Bucharest Expat » Sightseeing

Cimitirul Vesel Happy Cemetery Romania

Bucharest Expat — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 17:44:40 +0000

As a follow-up to Halloween we figured we’d add in a piece about the Happy Cemetery near Maramures on the Ukranian Romanian border. We’re likely all very familiar with the Merry/Happy Cemetery as it is called, however what Romanian tourist and informative website would be complete without mention of it.

There is one place on Earth where laughter is sparked by something macabre. This is a village “thrown” into the farthest corner of Romania. In the heart of the human settlements, inhabited by perhaps the most hardworking Romanian, there is a cemetery.

The whole community revolves around the existence of cross piled on a patch of land, far too small, compared with such great souls buried beneath them.

Here, life is too nice to say “goodbye” when you close one last time your eyes. In this place, heroes are not Columbeanu Monica, Traian Basescu and Inna. Here, each person has his own place on the podium, every citizen is a star and every man has his fans, including visitors who will smile when reading his life story.

While in other parts of the world, biographies of celebrities are sold for big money and around the world. Here each biography has no material value, but a truly precious legacy of people who loved life, and did not want to leave here, too quickly!

True outdoor museum, the Happy Cemetery is located in the center of S?pân?a at the parish church and comprises over 800 monuments of folk art, with a very different look and meaning. By its nature, this cemetery, dating from 1935, is a unique value. It is a life-work and the craftsman forged wooden funerary crosses, in a manner that is original and like this they have managed to banish sadness and darkness that brings death. They have removed the drama, focusing on the celebration of life.

The unique monuments in this cemetery are the crosses carved in oak, painted and with popular verse epitaphs.
All crosses are painted in shades of blue, so-called “blue S?pân?a” with decorations made in a color palette of bright colors: red, black, green, yellow.. They not only say about the best moments of someone’s life but also about some practical and most common incidents that can happen in one’s life. Sometimes they are pretty direct and were always written as if the person writes himself like – “an evil man shot me in the back”, or in some other case, it said about someone’s love of the Romanian plum brandy- tuica in some poetic verses like –
“Now I will tell you a good one/ I kind of liked the plum tuica/ With my friends at the pub/ I used to forget what I came for!!.”

Above each epitaph, which captures in the most suggestive lyrics a few brief moments in the life of the dead, his face is painted in bright colors, captured in a crucial moment of his life. The characters are moving, active, often smiling. Most epitaphs have a touch of humor, which drew the name of “Happy Cemetery”.

The local culture proved its difference from the other typical European cultures that believed in the solemnity and sorrow of someone’s death, and rather followed the Dacian philosophy that souls are immortal and death is only the gateway to a new world.

The great monument shows the Romanian sense of humor and optimistic spirit that celebrates the death of the many people for their release from this world and their onset of a new voyage.

“De cu tîn?r copila?
Io am fost Stan Ion P?tra?
S? m? asculta? oameni buni
Ce voi spune nu-s minciuni

Cîte zile am tr?it
R?u la nime n-am dorit
Dar bine cît-am putut
Ori?icine mia cerut

Vai s?raca lumea mea
C? greu am tr?it în ea”

Since I was a little boy
I was known as Stan Ioan P?tra?
Listen to me, fellows
There are no lies in what I am going to say

All along my life
I meant no harm to anyone
But did good as much as I could
To anyone who asked

Oh, my poor World
Because It was hard living in it.”

For those of you that love to watch the travel channel specials, you won’t want to miss Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations tour of Romania. We will not post this video on here, as they regularly catch copyright infringement of this episode on YouTube. Go ahead an go to Google and search for this video and watch it if you can – it is well worth it. Interestingly enough, it is painfully obvious that Anthony was slightly disappointed with his tour through Romania. As you’ll see he approaches Romania more through the eyes of a tourist than through that of an expat or adventurer. As a result he does not really experience all that Romania has to offer. He visits a small handful of landmarks in Bucharest, then makes way for Bran Castle for a “Dracula” Halloween Party. Lastly, he ends up at the Cemetery where, thankfully, he seems to enjoy himself in the light of this “odd” bit of humor.

