A couple of days in Bonn and Cologne

When I landed at the airport of Cologne/Bonn for the first time, I started to look at both cities as they were one, just because of the airport name without knowing much about them. Later, people were telling me that Cologne is much more beautiful than Bonn and that in Bonn there is nothing to see. That is totally not true – they’re both so different and interesting or at least the parts I saw. A month ago, I had the chance be taken around and I’m very satisfied of my experience.

View from Cologne Cathedral

The love bridge and the Cathedral

The first day of my weekend, my friend took me to Cologne for some shopping and of course to see the Cathedral Sts. Peter and Maria. I had already seen it before but only from outside as it had been closed. Now it was open and we entered – The Cathedral is huge and spacious and there were 2 big organs inside. Hundreds of tourists went in and out for the time we were there. The best emotion of that visit was climbing up one of the towers – 533 steps to the top in the narrow tower! People from the top were coming down in the same time we were climbing up and it was turn after turn…as my friend said: “The best part of every visit here is the adrenaline from that feeling”. On the top there was a great view to the whole city, Rheine and the bridges.

On our way to the Cathedral we passed through the Bridge of love – I haven’t seen so many love padlocks at one place! There we thousands of them in different colours and sizes. The lovers had written their names and the date of their anniversary or the date of “locking their love”. Even there was a couple on their wedding day taking photos there.

The colourful padlocks

Schildergasee - the shopping street

After that experience we went through the Shopping Street of Cologne. It was crowded in and outside the shops. We stopped for some classic pommes frites with mustard. Then, in a wonderful French pastry shop, we had amazing cakes, I wanted to try from everything but there was no space in my stomach anymore. Meanwhile we met two parties of girls that were out for a maiden party. The German girls has very interesting tradition when it is about the maiden party – the bride’s friends buy some candies, snacks, chewing gums, condoms, lollipops, little jewelries and the aim of the future bride is to sell them at the street. I was trying to take a photo of them while one of the girls saw me and started shouting in German running towards me. First I was shocked, thinking that she has something against but then I realized she wants to sell me something. After bargain a little bit I had a condom for 1 EUR. Everybody was happy at the end.

The Mayden Party Group

Poppelsdorfer Castle

The next day we spent in Bonn, the capital “Federal Republic of German”. Nothing much left there after the capital moved back in Berlin except the central of The United Nations and the main building of Douche post but the city is still beautiful and one of the reasons is Rheine, something that cannot be changed. First we had a walk around the center and the old buildings, the City Hall, The church Munster and the homonymous square, where is situated a statue of Beethoven. People in Bonn are very proud, as although he has spent his life in Vienna, Beethoven has been born in Bonn. We also walked through the University to the Castle of Poppelsdorfer and the Botanical Garden. What surprised me a lot was a small glass cabin in the alley, close to the University, that was full with books. It was not locked and people have the chance to take a book, read it and then turn it back. And it was standing there, untouched of the vandals, something that it is impossible in my country.

The book cabin

Monument of Beethoven

Rhein park

The whole day we were riding bikes, it hadn’t happened to me for few years. And although my ass was hurting me because of 7 hours on the bike’s seat, it was a perfect sunny day with free thoughts, pleasant company and relax. Inna, my friend, took me through the big Rheine Park where we enjoyed The Japanese garden, ice cream and sun. Then we went to Drachenburg Castle that is in the nearest town – Koningswinter. To reach the other side of the river we had to use a ferry, two minutes and we crossed the river. The Castle was built at the end of 19 – the century by a rich baron but he has never lived there. The area is beautiful and there is a great view to Rheine and Bonn. On our way back to the little town we decided to take the funicular as we saw it coming. But when asking for the price, the guy said 7 EUR! Hmm, we decided that it is not worth to pay this amount and we turned back. The guy shouted something after us and then he said: “It would be free for you” and he winged. Hehe, how to miss such an opportunity!

That was a perfect spontaneous 2-days German trip that I really enjoyed, thanks to my friend Inna. For the first time I was not following the main attractions and sightseeing but I felt as a real traveler with a close guide! 

Some more photos of the trip: 

The Japanese Garden

Drachenburg Castle

Rhein from the Castle

The  funicular

Around Koningswinter

Pre-Christmas in Brasov II

The breathtaking view

After spending the previous day in Brasov it was time to go around its surroundings. On the next day we had an early fast breakfast, took our luggage and proceeded to Bran to see the popular Dracula's castle. Going out of the city I enjoyed one of the best pictures I've seen - we were in the fields, the sky was clear and blue, it was sunny and the snowy peaks of the mountain were right across us. I live close to the mountain but I rarely remember such a view!

In 15min we were already in Rasnov, a small town near Brasov. Before entering the town we saw a fortress on the hill above it and we decided to see what it is. We ended at a big parking where we bougth tickets for the wagon tractor that was about to take us to the top of the hill. Of course you can go on foot but we couldn't miss to ride in such machine. Soon we reached the fortress where we paid 15 lei/ person to enter. It is a medieval fortress and it has perfect location - view to 360 degrees. It's like a little town with streets and even there are souvenirs shops. You can also receive touristic information inside.

