ROMANIA: Bucharest – Not Budapest!

When Communism gave way and the moratorium on Western music was lifted, Michael Jackson was the first to make his way to this music starved Eastern European outpost. At the big moment in the concert, he addressed the capital city as “Budapest”. That’s one gaffe even he couldn’t moonwalk his way out of. The locals laugh about that one to this day. This country although poor has an optimistic streak, and the people are quite pleasant to visitors.

 

 

Vlad The Impaler

The Butt Of Every Romanian’s Jokes

Another remnant of French influence that survived Ceausescu.

Caru’ Cu Bere – Interior of this famous restaurant.

 

 

A Moment Of Levity

The Palace of Parliament – Nicolae Ceausescu’s obscenely massive tribute to his own ego. It is the second largest administrative building in the world, second only to the Pentagon.

George Enescu Museum – A building that reminds one of the days when Bucharest was known as Little Paris.

More Parisian Flavor

 

                                     Peles Castle

Home To The King And Queen

Inner Courtyard

 

Truly Exquisite Woodwork Throughout

 

Wonderful Weapons Collection

Pity The Horse Carrying That Load

The Kings Office – He was much beloved because he even received common people as well as nobles in his chamber.

This is the stand-up desk where he received people making sure that the maximum visit was fifteen minutes.

Queen Mary and daughter in the painting during happier times. Unfortunately, the girl died at four years old, and they had no other children.

Hidden Door – The books above the sign are false, and there is a button under the ledge beneath the brass handle. The door swings inward.

 

 

 

 

OLD CINEMA ROOM – Paintings on the upper wall are by an 18-year-old Gustav Klimt.

 

 

Don’t know what the festivities were all about, but these guys just showed up as we were leaving the castle.

 

 

                                Bran Dracula Castle

A Cozy Spot At The Bottom Of The Hill

Another Castle Climb

Bran Dracula Castle

Queen Mary’s Room

Queen Mary In Her Glory Days

Previously A Secret Passageway

 

 

Having left my Tilley Hat behind in Turkey I donned a cheap replacement straw hat which was actually much cooler. This is most welcome due to the ongoing heat issues. Looks like I am going to be stocking up on new hats when I get back to San Diego which I can then go on to misplace on my next year of travel.

 

                               Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Moldova was similar to Romania in that everything was cheap and people were nice. There wasn’t much to do in Chisinau other than eat and get out of the heat. I did manage to stock up on medication so I wouldn’t run out before returning home. I also got a much needed dental cleaning for $20 in a clean and modern facility. I took only a few photos that will follow shortly.

 

 

 

My Delightful Dental Hygienist