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The Transfagarasan Challange

Bucharest Expat — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:56:22 +0000

As you finally clear the grinding congestion that passes for traffic in Bucharest and venture onto the highway to Pitesti, your spirits are already rising and it almost feels like you can fly. Hitting the start of the highway is the real start to the journey to drive across the Transfagarasan pass. So why bother??

Put very simply, the Transfagarasan road (DN 7C) is just the road that passes through Fagaras Mountains (the highest mountains in Romania – Moldoveanu peak – 2544 meters) and that connects Walachia and Transylvania.

The Transfagarasan road is, however, much more than that. It is the road that climbs to the highest altitude in Romania, 2042 meters, in the Glacial Hollow Balea. It has two traffic lanes of 92 kilometers long. Because of the countless turns (and in many places the poor condition of the road surface), the average speed is maximum 40 km per hour. Along this route there are 27 viaducts and bridges, and the longest road tunnel in Romania – 887 meters, that passes through Paltin Mountains, from Capra to Balea Lake. The traffic lane inside the unlighted tunnel is only 6 meters wide and there is a one metre broad pavement. Using your lights is essential in the tunnel as the road surface is worse than Iancu Nicolae and you do not want to damage your vehicle unnecessarily.

Tourists who would like attempt the Transfagarasan challenge are advised to climb it from South to the North. Romania’s most famous road runs from Arefu village (at km 61 of DN7C) in the county of Arges, to the county of Sibiu, somewhere near Cartisoara village (at the crossroad with DN1). The easiest way to get there from Bucharest is to take the highway to Pitesti until it ends then follow the signs for Curtea de Arges. You will pass through a series of villages to Curtea de Arges, then pass through the town following signs for Lac Balea. Keep following these signs and you are on the way up to the top.

The road surface going up is badly worn in places so be prepared to take a slightly indirect route in places, and there was one large hole that managed a remarkable impression of a well due to it’s size and depth. The driver also needs to be prepared for regular distractions as the landscape is a fantastic mix of peaks, lakes and the occasional waterfall. There is a more to be prepared for as the differences of altitude and the frequent and often tight curves represent a challenge for both cars and drivers. The final hazard is the somewhat erratic driving pattern of some of your fellow motorists, but this must be due to the aforementioned hazards to progress.

Unfortunately, because of the weather conditions, Transf?g?r??an Road is opened for only a few months every year, usually from July until October. The most important tourist attractions are Vidraru Lake and Vidraru Dam, which is one of the greatest in Europe, then Poenari Fortress (built in the time of Vlad Tepes), Balea Glacial Lake and Balea Waterfall.

As well as being a very entertaining drive, the road has an interesting history. The Transfagarasan pass was built between 1970 and 1974, which means that it took less time to complete than the ongoing project to widen Sos. Iancu Nicolae. This is a short summary of some of the (approximate, naturally) background numbers.

For the pass itself:

3 million tons of hard rocks were shifted
830 transverse works and 290,000 cubic meters of masonry were made for the 92 km of road

For the Capra – Balea Tunnel there were excavated over 41,000 cubic meters of rocks and they used:

20 tones of dynamite
3 573 tones of cement
89 tones of concrete steel
24,000 anchors
129 tones of brazed nets
14,200 square meters of encasements
1,750 meters of concrete tubes, 4,100 meters of pipes
50 tones of metal composites
6,900 cubic meters of grit
6,000 cubic meters of gravel
3,000 tones of crushed rocks
740 lighting lamps.

Many sacrifices were made to build the road that leads to the sky. Before its construction, it was impossible to cross these mountains, not even on horseback. But it is said that once, before becoming president, Nicolae Ceausescu stopped by Arefu village and the idea of a road that passed through the mountains crossed his mind, possibly a strategic pass from a military perspective to allow the movement of troops etc. in case of war. Whatever the reason for the start of the project, many men lost their lives during the construction process. There are, unsurprisingly, no official records of the total of fatalities but the survivors estimate that more than 100 lives were sacrificed to construct the pass.

