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germanshepherddoginfo · 9 months

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Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog: A Unique and Versatile Breed

The Romanian Raven Shepherd dog is a large and powerful dog with a black coat. They have a long history of protecting livestock in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. These dogs are known for their loyalty, courage, and intelligence. They are excellent companions for active families who enjoy spending time outdoors. History Appearance Temperament FAQs on Romanian Raven Shepherd DogWhat are the grooming requirements for a Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog? What are the health concerns for a Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog? Where can I find a Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog? How long do Romanian shepherds live? Romanian Raven Shepherd is a relatively new breed to the United States, but it is quickly gaining popularity. These dogs are still rare, but are becoming more available as breeders work to increase the population. If you are looking for a loyal, intelligent, and versatile dog, the Romanian Raven Shepherd may be the perfect breed for you. Here are some things to know about this fascinating and unique breed. Here are details on the Romanian Raven Shepherd FeatureMaleFemaleHeight70–80 cm (28–31 in)65–75 cm (26–30 in)Weight40–60 kg (88–132 lb)30–50 kg (66–110 lb)Lifespan12–14 years12–14 yearsTraitsLoyal, intelligent, protective, active, barkerLoyal, intelligent, protective, active, barkerRomanian Raven Shepherd Dog

History

The Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog is a natural breed developed over centuries in the Meridional Carpathian and Subcarpathian area (the old Muntenia region of Wallachia, in the counties of Dambovisa, Arges and Prahova, and around Brasov). These dogs were originally used as livestock guardians, watching over sheep and cattle in the mountains. They are known for their courage, intelligence and loyalty, and are essential to the success of shepherds who rely on them to protect their flocks from predators. The Romanian Raven Shepherd is also known as Corbi, which means "crow" in Romanian. The name is a reference to the dog's distinctive black coat. Corbies are typically large and powerful dogs, standing 23-28 inches tall and weighing 88-110 pounds.

Appearance

The Romanian Raven Shepherd is a large, powerful dog with a black coat. They are typically 23-28 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 88-110 pounds. They have a long, thick coat that helps protect them from cold weather. The coat is two-layered, the undercoat is short and bushy, and the outer coat is long and rough. The hair on the head and front legs is sparse, while the hair on the body is abundant. The hair on the neck is thick and looks like a mane. The Romanian Raven Shepherd has a large, strong head with a wide muzzle and moderate stop. The eyes are small and almond-shaped and are amber or brown in color. The ears are V-shaped and floppy and are set high on the head. The neck is thick and strong. The body of the Romanian Raven Shepherd is massive and sturdy. They have a rectangular body shape with a broad chest and strong back. The tail is bushy and long and carried high when the dog is alert. The Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog is a black dog with a black coat. However, some dogs may have small white markings on their chest or legs. If the dog is exposed to the sun for too long, the coat may develop a red color. Overall, the Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog is a large, powerful dog with a black coat. They have a distinctive appearance that makes them easy to spot.

Temperament

The Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog is a loyal, intelligent, and protective dog. They are known for their courage and their willingness to protect their families. These dogs are very active and need a lot of exercise. They make great companions for active families who enjoy spending time outdoors. https://youtu.be/pY-RwcStEx0 The Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog is a very independent dog and needs to be trained with patience and consistency. They are not well suited to apartment living and need lots of space to run and play. They also bark and warn you of any potential danger. Here are some additional things to know about the Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog's temperament: - They are good with children but should be supervised around them, especially small children. - They are not aggressive dogs, but they will protect their family and property if threatened. - They are very intelligent dogs and can be trained to do a variety of tasks. - They are not suitable for hot climates. - They need to be groomed regularly to keep their coat clean and free of mats. If you are considering getting a Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog, do your research and find a reputable breeder. These dogs are a wonderful addition to any family, but they are not right for everyone. Also Read: Why Does My Dog Pee On Other Dogs? A serious Concern

FAQs on Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog

What are the grooming requirements for a Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog?Romanian Raven Shepherd Dogs have a long, thick coat that requires regular grooming. They should be brushed at least once a week to remove loose hair and prevent mats. They may also need to be trimmed to keep their coat from matting.What are the health concerns for a Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog?Romanian Raven Shepherd Dogs are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat. It is important to have your dog screened for these conditions before breeding or adopting.Where can I find a Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog?Romanian Raven Shepherd Dogs are not a common breed, so it may be difficult to find one. You can contact a local rescue organization or a reputable breeder to inquire about the availability of Romanian Raven Shepherd Dogs.How long do Romanian shepherds live?Romanian Raven Shepherd Dogs typically live for 12-14 years. However, some dogs may live longer or shorter than this. The lifespan of a Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog is affected by a number of factors, including genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health. Read the full article

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flutteringphalanges · 3 years

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Night of the Living Dead (And Then Some)

Summary: It’s 1897 and the world as we know it has become overrun by zombies. An unlikely pair, a former nun by the name of Agatha Van Helsing, and a bloodthirsty vampire, Count Dracula, have formed an alliance in the hopes of surviving this debacle. Can the two learn to coexist or will they end up as just another mindless cog in life’s maniacal wheel?

Ship: Dragatha

Rating: M

Chapters: 1/2

Read on FFN and AO3

A/N: An odd two part one shot that came to my mind. I wanted to do something Halloween-ish. I guess in a way this is a parody because it is Dracula and there are also zombies?! Anyway, hope you like hope it turned out! -Jen

Part One

Surprisingly, he hadn’t taken notice of the damn thing until her arrow nearly took him out. Dracula watched as the undead beast faltered briefly before falling still on the ground. Right in the center of the forehead. She was getting good. Perhaps too good. Nostrils flaring slightly, he rounded about to face her.

“That could’ve easily hit me.” He attempted to argue as Agatha strode forward to pluck her prized arrow from the corpse. “What if I had moved just a bit? That weapon of yours could’ve struck my heart.”

“And then I would have one less problem on my hands.” She replied simply, not so much as giving him the benefit of a look. “I knew what I was doing. If it hadn’t been for me, it would’ve gotten you and Lord knows what would happen if you were to get bit. There aren’t exactly many vampires about that we’ve seen cases of.”

“Must you bring God into this?” Dracula sighed, running a hand through his hair. “What do you want me to say, Agatha? Thank you?”

“That would be rather nice.” She sighed, cleaning off the grimy arrow. “But I have a feeling that I’m not going to get such a response from you. You are, as one might claim, a bit pig-head.”

“Pig headed?!” The vampire let out a humorless laugh. “Pig headed?! Why how your insults have grown since our first encounter, Agatha. If anyone is pig headed, it’s you for insisting we go to Brasov--which, I’ll inform you, was very overrun!”

“Everywhere is overrun, Dracula.” The former nun sighed, finally turning to look at the man. “Romania, Holland...it’s like a cesspit of flesh eating monsters that, well…” She paused for a moment. “Make you seem like a mere mosquito.”

The vampire’s eyes narrowed as the woman tossed her bow over her shoulder. Sometimes a small part of him felt the urge to end her right there. It would be so easy. But the bigger part refrained from that. Perhaps if he could read her mind at this very moment, she too felt the same way. Bickering was always better than dead. It was a good reminder to them both.

“Come on.” Agatha’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. “It’ll be daylight soon and the last thing I need is for you to burn into a crisp.”

“If I’m not mistaken, I could’ve sworn you said you’d have one less problem without me.” Dracula countered with a smirk.

“The idea is becoming more tempting.” The woman replied with a huff. “Now come on, there is no telling what awaits us.” She gave a nod with her head. “This way then.”

The memory was still very vivid in his mind as he was sure it was in Agatha’s. The night he slaughtered every nun in St. Mary’s Convent but her. How the woman gave up her freedom, her life without a second thought in order to save meek, little Mina Murray. He’d had plans for Agatha. Devilish desires involving her blood. And in a way, perhaps she thought that somehow she could take advantage of him. Oh how the fates change when Death knocks at your door. A new side of unrest that he hadn’t seen in his several centuries of life.

“I don’t know about you, but I am quite parched.” Dracula said, breaking the long silence. “I haven’t had a human since...well...does tasting you count?” “You’ve survived years without drinking, I’m sure you can continue on just fine.” Agatha said, rolling her eyes. “I’ve been drinking river water and consuming squirrels and you don’t see me complaining. You don’t have to worry about dysentery.”

“I suppose having you become ill and me carrying for you would put a damper on our little excursion.” He smiled when he saw the glare on Agatha’s face. “What do you suppose would happen if I were bit? If I were to become “undead” undead? Would it reverse the process? Would I be human again? Or would I be a raging animal the likes of which this world has never seen?”

“I’d prefer not to think about either of us getting bit.” The former nun expressed. “We’ve seen what happens. How they turn. It isn’t pleasant.�� There was a brief pause before she added. “...If I were to be bitten, I would highly appreciate if you would kill--”

Dracula stopped in his tracks and turned to face his partner. “Your death--at least in the way you are proposing it, isn’t at the top of my list.” No, losing her in that matter was not certain. “You will remain alive, Agatha...at least until I deem it otherwise.”

“Your version of being undead is only slightly less repulsive.” Agatha exclaimed, shaking her head. “Now hurry along, we’re losing nighttime.”

“Always so eager and demanding.” The vampire tutted with a smirk. “I have yet to decide exactly how I feel about that with you.”

The former nun merely rolled her eyes once more, a small smile gracing her features. “My complexity is one of my more charming qualities.” Her gaze flashed up to the full moon. “Perhaps there will come a day where you decide. Or not.” Agatha’s attention turned to the vampire, a look of amusement crossing her face. “And maybe, if you are lucky, I’ll look forward to your answer.”

“Perhaps.” The Count agreed. “Until then, it seems we are left to put up with each other.”

A low growl came from within the bushes nearby. Agatha and Dracula turned to see a creature stumbling out from the brush. His skin, just like his clothing, dangled in rags as he hobbled over to the two. Without so much as a second thought, the vampire produced his treasure saber and brought it swiftly through the zombie’s head. Even after centuries of going untouched. Years of battle it’d been in. The Count’s weapon of choice was rather practical--even if it wasn’t as secretly impressive as Agatha’s bow.

“A clean hit.” The former nun noted. “You’re improving.”

Dracula let out a laugh. “As if you know anything about true combat.”

“I was raised by Abraham Van Helsing.” She countered, folding her arms. “And I know you well enough to know that my grandfather was quite skilled.”

“He was no warlord.” Dracula commented, cocking one of his brows. “Now, while I’d love to have a friendly duel with you, I’d rather not run into any more of our acquaintance’s friends. As you were saying, we are losing time. Best keep moving.”

And Agatha was not one to argue with that.

XXX

Cold. Dark. Musky. The dilapidated hunting shed they’d come across at least didn’t stream a single beam of light in. Agatha didn’t know why she agreed to this. Her clothes being used as a means to cover the floor. Protect her from splinters. As Dracula’s pale, naked body moved against her’s, the only warmth she felt was from his cape underneath her bottom. Fucking the vampire was hot in the word sense, but icy from his touch.

“Just a nibble…” He purred into her ear, teeth lightly grazing her earlobe. “It won’t hurt.”

“I said...no to biting…” Agatha panted, her back arching as the pad to one of his thumbs ran across her hard nipple. “Rules.” “Rules are for sheep and conformists.” Dracula growled, his hand sliding down to just barely rest on her groin. He smiled as she stiffened knowing she was throbbing deep inside. Aching for him. “Last time I checked you were far from that, Agatha.”

“If you can’t control yourself, then I am more than happy to stop.” She offered, earning her a dark glare. She knew he was already hard. Cock pressed against her inner thigh. This wasn’t the first time they’d had this debate during sex and it wouldn’t be the last. “I’m not your bottle of wine, Count Dracula. No biting or no sex.”

“You are a temptress.” He grumbled, his mouth set in a look of displeasure. “A tease.”

“I am merely the apple on the tree in The Garden of Eden and you are both Eve and the snake. You are your worst enemy.” She chuckled at her own analogy knowing well enough that her comparison to religion was not looked kindly upon by the vampire. “Isn’t my touch enough?”

She let her fingers travel down to where his cock rested against her. Dracula had been the first and only man she’d ever been with. Every sexual experience had been with him. And despite what she at first thought it’d be like, she loved it. Craved it. Especially when she whittled him down to his last nerve. Agatha gingerly touched his head, feeling the droplets weep from their prison. Over four centuries old and with just a few decades herself, she could still make him squirm.

“With you, nothing is ever enough.” He said through a breathy whisper. “Never. Never. Ever.” And without a warning, he pushed a finger deep inside Agatha causing her to yelp with surprise. So wet. Two could play at that game. “There is a vein that runs down the length of your inner thigh that is particularly delightful.” Dracula explained, kissing the former nun hard. “It would be nice for the both of us.”

“You’re a pig.” Agatha gasped as the vampire touched her sensitive spot. There were stars and her vision blurred. Dracula seemed to realize this too and probed the area thoughtfully. She struggled to speak. “Stop it!” Don’t stop. Keep going. Faster. “I...I could...scream…”

“Worried about the undead in a time like this?” Dracula snorted. “My dearest Agatha, I believe you could shout as loudly as you desired and no one would hear. And I quite like that idea.” He could feel her hand grip tighter around his cock as if in response. It took everything in him to hold it together. “If you won’t give me your blood, at least let me hear you cry out my name. You owe me that much.”

Agatha gazed up at him with fury, but lustful blue eyes. He was winning this one. She hated when that happened. Though they were still shrouded in darkness, the former nun could still make out the glint of his smile as her hand released him and he positioned himself at her entrance. She bit down hard on her lower lip. Not because she anticipated the pain. No. She anticipated the pleasure and what was to come.

