Epic winter highlights in Romania

As a nature freak and wine afficionado, I must confess: I like winter indeed, no matter how many snow falls or how cold is! The winter has a secret charm, and I can feel it for sure. But of course I am not the only one, and I won't keep for myself.

As a child, I can remember my regular winter works: while visiting my grandma in vacations, in a plain village with harsh winter, I was supposed to shorten and then chop the fire wood. It was a very honorable occupation, and I was very happy doing it. 20 years later was closed to be frozen to death in the same harsh plain, watching over a truck with trading wares which ran out of gas.

Nevertheless, I don't hate and i don't fear winter, but on the contrary, I love it,and allow me to suggest now some winter activities for you as a tourist. There are many winter highlights in Romania, and I must select something special for you.

Skiing in Paltinis, the highest winter resort in Romania

The first saving idea shall be, as you can imagine, ski and other winter sports. there are good ski destinations in Romania, starting with the well renowned, but expensive Poiana Brasov. If you go to Borsa is much cheaper, but the slopes are much easier, good only for beginners. Ranca and Paltinis other important ski destinations in Romania.Right time to inform about the last massive snow falls in Romania, making all the ski destinations to be very good prepared for their guests.

Constanta and the sea in winter have a special secret spell and charm

Another proposition: the sea. Maybe seems weird, but the sea in winter looks fabulous, much more romantic than in summer season with their crowds and mass tourism. The chances to find snow in Constanta or Mangalia are very slim. Not all the hotels are opened in winter, but Hotel Malibu from Mamaia is one of them. Unfortunately no swimming pool inside, you must drive to hotel Yaki, e.g. The amazing city of Constanta looks charming, and in many restaurants, as one of the few visitors, you will be treated much better than in the peak season! They will totally spoil you. Use the opportunity to visit the excellent History museum ( as any contemporary History museum from Romania, it is closed on Monday and the known history stops suddenly with WWII)

If you followed in the hot season a certain way or destination in Romania, please repeat it in winter. It has a newer charm, and thus you are also able to gain another perspective. Such a destination is the Bucharest's Village Museum. Visit this amazing museum, observe the old genuine houses and imagine how was the daily life 200 years ago during course winters. It is the best method to get cured about the winter depression.

Another favorite destination in Romania in winter, or in summer is Sighisoara with its unique Medieval fortress, the only one still inhabitated in the all Europe. Discover it, and other secret charms of this small town staying in the exquisite Hotel Binder Bubi. After a long exhausting walk in the hilly fortress you may be spoiled with a perfect dinner and a sauna, making your day perfect.

So, if you fear the winter depression or winter blue, I have the right cure. As the right medication for many other diseases. Please be and remain positive, and don't worry for anything. Life is good and nice everywhere, but specially in Romania.

Most romantic destination in Romania for Valentine's day

If you bet, that I am going to send you in Romania on Valentine, you won! Why? Because I love this country, and because is a wonderful thing for you, as a guest. And don't bother if you haven't any partner, you can go on your own!

The glamorous Cazino from Sinaia is one of my suggestions on Valentine's day

Traveling to Romania on Valentine's Day might be tricky, only because in Romania on that time is very cold, but you won't sleep under the stars. I would select the best destinations, the romantic ones.
First of all, I will propose you to go on the seaside, in Constanta. The spell of the sea in winter is much easier to hear and see, as there are no the crowds of tourists. Besides, Constanta has also some amazing attractions, like theatre, museums and mall, offering a complete entertainment. I suggest to lodge at Malibu hotel, next to Mamaia resort, a noble place where everybody will spoil you! A romantic evening in one of the leading restaurants of the downtown, maybe Cazino, will complete your moment of glory!

The wonderful city of Oradea and it charming downtown

Very different from Constanta, and also far away (1000 km away) is Oradea. It is not so big, but  really seducing in the Old city. Staying in Continental hotel from Oradea means a lot, and the friendly staff will not disturb you unnecessary. So, please, pay all the attention to your partner, and have a wonderful vacations, good to remember and describe to friends or nephews! The creamy cauliflower soup can make the difference, I guess it to be an excellent and tasty  aphrodisiaque! You can then forget, neglect and cancel the schedule for the evening, stay to your partner.

