ROMANIA … A DESTINATION WITH PLEASURE It is time to make plans for another trip, the only question is where to go. What better than to discover a place that was always there, but, until recently, was always hidden? A European country that has been quietly transforming itself to the point where it was recently included in the European Union? A place of great history but also of great convenience? For twenty-five years, Romania was struggling to be itself. Struggling because it was under the rule of Nicolae Ceausescu and Communism which was rampant after the Second World War. Now however, some seventeen years after the revolution, the country is ready to show itself off to the world. And what a lot they have to show! If you want a holiday that is also a unique experience and one that will give you countless tales for the folks back home, then Romania is the place for you. It is a land of great contrasts from the forests of Transylvania to the great plains of Wallachia. It has 22 million people from corner to corner, and all in a country comparable in size to the country of England and the state of Texas. Romania’s history begins with the Thracian tribes in the 7th century and continues today as it re-establishes itself in the European community in 2007 as a viable, well-educated, welcoming and fun-loving region. Here you will still find farmers with sickles cutting hay and horses pulling wagons.  Here shepherds herd flocks in the fields with a staff, dogs and mobile phones.  Here the cities vibrate with nightlife, good food, and lovely people speaking many languages. Breathtaking landscapes of mountains and fields and famous ancient painted churches and swigs of homemade wine are all on offer along side plush hotels and snazzy restaurants waiting to be indulged in with affordable prices. What more could you want? How about discovering the mysteries of Transylvania, the home of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”?  Yes, Transylvania is a place and yes there are castles, fortresses and citadels and Dracula probably did feel at home here. Certainly the area of Transylvania comes so readily to mind when Romania is mentioned around the world today, but so many discoveries are still waiting for the traveler who wants to think outside of the box. Indeed, Vlad Tepes the Impaler was a real prince in Transylvania and yes that area is in Romania. And gypsies with red skirts and orange and hot pink bodices still freely roam by foot or horse-drawn wagons.  Romania has such a rich history of religious traditions. The Romanians are a Christian people. Andrew the Apostle came to Christianize this part of the world in the first century AD. Today the churches are still filled, mornings and evenings, with people saying prayers and burning candles for the living and the dead. The history includes predominately Orthodox, Catholic, and Lutheran religions. Not to be missed are the painted churches, both inside and outside, these wooden churches towering into the sky and the icons so prevalent in their splendor of gold and silver.  But there is more. Maramures is Romania’s rural heartland and has rolling hills, wooden churches, the Merry Cemetery, traditional costumes and throat-burning ‘Tuica’, a local brandy distilled from fruits. Bucharest has been called the Paris of the East with its Triumphal Arch and the world’s second largest building.  The Romanian landscape is rugged and unforgettably atmospheric. Snaking main roads wind slowly upwards past subdued villages and farms, past both steep and gentle hills, springs, and creeks, while sheep graze along the roads.  And finally, not to be forgotten is the city in the north, which shows so vividly the oppression and cruelty of Communism- Sighetu Marmatiei contains a former maximum-security prison which is now open as a museum and is a sobering and informative highlight of any visit to Romania. Visitors can’t help but leave appreciating the fortitude of the Romanians and appreciating their own good fortune in living in a free and democratic society.  So, where to go for a different, inspiring, relaxing, and historical holiday this year? . Go to Romania, for Romania has it all.  You can be the first of many who will come to this romantic, loving part of the world to discover such a lot of historical tradition, beautiful natural landscapes and kind, generous people.  Those who choose to follow us will be inspired, warmly welcomed and will most likely return again, as one trip only whets the appetite for more and more of this long hidden country. Looking forward to meeting you, Eduard Popescu 
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Maramures - Living Museum The Eternity of the Apuseni Mountains Romanian Traditions and Saxon Heritage Rarity and Beauty - The Painted Monasteries of BUCOVINA With special thanks to my friend, Victoria Zamorano an exceptional photographer from the USA, for all the wonderful photographs that she contributed to this site.
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