If you are driving south to north, once you reach the top the view unfolds before you. The vista stretches out down the mountain and onto the plains beyond. The road looks like someone has shaken a ribbon and dropped it onto the terrain below it has so many twists and turns. There are many places to stop throughout the journey. You can choose to just admire the spectacular views and take photos or you can really immerse yourself in the day and purchase some of the fine souvenirs that are available and maybe try a local delicacy such as mici from the grill (with the obligatory beer if you are not the designated driver). If you are intent on enjoying some food then remember that the onward route is likely to be somewhat twisty so if you have a delicate stomach plan accordingly.

If you are at a loose end having completed the Transfagarasan adventure, Sibiu is not too far to drive and it is well worth a visit and an overnight stay if possible. It is a beautiful city with a well ordered city centre as befits a European Capital of Culture. Bucharest will never seem quite the same again….

Bucharest Expat Contributing Author

Andy Symmonds

Bucharest, Romania

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Transfagarasan Highway… Worth The Trip

Bucharest Expat — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:58:47 +0000

Called by some driving enthusiasts “The best road in the world“, or the “Romanian Dragon” the Transfagarasan Highway is a sight to be seen. At its highest elevation of 2034 meters, the sights are breathtaking as you get a view of the Romanian countryside that you simply can’t get anywhere else. While this highway is well maintained, it is not for the faint of heart. Built as an important military route between 1970 and 1974, these 90 km of challenging asphalt, run North to South across the tallest sections of the Carpathian Mountain range.

It is important to note that this road is typically closed from late October until late June because of snow, and because of the myriad of twists and turns, the average driving speed is 40 km/h. There is a sign at the town of Curtea de Arges that provides information on the passage. Travelers can find food and lodging at several hotels or chalets along the way. The Transfagarasan Highway has more tunnels (a total of 5) and viaducts than any other road in Romania. Near the highest point, at Bâlea Lake, the road passes through the longest road tunnel in Romania (884 m).

Among the attractions along the southern section of the road, the section that is advisable for tourists to start from, near the village of Arefu, is the Poienari fortress. This castle served as the residence of Vlad III the Impaler, the prince who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula character. There is a parking area and a hiking path to these ruins that are of the most popular of the tourist attractions along the highway. The highway itself may be relatively new, but the attractions along the way are as old as the hills the highway winds through.

When planning your trip over the Transfagarasan give yourself plenty of time for the crossing, as it is not just vehicles that use the highway, but many shepherds use this same route with their large flocks. Once the shepherd and sheep enter the road, they are there to stay until they reach a path or grazing land. You don’t want to lose your patience, for some drivers have been known to pass a group of a dozen or so sheep, only to find a couple hundred more right around the bend. If you’re in a hurry, this is not the road for you. While it was built under the most practical of circumstances, this road is used mainly for leisure and enjoying nature.

The Transfagarasan Highway is one of the most unique roads in the world, passing through some of the most beautiful and breathtaking scenery in the world, which frames some of the most historically rich buildings, chalets, monasteries, and castles in the world. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or driving enthusiast, the Transfagarasan is a European destination you don’t want to miss. This is a trip the whole family will enjoy and remember for a lifetime. And to think, it all centers around…………. a road.

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A Walk Around Herastrau Park

Bucharest Expat — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:41:20 +0000

Heading over towards the northern part of Bucharest will lead you to one of the larger, most well known parks in Bucharest, Herastrau Park. Herastrau Park sits around Lake Herastrau which is nearly three-quarters of a square kilometer in area. This lake (which may not look as pretty below the surface) was originally marsh land prior to the Parks’ opening in 1936. Herastrau Park (Originally Parcul Carol or Parcul National) is divided into two zones: a rustic or natural zone (left more undisturbed) and a active zone with open areas for recreational activities. When walking through the park it will be apparent which zone is which. The best time of day to go is actually on the weekday evenings. It stays relatively cool outside and the people are not jammed into every corner like on the weekends. This gives you the chance to grab dinner at one of over a dozen of the parks nice terraces. As the season progresses you’ll begin to notice more and more terraces nearing completion.

