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.

By the Black Sea

So many things could be written about the Bulgairan Black Sea coast, about its beaches, resorts and sunrises. Although the Bulgarian coast is only 354km long and although I will write only few words about different places I will need at least 4-5 articles to mention all (or almost all) the resorts and villages.
And as a lover of the North part of the Black Sea, I'm starting with the most northern part of the Bulgarian Black sea coast.

The beautiful north rocky coast

The Bulgarian- Romanian border passes through Sivriburun cape and only 7 km south of it is Durankulak village. The village is not situated exactly by the sea but 2.5 km inside in the country. Walking or drivinng that distance, you reach Cosmos camping. North of the camping is the most northern beach in Bulgaria, called Ana Maria ( it's name comes from a Greek ship, aground there in 1969). If you walk along the south beach you'll reach Krapets. It is a small village that perfectly combines sea tourism, together with hunting, fishing and eco- tourism. The village is also famous with its special fish soup.

The lighthouse at Shabla cape, photo by Laska

Between Durankulak and Krapets is situated lake Durankulak which is a protected area. In the north part of the lake there are archeological excavations proving that the first husbandmen of those lands are from 5000 year b.c. Going south you'll reach Shabla, a Bulgarian town situated on the main road, 8 km west from Shabla cape. There, on the cape you can see the oldest still active lighthouse on the Balkans. Many vessels have sunken in the sea around Shabla in the World War II. This is one of the reasons the place to be preferred destination for underwater tourism.

The next stop is Tyulenovo, a village with amazing nature. Presence of seals was noticed during the 40-s of the last century. It is a good place for them because of the combination of caves, low level rocks and winds. That is why the village is called Tyulenovo (a place for seals). Unfortunately those seals have already dissapeared from there. Tyulenovo is ideal for diving, rock climbing and camping. Only 5 km south from Tyulenovo is located the village of Kamen Bryag. As Tyulenovo is, Kamen bryag is also around beautiful rocks. On first of July, every year people celebrate July Morning. This tradition comes from the hippy era in the 1980s, that has started in Varna. People from the whole the country come to the Black Sea coast (Kamen briag is prefered placefor this) to meet the sunrising. The name of the celebration is connected with the song of  Uriah Heep "July Morning". Near Kamen briag is located Yailata- a region that represents archaeological preserve. This is seaside terrace area separated from the sea of ​​rocks 50-60 m in height. In the area there are plenty of rock caves that in the past have been used as monasteries.

Kamen briag, meaning "Stone coast"

Not very popular but prefered by people who really want to rest is Rusalka resort. It is calm and peaceful resort and not crowded at all. There you could see remains of Byzantine fortress- Tauk liman.

Our last stop of this article is Kaliakra cape, long and narrow. The coast is with steep cliffs about 70 m high.

Kaliakra cape

A legend tells for 40 Bulgarian girls who tied their hair together and jumped into the Black Sea instead of being captured by the Ottomans. The name of the most enthusiastic girl was Kaliakra. There is a monument  in front of the fortress, called The Gate of the 40 Maidens.
Being there and feeling the wind makes you feel the freedom.

An interesting trip around the North coast of the Bulgarian Black Sea has made Laska, read in her blog.
Next stop - Varna and its surroundings.

Sources: my impressions and knowledge and wikipedia.