Dracula was rather unpredictable when it came to his part in sex. He could be soft, almost caring and considerate. Loving. Or he could fuck so hard that Agatha’s head was left spinning and she had bruises the next day. And if she were to be quite frank, she didn’t have a favorite. The vampire was always so good. So damn fantastic that with every thrust Agatha felt herself shaking deep from within her very core. Part of her wondered if there was a possibility she could become pregnant. It hadn’t happened yet, and they’d had quite a lot of sex. Still, it was always on the forefront of her mind when his seed spilled inside her.

“Say my name.”

The commanding voice pulled her from her thoughts and Agatha was dragged from the whimsical land of euphoria and to the wooden, shed floor. Dracula leaned over her, his lips curved into a smile. The former nun reached out and wound an arm around his neck to steady herself. She knew that he had her. He always did. But it helped.

“Say mine first.”

The words escaped out as a moan which did not help Agatha’s case. She was growing close to her climax, and Dracula could tell. His thrusts began to quicken, deepen as she buried her face into the crook of his neck. Then without thinking, she bit down on the vampire’s skin. That immediately stopped the man in his tracks.

“Did you just...bite me?” He asked breathlessly, grinning widely. “Oh, Agatha…”

There were no marks. Of course there wouldn’t be. But she was so caught up in the moment. Suddenly, it dawned on her as they lay there still in the throes of passion. A silly little thought that made her smile too.

“You.” She gasped out. “You said my name.”

“What?” Dracula interjected. “But I...that doesn’t count…”

“Still said it…” Agatha smirked, chest rising and following. “I win.”

“Oh, we will see about that.” The vampire chuckled darkly. “I’m just getting started.”

XXX

Though he’d said her name, Agatha had finished first. Twice even before Dracula met his limit. They fell back on their makeshift bed of clothing that they’d be putting on later. Her head resting on his chest, the woman watched the door quietly. Though she felt sleepy as the adrenaline rush began to fade, a part of her wanted to stay awake. But she knew how important it was to remain diligent. Especially at night.

“Romania has fallen to whatever caused this plague.” Dracula said softly. “And we don’t know where else it has stretched. Perhaps there's a chance it’s only here.”

“And Holland.” Agatha reminded solemnly. “We’ve been roaming around aimlessly. Seen less and less humans.” She was silent for a moment before she craned her head up to meet his stare. “I do realize how it affects you.”

His fingers ran down the base of her skull and followed the path of her spine. She closed her eyes as he stroked her back. It was soothing, though the conversation at hand was not. If humans were going to become like an endangered species, then what of Dracula? After everything she was taught. Everything she’d seen. Agatha knew deep down her feelings for the vampire weren’t right. But even deeper down she didn’t care. Not in the least bit.

“I have a proposition.” Dracula said after a moment’s thought. “And I have thought about this quite a bit. Much longer than this disease has been going on and much, much longer than my meeting you.”

Agatha sat up from where she lay. “What might that be?”

“England.” Dracula said simply, sitting up as well. “Where we’d go in England, it’d be more advanced than the villages we’ve gone to. Perhaps the virus isn’t there or even better, they have a cure. It is better than nothing.”

“England.” Agatha repeated as if she heard him right. “But we don’t even have a ship. That’s at least a few weeks' sail from the coast to the bay. How do you expect us to get there?” The expression on his face said it all. “...Is there no other way?” Not telling him no. Not forbidding him. It was as if in desperation she was accepting of the terms. “Is it the only way to be done?”

“Blood is lives, Agatha.” Dracula said, expression still. “Information. If we want to get across then I’m going to need the blood of someone who understands sailing among other things. Someone healthy--or at least not riddled with disease.” He touched her hand, surprised she didn’t pull away. “I’ll take only what I need.” The Count promised.

“And what if there are no survivors at the port?” The former nun whispered. “What if they’ve all turned?”

“Then we keep going.” The vampire sighed, leaning back. “You should get some rest. It’ll be a long journey to the port if memory serves correct. I’ll take watch.”

“You took the first watch last time.” Agatha countered, sitting up straighter. “And if you know where we are going, then you should be the one with the clear mind.” Dracula opened his mouth to interject, but she continued. “I’ll be fine. Trust me. I’ll wake you up in a few hours. Besides, I am considerably more accurate with killing the creatures than you are with that ridiculous saber. You needn’t be so close with a bow.”

“Ah, you say that now but wait until those flimsy things split in two and your string breaks. Then you’ll be wishing you were brandishing reliable steel.” Dracula chortled. “Honestly, of all the weapons to choose from…”

“Go to sleep you warmonger.” Agatha snorted, resting a hand on his head as he lowered himself down. “There will be other times to debate weapons. Get some rest.”

“Wake me if anything happens.” The vampire said with sudden alertness. “I am not playing, Agatha. At any immediate threat of danger, you must wake me up. Even if the sun has yet to set.”

“You have my word.” The woman promised as the Count’s body relaxed. “Sleep.”

XXX

Agatha didn’t wake Dracula up after a few hours. Instead, when she was sure the sun was setting just enough as to not be so bright, she covered the vampire’s body as not to expose it and slipped outside. She inhaled deeply, enjoying what little light was left. She missed the day--though she kept that knowledge from Dracula. It was harder at night. Finding food. Water. But the few times she could escape. Sneak out without him worrying--those were good times.

Thunk!

The partridge didn’t even see the arrow before it pierced straight through its body. It was an instant kill, one Agatha wished for every living thing she killed--maybe, if she thought hard about it, she’d feel the same about the undead. Picking up the decent sized fowl, she couldn’t help but admire it. After a good plucking and cooking, this would last her a few days. Especially if she could come across some salt and preserve it. Now that would be true luck.

As Agatha walked over to what had perhaps once been a sort of fire pit, she took a seat down in the ground. Yank off handfuls of feathers, her mind kept wandering back to Dracula. His own need for food. Something he hadn’t been as fortunate to get. And maybe he deserved it. After all of the evil he caused, maybe this was fate’s punishment. But Agatha’s judgement, though questionable, began to consider something that maybe was pushing the bounds of her sanity even more.

Abandoning the bird for the time being, she made her way back into their temporary housing. Dracula was still fast asleep--he was odd like that, how deeply or not his slumbering was. Retrieving one of the jars she used for water, she returned outside. There truly was no means to prepare her hand for what she planned. Nothing to clean it with--she was out of water. But taking her arrow, the blood from the bird now smeared down her pant’s leg, she sliced her palm wide open and held it over the jar.

It burned. Ached. Maybe she’d gone too far. Too deep. And as her blood flowed, she half expected Dracula to be roused from his sleep and attack her simply because he was in such dire need of the crimson fluid. But instead, everything was still silent. She bit her lip, her eyes pricked with tears as the bleeding thankfully began to stop on its own. A good sign that maybe she had injured herself too horribly. Careful not to spill a drop, she tore off a piece of her sleeve and bound her cut hand.

If there was to be a good deed done, this would certainly qualify for Agatha. That was, at least for today.

XXX

“Well out of all outcomes, I certainly didn’t expect this!”

Agatha’s nostrils flared as Dracula, though his eyes burned that frightening shade of black with hunger, did not take the jar immediately from her. Instead, he stared at her hand looking equally as upset. When he reached out to take it, she yanked it back almost tempted to spill the blood all over the floor.

“Well out of all the outcomes, Agatha, I can’t say I expected you to slice your hand open for me!” He tried to grab for it again, this time managing to catch her wrist. “Let me see it. Did you even try to clean it?”

“Why can’t you just drink the blood?” Agatha sighed as he studied the wound. “I was trying to be nice. You talk about being oh so thirsty all of the time and craving me during sex. Well, this is what you want, yes? A true taste of me?”

“Not when it involves you injuring yourself!” The Count let out a dramatic huff. “You’re lucky this isn’t too terribly deep. As I recall, you need both hands for your weapon. We’ll have to watch it and make sure it doesn’t get infected.” The vampire shook his head. “And you went behind my back and took my sleep shift.”

“I was enjoying the daylight!” Agatha hissed, now getting annoyed. “And I caught myself something to eat! I didn’t have to rely on someone else! Not to mention be appreciative of it!” She slid the jar over, watching Dracula’s Adam's apple bob as he swallowed the liquid whishing within.

Then, without another word, Dracula lifted up the cup and gulped down the contents in less than a second. When he set it down, his eyes fixed on Agatha and a chill ran down her spine. Cold. Hungry. Lack of recognition. She could hear the vampire’s breathing becoming heavier as he moved closer. Was this it then? Had she given him a wine tasting that led to the draining of the whole bottle.

“D...Dracula?”

Her voice was soft, shaking as she scooted backwards. She looked around the room for any sort of weapon in arm’s reach. Conveniently, his saber was on the opposite wall to her and the bow and arrows were out of sight. Agatha swallowed and tried to remain calm. If this was truly the end, she’d rather it’d be by his doing than that of one of those creatures. Instinctively her eyes closed as he loomed over her, the former nun waiting for his attack when a pair of arms pulled her in.

“I’m sorry.” His voice was gruff, breathing more labored than intense. “I’m okay…”

Agatha looked up only to come face to face with Dracula. She could see her own blood smeared across his lips, smelled it's strange rusty scent. How that was appetizing to the vampire, she did not know.

“I thought…” She began, quite unsure what to say. “After you drank my blood, I thought that you would…”

“Given our current circumstances, my ability to remain in control might be a little rustier than I thought.” He gave her a small smirk. “I suppose it was a good thing that I didn’t bite you during sex. Could’ve led to a less than pleasurable end.” He was silent for a moment. “Thank you. For your blood. You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know.” Agatha said simply. “I wanted to.”

“And I must say, you are quite gifted with your weapon abilities.” The vampire said with a small smile. “Abraham, though we had our...differences...trained you well. Though, I have to admit you were pretty talented with that Pattern 1853 Enfield of his. Where did it come across a rifle-musket like that? Couldn’t have been easy, especially due to the legality of it.”

“I think we should make a new rule now that you’ve consumed by blood.” Agatha said, folding her arms over her chest. “You don’t bring up any details you’ve received from my blood--unless, of course, I offer them up in conversation.”

“Pity.” Dracula said, letting out a fake, long sigh. “I have so many.”

“You should have thought about that beforehand.” The former nun exclaimed. “Questions that go unanswered can be such a bother.”

“Like an ex nun wielding a gun better than the average soldier.” The vampire replied, with a small, lopsided grin.

“Careful.” Agatha warned. “I might’ve not had practice in a few years, but I am rather sure that if I were to pick up a said rifle of my choice, my aim would be fairly decent.” She exhaled, running a hand through her hair. “You should finish dressing. The sun has set enough for us to leave.”

Though she knew that their decision was the right one, part of Agatha didn’t want to leave the shack. Despite how messy and unkempt it was, it had proven to be safe. But staying anywhere too long, they had learned, didn’t always end up so. The former nun exhaled and glanced towards the rotting door and tried to push past what horrors awaited them.

XXX

“La naiba!” Dracula cursed in his native tongue as he peered over the hill. “Trebuie să glumești…”

“Maybe speak in English?” Agatha said from his side. “Ik spreek een klein beetje Nederland.” She hoped that her attempt at light humor would cause him to smile, but the serious expression did not leave his face. “What is it?”

“A horde.” He hissed under his breath. “By the main entrance into the shipyard.”

“Can you tell how many?” She replied, straining her eyes. Agatha could see movement from down below, but not much else. “...Do you think there is anyone even alive?”

“At least ten.” Dracula answered, trying to hide the defeat in his tone. “And I don’t know. Not with a group like that lurking about. And who knows how many are separated from the main herd? We could try to kill them and then look around.” He turned to meet Agatha’s stare. “I am far as one can be from a man of prayer and I know you are unique in your beliefs, but we could really use one of your mystique rituals...without a cross would be appreciated.” His attempt at a failed joke.

“We’ve come all this way.” Agatha said, moving to grab her bow. “We might as well try.” A small grin flickered across her features. “I should’ve taken the gun from my grandfather. My brother never learned to shoot anyway.”

Together, as quietly as they could, Dracula and Agatha slid down the hill. As they moved towards the horde, other zombies began to amble out from abandoned buildings. Their moves were quick, swift in killing the creatures before they could alert the others. When they drew nearer, the vampire grabbed the former nun by the forearm and pulled her in close.

“Fall back a little and find higher ground. That way you can aim better. I’ll be fine down here.” She didn’t seem so keen on the idea as he placed a kiss on her lips. “Go. Now.”

Agatha’s footfalls were soft against the dirt ground. When she stopped in her tracks, she glanced around at the sight before her. How could anyone be left alive after this? It was then she saw a pile of rubble against a collapsed building. Perfect. But just as Agatha approached her access point, she was caught off guard by a zombie. The creature made a grab for her and knocked her flat on her back. The former nun struggled, gritting her teeth as she shoved it off. With a powerful smack, she struck it with an arrow through the head. The thing fell limp and the woman scrambled to her feet.

Heart still pounding, Agatha shook her head and looked towards the direction of the horde. Dracula hadn’t seen what had just occurred and for that she was thankful. Refocusing on the house, she made her way to the debris and scrambled up. It was then she realized that while the vampire had a point about her having a higher shooting range, making him out in the midst of the ravage was too risky. He wouldn’t be happy about it, but he damn well needed her if he didn’t want to end up...something other than his usual “undead”.

“Agatha!” Dracula snapped in surprise as a zombie’s head collided with his shoe. “What the hell are you doing?!” “Saving you!” The woman declared, aiming her bow towards one of the creatures. “Clearly you need it.”

“I told you to go up somewhere high!” He insisted, lobbing off another head. “For once can you listen to me?!”