The city of Iasi is doubtless a Romanian cultural Capital. Besides, offers excellent entertainment and shopping opportunities

If you are the type of lover desperately searching for intimacy and insulation, I will recommend you a small cabin in Sinaia. Very peaceful there, almost unbelievable, unless you are on week-ends. You can ski, and have a glass of boiled wine on the slope, just to raise you fantasies,  in case you might need! As a small break, you can visit the Peles castle, which is an amazing art museum, and have a walk in the city, maybe with a dinner in Restaurant Casino, the most stylish and iconic in the area (restaurant Casino organized a glamour New year party, on a theme of Hollywood from 1930, btw).

Another interesting target for lovers is no doubt the city of Iasi, or Jassy. It has many museums, but also a tremendous downtown, with excellent malls and shopping or entertainment opportunities. I suggest in Iasi the hotel Moldova, with an excellent report between price and value. The restaurant is also enjoyable, for your romantic evening and foreplay, possible with meat rolls and a glass (or more) from the local red wine "Bull blood" or the "Bear power"! You won't sleep any minute all night long, I swear, as I already experienced!

Whatever you choice, have a happy Valentine's day and may your secret wishes come true. If you decide coming to Romania, let me know about it, and book at least one week before, as overbooking is probably, and even possible!

Fantastic unsolved mysteries in the Romanian Carpathians

Whether you are a history and archaeology freak, or you simply like climbing mountains, in some areas of the  Romanian Carpathians you will meet some enigmatic buildings.

As we know about history, 2000 years ago the Romanian mountains were populated by Dacians, which have been conquered by the Romans. But what happened here before, which civilisations have settled in the area? Of course, unsolved ancient mysteries are not only in Romania to find, think about Stonehenge, Pyramids etc, to name just a few of other enigmatic areas, which are maybe even better knowned like the Romanian ones!

The former Capital of the mighty Dacian Empire is still hiding some mysteries

The fact, that many evidences and artifacts point to a revolutionary conclusions: before the dacians, in the Romanian mountains, were other civilization, which was advanced and able to do unbelievable works. Iconic historians called them Pelasges, while other scientists reject this theory!That's why I am going to present only the facts, which you can discover and see yourself.

Is the Sphynx from the romanian Carpathians hand made, or the result of natural erosion?

In the remote isolated area near Orastie (not far from Deva, Alba Iulia or Sibiu) you can discover one of the most iconic and enigmatic places in the Romanian mountains: the sanctuary from gradistea Muncelului. Here was the mighty Capital of the Dacian kingdoms, on 30 human cut terraces. Professional or hobby archaeologists discovered houses, workshops for metal and pottery, water basins, defending walls and ritual sanctuaries. In the middle were the tower houses of the Dacian kingdoms. The walls are more than two thousand years old and form an irregular quadrilater. The former Capital was stretching on 6 accres. Please observe that our ancestors did not build with stones from the neighborhood, as they was simply too soft. They brought stones from tens kilometers away. The food was also coming from remote area, and you can imagine the logistics and technical problems emerging. The Dacians used a special technique to build walls, called "murus dacicus", and the sanctuary found in the area show advanced knowledge of astronomy, technology and even medicine! The ancient Capital is not easy accessible, you have to walk two hours long from Costesti (where a cabin would welcome you).

Old maid chatting in the Bucegi mountains

Another enigmatic place is the Bucegi Mountains, on the Prahova Valley, easy to discover from Sinaia. There are some caves in the area where happen strange things, used to initiate the Yoga aspirants. And there also some interesting artifacts, the Sphynx and Babele. hard to say if they are hand made, or the simply normal result of the natural erosion. Watch them in nature, or in photos, and tell me your opinions!

Best Romania Archaeology Tour

Romania has an ancient civilization, thousand years ago these fertile blessed lands have been by the people who were hunting and farming. Only one month ago, during excavation works for the building of a highway, it has been discovered an 8000 years old written stone plate, probably the oldest writing world wide.