When we go to walk and enjoy the outdoors in the evening, we typically spend a few hours walking around the perimeter (approximately 5.78 km). The best bet is to park along the main boulevard and head North first around the lake, as that area is less lit as the sun goes down. You’ll wind up reaching the more active and well-lit areas towards the end of your walk. The one annoying thing that nearly everyone seems to comment about is the somewhat aggressive bicyclists that meander off the designated bike path and cut corners a bit too close to pedestrians. They ride bicycles with the same care as they drive here we see. So be careful and don’t think just because you’re walking they will move out of your way.

If you feel like you need a little bit more to do the walk, bike, or jog around the park, then of course you’ll have some great photo opportunities. There is also a handful of pedal-boats (2 person) and rowboats for 10 ron and 15 ron per hour respectively that one can rent to go out on the lake itself. Bring your ID for renting the boats.

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Cismigiu Gardens

Bucharest Expat — Wed, 05 May 2010 12:51:19 +0000

Bucharest Expat knows that Romania-Insider type travelers and expats are always on the lookout for affordable, worthwhile “things to do”. Recently a post was sent out on our facebook account to our 1,000 friends about how great a walk through this park is. So the votes are now in, people do love the way Cismigiu Park Bucharest (Parcul Cismigiu) has “grown” and been cleaned up. The walkways are amazing, the water feature are “picturesque” and its spread out and shaded enough to make for pleasant walks. We found that the best time to go is dusk, just before the sun begins to set. It stays a little cooler of course, you bypass most of the crowds, its not late at night so the stray dogs are sleeping and have yet to arrive, and the pathways are very well lit when the sun does eventually disappear.

Once you’ve strolled through the park, you can stop for a bag of popcorn at one of the little stands for a mere 1/2 the price of the cinemas, you can rent about for a while and “pedal” around the little lake (two thumbs up on this one) or stop off at restaurant Monte Carlo for some romanian food on the terrace… at a great price. Great way to get some photos and spend a few hours of your time. Cismigiu Park Bucharest built in 1847 is one of the oldest, if not the oldest park formed in the central Bucharest area. It is also one of the largest, at 17 hectares, so finding a parking spot around its street-front borders typically is not an issue on weekdays.

While wandering around, take a look at the circular group of statues referred to as the Rotonda Scriitorilor, featured twelve famous Romanian writers.

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Blood Red Fountains

Bucharest Expat — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:58:19 +0000

At the beginning of the weeks you’ve all probably noticed the colored-red water fountains lining Unirii Boulevard. This was a “promotion” somehow for Hemophilia awareness. Don’t quite understand how one would correlate to the other beyond the color of the water, but anyhow… it made for an interesting spectacle nonetheless. We happened across some really great photos online while surfing the net… and here they are. They were found on a website named Oddity.com, however not sure if they were the actual photographers. If anyone knows who they are it would be great to give credit where credit is due!

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Grand Cafe Vangogh

Bucharest Expat — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:52:32 +0000

We’ve had more than a few searches on this site regarding Grand Cafe Vangogh. So here it is… This cafe is located in the recently renovated area of “old town” Lipscani. Cafe Vangogh sits within an impeccably renewed 1920′s multi-level building. The triple crown moulding and beautifully vaulted ceilings are reminiscent of typical belle époque architecture with a typical Parisian flair. The great part about Vangogh Cafe Bucharest is the amount of interior space and its multi-purpose use. When walking in (yes it is walk-in… no reservations needed… it is first come first serve here) you’ll be greeted by the friendly staff, the impressive bar area, and the stunning interior architecture. No original Vangogh pieces here though.. too bad. The only downside is it does get a bit crowded and the tables are cluttered together. Food is decent, not the best in Bucharest, but fitting for the venue. Pricing is on the higher side, but try ordering the cheese plate for 27ron, its great for a table of four. Great drink? Try the fresh lemonade with brown sugar. Best I’ve had in Bucharest.

Vangogh Cafe is split into a ground level, upper level and lower.. or basement level. Make a point to walk to the back of the building and go up the staircase to glance at the “business center” and meeting/conference room. Go to their website link at the bottom of this page to get rate info, as it changes. Down the spiral staircase takes you inside “the vault” which is the cozy wine room where you (at a price) can sit and enjoy great wines and cheeses.

