Braşov. We took a train there. And walked to the hostel. 7km. 1.5hr after going the wrong way as the sky darkened. Grin I know... we're crazy. But who cares! =P
On the way... we saw this "Hollywood" lookalike. See the lit Braşov sign in the hill? It must be the sign on some ski resort uphill.. According to the guide, it was there before Hollywood put theirs up. Grin. Who should we believe?
Like many European cities, Braşov too has a market square. This one had a fountain in the middle. On busy days, there are actually many people sitting around waiting for their dates etc. =)
This is Piata Dominii. We didn't really know where our hostel was... and we were wandering about when it was darker than when this photo was taken. Luckily, we met a few young people who could speak English and directed us with more than slight amusement on their faces - to this place. =) No picture of the hostel~ But if ever any of you decide to visit Romania... please don't be cheated by unfavourable exchange rates charged by hostels who lie about laws against payment in Euros. Bahs... I shall not name this hostel that's facing the church with a mass cemetry - 1 of the 2 hostels in Piata Dominii. =P
Anyway, there are 2 churches within the town square and Piata Dominii, and one more we chance to see along the way as we took a wrong turn. We attended service on Easter Sunday! But it was in German... and with my headache getting to me... twin and I both ended up dozing off a great deal - but waking at the right moments to rise with the rest and try to follow some hymns.
Well... it was an experience =) And it was in the Black Church... which was nearly destroyed in the great fire in 1689. The restoration took about 100 years. It was then that the Black Church received his appearance with his characteristic blackened roof of 20 m height. Cool yeah?
Easter Sunday was a public holiday of sorts.. which means nothing much was open..
But of course, it was within our expectations and clever us had already planned for it. =P After church service, (and slacking in the hostel after failing to steal more bread from the breakfast table for lunch...) we set off in search of Solomon's rocks.
We seriously have no idea what that was... but the guide from Bran & Rasnov recommended the place... no harm finding out. =) We asked the hostel staff... and got this: "well it's up hill... so just follow every path that goes upwards. You can't go wrong."
Yeah right... we ended up at some weird dead end place. But it wasn't all that bad... cuz of the prettiness of the countryside. =) Further enquiries along the way put us on the right track..
We weren't very bothered by the upward climb... cuz there's:Pretty flowers along the way...
and people to keep us entertained...
Heh the photo of the uniformed guys dancing in a circle was taken at Piata Dominii.. They are having some celebration of sorts. =) Pity we couldn't join in - cuz we weren't sure if there's some gender thing involved (only guys in that circle...) but it sure looked fun!
The other 3 were taken on the way to and at Solomon's rock. Kids playing together... guys fetching firewood for their delicious smelling barbecue.. (Two of us truly felt terrible despite the scenery cuz we were hungry. Smelling all sorts of wonderful aromas does not help.) Oh... and the picture with the man in a white cap? He completely overwhelmed us with his hospitality as he met us on our way up and excitedly gave us each a hug and a kiss to say hello. Then, he got his friend to take a picture of us with him. Hehs... what can I say... Asians are exotic in that region...
So we found out... at the end of our 1 hr trek - that Solomon's Rocks is actually a picnic ground. It's a holiday after all. Many Romanian families were just taking the chance to relax and spend quality time with their loved ones in the wilds.
Sitting on the grass amidst the merry-making families, blue skies and sprouting greens... a sense of peace washed over us..
2 more pictures and a collage to finish off this series on Romania. =) On the left, you have the narrowest street in Europe - Rope Street. We almost missed it - if not for our guide's specific directions to it. And on the right... heh I don't know.. I just found this view pretty nice. =)
lastly... it'd almost be a sin if we don't show you what sustained us on the trip. First was the donut thing that left twin with a mouthful of icing sugar. =P And then two mouth-watering crepes! In Romanian, they are called "clatite". =) Whatever... they tasted good anyway! Heh to make it a 2x2 collage, I included the last one - twin making a purchase of our favourite Romanian pastry - Fornetti!
And then... we found out some weeks ago that we have that in Warsaw too... just 10 min from home. Oh well... =)
Flight home's from Bucharest. We had to go back there. Plans to take a P-train were altered upon meeting the guide from Bran-Rasnov at the station. Seriously, that guy was everywhere! Anyway, thanks to him, we found out about mini-buses to Bucharest. =)
This trip was the second last with twin. Last one would be the upcoming one to Gdansk, Poland. =) Next entry would be on Western Europe with Herm! =) Twin went to Paris.. but I doubt she'll post. hehs Yeps that's that for Romania!
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