The Romanian dances are a major subject of interests, the songs set the language barrier

Is is fascinating to navigate through the Romanian history, searching artifacts and thinking to the daily life of the people. Even this thing I am going to propose you, in an unforgettable History and Archaeology Tour of Romania. We are going to start from the antique Greek and Roman times in Tomis, the father of the today Constanta. I propose you also something based on the overexagerated legend of Dracula, and I am not going to miss a visit in the most important History and Archaeology Museums in Romania, in Bucharest and Constanta. Bear in mind that the time is late for this year, the winter comes and is knocking on the door. My tip: still possible to do and book this year, getting a 10 % off discount!

The antic ruins of Histria are simply fascinating if try to figure the daily life in those  old times

Day One  
Arrive in Bucharest, drive to hotel in Constanța. At the moment Constanta is not anymore animated and overcrowded, an excellent season for visiting the charming city

Day Two
Explore Constanța, the ancient city of Tomis, including some current excavations, including the ‘mosaic building’. The large museum houses finds from all over Dobrogea, including the famous ‘Sculpture Treasury’.

Contemporary Bucharest

Day Three
Day at Histria, the largest excavation site in Romania. It was an ancient Milesian apoikia (trading colony) from the 7th century BC, which was subsequently abandoned. Most of the visible monuments are Late Roman in date, including city walls, baths and several Christian basilicas.

Day Four
Drive to Adamclisi to see the Tropaeum Traiani, the triumphal monument erected in celebration of Trajan’s vistory over the Dacians - the provincial counterpart to Trajan’s column in Rome, one of the very few such monuments which still survives. Continue to Bucharest. Optional, wine tasting in Murfatlar.

The monument of Adamclisi celebrates the Roman conquest of the ancient Dacia 

Day Five
National Museum in Bucharest, containing treasures from all over Romania, including lifesize replicas of the reliefs of Trajan’s column in Rome. The museum’s ‘treasury’ is also very impressive displaying Romania’s most valuable artefacts (including much gold and silver) from prehistory to the modern era. ‘Pharaonic House of the People’, the world’s largest civilian building, built under the Ceausescu regime, which now houses the Romanian Parliament. The old city of Bucharest is changing fast - those who want to see it should hurry! Free afternoon. Discover the typical architecture of an Orthodoxe church in archbishopic of Bucharest. Extra free discount: Bucharest Architectural Tour

Day Six
Drive along the Prahova Valley to Bran Castle, popularly linked with Dracula, founded in the 14th century and later used as a defence against the Ottoman Empire. Continue to Brasov (‘Black Church’) and city break

Sarmizegetusa in the mountains, the former Capital of Dacia

Day Seven
Sibiu, a Medieval town founded in the 12th century by Saxon settlers, became the most important of Translyvania’s ‘seven cities’. Charming old town with narrow lanes, Medieval houses, churches, merchants guild and the Bruckenthal Palace, which houses one of Romania’s largest and oldest museums. It was European ‘Capital of Culture’ in 2007.

Day Eight
Sarmizegetusa Regia, capital of the Dacian kingdom - monumental architecture with Greek influence, and a quite unique appearance, including defensive walls, artificial terraces, temples and sanctuaries. Nearby fort of Costesti.

Day Nine
Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, capital of the Roman province of Dacia, with amphitheatre, temples, forum and the residence of the province’s financial procurator. On to the Gothic Hunyad Castle at Hunedoara, associated with John Hunyadi, the Romanian general who fought the Turks.

Day Ten
Drive back to Bucharest for flights home.

Total costs of 990 Euros include good *** hotels with lunch, breakfast and lunch, as also all necessary fees and entrances,  but exclude the flight, the optional wine tasting and tipping.

Alba Iulia, a symbol for any Romanian

Visiting Alba Iulia means a lot to any Romanian, and I could compare with some well known pilgrimages. Even if you are not a Romanian, the town of Alba Iulia is a visit worth.

