Day 3 - June 17, 2006

Our day started in Bucharest at the Green Forum Hotel. We had breakfast as a group and then "hit the road" toward Brasov, which is about 300 km to the north of Bucharest. It was tough adjusting to road travel again.

We made a touring stop in the city of Sinia, a beatiful mountain city where the king of Romania (King Charles) used to live in the early 1900's and late 1800's. It was an amazing place with a beautiful view, very intricate armour displays and amazing detail on the hand-carved wood work. The group also toured the Sinia Monestary and the historic church facility there. After a traditional Romanian lunch at a local restaraunt (tochitara, a meat dish with cornmeal and egg on top, and goulash), it was back in the van to Brasov, the second largest city in Romania. We stayed at a small, independant inn at the edge of the city, called Bella Vista. Hardly American-type accomodations, but we felt welcome in a very beautiful location.

In the evening, we drove to downtown Brasov for a walk in the city square, where we were able to have a refreshment and dinner. Most of the group had pizza.....mine was "Dracula" pizza, which had spicy salami and hot peppers, topped with spicy garlic red sauce.....mmmmmm, mmmm, goood!

Kevin Schmitting and I volunteered to stay on the half of the inn which had 20 teenagers also as guests. This was do to a slight miscommunication on rooming needs. I am used to noise and being able to sleep through it, so I thought I was a good candidate. The group finally hit the sack around 3:00 a.m. On top of that, there were dozens of wild dogs mixed with traditional Romanian music wafting through the hills all night long. Kevin and I got enough sleep to keep us happy! OnIf you are ever in Brasov, stay at the Bella Vista for a charming visit. (I was not paid to say that).