Emma and David Lowe

Sibiu

2007-10-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

We left Bucharest after Dave finished work on Saturday 22nd September and fought our way out of the city. Traffic was even worse than usual because the White Knight festivals were going on all round the city. We spent Saturday night at Casa Morauru which was a small hotel that Dave, Di, Felicia and Sam stayed in the summer of 2000. We went into Sibui in the evening to have a walk round and something to eat. Sibui is situated in the Saxon West region of Romania and is a couple of hours west of Bashov. It is a tight contest as to which is more beautiful of the two cities. Sibui won the 2007 European Cultural City award, and the money that has been invested in it is apparent. Parts of the city date back to the 12th century and due to the Saxon aspect, and location it resembles an Austrian town. We walked around the upper town in search of a restaurant to eat in. It is centred around three main squares (piatas) called Paita Mica, Mare and Huet. We decided on a Steak House (Dave's influence) just of Paita Mare and had a lovely meal. The following day we went back into Sibiu to see it in the day light. After a coffee we went up the Council Tower which provides fantastic views of the city, all the way up the tower there are photos of the restoration process of the city. We also spent a while listening to a orchastra and choir that were performing in the square. After lunch we headed back out of the city to start the long ride home. We ended up taking the more scenic route back to Piesti which end up being more 'off roading 'than we anticipated. The hire car (Citroen Picasso) seemed to survive relatively unscathed!!!

Brashov and the Eastern Saxon Lands

2007-09-29T00:45:00.000-07:00

We left Bucharest on Sunday 16th September to head north to the Saxon city of Brashov. It is located in the south eastern corner on Transylvania and took about 3 hours to get to. The medieval town is enclosed by the Tampa Mountains which is a popular ski destination for many Romanians.
We arrived at midday and parked by a lovely memorial park called 'Revolutei Decembrei 1989' - which pretty much describes why it was built. We then walked up to Piata Sfatului which is the town centre. We had lunch in a restaurant then headed back out of Brashov. We decided to take a different route back going further west through Pitesi. The scenery was beautiful, with loads of farm animals (cows, horses, pigs) grazing on the verge. All the animals look in very good condition, and far better than Dave remembers when he last lived here. The only problem is the litter, nice view points (as shown in the picture) are situated along the Transylvanian Alps. But many are strewn with litter, it is a shame that people make an effort to come out of the cities to see the stunning countryside but don't take their litter back with them!!

Photos of inside the apartment

2007-09-11T05:45:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of the apartment, it is on the 8th floor and there are 3 apartments per floor. The furniture, although not all our choice is pretty good and serves a purpose. There was some awful art work and ornaments in the apartment when Dave arrived. The letting agent was most put out that we did not appreciate the designs.

The curtains that Mum, Dad and Sam bought us look great in out bedroom. We have also got the spare room ready for all out guests (hint, hint). We have bought lots of plants for the house to make up for the fact we don't have a garden anymore.

Palace of Parliment

2007-09-11T05:08:00.000-07:00

Today I went on a tour around the palace of parliament (also known as the peoples' palace) which is about 5-10 minute walk from the apartment.

The palace was built by Nicolae Ceausescu in 1983 and is now used to house the parliament and senate. It was quite a lifeless talk only really giving information about what materials were used in construction and what the vast rooms are used for now. However the sheer size (1000 rooms, 12 floors), and extravagance of the palace is quite breathtaking and I think far more beautiful than many give it credit for.

Sadly a 5th of the city was demolished to build the palace, you are not made aware of this fact during the tour!! I walk around the east and north of the perimeter to get to the gym and work, which is one of the better and less manic routes to do in the city. The second photo shows the view from the palace looking down Buelvard Unirii (where our apartment is).

Refreshments

2007-09-11T04:50:00.000-07:00

This is the Romanian 'Tusker', very good and can be bought chilled from the shop downstairs!!

View from the front of the apartment

2007-09-11T04:38:00.000-07:00

These are photos from the living room balcony the first looks up to Palatul Parlamentului (palace of parliament) The second looks down to Paita Unirii, where the closest shops are.

View from the back of the apartment

2007-09-11T04:03:00.001-07:00

This as the title suggests is the view from the balcony to the back of the apartment. It looks out on the Palatul Justitei (Law courts).