Roman walls in Alba Iulia, antic Apullum

Alba Iulia (hungarian Gyulafehervar; German Karlsburg or Weissenburg) has a wonderful fortress, build by the Habsburgs in the XVIIIth century. Much earlier, in the antic times, on the place was the city of Apullum, already a capital and the most important local city. In Middle Age,during  the XVIth century, Alba Iulia was again the  capital of The Transilvania Principality. Newer, on the 1st December 1918, 100000 people representing the Romanians and the Saxons of Transilvania, the unifying of Transilvania with Romania. Maybe you understand now why is the town so important in the Romanian history.

The main entrance gate in the Fortress of Alba Iulia has a baroque tower; pls observe back the Orthodox Cathedral

Much better for you if visiting Alba Iulia have not this very high emotional charge. Drive in the city, see the impersonal blocks of flats, pass through center to the fortress (Cetate) and take a wonderful walk in the area. Admire the Catholic Cathedral, build in the XIIIth century, a model of Medieval architecture. Admire the Orthodox Cathedral, bild in 1921, where the King Ferdinand was crowned in 1922 as King of all Romania. Admire the gate of the fortress. All these walls are full with history, allow me giving another example: in 1784 the Romanians lead by Horea, Closca and Crisan fought for their social and national rights against the leading Hungarians. Very successfully in the beginning, but at the end the Hungarians defeated the Romanians and executed the leaders inside this fortress, through lugging on the wheel!

The Catholic Cathedral from Alba Iulia is very old (XIIIth century) and constitutes a model of Medieval architecture

Visit the interesting Unity Museum, and if you need a rest after all these cultural adventures, you are welcomed one of the many Restaurants inside the fortress. Please avoid fast-food, and make a wiser choice, take a Romanian menu (soup, main dish,desert), with a glass of wine, costing 9-10 Euros.

Replacing the Guards in Alba Iulia is a coloured show

After that relaxing lunch, if you are still in the mood, continue discovering the town of Alba Iulia, searching the well known Bathyaneum library, a really sanctuary hosting a vast collection of Medieval books. Really a must for any culture freaks. From Alba Iulia you can drive to Arad, or in the neighboring mountains, offering some interesting places (need only to hurry up,the winter is coming!). Jidvei and Blaj are also in the area, and you can take part there to exquisite wine tasting!

Must see in Romania: Craiova

The city of Craiova is doubtless a regional Capital of Oltenia, Romanian province. Which is maybe the most Romanian provinces of all, and the Romanians from this province are much more passionate and hot blooded, comparing with other provinces, like Transilvania and Moldavia.

Downtown of Craiova at night, with spectacular fountain and the monumental City Hall. Also spectacular in daylight. and a magnetic target for a long walk, among locals and tourists

The people of Oltenia have something special, you can't get in other parts of the country. They are very proud, they are very patriots and have a special sense of humor, and all these things make them a favorite subject of the popular jokes. They speak quickly and ue a special form of past Tense, making them so easy to recognize. Oltenia and Craiova gave some distinguished personalities to the Romanian and  Universal history. 

Mihai Viteazul (Michael the Brave) was first a ban of Craiova, and after Ruler of all Wallachia. He even succeed unifying for the first time all the Romanian countries (Wallachia, Moldavia and Transilvania)

In Middle Age the province of Oltenia has been ruled by the Craiovescu family, from Craiova of course. They hold the title of bans, and were entitles to make coins with their faces (and today, ban in Romanian means money!).Earlier, in the antic Roman times, on these places has been settled the fortress of Pelendava, due to the excellent regional position, to the middle of the way between mountains and Danube.

St Dumitru Church is a brillant example of Architecture

Today, is really a pleasure living in Craiova, and an event to visit it. The local park is one of the most beautiful Romaniawide, while the Art Museum one of the richest. Besides, you have so many things to do in Craiova: e.g a long walk in the Downtown, admiring the old Architecture (e.g. Madona Dudu church, City Hall, National college, the equestrian statue of Michael the Brave, a Romanian national hero. You can find also a leading Romanian National Theatre, and if you are lucky you can even get a show of Tudor Gheorghe, very well known and beloved Romanian Composer and Singer. Tudor Gheorghe is an amazing one man show, holding a full hall in his hand for hours.

