Urban Romania

Sometimes life throws us curve-balls. Or maybe we throw curve-balls at life. Either way a massive change in plans resulted in me handing over my beloved, yet nearly expired, passport at the US Embassy in Istanbul in exchange for one that will hold me over for another ten years. I spent three anxious weeks in Istanbul waiting for it to arrive, resulting in me missing my Bulgaria portion of the trip. Rachel continued our journey alone while I spent days thinking about the perfect mess I have made.  When I got the call from the embassy I immediately booked my flight to Bucharest, Romania for a reunion.

Romania.  A land of mountains, changing leaves, and castles. It really is as spectacular as it sounds. Oh, and then there's Bucharest... 

My first impression of Bucharest was conflicted and I have to admit it didn't improve much in the few days we spent there. Communist buildings hover around the city as an everlasting reminder of the strong hand that controlled the city for years. The bigger, the better in the communist mind. From 1947 to 1989 Romania was a single party socialist state. Natives weren't allowed to leave the country and foreigners definitely were not allowed in. Secrete police roamed the communities creating a sense of distrust that has lasted past the fall of communism. In 1989 the people had enough and a revolution resulted in the execution of the president and his wife (this was the last public execution in Romania, thanks free walking tour!) and Romania began its healing process. Bucharest reflects the troubled past mingled with the hope of a brighter future. The landmarks such as The Palace of Parliament (a monstrous building that watches over the city with an ominous grandeur), the mini Champs-Elysee (which is actually rumored to be longer than the original because, you know, communism), and the towering apartment blocks are all reminiscent of times past. Never before have I been in a city that made me marvel and cringe simultaneously.  

We spent our few days there wandering among dull colored monuments of power and marveling at the small churches that escaped the destruction of the party by literally being put on wheels and moved to different parts of the city. With the companionship of a few good natured Aussies we explored cobblestone streets (a standard here much to the dismay of my ankles) and found the best kebab shop in Eastern Europe that had us in awe for days to come. Bucharest consisted of free walking tours (another standard), a visit to The Palace of Parliament, a rainy stroll through a densely forested park, and a chance for me to catch up with my childhood best friend. All in all I would say that if you find yourself in this region of the world Bucharest is worth checking out for a day or two before heading into the country. And if you do find yourself there, ask me for directions to a kebab shop that might just change your life. 

A recount about rural Romania coming up soon.