“You forget I don’t have night vision!” Agatha hissed, hitting a zombie straight between the eyes. “I don’t know why you worry so much about me. I--”

She didn’t realize the thing was behind her until it sunk its rotten teeth deep into her forearm. Agatha cried out in a mixture of shock and horror as blood spurted from the wound. Almost instantly the creature’s head lay at her feet, the horde now completely destroyed. A look of horror was etched across Dracula’s face. One she had never seen before. The former nun grabbed her injury tightly, her heart banging so hard that her chest ache.

Christ, she’d really screwed up.

I hope you enjoyed part one (of two)! I know it is a different kind of story! Dracula was saying in Romanian: “Dammit” and “You must be kidding” while Agatha said in Dutch: “I speak a little bit of the Netherlands (or Dutch).” Anyway, feedback is greatly loved and appreciated! Motivation helps so much! Until the next part! Stay safe and healthy! -Jen

#Dracula #Dragatha #Dracula 2020 #Agatha Van Helsing #Dracula x Agatha #BBC Dracula #Dracula on Netflix #Night of the Living Dead (And Then Some)

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ryttu3k · 3 years

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Doing those ship meme questions only it's the new OT3 (Beckett/Sascha/Ilias) because they're my main source of serotonin these days. Occasional appearances from Anatole and Lucita, too.

Not doing all, but there are A Lot.

1. Who's the one who's reckless and always getting into trouble while the other gotta pull em out

Beckett and Sascha actually do have a lot of braincells between them but none of them are in use for 'can sense danger'. Ilias has gained some minor common sense since his 'hey, I'm going to ask our Antediluvian for power to help face its favourite childe oh whoops I am possessed' thing and is usually the one sighing fondly and saving their asses.

2. Who's the one to send the other "I love my gf/bf" memes

Ilias. 100% Ilias. He would go out in public in a shirt saying 'I <3 Sascha' and calling them ‘my flower’ while Sascha is just pleased they can't blush any more.

3. Who's the one who listens to a music genre the other doesn't like and how does the other react

God their music tastes are all over the place. Sascha is over a thousand years old and has seen and heard A Lot. They consider the Romantic period 'modern music'. Beckett is similar albeit with about 350 years of it. Ilias got hurled from 1233 to 2004 and after a period of ??? went, "Oh, Romanian music!" and it was. Dragostea Din Tei. Like can you imagine one moment it’s 1233 and the next moment you are listening to Dragostea Din Tei. Also thanks to the language drift they only caught about a quarter of the words so it was this whole thing where he almost, almost was understanding it but the rest was just, “...what.” And that’s how Ilias discovered modern music.

Anyway yeah they’ve pretty much decided that their collective music tastes are so disparate no one is allowed to comment on them.

4. Which one spoils the other more and do they ever get competitive to show the other more love

Honestly, they all kind of spoil each other, albeit in different ways. Like Ilias will just randomly pop a handmade flower crown on Sascha’s head. Beckett will occasionally find an extremely rare book on his desk and know Sascha found it for him. Beckett always tells Sascha first when he’s found something cool so they can be the first to investigate it. And they absolutely get competitive, yeah.

5. How many years did it take to get married or was it just not for them

Sascha and Ilias have a mutual blood bond, which is more or less the equivalent of thus. Beckett has a mutual bond with Anatole, but he and Sascha have a level-2 bond.

7. Are their friends/family supportive

Honestly, uh, Sascha and Ilias don’t really have anyone else. Beckett’s companions tend to range from, “They’re terrifying but I trust your judgment :D” (Anatole) to “hahahahahaha if Vykos harms one hair on Beckett’s head I’ll end them” (Lucita) to “WHY” (Aristotle, Okulos, most others tbh).

8. How does one comfort the other when the other is in distress/having a panic attack/crying

Sascha is the one most prone to panic attacks because trauma is a bitch and basically just... Beckett and Ilias both respond by with hugging/gentle restraint (if they’re okay with touch) or by giving them space and doing things like running a hot bath when they’re touch-averse.

9. Which one dissociates

Honestly Sascha spent most of 1234 to 2006 lowkey dissociating, which is fair when there’s literally another essence fused to yours. Post-Dracon, they still get the occasional dissociative episode, but it’s much easier to bring them back to themself.

10. Which one stares at the other's booty like “damn” and how does the other react when catching them

All three tbh. Beckett stares at Sascha, Sascha either gets a bit self-conscious or a bit ;) , depending on mood. Sascha stares at both Beckett and Ilias and gets a bit embarrassed when caught (Beckett will laugh it off, Ilias will basically be ;D). Ilias stares at both and is completely shameless about it because he may no longer be on the Path of Pleasure but he’s absolutely not going to feel ashamed for admiring his gorgeous lovers.

11. When they live together what kinda place do they live in? What does their home look like?

Beckett and Sascha travel too much for one place, honestly, and Ilias accompanies them a lot. They do have a few houses scattered throughout the world, though, including one in the Carpathians (nowhere near Brasov, tyvm). Not really as big as the monastery, it’s mostly like... big library, a few comfortable places to sleep or rest, Ilias likes having a garden these days and grows a lot of flowers.

12. What do their dates look like

Museum heists.

13. How does each act when getting drunk

Ilias gets even more handsy. Actually he can get to be a bit of a pain, but he does listen immediately if one of them tells him to tone it down. Beckett gets very enthusiastic and fired-up and a bit more feral and he’s gonna go find Enoch right now and prove Caine wasn’t real once and for all. Sascha, uh, tends to get a bit emotional and also very talkative, but can literally like. Talk their way into minor breakdowns. Basically less barriers.

14. Which one rolls over in the morning evening to wake up the other one just to kiss them

All three :3

15. Have they saved each other's lives before

Yup!

Ficverse-wise, Sascha did also save Ilias from becoming a bogatyr to the Eldest, although that was also Sascha and Beckett both saving themselves by being emotionally honest. Yeah XD

16. Does one have an interest the other think is weird but wants to listen to it regardless

Ilias’ spirituality conflicts a bit with Beckett’s... atheism, I guess? Like he’s definitely not sure he believes in the spirits that Ilias regularly works with as a Koldun, but he’s willing to keep a relatively open mind. (He’s a bit less open-minded in Sascha’s belief in - and support of - Caine, given that he’s literally based his career around the metaphor theory!)

17. Which one uses cropped hentai as reaction images

Sascha.

They have troll tendencies, okay.

18. Does one of them kinkshame the other

There is absolutely no kinkshaming here. Listen Ilias was a Priest of Jarilo. Sascha was once on the Path of Pleasure too. Beckett seduced Dracula for information then forgot to ask his question. They’re all very open about everything.

There may be teasing about the odd hobby or interest but it’s pretty lighthearted.

19. Is one of them self conscious about their body? If so how does the other comfort them

Beckett occasionally has Moments over his hands and worries about hurting Sascha or something. They basically respond by being like “are you kidding the claws are hot as hell”. On occasion, Beckett will get one of them to Vicissitude them down if he wants to use his hands more, although they’ll regrow and be achey for a night or two afterwards.

20. Say they were cuddling on the bed while listening to record player playing the background. Which song is playing?

Honestly I want to say Third Eye by Florence + the Machine just for fic reasons. When I was writing Mantle I saw it very much as Beckett towards Sascha, but it fits with Ilias towards them as well.

I have no idea how they would have discovered F+tM but anyway.

23. What kinda joyrides do they go on? Relaxing ones or wild ones?

It. I imagine it usually involves police chases. When it doesn’t Beckett will occasionally go wolf so he can stick his head out the car window like :P

Shh don’t tell anyone.

25. Do people ever get annoyed of their pda

God probably. One of the main exceptions is Anatole, who’ll basically go, “Oh! Are we cuddling?” and flop on top of Beckett.

27. Which one’s the red, which one’s the blue

They’re all red. Fear. Ilias is probably closest to blue.

28. Are either of them mentally ill, if so how do they help one another cope

Sascha has both PTSD (from Symeon and Michael, and from the Eldest) and C-PTSD (from being bound to the Dracon for literal centuries). Also depression and anxiety, which are... pretty common with those. See question 8 for some of the coping methods, the rest is just... taking each day as it comes. Like they’ve lived a very long time, but they only got free of the Dracon in 2006, so it’s still a very new thing.

Ilias has some trauma from some of the things he’s had to do to survive since waking up with the Thirst of Ages, and gets into guilt spirals on occasion. He mostly focuses on Path of Nocturnal Redemption methods to work through it; he’s kind of adverse to anyone seeing him vulnerable like that. He knows Sascha has done some awful shit, but they weren’t themself at the time so Ilias feels it doesn’t count, and Beckett is like, Humanity 6? He just doesn’t get it, so Ilias keeps it to himself.

Beckett has an odd, acquired one - his experiences in Jerusalem left him with the ability (if it could be called an ability!) to occasionally hear the Cobweb (the Malkavian Madness Network). While his connection isn’t nearly as strong as an actual Malkavian’s, he does get odd flashes of Insight; less helpfully, it can occasionally get, uh, loud in his head. This tends to ramp up a bit with proximity to Malkavians, so when he’s around Anatole, Anatole will help him filter the voices and thoughts out by teaching him meditation techniques. (Given that Anatole - correctly - feels responsible for Beckett being afflicted thus, he wants to make sure it doesn’t hit his lover too badly.)

29. Does one have a spot on them where they would melt when the other kisses them there

Give Beckett head scritchies and he’ll turn into a puddle :3

34. Are they a reckless couple or safe

*loud, prolonged laughter*

37. Do they get into fights often? If so what do they fight over and how do they make up?

Sascha and Ilias are usually... very chill; if they argue, it’s over the other’s safety, like Ilias wanting to do something reckless and Sascha being very much ‘please do not’. Sascha and Beckett argue a bit more, although thankfully they have now stopped trying to literally kill each other XD When they do, it’s usually ideological, related to Gehenna, Caine, et cetera. Sascha is still very much a part of the Sabbat, and Beckett is, well, basically an atheist.

40. Who would fight in honor for the other if someone would insult them

All three tbh. Here’s a fun bit from the novel:

Still really dig this bit from BJD, too!

No misgendering on Beckett’s watch!

42. How would one react if the other was to die

Uh.

Poorly.

Like most of Sascha’s sanity slippage was due to the Dracon’s essence being fused to their own and just how the Eldest... did that, but a good part of it was absolutely due to Ilias’ death.

43. Who dies first

...canonically, Ilias XD;;

It’s okay he gets better.

#vampire the masquerade #feral nerd #mx meat crimes #tzinnamon roll #caymanshipping #heartflowershipping #ivoryringshipping

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chelsfic · 4 years

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Any chance for a sweet and spicy Arranged Marriage!Drac with Dracula and Agatha (or reader if that is more preferred) and it’s all snark and sexy tension but then really eventually they’re 🥺🥺🥺??? Pretty please and thanks????? ❤️❤️❤️

Did you say “spicy” because I read that as angsty start to a new multi-part fic???? Oh dear...uh...sorry!?

P.S. I’m combining your request with another plot bunny I had which was inspired by Naomi Novik’s book Uprooted.

“But I’m leaving for the convent next week! I’ve as good as taken my vows already. I shouldn’t have to participate in this barbaric...this--this absurd--”

“Agatha, please,” her mother sighed with the frustration of a woman who had spent the last twenty years losing arguments to her brilliant daughter. “You know as well as I do that the Count demands this sacrifice of the village in exchange for our protection. He’s passed you over every other year. You will be fine. And in one week you’ll leave your old mother behind you and start a new life of devotion. But now you must do your duty for the community.”

Agatha shook her head in disgust but offered no further argument. In calling upon Agatha’s sense of duty her mother had hit a vulnerable spot and she knew it. Agatha was a good girl even if she was too smart for her own good.

***

Agatha stood with the other young women lined up on the village green awaiting the arrival of their lord, Count Dracula. It was night, of course, for the Count was never seen outside of his castle except after dark. Everyone in the village knew what he was even if they feared to speak the word out loud. Well, Agatha was not afraid. Vampire. That’s what he was: a foul beast of hell and nothing more. Something to cause disgust not fear and reverence. But the elders of the village did not see it this way. Dracula had brought peace, prosperity and protection into their little corner of the world. For that they gave him their fealty...and his choice of their daughters at each year’s harvest day.

Every year Count Dracula took a bride. It was speculated that the Count wished to find a woman who could become like him. An immortal fiend, Agatha thought sneeringly. But every bride he’d chosen so far had failed in some mysterious way. The girls were never heard from again. Yet the village elders continued to offer them up. In exchange, the Count did not include the village as part of his hunting grounds. What was the life of one lowly female compared to the well-being of the whole village?

Agatha shifted her weight from foot to foot and tossed her long wavy hair over her shoulder in annoyance. She’d stood in line every year since she was fifteen and every year the Count had stalked up and down the row of eligible women and girls eyeing each one from head to toe and always selecting someone else. She knew her mother was right. The Count had never looked twice at her before. She would be safe...and then she’d be free. Some might not consider the life of a nun to be one of freedom...but for Agatha it was everything. She longed to pursue her studies of divinity and lore beyond the boundaries of this tiny village. She just had to make it through tonight first.

The Count entered the village green with his usual flare for drama. He melted out of the shadows and into the ring of torches, appearing as a column of shadow in his long black cape. He stalked through the crowd of villagers who parted around him with fearful cringes and obsequious bows.

When he finally reached the edge of the crowd and stood before the line of trembling women he spoke in a saccharine, affected tone, “Hello, ladies! And thank you for coming! Your village...your families thank you as well, I think.”