From Craiova you can make shorter or longer trips in the neighborhood. Visit Targu Jiu and trive on Transalpina, offering you a unique panorama of the mountains, and reach Transilvania and Sibiu. A special mention for Ranca, a winter resort, where you can ski. Another possible short trip, also in the mountains, is Petrosani and Valea Jiului. If you are not a mountain freak, bag you pardon: go in the opposite direction, to the Danube, in the port of Calafat. And if you are in the mood to combine the mountain and the water, look for Drobeta Turnu Severin and Portile de Fier (Iron Gates), which offer memorable landscapes. Very near is also the vineyard from Segarcea, where we can organize wine tasting.

Things to do in Timisoara

Timisoara, very close to the Romania's western border, is  a sort of regional Capital. It is the country's third populous city, but one of the nicest. Timisoara was always a sort of Romanian avantgarde, lieing in a region, namely Banat, which enjoys the country's highest standard of life.

The Orthodox Cathedral of Timisoara is one of the city's landmarks

Timisoara has a long history, being settled for the first time in the good old abtic times; nevertheless, for the first time in writing dates back to 1030. In Middle Age Timisoara had a troubled history, being ruled by Hungarians, Turks, Austrians, even Serbs, and finally became Romanian after WWI. Today Timisoara is an interesting mix of nations, but also a model of peaceful life ( add to the mentioned nations the Italians, Germans, Ukrainians).

Timisoara is such a nice touristic city also because of its many parks and gardens

In Timisoara you can do walking trips in this wonderful city. Don't miss the Orthodox Cathedral, Unirii Square, Victoriei Square. Timisoara is very beloved in the all Romania, and not simply by chance the Romanian Revolution from 1989 to defeat Ceausescu started in Timisoara. You can follow the traces of this Revolution, and even find contemporary witnesses!

Timisoara has many old buildings, creating an eclectic  and charming mix of styles

At night, you can go in the City Opera Theatre, or in one of the three Timisoara's Theatres (Romanian, Hungarian, and German). Or you might enjoy a good dinner in one of the many restaurants of Timisoara (special mention for Hotel Restaurant Continental, offering a perfect service, and also a wide panorama of the city.)

In the history Timisoara was twice destroyed by fire, and once by plague, but managed to live further, as the Phoenix Bird (also the name of the most important Romanian pop band of the 70's) but nowadays enjoys its stable prosperity, being one of the Romania's favorite target of foreign investors.

You are going to love Timisoara from the first sight (please don't look first to the sad communist blocks!). The Architectural mix from the center is charming, comparable to Bucharest. Don't miss in Timisoara The Etnography Museum, in the city's oldest building, from the XVIIIth century.

Visiting Sighisoara, in the heart of Transilvania

Nowadays Sighisoara only counts 30 000 inhabitants, a small town also. But professionally speaking, is the uncrowned capital of the touristic Romania.

On the narow Medieval streets of Sighisoara fortress. You may see the Clock Tower.

Reaching Sighisoara from any direction, you will be mesmerized by its clean Medieval aspect. A masterpiece indeed, so nice, that many people ask : " How was Sighisoara spared by the destroy of the Communism?" If you are familiar with the German Gothic and Baroque architecture, you will be at home in Sighisoara! Which had been for centuries a Saxon city and fortress in Transilvania.

During the Carnivals of Sighisoara, the Medieval toilets are a must

The Fortress of Sighisoara (German Schassburg) is very well preserved and probably once again unique, as it is still populated today. Some of the local German Saxons come back in pension, due to the low costs of life in Romania. Within a short walk you can reach the Clock Tower (requires reparations), History Museum, Dracula House, and the wonderful Fortress Square. A little bit further, after a short ascension over 200 stairs you can reach the Church Hill and have a wonderful panorama of the city. The Church is worth a visit ( a small fee to be paid) as hosts some interesting artefacts from other fortresses of Transilvania, and has a centuries long history behind. The neighboring cemetery is very interesting and again historically significant, with the graves of many German rulers and archbishops. After all these efforts you will be rewarded in one of the town's many restaurants, maybe even in Dracula House! Is not the only one in Sighisoara, of course, but has excellent service and  good King's meal. About the price, don't forget the Historical charge.

