim and I hiked ourselves silly up the snowy hills with our friends and played games of Jenga between gut-stuffing meals. Always a good time.

View from above: city of Odorheiu

Taking pictures as an excuse to catch my breath.

Wind sprints.

He just told a really funny joke.

Inseparable buddies.