There was a halfhearted round of applause from the crowd. Everyone was on edge waiting for the Count to make his selection. Everyone prayed that he’d choose someone else’s daughter.

“Well, now, let’s see…” the Count began walking slowly down the line, pausing to inspect each girl individually. With some he would exchange murmured words but for the most part he took in their forms, leaning in to inhale their scents, reaching out to feel the meat on their bones. Agatha vibrated with repressed fury at the indignity as she waited her turn.

When he finally paused in front of her she forced herself to remain still, willing her body not to shiver under his penetrating gaze. She forced her eyes upward to meet the dark depths of his and greeted him with cool politeness, “Hello again, Count Dracula.”

Dracula smirked, clearly impressed by her bravery. The other girls could barely meet his gaze.

“Hello, Agatha. Still unmarried, I see. Waiting for me, are you?” Dracula teased with that insufferable smug expression.

“Someone a little higher up, as a matter of fact. I leave for the Convent of St. Mary’s next week.”

The Count arched a brow and his lips curled in amusement, as if her life’s dream and vocation were a funny joke to him.

“We will see, won’t we?” he replied mildly. He stepped forward, invading her personal space and dipping his face down to her throat, inhaling her scent. “Oh, Agatha your bouquet improves every year. I can almost taste that passion, that desperation for learning and advancement…”

Agatha stayed silent, fearing she’d already given him too much to possibly entice him. Please, God, let him pass over me so that I might devote my life to you.

When he finally moved on to the next girl Agatha could breathe easy again. She kept her eyes focused on the ground in front of her and tried to center her thoughts. Her heart beat wildly in her chest. This was it, her final trial before freedom.

Dracula reached the last girl and then stood back, assessing the entire batch of females and shaking his head from side to side with a thoughtful frown on his face. Agatha watched him like a hawk. He towered over most of the figures in the crowd, his body was lean and his movements belied an inhuman physical power constantly beneath the surface. He was classically handsome, she could admit. But she felt nothing but burning anger and sinking fear when she looked upon him--this creature who murdered without consequence and who held her fate in his hands like a fragile bird.

Please, God…

Dracula clapped his hands together merrily and grinned in anticipation as his voice rang out, “I’ve made my decision and I thank you, citizens of Brasov, for your tribute. You will enjoy another year of prosperity and peace; another year of safety thanks to your sacrifice. I have chosen...Agatha Van Helsing for my new bride!”

Agatha collapsed to the ground as her knees gave out and her head spun. She could hear the relieved sighs from the girls around her and the scattered applause from the villagers--but it sounded miles away. She was in shock. Her vision swam and her stomach plummeted. This could not be. She was so close. So very close…

She looked up, pleadingly, seeking a friendly face, a savior...but instead she was met by the hungry, predatory gaze of the Count. He held her, captured, in the bottomless dark of his eyes as a wolf’s smile slowly spread over his lips.

#dracula x agatha #bbc dracula #dracula imagine #dracatha #agatha van helsing #request #dracula fanfiction #chelsfic

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freeguestpostingsite0 · 3 years

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Apartamente 3 camere cluj

I need to let it out. I had basically no information on the nation of Romania only five brief years prior, when I came here unexpectedly. What struck a chord were pictures of Dracula, Frankenstein, and under-thought about stranded kids, the sort that were highlighted in raising money specials that showed up on TV when I was a child. At any rate I can say that I knew without a doubt that it existed, thus did it's territory of Transylvania. That is halfway in opposition to what I was educated in grade school, coincidentally, when our instructor guaranteed us that Transylvania was just a storybook land and in this manner we need not be scared that the ghastly animals that possess it really exist! Today, after five years, I have a profoundly extraordinary and significantly more all around educated perspective on Romania. The things that used to strike a chord about this nation, infrequently do any longer. At the point when I recall about my old assumptions of Romania, it never stops to shock me the extraordinary distinction between the scandalous legends and astounding reality about this nation.Apartamente 3 camere cluj Presently, all things considered, I am caught by numerous individuals of very similar things that old Roman sovereigns like Cesar and Napoleon found so appealing about this spot. (Romania was a piece of the Roman Empire and takes it name from the Latin word for Rome.) From extraordinary regular assets to superb mountain and ocean side scenes, Romania is a spot that has a tad bit of all that you would discover somewhere else and various things you can't discover elsewhere. What's more, with respect to Transylvania, my educator was directly on one point - it is a storybook land-yet, actually, for it's magnificence and that of it's kin.Apartamente 3 camere cluj At last as concerns Romania however, the main disclosure I made as I continued looking for reality with regards to this place where there is legends, is the gigantic land speculation expected that exists here. Romania gives the financial specialist an outstanding occasion to profit by the climb of an eastern square nation to the European Community. The timetime line this chance, nonetheless, is restricted. Romania is one of the last European nations in rising talks with the EU and it is projected to enter in either 2007 or 2008. The assumption around this trademark occasion has brought about genuinely necessary financial and government change, making conditions more appropriate for unfamiliar speculation. The pre-climb energy has additionally offered route to a sensational expansion in land costs as of late, particularly in significant urban communities and traveler regions. For instance, a companion of our own purchased a 2-room condo in focal Bucharest in mid 2002 for $25,000 USD. Today his loft is esteemed at 75,000 EURO ($100,000 USD) and the measure of intrigued purchasers is all the more then sufficient.So much in this way, that potential purchasers have really posted commercials on the section entryway to his high rise expressing that they are excitedly hoping to purchase a condo in the structure or a close by one. This companion of our own can decide to sell his loft today at a huge benefit or clutch it until closer to the real rising of Romania to the EU, permitting him to profit by the best conceivable gratefulness in estimation of his property. During the interim, he could keep on leasing the loft at 700 EURO ($890 USD) a month or get in on the burge oning transient rental market which offers an option in contrast to the over-valued lodging rates in the city, and with a very decent inhabitance rate, lease the condo on a day by day or week by week premise at 50 Euro for every evening. Our companion is only one of endless unfamiliar residents and Romanians who have as of now benefitted enormously from interest in the Romanian land market. However, as you will before long find in this article, there are still better arrangements out there to be had then the one he and others have so far profited by. While the costs have just bounced altogether as of late, the close certain theory is that they will keep on rising drastically until the hour of the rising of Romania into the European Union. The assurance of this hypothesis is reinforced by the 10% ascent in expense of houses, condos, and property in Bucharest over the time of December 23, 2004 and January 5, 2005. With the measure of intrigued customers adequately high this implies that a speculator might have purchased and sold a property and made a 10% benefit in less then fourteen days in the Romanian land market while the person in question was commending the special seasons with family or caught up with skiing. The astounding the truth is that such open doors for significant benefit keep on existing, for the time being in any event, here in Romania. In the legislative hall city of Bucharest, arrangements can in any case be found for speculators with prepared money from merchants searching for fast cash. Another extraordinary hypothesis is office space in Bucharest. At 1.2 Euro per square meter, Bucharest is presently near the expense of office space in Vienna which is right now at 1.8 Euro per square meter. These costs keep on quickening. Such chances however are just the start. While the general over-assessment of land in Bucharest has made costs rise and made the normal expense of section higher then only quite a long while prior, this very reality, gives obvious sign that sharp financial specialists can keep on profiting by this over-assessment of property estimation in the pandemonium encompassing Romania's foreseen EU passage. It is for the most part held that costs will keep on rising pointedly until leveling off, or maybe dropping marginally, after the passage of Romania into the European Union. This has made a brief timeframe period in which speculators can yield genuine turnaround on their ventures and those wishing to migrate can do as such while getting in at a decent deal. The smartest choice for speculation arranged loft trackers in Bucharest today is very good quality extravagance condos. The potential for benefit off of lower to center end condos has started to change off as costs have just risen nearer their last anticipated levels. An extravagance loft notwithstanding, which can at present be had for between 120 to 200,000 Euro (2-3 rooms), will probably move in worth 10-20% every year, throughout the following two years paving the way to EU rising. By taking a gander at the cost of extravagance condos in any European Union state house city versus Bucharest, the legislative center city of Romania, one can notice the extraordinary divergence in costs which actually exists right now between the extravagance loft market here refrains in EU state house urban areas. While the financial specialist trusts that his speculation will develop he can lease his loft for 1,500 to 2,000 Euro for each month, further adding altogether to his general benefit. The quantity of global organizations present in the city makes this a generally simple total to get for such a spot on a somewhat reliable premise. . Now it stands to make reference to that any land buy made by an unfamiliar individual can be financed by renting accessible through just a single Romanian organization, up to a 20-30% store is at first made. While Bucharest teems with venture opportunity, the open doors outside of the legislative center are additionally ready with potential for huge benefit coordinating or surpassing that of Bucharest. Romania offers an assorted scene going from a huge stretch of ocean side along the Black Sea Coast to the amazing Carpathian Mountain range in the fantasy place where there is Transylvania. In the middle of is just about a tad bit of all the other things, from characteristic recuperating springs, to flatlands exceptionally appropriate for agrarian use, to a large group of archaic and current urban areas, for example, Sibiu, Cluj, Brasov, and Timisoara, which is maybe the most Westernized of every single Romanian city. I talked with various land specialists about what the best theories for the land speculator would be, posing inquiries like expense of section, least timeframe for venture to develop, and so forth All appeared to concur that land, everywhere on the nation, was the smartest choice. Just a single issue however. Outsiders can't claim lacking area without a joined dwelling Notwithstanding, I found an escape clause that not just permits the unfamiliar financial specialist to possess land yet in addition to enhance his venture portfolio, on the off chance that he wishes, and put resources into the three most sultry regions of Romanian land simultaneously - land, homes, and office space. It's known as a REIT-Real Estate Investment Trust. A REIT is a security that sells like a stock on the significant trades and puts resources into land straightforwardly, either through properties or home loans. REITs get exceptional assessment contemplations, and normally offer financial specialists significant returns just as a profoundly fluid technique for putting resources into land. The REIT idea is in real life in Romania by a trustworthy American firm and is planned explicitly to empower unfamiliar speculators to have the occasion to put resources into Romania's most prominent land opportunity (land) and to broaden their land portfolio, even with least assets for venture. (The typical passage speculation is 25,000 Euro.) Investors ought to be eager to hold there cash in the portfolio for around 5 years. The yearly gains throughout that timeframe are relied upon to be very huge and speculators who presently have put resources into a REIT have just made extensive profits for their venture. A more logical diagram is accessible for those intrigued. Another promising improvement for Romanian land is made by the development of another 2 billion EURO super-interstate being acknowledged with the monetary support of the EU. This new super-expressway worked with the innovation of the American firm contracted to finish it constantly 2010-12 will drastically change the substance of Romania. It will cut the movement time among Bucharest and significant European urban communities down altogether and in a real sense make new significant objections in Romania, short-term. Slicing through the Western bit of the fortune of Transylvania, various towns and potential hotel regions having large amounts of crude regular magnificence w

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mitchbeck · 4 years

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CANTLON: PACK PREPARE FOR BUSY WEEKEND