Eating in Dracula House is still an event, and fortunately not a dangerous anymore

If you are tired, and it is summer, forget any hope to get a room, the town is overcrowded. You need reservation and booking, of course. Even at Binder Bubi, the best hotel in the town, with 5 stars, everything is booked. Also important, in summer there is a medieval festival on the last Sunday of July, with camp fires and fancy toilets. Keep in mind, is important, maybe you want to take part, or you want to avoid.

Restaurant of the Hotel Binder Bubi Sighisoara proudly holds its *****

So many things to do in Sighisoara. It is surely a mistake coming to Romania and neglecting Sighisoara!

The leading travel agency in the today Romania

As I have a good experience in presenting Romania to the foreigners, I wanna share with you, as you must take a profit from this experience of mine.

Karpaten (German for Carpathians) made a good choice of the best Romanian  hotels. 

Before 1989, in the Ceausescu time, the Romanian tourism reached some peaks, which seemed long time to be untouchable. The centralized economy facilitate low prices, and in the early 70ties Romania was really booming. After the dissolution of the communist power , on one hand the prices rose, and on the other hand  the centralized structure perished. As an immediate result, the foreign tourists fled away, there are many good  destinations in the world, and the travel industry is very competitive. I personally have been working as a travel guide and travel director in the communist times and a few years after. Since 1998 it was such a deep crisis in this branch, that I had only a few groups.

Going on the Romanian Blackseacoast is an event, booking through Karpaten  is even very cheap.

But meanwhile Romania made excellent progresses in the field, and the real professionals started to emerge. Despite the very insignificant state promotion, private owned companies, hotels,travel  agencies appeared, and many of them already vanished. During all these long and difficult years one agency managed to keep and even enlarge its portfolio of clients. Karpaten Turism is in my opinion the most reliable private travel agency in the today Romania, judging based on more factors, but before all the personal experience. Being a tour guide in Romania at Karpaten is a big pleasure and a deep honor, and even an impulse for better work. I always felt an excellent support from the incoming department (Catalina Halauca and Madalina Leu) and the programs I made for this company were simply fantastic at very reasonable prices. The tourists (a group fromNorwa y, a froup from Swiss) have been mesmerized by the program (don't forget my personal contribution, please!) and pledged me to come again.

But in the mountains too Karpaten offers dream packages

I am very happy having found this company, which is Romania's best for incoming, as I can serve better the interests of the tourists. They have good contracts, after days of negotiations, and excellent prices. They managed to set up a good structure for incoming tourism who proudly stays next to the achievements of the Ceausescu regime, but in a very different manner, due to high level and quality of the people working in this company.

Romania saw from Switzerland

I had the wonderful opportunity to guide a group of tourists from Swiss, unfortunately only during their last day of stay, coming from the company Twerenbold and on behalf on Karpaten Tourism.  It was a big pleasure and a deep honor assisting all these people in discovering Romania, and working together with the driver Paul Schmidt.

The Swiss group had the wonderful opportunity to discover Romania in Autumn, which is a natural painter

How is Romania saw from the Alps, from upthere? The Swiss tourists coming to Romania whose guide I was really enjoyed the stay. They saw a good part of Romania, and was very interested for the painted churches (all of them were practising catholics, and insisted for visiting 8 Monasteries from Bucovina. They loved it very much, they sung together with the nuns in a few monasteries, and admired the paintings. We concluded again, that between the Orthodox and the Catholic beliefs are not so big differences, well known as the Florentin points). Amazing and touching to discover once more, that all the things who unite us are much more important than the little things which separate us. The belief is almost the same, and the differences are only in details.

The painted church of Voronet is a masterpiece, and was very good appreciated by the religious tourists coming from Switzerland 

They visited also Sibiu/Hermannstadt and stayed long in its wonderful Medieval centre, with its Citadel and Liars' Bridge, putting their partners to the difficult test of sincerity! Unfortunately, no one was able to pass that test, and we had therefore very tensed moments. The best shape and disposition has been regained in Cluj-Napoca/Klausenburg, before the riding statue of Matei Corvin, a brave and controversial ruler of Transilvania (Romanians say he was a Romanian, but the Hungarians say on the contrary, he was Hungarian!). Amazing, but true, and very interesting in a city still hosting an important Hungarian minority (20 % of the total population of 400000 inhabitants). Cluj Napoca is very beloved by the Hungarians due to its Inteligentsia. Cluj Napoca is a wonderful example of Medieval flair combined with urban Easteuropean charm. Best place for a city break.