If you’re looking for a great place to go with some friends or business associates then you almost can’t go wrong here. We’ve been there probably a half dozen times and truly not had a negative experience. Look next door at the Rembrandt Hotel as well… these are two truly nice buildings adjacent to each other.

Grand Cafe Vangogh Bucharest

Str. Smardan 9 (centrul vechi), Bucuresti

0311 076 371

www.Vangogh.ro

A Recent Update To This Post:

In the past year, especially during the latter part of Summer 2010, we saw Lipscani surge in growth yet again. With the opening of many new restaurants (some extremely good), new coffee shops and new bars, the selection and variety of dining and entertainment options can keep you busy for many nights at a time. Although these new venues are up and running, the hot spot still seems to be Grand Cafe Van Gogh. If you haven’t been there yet this place is a must see. The interior details, fit and finishes truly are remarkable, and the wine cellar downstairs is worth a look. Go in off the streets on a cold winter day and cozy up to a warm cup of coffee, or in the summer try their naturally sweetened lemonade, you won’t regret it! Grand Cafe Van Gogh will soon be featured on our up and coming site www.LipscaniBucharest.com as will the adjacent Hotel Rembrandt.

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Sheesha at Egypt & A Walk Around Lipscani

Bucharest Expat — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:33:15 +0000

As spring taunts us for a few hours every day now, and we have the occasional warm evening, I figured it was high time we headed over for a “nice” comfortable evening walk around Lipscani. The street-side tables are beginning to blossom, as the national flower of “old town” seems to be the cafe umbrella… they’re planted everywhere. We parallel parked our car along the curbside on Calea Victoriei, which is a ten meter walk, if that into the “entry” of Valea Regilor, the unique (at least to us “new urban” minded Americans) covered alley-turned-cafe-tunnel that walks you directly in to old town Lipscani. So we meandered our way through the ordered chaos of partial renovations and jumping hot-spots to see “what’s new”. With a peak into some of the shops and a brief walk past the Irish Pubs and Sushi “bars” we wound up right back at Valea Regilor to sit down and relax at Egipt; the casual pseudo-arabic themed lounge/sheesha bar/cafe for a cheap Nargila and beer. It was more crowded than usual, and required reservations, but we were able to wrangle up a table. For the budget minded, this place is IT. I ordered an Ursus Black beer, half a liter, for 7 lei. Can’t beat that. Our nargila, that lasted longer than we could smoke, was 11 lei. With everyones drinks the total came to less than 40 lei, so cheaper than cheap for a group night out. So being that this was a monday night and the place was packed full, it may be becoming enough of a haven that reservations will become almost mandatory. Call ahead and book your table.

16-20 Calea Victoriei
021-311 29 69

Here is an interesting map of Lipscani, courtesy of media9

…

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Bran Castle Made The Top Ten…

Bucharest Expat — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:24:23 +0000

What Romanian Blog would be complete without a mention of Bran “Dracula’s” Castle? Well as I wish to not destroy this blog with the tackiness of promoting Bran as Dracula’s one and only home for all eternity, I do find it interesting and think everyone should visit it whilst in Romania. As we all know, Bran is “Available” on the market. Whatever that means. Of note, it made the “Times Business” Top ten most expensive properties world-wide list. It’s number ten. Enjoy…

1) Antilla, Mumbai
Price – $1 billion

The gizmo-filled posh pad, named “Antilla,” is a 27-story, 40,000 sq/ft tower that belongs to the head of Mumbai-based petrochemical giant Reliance Industries. The building will stand 570-ft tall above the ground and will have 400,000 sq. ft. of interior space. The home has six stories of parking space alone after which the living quarters with nine elevators and a host of storage rooms and lounges begin. Mostly glass, it has a staff of 600 servants, but at the rate this palatial home is getting blinged out, we won’t be entirely surprised if the number increased by a couple of hundreds more!

2) Villa Leopolda, Cote D’Azur, France

Price – $506 million

Situated on the French Riviera and built on 29,000 square feet of interior space that opens to manicured lawns and a swimming pool, it also has 11 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. The villa is not only known to have the best sea views in the south of France, but it also sits on 10 acres of immaculate grounds that run right down to the resort of Villefranche. Originally built for Belgian king Leopold’s mistresses, this house has been a den of big shots like late banking magnate Edmund Safra, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Fiat tycoon Gianni Agnelli.

