Sinaia, Brasov and Bran

When Romania is mentioned, different images are created for different individuals. My idea of Romania included vast amounts of trees, small villas with scarf covered women milling around and lots of farm animals. Arriving in Bucharest shattered these pictures; however, traveling to Sinaia, Brasov and Bran restored them a bit!

My mother, two teachers from the U.K. and myself took a day trip to these three small towns. Through a travel agent, recommended by a fellow teacher, we arranged for a driver to escort us to these locations. As an added bonus, we were treated to an English speaking recording which gave a brief history on each area. Each town had either a historical palace or significant role in Romania's history.

First, let me please paint a picture for you. What Romanian consider the mountains, we would consider large hills! As we traveled on many winding roads we slowly entered tree covered areas. Not pine trees as we find in our mountains, but lush, green trees that would be gorgeous in fall and miserable-looking in winter. The roads were a typical two lane highway, although yellow lines were missing in many spots, and drivers passed regardless of oncoming traffic. (Drivers here are absolutely crazy. We have already been in one taxi accident and come close two other times!)

Our first stop was Sinaia where old-school Romanians, as we might call them, first appeared. There were men leading cows with halters, women in scarves, handstacked hay piles and farmers moving loads with horses and carts! It was here that I first thought, "maybe I will like it!" This type of scene was very common on the rest of our tour. I would also like to add, there were cows everywhere: on the highway, ditches, lawns, everywhere! We decided it must be a fence out area just like in Wyoming! Sinaia was the home of King Carol, and his very decadent palace. Going in, we were required to wear booties over our shoes and were given an English speaking guide. This palace had rooms decorated for several different countries like Turkey, Arabia, etc. It also had extensive wood carvings and handmade glass flowers in almost every room, many which were gifts from mechants, etc. Like any castle, it also had a hidden door in the library!

Our next stop was Brasov. When first entering this city, the most visited in Romania, we were baffled as to why so many people would recommend going. However, at the heart of the city was a true treasure. A once walled-in town, the older part of this city, has beautiful architecture! Its small, colorful buildings were quite European and cobblestone streets added to the charm. There is a distinctive difference between the old town and the new developments. The old town no longer allows vehicles on the streets and was a favorite location for weddings. I think we saw about 12 brides!

The last stop was Bran. This was the supposed home of Count Dracula; however, we learned that he actually only slept there a few nights. Here we visited a palace, much less glamorous, that featured several floors, small staircases and open balconies. It was a major tourist attraction and thus was surrounded by vendors outside the palace gates.

My recommendation to all of you, should you come to Romania, please go on this tour! It was fantastic!