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - The Hartford Wolf Pack will entertain the Charlotte Checkers Friday night before departing for four games on the road over the next two weeks. They will not return home until January 24th against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The Wolf Pack winning streak grew to five-games and in the process, tying their season-best mark after a 2-1 win over the Hershey Bears at the Giant Center before 10,240 on a Wednesday night. Hartford's leading scorer, Vinni Lettieri, has six points in his last five games. He also has scored a goal three straight scored the game-winning goal, his 14th, with 53.9 seconds left in the game. Goalie Adam Huska stopped 26 of 27 shots. The Wolf Pack was held to just 15 shots but made the two that scored led them to victory. Boo Nieves continues his strong play and has garnered seven points in his last six gamers. The Wolf Pack holds the top spot in the Atlantic Division with a record of 22-8-2-5 (51 points) and now are four points ahead of Hershey and six ahead of the Providence Bruins. For Hershey, this was just their second loss in their last 15 games. The team has undergone some serious roster changes in the past month and with the exception of a small blip of a five-game losing streak, they have maintained a strong level of consistency at home, late in games, and against key divisional rivals. The Wolf Pack are 15-1-2-5 at home and are unbeaten with taking a lead after two periods at 14-0-1-2. They've won all five games thus far against Providence who they were battling for first place before being supplanted by Hershey. LIFE WITHOUT IGOR Goaltender Igor Shesterkin is on recall by the New York Rangers and made his NHL debut with a 5-3 victory against the Colorado Avalanche. Shesterkin got off to a tough start giving up goals on his first two shots. To be fair, all three goals he surrendered he wasn't totally responsible for. One was a tip-in, another a breakaway from Nathan MacKinnon and a wide-open goal on the right-wing. Shesterkin followed that up with a superb showing stopping 46 of 49 shots in a 6-3 win over the New Jersey Devils as ex-Wolf Pack, Tony D’Angelo piled up five points, including the first hat-trick since the Hall of Fame Brian Leetch (Cheshire) had in a playoff game in 1995. It was only the third in team history and the first two were Reijo Ruotsolainen (1982) and Dave Maloney (1980). Shesterkin was very sharp in the third period stopping a pair of scoring chances from Avalanche defensemen Samuel Girard and Calder Trophy candidate, Cale Makar. No doubt Shesterkin will have a long NHL career, but the Rangers also have two competent, capable NHL goalies in future Hall-of-Famer, Henrik Lundquist, and ex-Pack, Alexander Georgiev. Carrying three goalies is difficult at any level of hockey, with one netminder always on the outside looking in, and likely unhappy. The Rangers have been anticipating their fifth-round draft choice in 2012. He had superb KHL numbers and has finally arrived in North America. Shesterkin’s deal to come to North America was struck in the spring when the Rangers negotiated a European (KHL) clause in his deal that kicked in at halfway mark of the AHL season. It was eclipsed by several games, and the NHL season clause has been met, and he could return to Russia without penalty. The NHL trade deadline is February 24th, just seven weeks away. Lundqvist’s age, salary, and no-movement clause make it HIGHLY unlikely he's going anywhere, and the market for Georgiev isn’t clear at this point. Shesterkin is likely to see more action at the NHL level. It is possible but perhaps unlikely, that Shesterkin, who does not need to pass through waivers, will get sent to Hartford to playing time when Lundqvist and Georgiev are in the net. There will be a lot of rumors and a lot of news coming out of New York that will effect Hartford as the deadline approaches and the Rangers decide if they should be a buyer or a seller at the deadline and how to supplement the success currently going on in the Connecticut capital. MESSAGE FROM SWEDEN Lias Andersson was last seen departing on a plane from Bradley International Airport after the Wolf Pack's two-game road trip to Charlotte. He hasn’t been seen since until the next day after he'd left the team that through his agent it became public that Andersson had requested a trade. He was suspended by the Rangers and there has been radio silence until Wednesday. Andersson gave an interview with the Swedish sports news service, SVTP Sports (their version of ESPN/TSN). Uffe Bodin, the Editor-In-Chief of newsme.com, tweeted this translated information. The troubling tweet raises some serious questions and cast some serious aspersions and insinuations that could have profound impacts going forward for Andersson having any hope of returning to the Rangers or to any organization contemplating acquiring him. Was Andersson injured toward the end of his self-imposed departure from Hartford? What was this alleged incident that occurred that made things untenable for him to stay in Hartford? His assertion about "feeling safe" depicts some untoward work environment in Hartford, was there any? Is he using the team-issued suspension after leaving the team as some faux reasoning for sitting in Sweden and not practicing in Hartford or Cromwell with the Wolf Pack? Was he handling or coping with the rigors of pro hockey and being a number seven overall draft pick very well? Based on his play and this move the answer would be no. Andersson could be making a fatal career mistake here. The NHL is a very closed society. While the teams are on ice rivals and there's a union as a league and when one seeks to overturn the order of things, they don’t like it very much. Especially from a player in his first three years of an NHL deal that he and his agent signed off on and approved by both the NHL and the NHLPLA. Teams are not likely to take on a player who jumps ship when he's under-performing at the NHL and AHL level on an entry-level contract. There is hockey graveyard littered with first-round busts and players whose ego’s got the better of them. Andy, as he was known, was not a malcontent by several accounts, but self-imposed pressure to live up to his number seven overall status is a part of the equation that has him in Sweden and not Hartford. One veteran NHL scout said on the condition that they not be named, about Andersson. “I spoke to our GM about him, and he said, ‘It’s not his fault he was drafted seventh when maybe 27 or 37 was more appropriate. He has to understand that he isn’t a top-six forward, but a bottom-six forward. I think he’s a salvageable player at age 20, but he has to change his self-appraisal of his skill set.” On what could be likely his last ever Wolf Pack goal, he was contemplating a Filip Forsberg (Nashville) move on a breakaway coming off the right-wing. For Andersson, if he's to have an NHL career, this walkout needs to end immediately. NOTES: The Bridgeport Sound Tigers made an AHL deal with the Utica Comets where they sent oft-injured forward, John Stevens Jr. to the Comets for future considerations. Stevens is the son of ex-Hartford Whaler, AHL Hall of Famer, and current Dallas Stars, Assistant Coach, John Stevens Sr. Drake Rymsha, the son of ex-New Haven Nighthawk, Andy Rynsha, was sent from Ontario (AHL) to Ft. Wayne (ECHL). How about trading your nephew? All-time Wolf Pack great, and head coach, John Paddock, who's the current GM and VP of Hockey Ops for the Regina Pats (WHL) sent his nephew, Max, to the Prince Albert Raiders yesterday. That won't be awkward at the Christmas Table Goalie Nick Malik, the son of ex-Whaler, Ranger, and Beast of New Haven defenseman, Marek Malik, is leaving home for North America. He played primarily with HC Frydek-Mistek (Czech Republic Division-2) where his father is the assistant coach this season. His Czech Elite League (CEL) rights are with HC Ocelari Trinec where he played two games. The younger Malik got in some time for the Czech Republic WJC team in the just-completed tournament but has decided to head to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) for the rest of the year. The Greyhounds drafted him in the CHL Import last June in the first-round (50th overall). All CHL teams are involved in the draft. He was eleventh pick (168th overall) in the NAHL Draft by the Muskegon Lumberjacks as well last year Ethan Cardwell, the nephew of former New Haven Knights, Matt Cardwell, was traded from the Saginaw Spirit (OHL) to the Barrie Colts (OHL) as part of a five-player trade at the junior trade deadline. Logan Stephenson, the son of former Whaler, Bob Stephenson, goes from ASC Corona Brasov (Romania-EBEL) to HKM Zloven (Slovakia-SLEL) for the rest of the season. Read the full article

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themountainlady · 5 years

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Transylvania is an amazing series of mountains and forests. It is growing in me and I can't wait to discover more! Romania is rich in culture, history but also well known for Transylvania and the Carpathian mountains. 🌲 I've always felt at home in the mountains, among the trees, listening to the birds and spotting the wildlife. Where do you feel most alive? What inspires you to continue on your own journey in life? 🌲 . . @wildventure.ro @this_is_my_romania @ig_romania @romaniapitoreasca @touristinromania. . . #romania #ig_romania #thisismyromania #visitromania #transylvania #ontopofthemountain #mountains #mountainlife #gohiking #hikingtrail #hikingadventure #amongthetrees #inthewoods #countrysidelife #countrylife #goexplore #earthfocus #wildadventure #wildernessculture #mountainview #ontopoftherock #naturephotography #home #discoverearth #photooftheday #romaniapitoreasca #touristinromania (at Brasov, Romania) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxH2KBlFvzz/?igshid=1c1tvicibrf37

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jayhorsestar · 6 years

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(news on tuesday - spotted Osaka JP, perhaps they honeymoon, am happy, ssly. perhaps also probing for tags, in view of shanghai VS Show approach, dunno. it’s a Princess Cruises port at Pacific eventually the Sapphire Princess in the past. it calls for more three years on seas before hitting Japan ports. spotted ‘logan on SantaFe SUV Racadau qtrs, whilst rolling Synology METROM inc of ROMARM inc (bullets warehousing, 7.5 mm to 50 cal, BMP armored). it’s lots of gas pipe and also spring water and rapids of mt.Tampa, when raining heavily. ‘logan was saying smth of ‘not missing much, or ‘save it, saying the cash, we need it. so most probably ‘taylor put a ring on, am happy. it’s official, Osaka is honeymoon (70 % accuracy). Synology NIC is the copper version, needs more investment, not optical 10GBs, practically servicing NAS HDDs (less calibrating of optics from optical SFP, more HDDs latencies, more POS ATMs banking featured, rather than long distance TV signal broadcasting 4k - which could codec and allow loss of frames for naked eyes not perceive). so it’s the SFP NIC on copper jack, sort of AOL TECH servicing storage, could bring pocket change if i roam the city to repair computers, but not the SFP optical for long-distance calling on fiber haul. i could return it on more expense. am not happy. i could take some sex challenge on our lady ‘logan as we speak. at Prodlacta inc - what was my dad doing last job REVISAL, to which i remembered he Bachelor in Electrics, 40-400 mega-Watt stations, and when TRISTAR EXIM Ltd filled bankruptcy, and dad applied AJOFM looking for employment, the AJOFM deployed him at TRANS-ELECTRICA inc the compensating of invoices over REGIO(s), computers desktop rolling Windows 98 OS during 2006-2007, minimum wage, just like students. and that be nowadays Prodlacta inc office where TRANSFER of RAW milk happens in between DEJ HUB and Brasov HUB, couple times a week. compensation of Trans-Electrica inc office meant dad walked to JOB less than 10 minutes, whilst mom walked to job less twelve minutes by 2006-2007. office comprised of woman Boss, one man, dad, another couple ladies, thus five on team. compensations of invoices at Trans-Electrica inc meant also if NODES failed and tech team summoned, there was not much budget to pay the boys in the field for repairs, such as INFOFER inc sent out two wheeled teams, same 2007. or saying Prodlacta inc employs lorry tanker driver on DEJ RAW MILK HUB transfers, provisioned that driver is self-insured on any damages may occur on the road, the ADAC sort of pulley assistance services kind of invoice. m)

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screwtheaverage · 7 years

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City Guide to Sighisoara: Exploring, Must See Attractions, and Tips

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Quick Links

The Basics

Getting to Sighisoara and Exploring!

Must See Attractions in Sighisoara

We’d argue that a visit to the Transylvania region in Romania isn’t complete without some time spent in Sighisoara. Our original plans while visiting Romania didn’t include a stop in this charming city, however, we’re glad that our travels brought us there. It was the perfect place to stop between the Transfagarasan Highway (a once in a lifetime, world’s best road trip!) and Cluj-Napoca, Romania. There are many reasons to add this town to your bucket list, just take your pick:

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The citadel dates back to the 12th century, making it a great place to discover and learn about the Transylvanian Saxons.

The city is full of color! Each house is painted in a different bright or pastel color, making the narrow, cobble stone streets extremely charming.

It’s in the heart of Romania’s Transylvania region. The tales of Vlad Dracula, vampires, and castles are strong here.

Explore the history of Vlad III (aka Vlad the Impaler), who is said to have been born here. While being known as the inspiration for Dracula, he was also a strong military leader of Romanians, protecting them against the Turks.

Let’s Cover the Basics:

Where's Sighisoara?

How Old is Sighisoara?

How to Pronounce Sighisoara

Where to Eat in Sighisoara

What's nearby: Airports, Castles, Villages, and Hikes

Festivals in Sighisoara

Sighisoara Tourist Information Centers

Where's Sighisoara?

Sighisoara is in central Romania, on the Târnava Mare River and in Mures County. It’s also in the heart of Romania’s historic Transylvania region. As a point of reference, Sighisoara is 290 kilometers (180 miles) northwest of Bucharest and 157 kilometers (97 miles) southeast of Cluj Napoca.

How Old is Sighisoara?

The area where Sighisoara is situated has been occupied since the first century CE, when the Dacians inhabited the area and built a fortification named Sandava. Then, during the 12th century, Transylvanian Saxons built the current fortress, also known as the citadel. It was first known as Castrum Sex, which translates literally to Fort Six, meaning six-sided camp. Sighisoara has been known by many names over the centuries, but was first referred to as Sighisoara by Vlad Dracul, Vlad the Impaler's father, in 1431.

How to Pronounce Sighisoara?

Based just on the spelling, Sighisoara can be a bit of a challenge to learn to pronounce. We learned to pronounce it as ‘See-gi-shwa-ra’. As we know though, the best way to learn to properly say something is by hearing it. We recommend using this audio guide to practice your pronunciation of Sighisoara.

Where to Eat in Sighisoara?

Casa Vlad Dracul – Probably the most famous and most visited restaurant in Sighisoara is Casa Vlad Dracul. It’s the former home of Vlad Dracula, aka Vlad the Impaler and Vlad Tepes. Come for a traditional dinner and, if you choose, pay a few Euro to see the room where he was born. Location: Strada Cositorarilor 5, Sighișoara 545400, Romania

La Perla – A popular pizza place located in the center of town. Location: Piața Hermann Oberth 15, Sighișoara 545400, Romania

Cafe Piata Cetatii – A great café in the main square. Location: Piata Cetatii, Sighisoara 545400, Romania

Casa cu Cerb – Located in the main square and easy to spot since a deer head is mounted on an exterior corner of the building. They serve traditional Romanian dishes. Location: Strada Școlii 1, Sighișoara 545400, Romania

Gigi Covrigi Traditionale – A great place to come for traditional pretzels and bakery items. Location: Str. Muresenilor nr. 22, Brasov Romania, Romania

What’s Near Sighisoara?

Nearby Airports

There are six international airports near Sighisoara. In our travels, we found that Bucharest (OTP) and Cluj-Napoca (CLJ) were the easiest to fly into.

Nearby Castles and Fortified Churches

Apold Fortified Church – 8 miles south of Sighisoara

The Fortified Church at Saschiz – 10 miles east of Sighisoara

Saschiz Fortified Church – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, 12 miles east of Sighisoara

The Fortified Church Biertan – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 18 miles west of Sighisoara

Apafi Castle – 11 miles west of Sighisoara

Bran Castle – 86 miles south of Sighisoara

Peles Castle – 102 miles south of Sighisoara

Nearby Villages

Malancrav (Mălâncrav) - 15 miles southwest of Sighisoara

Darjiu (Dârjiu) - 22 miles west of Sighisoara

Valea Viilor – 32 miles southwest of Sighisoara

Nearby Hiking Trails

If exploring Sighisoara and climbing the hill to the fortress isn’t enough, be sure to check out local hiking trails!

Festivals in Sighisoara

Sighisoara is home to many festivals throughout the year. The anticipated one being the yearly Medieval Festival, which takes place each July. Visitors will be immersed in the celebrations with costume reenactments, concerts, parades, and plenty of beer and food to go around! Be sure to check the official Romanian events calendar to see what’s going on during your visit. Sighisoara seems to offer something for everyone, from a Horse Show and Vampire Festival to a Blues Festival.

Sighisoara Tourist Information Centers

Sighisoara Tourist Information Centre Address: Str. Octavian Goga, nr. 8 Telephone: +40 0265 770-415

Sighisoara Tourist Information Centre Address: Piaţa Muzeului nr. 6 – Cetate

Getting to Sigoara and Exploring!