Romanias love to put signs, style "Holywood"

The strange vehicle

Around the fortress streets

Bran's Castle

Time was passing and soon we were on our way back to Bran. In the middle of the town there were parkings on both sides of the road saying: "Parking of the Castle" inviting you to stop and use their service. At least it was cheap - 2 lei/ hour. For the only 500 m we had to walk to the ticket booth, we passed through dozens of stands selling souvenirs, clothes, hats, wine, food, everything you wish. We didn't miss to warm up with hot vin fiert. And there is was - the Castle! To be honest I'm a little bit disappointed of it. Maybe after the castle of Peles I'll hardly love another castle so soon. But they're different - one is older, the other is more luxury and so on. Inside was interesting because of the many towers and stairs we climb, like a labyrinth. On the walls of the last 2 floors are written the legends of Vlad Tepes. The funny thing is that Vlad Tepes has never lived in that castle but this is the castle described in the famous novel by Bram Stoker - "Dracula". That's why it is so popular.

The yard of the Castle

There was no much snow unfortunately

When we went to Rasnov fortress we saw a sign to Poiana Brasov, the famous ski resort and on our way back we decided to visit it. It was only 10 km far from the city and soon were high in the mountain in the luxury resort. Most of the hotels were in Alpine style, some of them had beautiful lakes, others offered amazing gardens, even in the winter. Somehow, we entered in a restaurant (it didn't look like restaurant from outside but we followed a couple) and we were so surprised of the interior - the roof was low, the chairs were made of logs, covered with lambskin and there were musicians, playing Transylvanian music. Actually we were looking for the toilet but for few minutes we forgot why we were there!

One of the hotels

In the crazy restaurant

Last view to Brasov

In the late afternoon we were again in Brasov where we spent the rest of the day. It was hard to leave the main square so we had a chicken soup in one of the restaurants there. Then, we found our hotel and after a short rest we went out for dinner. I recommend restaurant Ceasu Rau, typical Romanian with nice atmosphere, really kind staff and good prices. It was so cold already but after dinner we visited club Times on Strada Rebuplicii where we run accross a band, playing alive clasical rock music. We couldn't have asked for more.

And that was it - the whole next day we spent in traveling home. It was short but so amazing and fun trip. I stay with warm feelings about this land Transylvania and people there.
Two years later, I had the chance to know more about Medias and Sighisoara but that in another article.

Pre-Christmas in Brasov I

Piata Sfatului, Brasov and the Christmas market early in the morning

When it comes about Christmas, people, mostly in Europe, think of visiting Prague, Paris, Vienna, Nurnberg, etc, all those places that are very famous with their Christmas markets and Christmas spirit. To live something different (and because of the great deal I found in internet) we decided to spend few days in Brasov, Romania.

Welcome to Romania, Danube bridge, connecting Bulgaria and Romania

We left Plovdiv early in the morning and proceed to Ruse where we passed the bridge over Danube and went on to Bucharest. All the way we were so careful not to miss the exit to the ring road of the city but unfortunately we did it and we entered Bucharest. At the beginning I was so disappointed because we wanted to escape from the traffic and also we were in a hurry to reach Sinaia before they close the Castle of Peles. It took us one hour to pass through the Romania capital but later we talked to some guys that had passed the city through the ring at the same time and they told us it took them 2 hours! Obviously the road is narrow at some places and there are a lot of traffic lights that stop the traffic. We were so happy we choose the "wrong" way and we managed to reach Sinaia on time. About 30 km before the wonderful resort, we entered the pass in the Carpathians and we passed through lovely little villages and resorts - they were all decorated for Christmas, only snow was missing.

On the road between Bucharest and Sinaia

Finally we found the Peles Castle. It is hidden in the mountain above the town and stays so majestic between the trees. I couldn't stop watching it. And I didn't need to as we had to park the car about 500 m far from it and we could enjoy it while approaching it.
The Castle was built by the Romanian king Carol I in the middle of  XIX century by the project of the German architect Johannes Schultz. The rooms inside are fantastic - there is a dining room, different from the breakfast one, a dance hall, play room (where there was a theater and later a cinema), even a Turkish room and so on and so on. Luxury jets from everywhere. There were 2 mirrors in one of the halls put in a frame of colourful, glass flowers and shined like diamonds. Unfortunatelly we were not allowed to take pictures. The garden is also amazing with stone statues.
Some touristic information: On entering the castle we were told to put on slippers over the shoes to protect it clean. And the entrance fee is not expensive - 20 RON (5 EUR) but is only for the first floor. If you want to visit all 3 floors the cost is 70 RON. The Castle works from 9 to 17 (last group is at 4 p.m. although we saw people entering half an hour later) and it's not working on Monday and Tuesday and it is also closed the whole November.