3) The Penthouse, London
Price – $200 million

The most expensive flat in the world, at £6,000 per sq/ft sits atop the 82 other apartments at the famous Number One Hyde Park address. Guarded by the SAS, with special features such a panic rooms, bulletproof windows, iris scanners and even a secret tunnel to the nearby Mandarin Hotel, the apartment is the biggest of all the luxury flats in the ambitious One Hyde Park. The building boasts communal spas, squash courts and even wine tasting rooms! This plush apartment will have 24-hour room service despite the floor to ceiling refrigerators.

4) Fairfield Pond, The Hamptons
Price – $170 million

Fair Field, the Ira Rennert Estate, is named after Fairfield Pond, which is adjacent to the property. Located on 63 acres, the main home consists of 66,000 square feet, with additional outbuildings bringing the total living space to over 100,000 square feet. Italianate in design, there are 29 bedrooms, 39 bathrooms, squash and tennis courts and numerous other amenities.

5) Hearst Mansion, Beverly Hills
Price – $165 million

This prestigious Beverly Hills mansion, which was once home of the US newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, has 6 separate residences, 3 swimming pools, eight fireplaces, a tennis court, a nightclub and 29 bedrooms, all spread across over 6 acres of land in a famed Beverly Hills environ called the Platinum Triangle. The nationally recognized home was then bought by lawyer and investor Leonard Ross in 1976, who wants a “lifestyle change.” Buying this would make you the owner of most expensive real estate in the US and moreover, you would become the next door neighbor to Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos, including Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes and David and Victoria Beckham.

6) Franchuk Villa, Kensington
Price – $161 million

This six-story property in Belgravia, central London, has 20-foot ceilings, luxurious fixtures and more than 21,000 square feet of living space. Along with Candy Spelling’s Holmby Hills mansion, this white-stucco-fronted house at No. 10 Belgrave Square, owned by Lebanese developer Musa Salem, is now the most expensive home on the market in the world. Mr. Salem bought this property many years back on a long lease from the Grosvenor Estate, with a condition to restore the house to full Victorian glory. The lavish amenities include an indoor swimming pool in the basement, a gym, a home theater, a garage room, a news house and much more.

7) “The Pinnacle,” Montana
Price – $155 million

This luxury ski-lodge is to be the largest property in the exclusive billionaires-only private ski and golf community, “Yellowstone Club.” Naturally then, it will be the home of the owners of this elite group, Tim and Edra Blixseth. While not considered big compared to others on this list with only 10 bedrooms, this home will include heated flooring throughout the house that stretches all the way to the heated driveway, as well as fireplaces in all bathrooms, a huge wine cellar, an indoor/outdoor pool, gym and massage room.

8) “The Manor,” Los Angeles
Price – $150 million

This French chateau-style mansion was built in 1991, has 5,248 square meters of space on more than 4.6 acres and is also the largest private home in Los Angeles County. The main Spelling house is located at the end of a long driveway and is protected by a security system. Other luxurious amenities include a bowling alley, a gift-wrapping room, a humidity-controlled silver storage room, tennis courts, two swimming pools, barber shop and beauty salon on attic, a spa, an 18th Century-style garden, rooftop garden, a citrus orchard and a parking space for over 100 cars. The screening room is also one of the major highlights, where a projector emerges from the floor at the click of a button as shades cover the windows.

9) Updown Court, Windlesham, Surrey
Price – $139 million

Built on a huge 58-acre estate amid the lavish surroundings of Windlesham, this massive structure features 103 rooms plus everything that can be described as magnificence and richness to the core. The uptown court offers a bowling alley and a private cinema for your recreation, stables if you love horses and squash and tennis courts to hit some shots when you want to relax. Apart from this, a heated marble driveway awaits you every morning together with a parking space big enough to accommodate eight limousines.