Our travels in Romania began with a month long stay in Bucharest before we made our way to the unforgettable Transfagarasan Highway. From there we spent a night in Sibui, with a great Airbnb host, before continuing on to Sighisoara by train. We’ve been on many trains throughout Europe during our travels, but the trains in Romania were a different experience. They’re not as modern, comfortable, or as fast as other trains we’ve been on, but we’re not complaining. Honestly, the age and slower speed of the trains added to the experience of the countryside, along with the fields of corn and sunflowers that we passed on the train ride. There was limited air-conditioning and the trains were packed, so it was a bit, shall we say, ‘stuffy’ at times. However, we had a chance to meet new people and pass through areas of Romania that we wouldn’t have otherwise. Some of the towns we passed through were so small that the train stopped at what could barely be categorized as a train station. The train we were on to and from Sighisoara seemed to be a daily route and a train that locals took to commute from one place to another.

On the train, being surrounded by other travelers and their large, heavy, cumbersome bags reminded us of the gratitude we have for lightweight and one bag travel! Once the train arrived in Sighisoara, we grabbed our backpacks and were able to quickly disembark the train, minding the three-foot drop to the platform, of course. The station was quaint and everything you’d expect from a small countryside train station. There was nothing fancy like an underground passageway or bridge to walk from one platform to the next. No, instead, along with everyone else, we crossed over the tracks to exit the platform and the train station.

From the train station we walked across town, through the ‘newer’ suburban area, and made our way to our Airbnb (use our link and $40 off your first stay!) that we’d booked ahead of time. It was in a great location, just a couple of blocks from the citadel and the old town center. Everything in Sighisoara is in close proximity, so even though there’s public transportation, we didn’t need it. We walked everywhere, which not only got us from point A to point B, but we’re able to enjoy all of the scenery in-between. Whether you’re enjoying the amazingly preserved old fortified city in the center of the city, or walking around the suburban streets of Sighisoara, you’re bound to enjoy the sights. The medieval buildings can’t be missed, as their intricate and decorative facades were absolutely beautiful and varied from building to building. Each home had it’s own personality with a different color of paint, from off-white and soft pastels to bright colors. To top it all off, the streets were lined with roses and it seemed that on almost every block there were at least a few fruit trees. We saw everything from apples and pears (sadly not ripe during our time there) to plums and grapes!

Must See Attractions in Sighisoara

Best Time to Sightsee in Sighisoara

The Fortification Towers

Clock Tower (Turnul cu Ceas)

Vlad Dracula House

Church on the Hill (Biserica din Deal)

The Church of the Dominican Monastery (Biserica Mănăstirii Dominicane)

The Scholars' Stairs (Scara Şcolarilor)

Holy Trinity Church (Biserica Sfânta Treime)

Exploring Beyond Sighisoara

Sighisoara’s attraction list is short and can be easily seen in half a day. However, once you step into the city and its old walls, you’ll be lost in time. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself lost in the charm of the streets, the colors, and the beautiful architecture! A full day to enjoy the slower pace of life in this well-preserved, beautiful town is the bare minimum. If you’re one to enjoy exploring the town, or one to enjoy sitting in the various cafes looking out on the city, then we’d highly recommend setting aside a couple of days here.

Before arriving in Sighisoara, we explored the possible activities and sightseeing attractions in the town. We gathered up everything amazing to see and do and placed it on our digital map. To possibly make your research on sightseeing in Sighisoara (and other destinations) easier, we’ve kept our maps with all of the information we gathered (accurate at the time of our sightseeing). Finding hours, prices, and general information can sometimes be challenging, so we’ve tried to include these details on our maps and provide appropriate links. And finally, not every attraction is suitable for every visitor, but the copywriters and marketing departments for the destinations sure make it sound like it. How many times have you read “Great for kids and adults alike” and shown up at the venue to wonder why anyone over 20 years-old without kids would go out of their way to be there? Below we’ve included our itinerary with tips, impressions, and our takeaways on each place that, when combined with the official attraction information and website, may help you decide if it’s a destination for your travel adventure or not.

NOTE: We used this sightseeing map for our personal sightseeing adventures, because of that, some notes may not make perfect sense, and some information could be outdated. Information on this map was valid at the time of creation. All prices are shown in US dollars but are actually Romanian LEI (local currency). That being said, feel free to save it to your Google account and use it as a starting point (or modify it accordingly) for planning out your personalized itinerary in Sighisoara.

Best Time to Sightsee in Sighisoara

Sighisoara is a city that not surprisingly, draws many tourists, so don’t be surprised to see tour buses and large crowds of people in the city. If you’re anything like us, then you’ll very much enjoy having the cobble stone streets, the town square, and the many stairways up to the citadel to yourself. We found that leaving our hotel between 7 am and 8 am gave us a good hour or two to explore the old city while it and its visitors still seemed to be asleep. It was the best time to take pictures, enjoy the serenity, and explore the streets. Then, when shop owners started opening their doors and putting out their goods, and visitors started to meander towards the attractions, we were able to visit the clock tower just as the doors were opened.

The Fortification Towers

During the 12th century, in an effort to protect the eastern borders of the Hungarian kingdom, the King of Hungary invited German craftsman and merchants to what’s now known as Sighisoara. The city wasn't only in a strategic location, but it had also become a hub of merchants and artisans, making it one of the most important cities in the Transylvanian region. Each guild was responsible for building, maintaining, and defending one of the 14 fortification towers in the city. The towers were unique, in that they were fortresses in and of themselves. Meaning, that even if one was captured, the integrity of the city as a whole would continue.

Along the half-mile defensive wall, only 9 of the 14 fortification towers remain. All of the towers can be seen from the outside, however only one, the Clock Tower, is open to the public. As a notable event in the town’s history, a large fire engulfed Sighisoara in 1676 and many of the towers, homes, and buildings were destroyed or damaged and later underwent repairs and rebuilding.

Sighisoara Clock Tower (Turnul cu Ceas)

This is a central attraction in Sighisoara, and one we cover it in more depth below.

The Tinsmiths' Tower (Turnul Cositorarilor)

The Tinsmiths' Tower was built in the 13th century and is 25 meters (82 feet) high. This tower is quite uniquely shaped and has a square base, followed by a pentagonal section that was added in the 16th century, and then topped with a widened eight-sided section and a hexagonal tiled roof. If you look closely, the tower still shows the damage from bullets during a siege by Hungarians (1704-1706).

The Cobblers’ Tower (Turnul Cizmarilor)

The Cobblers’ Tower protects the northeast side of the Citadel. The original tower was destroyed in the 1676 fire and the current one was built in 1681. Also, the bastion of artillery for this tower was destroyed in 1846 and the wooden staircase on the tower wasn’t added until 2001.

The Tanners' Tower (Turnul Tăbăcarilor)

The Tanners’ Tower dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries and is in the southeast part of the citadel. Its purpose was to protect the town square and the courtyard of the Clock Tower. Amazingly, this tower wasn’t damaged by the 1676 fire.

The Tailors' Tower (Turnul Croitorilor)

The Tailors’ Tower is, aside from the Clock Tower, the largest and most impressive tower of the Citadel. Its size and design are signs of the wealth of the Tailors’ Guild at the time. It’s located opposite the Clock Tower and stands at the second entrance to the Citadel, where the two archways are actively being used to usher pedestrian and vehicle traffic in and out. The tower was originally built in the 13th and 14th centuries, but the upper section was destroyed during the 1676 fire when the gunpowder being stored inside exploded after being ignited by the fire. During your visit, be sure to look up at the tower and you’ll notice the downward-facing openings that were used to pour boiling oil on invaders!

The Blacksmiths’ Tower (Turnul Fierarilor)

The primary purpose of the Blacksmiths' Tower was to protect the Monastery Church. As such, it’s located behind the church and on the northeast side of the Citadel. The tower was re-purposed as a fire station in 1874. When viewing it from the inside of the Citadel walls, don’t be fooled by it’s short stature; from outside the walls it’s impressively large.

The Furriers' Tower (Turnul Cojocarilor)

The Furriers’ Tower has a simple design and dates to the 14th century. It was rebuilt in the 16th century and repairs were necessary after damage from the 1676 fire.

The Ropemakers' Tower (Turnul Frânghierilor)

The Ropemakers’ Tower, that dates back to the 13th century, is thought to be one of the oldest buildings in Sighisoara, because its foundations are on the pre-Saxon citadel walls. It’s also the only remaining inhabited tower of the nine in Sighisoara. It’s currently used as a guard house for the cemetery of the Church on the Hill in Sighisoara (Biserica din Deal).

The Butchers' Tower (Turnul Măcelarilor)

The Butchers’ Tower protects the western side of the Citadel and was originally built in the 15th century. It had to be re-built in the 16th century to raise it above the bastion built directly in front of it, so that it would enlarge the field of view. During its rebuilding, it was reconstructed in a hexagonal shape with three floor and historical writings indicate that it housed five arquebuses (a long gun), a few cannonballs, and gunpowder.

Clock Tower (Turnul cu Ceas)

The History and Architectural Features

The Clock Tower is among the most beautiful clock towers in the region, and rightfully so. The Clock Tower is the main tower of the Citadel and protects the main entrance to the walled city. It’s no surprise then that the base walls are 2.35 meters (7.70 feet) thick and the second floor walls are 1.30 meters (4.25 feet) thick! The clock tower was a public tower, housing Town Hall until 1556, and unlike the other towers wasn’t maintained and protected by just one guild. It was a public good and responsibility, therefore protected by all. The tower can be seen from almost all places in the city and is unmistakable. It was built in the 14th century and was expanded in the 16th century, after the fires of 1676, to reach its current height of 64 meters (210 feet). During the expansion, the Baroque features of the roof were added, but the colorful tiles you see today weren’t added until 1894. When visiting, take notice of the four small spires you see on each corner of the roof, they're said to signify that Sighisoara had judicial autonomy and the ‘right of the sword’ (ius gladii), meaning they had the right to impose capital punishment.

The Clock

The clock on the tower is one of the most interesting parts of the tower. There are two facades to the clock, one facing into the Citadel and one facing into the lower city. Both sides of the clock are adorned with linden wood figurines that measure 80 centimeters (31.5 inches) in height. On the side facing the Citadel, four sets of figurines can be seen on the clock:

Peace Goddess is to the left, holding an olive branch and a trumpet

The Little Drummer is to the right, with a bronze drum

Justice and Righteousness are in the center, Justice is blindfolded with a sword and Righteousness holds a balance.

Day and Night are in the upper pulpit and are represented by two angels. At 6 am, the angel figurine representing day comes out to start the working day. At 6 pm, carrying two lit candles, the angel figurine representing night closes the working day.

On the side facing the lower city, seven figurines representing the days of the week can be seen on the clock

Sunday symbolizes the metal gold and is represented by a woman crowned with sunbeams. Notice her hand positions, as it indicates that she lowers and raises the treasure of the Earth.

Monday symbolizes the metal silver and is represented by Luna, the Goddess of the Moon, and by Diana, the Goddess of the Hunt.

Tuesday symbolizes the metal iron and is represented by the God of War, Mars/Ares/Tiu. The symbol over his head is the zodiacal sign of Aries.

Wednesday symbolizes the metal mercury and is represented by the God of Trade, Mercury.

Thursday symbolizes the metal tin and is represented by the God of Thunder, Jupiter/Thor.

Friday symbolizes the metal copper and is represented by the Goddess of Love and Beauty, Venus/Frya.

Saturday symbolizes the metal lead and is represented by the God of Sewing and Seed, Saturn.

The Museum and Outlook Terrace

Inside the Clock Tower is a museum that spans across each floor of the tower. For 15 Lei (under $4 US dollars during our visit) you can explore the museum and learn the history of the town and the tower. It’s a quaint museum, however the real interesting part of it all is seeing the inside workings of the clock and an up-close view of the figurines. Arguably though, most visitors probably pass by the museum fairly quickly and make their way to the lookout deck. The stairs up are winding, narrow, and steep, so visitors should climb and descend them with caution. Once at the top, the observation deck is just a small step outside. It was originally a fantastic place to lookout over the city and surrounding areas and spot danger as it approached, whether it was enemies or fire. Today, it offers a 360 degree lookout over Sighisoara and the countryside beyond. On a clear day, views of the town and churches with beautiful tiled roofs, and the green countryside covered in thick green trees, can go on for miles. If you’re looking for the most picturesque views, we’d have to say they’re in the direction of city center. So, make note that, if you go in the morning, the sun will be shining brightly in this direction, casting strong shadows and washing out photos you may want to take.

Vlad Dracula House

The brightly painted yellow Vlad Dracula House is near Citadel Square, just past the Clock Tower. Today the building is a restaurant, Casa Dracula, but historically it was home to Vlad Dracula, who was part of the Order of the Dragon. Hence the name Dracula, which comes from the Latin word for dragon, ‘draco’, and the meaning behind the dragon sign that adorns the front of the building. What makes this home famous though, is that Vlad Tepes (aka Vlad the Impaler, the son of Vlad Dracula and the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, was born here in 1431. While he only lived here until he was four, in addition to a meal, you can pay a small fee to see the room he lived in.