Cluj Napoca is surely one of the Romania's most beautiful and interesting cities

From Cluj to Oradea was a light shot for driver Paul Schmidt, as we were supposed to stay in Hotel Continental Forum****, the biggest and the best from Oradea! Good opportunity to systematize and evaluate the knowledge of the tourists about Romania, who still has many things to be discovered. Thus, the sad farewell turned into an opened invitation.

Hotel Continental Forum from Oradea, on the banks of Crisul River

Romanian gastronomic specialities

Romanian gastronomy is very rich indeed, and this is one of the many arguments for  taking  the decision to offer you exquisite food and wine tours here in Romania. The Romanian gastronomy is also not very original, due to successive  historic influences coming from neighboring Empires (Russian, Turkish, Hungarian and German).

The Gulash is rather Hungarian, no matter, you can eat exquisite Gulash in Romania

In Transilvania you can find very spicy paprika or gulash ( a tasteful spicy mix of meat pieces with sauce). In every corner you can find Kraut mit Wurst (German for cabbage with sausages!) with its local variation "Varza a la Cluj" (Romanian for " Cabage a la Cluj"). Cabbage a la Cluj is mixed with mincemeat and rice.

Varza a la Cluj pairs excellent with a red strong wine, as you can notice!

In Dobrogea you will be able to find the traces of the Turkish kitchen, mainly by the deserts like saraili and baclava! About the musaca (Romanian for Moussakka), it is much better represented Romaniawide, consisting of alternative layers of potatoes thin slices and mincemeat. You may observe, please, that the Romanians eat mainly pig meat, and there is an historical explanation even for that: during the Turkish occupation, the Turks took practically everything better, but they never enjoyed pig, as not recommended by their religion.

Baclavas are Turkish, and are very tasty.

Romanians were a few hundreds years ago mainly a shepherd people, and as a remaining they eat nowadays cheese at almost every meal. One kilo cheese costs 3 Euros, and a kilo tomatoes 0,8 Euros, and so you have a good idea for your menu if you are on a budget.

Sarmalute (  forc-meat rolls in cabbage sau vine leaves ) are present at any feast in Romania

An exquisite Romanian meal present at every meal during the feasts (Christmas, Eastern, etc) are the sarmalute ( forc-meat rolls in cabbage sau vine leaves). They are not very difficult for cook, the mix consisting of mincemeat, rice, eggs and spices, but you may have a problem while cooking, as the leaves go apart. This is a crucial test for the young girls when are just married, and many of them simply sew the leave after rolling! Which would be in your opinion the best wines for all these wines? Many combination possible, but your concrete one is opened for your Romanian Tour!

Romanian Wine Cocktails

You must know and be aware of the wine based cocktails, as you may know as professional or simply skilled wine fan. I am also very fond of cocktails, and other mates of me here in Romania also do! We make them mainly, but not exclusively, during hot summer days, when it is not allowed to drink the wine dried or at room temperature, as the sommelier recommend!

We use here in Romania as cocktail bases natural sweet wines or sweet liqueur wines, and you must know some great wines as Porto, Madera, Marsala, Jerez, as also some other grand vins or grand cru. It is also possible to use Champagne for the cocktails, I am sure you already know this trick.  I adapted the receipes you know to the Romanian particular conditions, getting some amazing results, which I would like to share with you.

During the summer hot days it is not advisable to drink wine dried.

1. Cocktail Busuioaca
Use the following ingredients:
-ice cubes, the half of the shaker
-60 ml fresh orange juice
-30 ml fresh lemon juice
-100 ml Busuioaca de Bohotin
-1 teaspoonful of white rhum

Mix only by hand, well agitating the shaker, until you get an homogenuos drink, and add last the rhum, for a guaranteed success. The result is a long drink, tasting sweety and fruity.