10) Dracula’s Castle, Romania
Price – $135 million

Built on 200 ft. tall rock, Bran castle has 57 inviting rooms, courtyard and underground passages. It is said that Prince Vlad the Impaler, the ferocious warlord who inspired Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” character, lived in this castle for one night in 1400s. Digging a bit deep into the past, the Bran castle is believed to be originally built as a stronghold by the Teutonic Knights in 1212. From 1920 to 1948, the castle became the residence of royal family. Presently, the historical castle is operating as a museum of medieval arts and about 450,000 people visit the castle every year. And yes, do remember that you will be greeted by bats flying around the ramparts at twilight.

Via: Times Business

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BUCHAREST BRAN CASTLE

Bucharest Cost Of Living

5,000 Expats, Poiana Brasov

Bucharest Expat — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:08:05 +0000

Here’s a great way to meet some expats: Were you aware that there are currently almost 5,000 expats in Brasov on vacation and/or skiing? This was just heard on the Pioana Brasov local news today, but who knows the actual facts on that. It’s a lot of people, especially given the fact that they have narrowed that down even further to state “English Speaking” foreigners. Huh. The reason they’re there? All the amenities they expect are there, the slopes are clean and open, prices are affordable (compared to Austria or Switzerland) this year, PLUS skiing classes are being offered everywhere at excellent rates. Anyone have contact info for someone doing this?

There are a multitude of hotels available running anywhere from 90 ron per night for a small pension or B&B all the way up to 300 Euros per night for an all the stops out luxury apartment suite, again, not bad when you consider the competition. There are too many hotels for me to give a recommendation, but if anyone has a specific deal they know of that would be excellent to see. All hotels seem to have random vacancy throughout the day, so either call and book in advance or plan on doing some leg work.

Two hotels I have stayed at and been happy with as far as service, room condition and amenities, parking, and proximity to events has been Edelwiess (www.hotel-edelweiss.ro) 0268 262 194. Figure 100 Euros a night on this one.

and also Miraj Hotel, which is a bit pricer, and depending on the room you get (view the room first on this one) could be much nicer. (www.hotelmiraj.ro) 0268406535

Keep in mind that if you are okay to not be staying in the absolute center of all the skiing activity, stay on the outskirts, or in Sinaia at be closer to the 100 ron side of rental rates for a good quality “four star” hotel.

Take the train from Bucharest from Gara de Nord for around 45 ron per person and save the time and fuel if you’re up for it. Traffic can be absolutely miserable this time of year.

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Bucharest Interactive Map

Bucharest Expat — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:35:35 +0000

Sourced from tourist-info.info, this interactive map of Bucharest so far is the best that I have found. Click on the Map Image to be taken to the site where you can view lodging, dining, services and entertainment on your map. Once you’ve sorted, scale the map and click on the “dot” to see an image and description of your chosen target. Awsome Resource!!

Click Here To Be Taken To This Interactive Map

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Webcams & More At Your Fingertips!

Bucharest Expat — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:15:51 +0000

It’s always interesting to watch some webcams from around the World to see what the cities look like. Here’s a collection of live webcams from various source in and around Bucharest. Great for checking out traffic conditions.

You’ll find all these webcams by clicking on the images below, but you can also find the on the “Webcam” page on the upper toolbar of the Bucharest Expat Site.

Also of note, there is a pretty handy little traffic flow and congestion map out there.. now it’s here. Occasionally you’ll see this project on the LED billboards at Pita Unirii, expecially when there is a blockage for a political route. You’ll find this under our webcam section as well.

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Excellent Christmas Light Display

Bucharest Expat — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:35:28 +0000

If you’ve got kids or wish to do some Christmas time family fun, head over to Titan. From the 28th of November to the 11th of January you can go check out “Santa Claus Town”. Here you’ll get a great light show while you’re walking through Parcul I.O.R. in Titan. There are little wooden “gingerbread houses”, fairies, Santa’s helper’s and live music (traditional Romanian and Christmas Carols). It’s opened all the time, but if you’re looking to let your children sit with Santa, aim for the weekends from what I hear.

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Bucharest Travel Video

Bucharest Expat — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:05:40 +0000

Whether you’re new to Bucharest or you’ve been here for quite a while, you’ll enjoy this brief documentary on Romania’s Capitol City. Feel free to share this with all your friends, and visit the source of the video at www.WatchMojo.com.