Church on the Hill (Biserica din Deal)

Located at the highest point of the citadel, at 429 meters (1,407 feet) elevation, this church can be seen from all directions. To reach the church we climbed the Scholars’ Stairs and took the path to the left to wind around the outside of the church. One of the first things we noticed was the simplicity of the church, inside and out, which is likely due to the limited means of the city when it was constructed. The church is an evangelical church dedicated to St. Nicholas and dates back to the 13th century, although it underwent renovations in the Gothic style in the 14th and 15th centuries. Sadly, an earthquake in 1838 caused the collapse of the vault above the choir, which today you’ll notice was replaced with a wooden imitation. Renovations in the 20th century uncovered portions of wall paintings throughout the church, two of which are of particular note. The first is the unique fresco in the archway that depicts the Holy Trinity as a three-faced entity and the second is the Last Judgement painting that doesn’t show purgatory. Admission to the church was 8 Lei during our visit.

Additionally, when exiting the church, you may choose to visit the old Saxon cemetery directly across the cobblestone pathway and opposite the church’s entrance.

The Church of the Dominican Monastery (Biserica Mănăstirii Dominicane)

This church was first written about in documents from 1298 CE and became the city’s official Lutheran church in 1556. The church was repaired after the fire of 1676 and obtained its present look after repairs in 1929. When visiting, be sure to see the Transylvanian renaissance carved altarpiece from 1680, the bronze baptismal font from 1440, the carved stone door frame in Transylvanian renaissance style from 1570, and the collection of 16th and 17th century Oriental carpets. Admission was 8 Lei during our visit.

The Scholars' Stairs (Scara Şcolarilor)

This unique medieval structure connects the lower citadel with the School and Church on the Hill. The covered staircase was built to protect school children and churchgoers from winter weather and was originally 300 stairs long when it was built in 1642. However, in 1849, the staircase was reduced to the current 175 stairs. The wood sheltered staircase is quite unique, and while it’s a climb, we think it’s worth the effort for the experience, as well as reaching the top and visiting the Church on the Hill.

Holy Trinity Church (Biserica Sfânta Treime)

This Roman Orthodox Church is on the northern bank of the Tarnava Mare River and can be reached by a pedestrian bridge. The church was built between 1934 and 1937 in a Byzantine style and dedicated to the Saint Trinity. Even though this church isn’t in city center, we recommend a visit inside to take in the ornate interior! Admission is free.

Exploring Beyond Sighisoara

If you’re in Romania and enjoy the citadel in Sighisoara, you may consider taking a tour of all seven of the medieval Transylvanian Saxon citadels, known as ‘Siebenbürgen’. They are spread across the region and located in:

Bistrita (Bistritz)

Brasov (Kronstadt)

Cluj Napoca (Klausenburg)

Medias (Mediasch)

Sebes (Mühlbach)

Sibiu (Hermannstadt)

Final Thoughts

Sighisoara captured our whimsical imaginations and was such a great place to visit! It’s a rare opportunity to be able to explore the streets of such a well preserved citadel and UNESCO World heritage site. Romania has so many treasures to explore, and we’d highly recommend visiting Sighisoara!

#Adventures #City Guide

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eat-travel-live-repeat · 4 years

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What to see in Bucharest? – A Bucharest Bucket List

Bucharest – An Introduction

Bucharest – the capital city of Romania and also the largest, usually acts as the entry point into Romania and as a gateway to the historic region of Transylvania comprising cities like Sighisoara, Brasov, Cluj – Napoca, Sibiu among others. Dating back to 1459 (as per some documents), the legend has it that the city of Bucharest on the banks of Dambovita River was founded by Bucor, a shepherd – the name literally meaning ‘joy’. His flute playing apparently dazzled the people and his hearty wine from nearby vineyards endeared him to the local traders, who gave his name to the place.

I visited Bucharest for the first time back in May 2018, as a part of the Experience Bucharest and Experience Romania initiative. After a year, I got the chance of visiting Romania again in July 2019, and this time I experienced a yet a different shade of Bucharest. While Communism changed the face of Bucharest forever, Bucharest has grown into a promising metropolitan European capital city, and the Bucharest of today – which is without a doubt, one of the best destinations in the World for Solo Travellers, has become a very interesting mix of old and new that has little to do with its former reputation.

With so much of history associated with a lot of buildings and neighbourhoods, to get a good understanding of what Bucharest is all about and what it has to offer, I highly recommend you spend a minimum of 3 days in this capital city, which is home to three big parks, a lot of churches and also the second largest administrative building in the world (after Pentagon) – the Palace of Parliament.

If you’re wondering what to do in Bucharest? Or What are the top things to do in Bucharest? I highly recommend that YOU check out these 5 Sights in Bucharest that should definitely be there on your bucket list, irrespective of the days you decide to stay.

Also if you are not aware, three of these places – Bucharest Old Town, the Romanian Athenaeum and the Palace of Parliament, Bucharest have a Bollywood connection. These are 3 of the 5 Iconic Gems in Romania where the bollywood movie Singh is Bliing was shot.

[toc]

Palace of Parliament

The Palace of Parliament is the world’s second-largest authoritative structure (after the Pentagon) and will presumably be the first spot you visit in Bucharest, as it is without a doubt, one of the most iconic landmarks in Bucharest. However, please note that the entry is by guided visit only, so please book ahead. Entry to the palace is from B-dul Naţiunile Unite on the structure’s northern side (to discover it, face the front of the palace from B-dul Unirii and stroll around the structure to the right).

In front of the Palace of Parliament on my ride by Blinkee

A guided tour of the Palace of Parliament takes visitors through a small selection of dazzling rooms, huge halls and quarters used by the Senate (when not in session).

It was commissioned under the communist dictatorship of Ceausescu, who employed 700 architects, and around 20,000 odd workers for this venture and, you too can visit this 12 storied fortress and see the grandeur for yourself.

This 270 m by 240 m Neoclassical structure exists as much underground as it is visible over the ground, and on the off chance that the measurements don’t give you a legitimate picture, at that point simply note that the structure has more than 1,100 rooms!

While the Palace of Parliament is visible from most parts of Bucharest, its real impact needs to be experienced and grandeur to be admired, up close at Strada Izvor.

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Arcul de Triumf

The next iconic attraction in Bucharest that you need to visit is the iconic Arcul de Triumf (Arch of Triumph). Raised in 1922, to commemorate the fallen soldiers in World War 1, the original Arc was made of wood. It was then replaced by the concrete version that we see today, standing at 27 m high, and inaugurated in September 1936.

It was designed by architect Petre Antonescu and decorated by famous Romanian sculptors, including Ion Jalea and Dimitrie Paciurea.

Today, the Arcul de Triumf stands as a monument of Independence, honouring the martyrs of both the War of Independence (1878) and World War 1 (1922); and is visited by tourists around the year. Every year on 1st December, a military parade is held under Arcul de Triumf on the occasion of Romania’s National Day.

Arcul De Triumf | Photo by Nicole Baster on Unsplash

There is a staircase leading all the way up, however it’s open only on special occasions. The view from the top, is indeed a panoramic one overlooking one of the busiest roundabouts in Bucharest.

It’s not everyday that you get the chance to view the city from the top of Arcul de Triumf, and I’ve been lucky to have done this twice, thanks to Experience Bucharest.

Bucharest Old Town

Any trip to Bucharest is incomplete without spending some time in the vibrant Bucharest Old Town, sometimes referred to as Little Paris, or as Centru Vechi (the old centre) by the locals.

After decades of neglect, major infrastructure renovation works have breathed new life into Bucharest’s Old Town, and made this vibrant city centre a hub of activities. A walk through the cobbled stone streets, lined with historic buildings, is definitely one of the best things to do in Bucharest, and warrants a blog post of its own as well 😝

Some of the best experiences to have in Old Town Bucharest are, to visit the churches, go pub crawling, trying out yummy Romanian dishes, visiting one of World’s most beautiful bookstores – Carturesti Carousel among others.

The Instagrammable Carturesti Carousel in Bucharest

The historic architecture, the old churches, the outdoor terraces and cafés and the romantic feel make the Old Town, one of the most enticing areas of the city, and something that you don’t want to miss out on for sure.

Old Town Bucharest | Photo by Hari Nandakumar on Unsplash

Lipscani Old Town Bucharest

Pasajul Macca – Vilacrosse

Two of the best restaurants and bars in Bucharest Old Town that I recommend you to experience are the Pura Vida Sky Bar and NOMAD Skybar. Sundowners at Pura Vida Sky Bar is an experience in itself. 😎

One of the best ways to explore Bucharest Old Town is to join one of the Free Walking Tours by BTrip Bucharest. This way not only will you get to know your way around, but also learn about the history associated with multiple sights.

Sunset Vibes at Pura Vida Sky Bar

Romanian Athenaeum

Another one of the striking attractions of Bucharest within walking distance of Bucharest Old Town, on Victory Avenue, is the Romanian Athenaeum. Built between 1886 and 1888, Romanian Athenaeum, dubbed as the Romanian Temple of Arts, is essentially a grand concert hall. It is home to the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra and normally only opens during concerts.

One of the finest buildings in Bucharest, The façade of the Romanian Athenaeum is guarded, so to say, by 6 monumental 12 meters high columns, and the entire structure is overtopped by a monumental dome which rises to 41 meters above the ground level.

The Romanian Athenaeum is without a doubt one of the most Instagrammable locations in Bucharest.

The inside of the athenaeum has a capacity of almost 800 seats, and its highlights refer to the 12 Carrara marble hallway columns and to the four monumental Gothic stairs which make the connection between sundry sections of the venue.

The Romanian Athenaeum is one such landmark in Bucharest, that will definitely not go unnoticed, as you explore Bucharest on foot, primarily because of the majestic facade. Almost all the walking tours in Bucharest, cover this Bucharest attraction as well.

Seeing the grandeur of the Romanian Athenaeum from inside was definitely one of the highlights of my first trip to Bucharest in May 2018.

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Piața Unirii / Unirii Square

Piața Unirii or Union Square / Unification Square in english, is one of the largest squares in Bucharest. Originally built during the Communist era as the Boulevard of the Victory of Socialism, it was renamed after the Romanian Revolution.

Today Piața Unirii is home to 44 synchronised musical fountains, however before the 1980’s, this area was home to houses and food markets, and was pretty small, compared to what it is today.

While the fountains have been there for quite a while, it was only in late 2018, when a major refurbishment took place, making it one of the major Bucharest attractions. It is now designed as per latest technologies, and is a spectacle to admire. Every weekend from May to October in the evening at 8:30, for a duration of 45 minutes, the Unirii square in Bucharest is filled with spectators, who come to witness the Symphony of Water – A synchronized fountain spectacle accompanied with colourful lights music, leaves everyone in awe.

Bucharest – Symphony of Water | Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash

PS – It gets crowded, so make sure to reach there before time – giving you plenty of time to choose a good vantage point, to enjoy this spectacle without anyone obstructing your view.

Also note that this is also walking distance from Bucharest Old Town (opposite direction of the Romanian Athenaeum), so you can plan your route accordingly.

Bucharest One Day Travel Itinerary

All of these 5 Sights and Attractions in Bucharest can be covered in a day. A suggested Bucharest One Day Itinerary can be as follows :

Start the day by strolling around the cobbled stone streets of Bucharest Old Town, understanding the history of the different structures, then head towards the Palace of Parliament for a guided tour (check the timings and tickets here).

While exploring Bucharest, if you want to grab a quick bite, look out for Langos – which is one of the Best Street Food in Europe.

Thereafter head back towards Bucharest Old Town, covering both Arcul de Triumf and Romanian Athenaeum. If time permits, do spend some time surrounded by greenery by visiting one of the three major parks in Bucharest such as the Herăstrău Park. Come evening, make your way to Pura Vida Sky Bar for a couple of drinks, whilst enjoying the sunset.

And finally around 8ish, start making your way on foot towards Piața Unirii, to witness the musical fountains. Post this, you can go on a Pub Crawl in Bucharest Old Town, have a hearty traditional meal, such as the sumptuous Gulas, and call it a day.

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Where to Stay in Bucharest?

If you are wondering Where to stay in Bucharest? Here’s my recommendations :

Budget Properties / Hostels in Bucharest – Pura Vida Sky Bar and Hostel | Little Bucharest Old Town Hostel

Mid Range Properties in Bucharest – Mercure Bucharest City Centre | ibis Styles Bucharest City Centre | Novotel Bucharest City Centre

Luxury Properties in Bucharest – JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel | Intercontinental Hotel Bucharest

View from InterContinental Bucharest

Hope you guys enjoyed reading about these Top 5 Sights and Attractions in Bucharest. If you want to read more of my Romania travel articles published here on the Eat | Travel | Live | Repeat blog, check these out :

Sighișoara Photo Blog

5 Iconic Gems of Romania

Experience Romania – A Weekend in Danube Delta

Don’t forget to Pin this Bucharest Travel Bucket List featuring 5 Unmissable Sights and Attractions in Bucharest and if you have any queries, or need any help in planning a trip to Romania, please feel free to drop in a mail to [email protected]

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Experience Bucharest – Top 5 Sights and Attractions What to see in Bucharest? - A Bucharest Bucket List Bucharest - An Introduction Bucharest - the capital city of Romania and also the largest, usually acts as the entry point into Romania and as a gateway to the historic region of Transylvania comprising cities like…

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moayoub1 · 4 years

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Hiking Tampa Mountain for the amazing view in Brasov

I only hear Italian opera on long train rides once I want to observe scenery while thinking deeply or this one other time once I drank an excessive amount of wine and unsuccessfully tried to wax my upper lip. But on a warm Saturday afternoon in Brasov, Romania, I threw Spotify on shuffle and let Andrea Bocelli serenade me as I hiked up Tampa Mountain. From now on, I feel I’ll only hear Italian opera while climbing foreign mountains with gorgeous views.

Hiking Tampa Mountain

Brasov is tucked right up to the Carpathians so there are many places to hike. The allure of Tampa Mountain is just that there's a cool Hollywood-esque Brasov check in top of it.