Red wine based cocktail, the wine is Feteasca (girl wine). Indicated for ladies, if drunked by the men!

2.Cocktail Cotnari
Ingredients:
-ice cubes, 1/4 of the shaker
-20 ml exquisite cognac
-20 ml Curacao orange
-60 ml Blanc Cotnari (made by VINARTE SA)
-2 traits Angostura bitter
In order to get a refreshing long drink, you only may to mix 5-6 seconds long

White wine and orange cocktail, with a lot of ice, of course

3. Cocktail Dealu Mare cooler
-ice cubes, 1/4 of the shaker
-20 ml lemon juice
-20 ml exquisite cognac
-100 ml Feteasca Neagra from Dealu Mare (dark red wine)
-complete with soda or sparkling mineral water, or even with ginger ale or lemonlike drinks ( taste matter).
Stir for 10-12 seconds long and get a long soft drink, and decorate with a lemon spiral.

Which is your poisson?

Tell me please your opinions and other receipes or secret tricks you may have.

Tips and tricks for travelling to Romania

Romania is neither a tropical, nor a dangerous country, but has some insider tips, which I am glad sharing with you.

The prices for a good meal in Romania are very different. You shall ever prefer the small restaurants and pensions, as having better prices and better food

First of all, don't worry about tropical diseases, you don't need any vaccine. AIDS is up to you, and your level of personal protection, other diseases totally unknown. Many visitors are unpleasant impressed about the level of corruption in Romania, and many comments concerning the big political crisis between president Traian Basescu and the Prime Minister Victor Ponta are pointing to corruption as a main reason. I would say no to it, there is rather a personal matter, or a power fight, in my opinion. Certain is that many Romanians are deeply disappointed about their rulers and the political class entirely. About the obvious corruption, I also don't agree, as little presents seem to me really o.k. After all, the corruption is not a Romanian invention or discovery, we are in the Balkans!

Policemen on duty. No policeman is entitled to ask you  your papers without a strong reason., and even less to controll your money or valuables (they are sure faked policemen if doing that)

Much worse than this little corruption are the faked policemen e.g. Please note that no policeman is entitled to legitimate you without a strong reason; even less is entitled to ask about money or other valuables. When entering Romania through Bucharest Airport avoid the taxis and the luggage porters, is simply too expensive and even dangerous to your life, as a recent incident proves it.

When entering Romania through Bucharest International Airport avoid the taxis and the luggage porters. They are unshamed expansive and even dangerous to your life

Many Romanians drink the wine with water in the same glass (sprit). You can make a try of this method, but you are not supposed to do the same, no one will be hurt if you drink the wine separately. As you know, being a somelier, this method decreases the qualities of wine. The locals use it just to drink more liquids during the hot days.

Meiul Zilei is an incredible local offer: 3 courses meal with 3 Euros only.

A matter who could hurt any local is on the contrary shaking hands. It is normal to do it when meeting someone, not only for the first time. The shake must be strong enough, lasting for 5 seconds at least, while you look deeply in the eyes of the counterpart. If you are a man meeting a lady in a sophisticated environment, it is bon ton to kiss her right hand, while you look in her eyes.

Eating in Romania is very cheap, if you are tight on your budget. Everywhere on your ways there are incredible offers as MENIUL ZILEI, meaning a three course menu at 15 RON (3 EUROS). You can also have your meals in a sophisticated restaurants, but the hi end prices you can find there don't reflect a much superior quality of the meals. On the contrary, the same meals are to be found in a pension at the country side much cheaper and tasting better ( nearly bio for sure)!

A good hotel in a big city vs a little pension to the countryside  is  a matter of time,  budget and taste

The same thing about accommodation. You can barely find a hotel room in Bucharest or other touristic cities (Sibiu, Brasov, Cluj Napoca) under 60 Euros, but you can find some excellent accommodation in a pension at the half of this price. So it is easy to make the choice, according to your budget.

Tips is also not entirely a Romanian invention, and if you are very happy with a certain service no one will be ofenced for receiving tips (no more than 10 %).