We got to Brasov, Romania last week and it didn’t take long to fall in like with it. The town is just the right size, large enough to keep us interested, but small enough to not be overwhelming. Of course food was one of the first things we looked for, not because we’re foodies, but because we have so enjoyed the amazing quality of food here in Europe as we approach our SIX months anniversary of being on the road. And the food got a quick thumbs up and that has not changed, along with the noteworthy hospitality and friendliness of the people we have met.
In some places people are friendly but phony. Not here. People on the street and especially those in the food and hospitality industry are amazing. Our AirBNB hosts have truly become friends and have been super helpful, teaching us new things in the area and finding new places to explore. We stayed a few nights in one unit and ran into a plumbing glitch which took us upstairs to a nicer one. They have invited us to their home for a TRUE Romanian meal, so we’re looking forward to that and we liked it here so much we are extending our stay an additional week.
A few days ago the country opened up as we rented a BMW GS750 motorcycle and now we can visit the many castles in the area (including the inspiration for Count Dracula!) and over the past few days we traversed what is called the most beautiful road in the world. Tours are great, but pricey and forces you to conform to the guide’s agenda. Maybe we learn less, but we enjoy more and more freedom to come and go as we please.
That beautiful road is called the Transfăgărășan highway and it is the most jaw dropping and exhilarating experience I have ever had. Views that made me speechless, plus waterfalls, bridges, tunnels, green fields, cows meandering along the road- wild burros, too- the list just goes on. (More pix at my personal Norm Bour site) We stayed in an area that is known for bear activity but saw none; not sure if that’s a good thing or not!
After six months on the road we have developed a sixth sense of the places that have good energy and especially ones worth returning to. A few towns in Spain, most notably Sevilla and San Sebastian, get high marks and we plan to go back there for our typical six week’s stay. In Italy we were likewise awed by the Amalfi Coast, and several towns there. But we will NOT go back during holiday season, when all these areas turn into madness. Croatia, of course, will turn into a 90 day at a time stay when we need to get out of the EU, and ironically Romania serves that same purpose. It is an EU member, but non-Schengen, so this would be an awesome safe haven. (Make a note ex-pats that don’t want to mess with visas). These two countries, by the way, have an amazing way of making your money go further. Food, both in restaurants and grocery stores, are silly cheap. We had cappuccino on our journey to the Transfăgărășan which was less than $2 US and our room was less than $50. These things offset the downside of not having a home. When people ask, “Where are you from?,” we tell them the US and California, but that we really don’t have a home anymore.
What we have not seen yet is the Romanian coast, which a few people have said was not that impressive, though they gave high marks to Bulgaria, which is immediately adjacent. So we may check that out. We have determined that large towns (say 250K plus) are NOT appealing to us and we enjoy the intimacy of smaller locations. As much as we love the water, we are finding Romania, with the hills and valleys and greenery to be almost as captivating.
For those Baby Boomers (or younger than) that follow our adventures and are tempted to Travel Younger, we say GOOD FOR YOU! If this motivates some to start a new adventure, then that makes these blogs all the better. And for those that say they can’t take the time or spend the money, I say TRY IT! We don’t know how many days any of us have on the planet, so enjoy every one you can.
#romania, #brasov, #brasovromania, #romanianfood