Travel Guide – Bucharest, Romania on Howcast

One of my favorite articles on Bucharest is done by Matt Gross, the “Frugal Traveler” for the New York Times. Click Here To Read The Article “Spying On Bucharest’s Cool Underground”. Below is a video of Matt’s trip to Bucharest. Check it out!

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La Motoare to close?

Bucharest Expat — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:19:45 +0000

By now we have all heard of “At the Motors” pedestrian area above the National Theatre; it’s on virtually every travel site as “the place to hang out” evenings in Bucharest. Nestled amongst a restaurant and promenade it is a place for cheap beers, cheap eats, and hours of conversation. Too bad it may be closing…

Apparently the National Theatre is “due” for renovations. Whether this is a political movement, or just plain old urban re-development, it ‘ll be starting fairly soon around the beginning of the year. If anyone knows what “renovations” consists of for the theatre, I would love to know. Maybe it needs some more arches? Either way, the scheduled construction will be slotted for completion in four years. buhbye La Motoare… looks like Lipscani will have a slight void to fill!

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Reader Sightings!

Bucharest Expat — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:08:45 +0000

Here we go, let’s get the reader sightings coming! Some of the most hilarious things I’ve ever seen in my life have been in Romania, specifically Bucharest. Here’s a few of the pics I thought to be amusing… what do you all have out there you can post on here? Funny Pics? Even post your funny story!

Yes, the video above is a World of Warcraft Video Game Character dancing to Gypsy music…

Parallel Parking Gone Perfectly Right.

Professional Construction Transport, Limited

I saw this in the U.S. ... er... oh wait.. no I didn't

iMac gym would have been too obvious.

Maybe just back off a hair...

I think I can overtake all of them at once! Oh crap...oh crap...feeew... just another game of chicken with a Bentley...

Dammit... I said start your side with an "A-frame"...wtf

I knew it. Just when I put the finishing touches on this ceiling... it's worthless...

I was in a Range Rover with a big winch. I don't know why they were starring. How rude.

Ok, my Romanian must really be rusty... I understood something different here.

Are those dental tools or are you happy to see me?

I was looking for Prickly Cheese, but Harry Butter was my second choice....

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Titan Park & Lake

Mihai — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:25:59 +0000

Hey guys! Finally a great expat site for Bucharest! We’re Here! Try taking a trip over to Titan, and the lake over there. During the day or the night it’s an amazing walk around it on a nicely paved footpath. There are some bicyclists and skaters, so keep a sharp eye, but it is pretty. In the summer there’s quite a bit of sunbathing. Stop at the terrace along the trail for a drink. Anyone know the metro lines to take from the center to the parks?

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The “New” Old Lipscani

Bucharest Expat — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:06:17 +0000

The Spaniards hit a home-run with the assistance in the redevelopment of old town Lipscani. If you have yet to go… you’re missing out. Probably half a dozen cobbled and bricked streets 90% pedestrian friendly is lined with shops, restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes. If you have yet to visit, head on over to Victoriei and check it out. Just follow the people. So far we’ve been over there almost all hours almost every day of the week and its great! (Right in front of the Banc they occosianally hold out door performances and plays… they are a must see as well!! Adjacent to the City Grill Restaurant. I recommend staying out late in the passage of the kings (or whatever its being called at the moment) and smoking some sheesha and having a beer. I’ll join you guys! Let me know! So where else is there to go and what else is there to do?

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So What To Do Today?

Bucharest Expat — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:03:58 +0000

Parks, parks, and more parks… seems the trees keep growing. Or maybe it’s just me? If you’re looking for some photo opps, get ready to set aside quite a bit of time, as Bucharest has something interesting around every corner. Last week I walked out of the house, camera in pocket, and just forced myself to “get lost”. I find myself walking kilometer after kilometer, zigzagging around the paitas taking photos of everything I could see. Granted the commie buildings still catch the corner of an otherwise great photo, but maybe they have a character of their own… Let’s all keep the comments coming with the stuff we can do during the day for travelers, expats, or whomever, we need the lists of the “best of the best”!

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