Round 1 – Bucharest, Romania
After a big weekend of a magazine reveal and enlightenment, I took off for Romania from Chicago O'Hare on March 2nd. Spent March 2-5 in Bucharest with my brother Mitchell and packed a lot into 48 hours.
March 3rd, we had dinner at Zoia, checked out the Museum of Senses at Mega Mall, and spent the night at the fancy Palace Casino. Hit multiple blackjacks, and we both walked away with a small profit. Also started slapping stickers around town.
AIRBNB view and Zoia Bistro & Pastry
Museum of Senses at Mega Mall
Palace Casino
AirBNB View
March 4th was all about relaxation and music. Spent the day at Therme Spa, had dinner at Caru’ cu Bere, then ended the night at Dirkschneider’s show at Quantic Pub.
Therme Spa
Caru’ cu Bere
Dirkschneider’s show at Quantic Pub - Balls to the Wall 40th Anniversary Tour
March 5th started with lunch at Zoia again by accident before heading to the train station. Mitchell went back to work, and I took off solo to the mountains in Brașov. Found the best produce market I’ve ever seen right next to my new place, then stayed in for the night with a perfect view of the Brașov "Hollywood" sign from my balcony. Finally took a break after nonstop adventures.
AirBNB View and Market
March 5-9: Solo in Brașov
March 6th: Spent my first night in Brașov taking in the view of the "Hollywood" sign from my balcony and finally getting some rest. The next day, I explored the Black Church, wandered the town center, and visited a quiet church with prayer candles. Had lunch at La Birou, picked up a Dio CD at Spinning Music Shop, and ended the afternoon with the best gelato from Royal Gelato—right before realizing my card was locked for fraud. After some panic, a friend of a friend came through, and I had cash to get me through the trip.
Black Church - More Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/pxqjXaFoQx7PygaeA
March 7th: Met Ana before she left for the countryside, then went back to La Birou for another amazing sandwich. Walked up near the cable cars (which were down for maintenance) but still got a great view of the city. Visited Beith Israel Synagogue, wandered through the city’s narrowest street covered in graffiti, and picked up some gifts from an art store. Ended the day with more gelato, live street music, and a theater show featuring an Argentinian band, where I met Maria. She gifted me a pin and invited me back in August for a jazz festival.
In Romania, March 1st marks the beginning of spring with the tradition of "Mărțișor," a celebration involving the exchange of small trinkets or jewelry attached to a red and white string, symbolizing the transition from winter to spring and bringing good luck. They are offered to their (female) family members, friends and colleagues to show friendship, respect or admiration.
March 8th: On International Women's Day, I had a personal castle tour—no lines, just me and a guide who knew everyone. Visited Sinaia Monastery, Cantacuzino Castle, Peleș Castle, and finally, Bran Castle, aka Dracula’s Castle. Easily one of the best experiences. Wrapped up the night with a burger, live violin music, and, of course, more gelato.
Sinaia Monastery - More Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/i5K5Hv1HAuR8MStH7
Cantacuzino Castle - More Photos https://photos.app.goo.gl/RMRLtNDxj1dPhExbA
Peleș Castle - More Photos https://photos.app.goo.gl/4sySKR1nWQmkaUWp9
Bran Castle, aka Dracula’s Castle
More Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/boiybteMF9G6u4aXA
March 9th: For my last morning, I had a big breakfast in the center, soaking up the sun and mountain views while watching kids feed pigeons. Grabbed a bag of grapes from the market, said my goodbyes, and headed to the train station—unaware of the crazy adventure ahead.
Other photos along the tour - More Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vDHrXVaYEvaVbtL77
March 9-12: Brașov to Bucharest – Round 2
March 9th: The train station in Brașov was confusing, and I ended up on the wrong train. The conductor, Ionut, was kind but didn’t speak English. He gave me a half-price ticket, but I had to ride all the way to Sibiu and back—an eight-hour journey instead of 2.5. After returning to Brașov, he moved me up to sit with him and another conductor, and we used Google Translate to chat for most of the ride. At one point, police boarded and escorted a man off for carrying a huge knife. It was tense, and the entire train went silent. I only had a bag of grapes and water, so by the time I finally made it to Bucharest to meet Mitchell, I was starving. The city was loud and not really my style, but it had some beautiful buildings.
Mitchell and I went to pick up food and nearly got stuck in an elevator. I never stepped in it again. My card was reported for fraud again, but I finally figured it out later that night. Took a much-needed shower and slept in.
March 10th: The next morning, I sat on the balcony with tea and cookies, sharing the space with a fearless dove before going back to sleep. Later, we walked to A37 Bistro for lunch, then found a cool underground tunnel with shops and food on our way back. Spent the evening journaling, drinking more tea, and watching comedy podcasts.
March 11th: I had tea and cookies again with my dove friend, worked out, and let Mitchell sleep in. When I went to pick up my food order, a man—who I’m pretty sure was a pimp—asked me to take a selfie with him. I firmly said "Nu" and backed away. He left, but it bothered me. I texted Mitchell, and he flew down the stairs so fast.
A four-hour flight to London, an eight-hour flight to Chicago, and a three-hour drive home. The last few days weren’t my vibe, and I was ready to leave the city, but overall, I’m so glad I went. It was an incredible trip, I picked up some Romanian phrases, and I even finished a book.
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