The gorgeous Castle

It was hard to leave the beautiful castle but it was starting to get dark and we had to move on. After about an hour we reached Bradet, the village where we stayed in the next 2 nights. The hotel was good, recently renovated, all in wood.

In the morning we jumped on the car and went directly to Brasov, 15 km far from that place. And Brasov is an amazing Transilvanian city.

View from the panorama terrace of Tampa hill

At the market

Was it because Christmas was coming or was it because of the sun but people were smiled everywhere, drivers were tolerant (as a difference from the ones in Bucharest) and the mood was high. For a day we walked around the Old City and saw some of its sightseeing. There was a Christmas market at Piata Sfatului (The council square), a big tree and they were playing Christmas music all day. We didn't miss to try vin fiert ,that delicious mulled apple wine and of course the sweet pretzels. We walked around the city walls and visited the White Tower as well as the Hunter Tower. The city walls were built in the middle of 15 century with 8 bastions and 32 towers. Some of them work as museums. The cherry of the cake that day was climbing to the highest point in Brasov - Tampa hill, where there is a spectacular view to the city from a panorama terrace, situated just next to the sign of Brasov. We climbed by the cable car that is situated just next to the Hunters Tower and a round trip ticket cost 15 RON (or about 4 EUR). People say it's a nice one hour walking up to the hill but we didn't have much time and also it was my first time in a cable car. We also had a coffee in the restaurant just next to the window watching the red roofs of the buildings.

Selling vin fiert

The north part of the city wall, on the way to the White Tower

Another interesting place for visiting is Casa Muresenilor, the family house of the famous Romanian family Muresanu that is now turned into a museum. The family has lived there for 5 generations and many of its members were in the high culture circles - musicians, politicians, newspaper editors, etc. The house is located just opposite the square. Do not miss to visit also Biserica Neagra (the Black Church) and the Romanian Orthodox church, both located at the main square. On the west side of the city's wall are both Schei gate and  Catherine gate. They are built in 13th respectively 15th century. The Saxons first established the city and the Germans were living inside, while Romanians were living out of the walls, in the Schei district and they had to pay taxes to enter.

Catherine's gate

It was enough for that long day, we left some things for the next one and went back to the hotel.

Delicious papanas

There was a Romanian folk band in the restaurant, playing folk music and it was a nice evening with a jug of red wine. Everything was fine, including the wonderful dessert that I try for the 3-d time in Romania - Papanas with cream and jam (something like donuts, you just have to try it), until the moment when we ask for the check. In the hotel offer was included the dinner, they told us we can order up to 50 lei and everything above that sum we have to pay. OK, but according the waiter we had to pay 37 lei more and according my calculations - only 10 lei. I had to ask him several times to come and explain me why. He reduced the bill twice until we reached the correct one, inventing different reasons of this "misunderstanding". It was so ugly thing - to try to lie us for 6 EUR. The next morning he came to appology but of course he didn't  confess his guilt and he said something about the computer didn't work properly. Anyway, I'm glad it was the only bad thing that happened at this trip.

On the next day, we left for a day trip out of Brasov to visit the famous Dracula Castle, Rasnov Fortress and the Ski resort Poiana Brasov.

My friend - the reindeer Rudolph

Prague,my love - part one

Prague has always been like a dream for me - to feel its majestic power and see its ethernal beauties.

It was in January,2 years ago,when I called my friend in Nurnberg and told her :"Do you wanna meet in Prague in March?" She definitely loved the idea so we started to look for a hotel and I to search for the cheapest transport to bring me there.We found a great deal - hotel Vitkov(4*) got that promotion for 29 EUR per double room.For the end of March,only 10 min by tram from the center,it was a really good deal..

The day came,so me and my boyfriend took the bus from Sofia and started our 18 hours journey to Prague.We arrived at 5am,a little confused what to do in that hour but we managed to find tickets,got the bus and dropped our luggage in the hotel. Here we come,Pragueeeeeeee!

A view to the city

It was 7.30 when we stepped at Staromestke square,the main square in Prague. My dream came true! It was cold and windy but I was there and I didn't care for anything else at that moment.We took a coffee from the only one opened place and just enjoyed the sun,sitting next to the window and watching the beautiful square. Then we took a little walk through the narrow streets just enjoying the buildings.I have never seen so colourful facedes before!

The clock on Staromestke square

We met Stefka and Alex at 11.00 and proceeded to Hradčany,the Castle of Prague. As we choosed the south entrance,we had the opportunity to walk through the streets on the hill,leading us to the Castle. And here it came! It took us 4 hours to go around(and it was not enough at all) - St.Vinus Cathedral, Zlata ulica, Deliborka Tower,Vineyard and so on and so on. To be honest I think the most amazing of all was the view - to see the whole city - buildings,towers,beauty...

Hradcani

The day ended with a wonderful Czech beer. As all beer lovers know the beer must be German,Belgium or Czech. Just don't miss it.

The first place we had a beer

And then the next day came...