The start of the hike is merely a few five-minute walks from the city center – just walk toward the big, glowing Brasov sign. At the foot of the mountain, you've got the selection to steer abreast of the trail or take a car. The car costs 16 lei or about a $4.50 trip.

If the weather is good, though, choose the hike. you'll see such a lot more of the natural Carpathian beauty and therefore the town below. The hike up Tampa Mountain takes about an hour and therefore the path is winding, but every jiffy, the forest clears and you get a peek at the red-roofed town of Brasov. At the highest of the mountain, the Brasov sign stands tall like its sister in Hollywood, a beacon for tourists and travel bloggers trying to find good photo opportunities. Most people turn back after snapping their picture with the sign, but this isn’t where the hike stops. Continue rising the rocky and slightly less official-looking path behind the Brasov sign to urge to the very best and much superior lookout spot. From the tippy top, you'll see down the mountain in every direction. I face the town, gleaming within the crystal clear day and think, “Wow, this is often breathtaking.” Then I rotate and absorb the opposite, more wild side of the mountain. The low fog seems to be settling over the trees and it’s somehow darker. “Wow, there's something in these woods.” it's Transylvania in any case.

The woman who took my picture at the Tampa Mountain Lookout

Solo travelers the planet over understand the struggle of getting an honest picture with them actually in it. I even have no problem going bent eat alone or walking up to strangers in bars, but passing my camera to a pleasant couple and awkwardly posing while they snap away? I can’t roll in the hay. The result's that the majority of my pictures are of the selfie variety. And I’m really bad at taking selfies. My face just doesn’t behave around front-facing cameras (and probably all the time, I’m just blissfully unaware.) I’m not bold enough to face there and check out to require an honest selfie so I just sneakily whip out my phone, click a couple of times while I squint into the sun, then run away, ashamed. So you'll imagine my joy once I finally, after months of solo travel and countless unfortunate selfies, found the balls to brazenly ask a fellow millennial to require an image of me… and it clothed well. I should tell you a touch about this girl. She looked amazing, wearing an extended skirt and crop top and, inexplicably, wedge heels, on top of the mountain.

Where did she come from? How did she get here? Is she a mirage?

She stood there, cooly searching over the town, not smiling and clearly more important than everyone else on this mountain and perhaps the planet. She looked shocked once I threw her my camera, made an obnoxious “take a pic” gesture and ran to take a seat on the sting of the platform before she could protest. Hey gorgeous, help a sister out. But she and her bold lipstick rose to the challenge. And here is that the result…

Can this chick photograph my wedding one day?

She never smiled. I looked over my shoulder from my pose and was surprised to ascertain her walk toward me, then gracefully sit next to me on the overlook. With manicured fingers, she pulled out a tube of Toblerone from her probably Gucci bag and snapped it within the center. She handed me half. I guess she didn’t hate me in any case. So we sat there, taking within the view, shoulder to shoulder, eating chocolate while I sweat through my “high-performance stink-proof” travel jersey and her designer skirt swirled daintily within the breeze. Whoever you were, many thanks for the image . and therefore the chocolate.

Getting backtrack Tampa mountain

On my way backtrack the mountain, I got into an influence walking rhythm with Andrea. I used to be flying, passing groups of hikers, enjoying the primary real day of spring I’ve had in Europe thus far. The trail is straightforward, only one serpentine path from the bottom of the mountain to the Brasov sign, but there's one point where the trail splits for a couple of meters then reunites with itself in such how that you simply have the choice to vary directions if you aren’t listening.

When I came to the present split, rocking bent my music and speed walking, I took the incorrect side of the fork and ended up walking copy the mountain. For twenty minutes. Before I noticed that I used to be going copy. How is that even possible? How do I begin climbing uphill rather than down and easily, not realize it?

With specialized Italian opera. The nice weather meant the paths were busy. I can only imagine what the great family in matching neon green dry-fit shirts, hiking poles, and water bladders (but seriously, it’s only like an hour hike, y’all) thought once they saw me plow past them, charging up the mountain, only to prevent death, shop around, activate my heels and begin charging backtrack the mountain with an equivalent conviction.

Oops.

At least I had good music.

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oneexcellencetravel · 6 years

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17 Compelling Reasons You Should Visit The Capital City In 2018

Traveling for fun is a thing only the travelophile people would know. Romania is such an amazing country that you would love going there again and again. Even its capital city has got loads to offer to the enthusiastic travelers who visit this city. Bucharest adventure tours are filled with city’s exploration, the historical centers, the modern places and of course, the lovely people of the city who are always there to enjoy with you.

There are a lot of places to visit in this city. And not even places, there are a lot more activities you can do in this city. Well, we have compiled a list of 17 compelling things that you can do in this city to make your experience a thousand times better.

What Can You Do In A Bucharest City Tour In 2018?

Bucharest is one of the most happening cities of Eastern Europe. It is the capital of Romania and shows all sorts of modern development along with all the government offices. Despite being all this modern, the city doesn’t hide its historical counterpart. The country’s rich history can be easily observed in the alleys, squares, the monuments, art galleries and the old shops of the city.

There is a lot you can do in Bucharest; whether you are alone or with friends and family. Here is a list of things you should know about the city and can do in your Bucharest City Tour this season and make the best of your trip.

You Won’t Get Too Light On Your Pockets

Bucharest is really an affordable city and if you calculate, you would find that you could easily save bucks on almost everything. Romania is part of the EU but not of the Eurozone. It has its own currency by the name Romanian Liu. In 1 euro you would get around 5 Romanian Liu. That’s a really good deal and would surely give you no problems when you are spending on food, shopping and commute.

In Most Senses, Bucharest Is Lovely and Certainly Getting Lovelier

With a lot of splendid architectural examples and having been called the “Paris of the East”, the twentieth century was not kind to Bucharest. It was bombarded by both the Allies and the Nazis amid World War II, a significant part of the historical portion was annihilated by Ceaușescu, and a quake in 1977 made further harm to a large number of the old structures that remained.

There are still a considerable number of old structures (some of which are being remodeled, particularly in the historical center) yet there are brilliant points of interest all around, the fabulous old structures like the Athenaeum, which have been reestablished and look astounding. Even the 1980s design of Ceaușescu’s time has idiosyncratic postmodern subtle elements.

You Can Gape At The Mammoth Of A Building

The focal point of Ceaușescu’s master plan for Bucharest, the Palace of the Parliament is the heaviest building on the planet, tipping the scales at 4,098,500,000 kilograms. It’s likewise the second-greatest managerial building on the planet, after the Pentagon.

You Can Find Several Places With Reference to The Dracula

At the south-eastern edge of the old town, you’ll locate the Old Princely Court, which worked amid the rule of Vlad III Dracula, AKA Vlad the Impaler, and the motivation for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Archeological unearthing is being completed on the site. If it’s open, you can stroll around the edge and see the somewhat threatening statue of Vlad himself.

Take Amazing Day Trips From Bucharest

You can take one entire day from your trip to go to places near Bucharest. There are a lot of different activities in the city and some extraordinary day trips from Bucharest. A standout amongst the most famous is multi day outing to Bran Castle in Transylvania, also called Dracula’s mansion. An outing to Bran Castle is regularly joined with close-by Peles Castle and the medieval city of Brasov.

You Can Cover a Lot Of Amazing Sights In A Small Walkable Region

This is pretty common, yet when you’ll go on a city break, you will cherish mapping out every one of those spots. You may need to see Google Maps every now and then. But a lot of places could be easily covered by walking around a small region. You can find these places in the city center and the historical center of Bucharest.

A Lot Of Splendid Bookshops

The bookshops of Bucharest are really good. Some of them are so good that you wouldn’t even care about going out if you spend some time in them. Carturesti Carusel is unquestionably a gorgeous bookshop. This excellent bookshop is a top choice for the Instagrammers, and in light of current circumstances – the white-and-wood inside, winding staircases and agile columns are more than just photogenic.

It’s only one example of the resurrection of Bucharest’s old town; appropriated by the legislature from the original owners amid Communist times, it was transformed into a shopping store. After the fall of Communism, the building remained shut for almost 25 years before reviving as this incredible 6-story emporium.

Bucharest’s Historic Center Is Getting Better Every Day

Bucharest’s historic center is really amazing and certainly on the rise. You’ll see a perfectly reestablished building, and after that, the next one might be totally damaged. Not many years back, the noteworthy center was a restricted area, with little importance to general tourists. Nowadays every road in the locale is brimming with life, with cafés, restaurant, old-fashioned merchants and bookshops simply made for waiting in.

Visit Some Astonishing Summer Parks And Magnificent Old Windmills

You can visit Cişmigiu Gardens where renting a boat is a practice of the visitors. It is counted amongst the most well known natural place for relaxation in Bucharest, particularly on a hot day. The city isn’t short on green spaces and Herăstrău Park is likewise a treat. Windmills, parts of churches, old residences and farming fields are all in plain view in the National Village Museum, an open-air wonder on the banks of Herăstrău Lake.

There Are Some Of The Loveliest Orthodox Churches

More than 80% of the Romanian population is Eastern Orthodox and you will discover Orthodox churches and chapels dabbed all through the city. The Stavropoleos Church in the Old Town and St Apostle’s Church, north of B-dul Unirii, are worth visiting once to witness expound frescoes and amazing gold iconography. Keep in mind that these are spots of worship and you may get tossed out for wearing shorts.

Drinking Is Staggeringly Affordable

The beer costs alone are sufficient to influence you to think about leaving your place for good. Indeed, even on tourist spots, two pints will set you back not as much as a fiver. Also, make sure you taste Tuică, a traditional spirit produced using plums.

Travel Back A Few Decades At Some Old Train Stations

The train from Bucharest to Brasov feels like an adventure back in time. Along the way, you’ll see some train stations that look like they have been there unchanged for many years. This will surely amaze you.

It Has An Oddly Satisfying Architecture

In the early twentieth century, Bucharest came to be known as the “Paris of the east” because of its Art Nouveau engineering and excellent civil structures, most of which were French planned. This blurred loftiness is presently blended with utilitarian structures left from many years of the communist era. The town might be less classically lovely now, yet the confusion of engineering makes for a remarkable and tasteful view.

It’s Crowded With Trendy Coffee Spots

Bucharest is home to a lot of graduates and students and where youthful professionals go, trendy people follow suit. Tasty local dishes and in new waiters can be found at T-Zero, Origo, Dianei 4 and The Coffee Factory.

Relax In The Wellness Center

Closer to the downtown area, in the mid-year, local people prescribe the extensive King Michael I city stop which is additionally home to the open-air National Village Museum. In the event that the climate is slightly below average, travel to the Therme Health & Wellness Center. Found only north of the city, it is the greatest thermal health center of its class in Europe and flaunts 9 pools, 10 saunas, 16 water slides and the biggest professional flowerbed in Romania.

Witness The Great Romanian Athenaeum

The Athenée’s area and history procure it its own particular place in the manuals, and the echoes of wartime and communist-era insights can be felt in its walls. The inn’s style looks back to pre-war Art Nouveau greatness and this is reflected in the praiseworthy administration.

There are beauty and surprise in every corner of Bucharest. You may not expect but you’ll find such stunningly beautiful places in the city that you will forget everything else. Find and select from the best of our Romania Tour Packages and give this beautiful country a visit. I hope and I believe that this would be a collection of the most beautiful and fun memories of your life.

#Bucharest City Tour #Romania Private Tours #Romania Holiday Packages #Romania Tour package #holidays in Romania #Travel to Romania

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lemmeg0 · 7 years

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Bran castle and Rasnov citadel, a day trip from Brasov

When you are in Romania, and haven’t visited Bran castle aka Dracula’s castle, nobody would believe you have been to Romania. Romania is famous for its Dracula’s story and Vlad the impaler, who has been referred to as a vampire/Dracula due to his torture methods, but obviously, those are just legends, which became popular due to Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula. Romania is famous for all the wrong reasons, it seems. This country has so much more to give and there are so many better things to see than Bran castle. Having said that, Bran castle should be on your list too. It’s just that don’t have high expectations from this castle.

The Bran Castle

On the other hand, if you visit Rasnov citadel, which is in the way to the Bran castle, you would be surprised how lovely it is.

The Rasnov Citadel/Fortress

How to get to Bran castle and Rasnov citadel from Brasov?

Bran castle is situated in Bran, 30 Km from Brasov. It is pretty easy to get there with a bus and it only takes about 40-45 minutes. It can be combined with a visit to Rasnov fortress, which is in between Brasov and Bran, and Rasnov is more impressive than Bran castle. So, in my opinion, you must stop at Rasnov, whether coming by bus or car. Buses to bran go through Rasnov. So, it is not even complicated. Buses/mini vans from Brasov are every half an hour or so. You can search the schedule here. You get the bus from Brasov autogara 2 (stadion). This bus station is half an hour walk from the city center or you can take bus 22/41 from the city center. We took a bus at 10:30 AM to Rasnov first. We bough the tickets from the driver. It took us half an hour to get there. It would be better if you ask someone to let you know when Rasnov comes, because you won’t really know when you are there. Once you get off, it is pretty simple. You can either walk to the fortress, which would take about 10-15 minutes or you can take a funicular, which runs frequently, and costs 12 lei round trip. We went with the second option. It took us just few minutes to reach the top. The view from the funicular is spectacular.

The view from the funicular

The entrance to the fortress is 12 lei. After exploring the fortress for an hour, we took the funicular back. We were kinda confused how to reach Bran castle from there. The lady at the ticket counter gave us the directions. You get the bus to Bran near Penny market and in front of the bus stop, you see a sign of “Rasnov” written in Hollywood style, up in the mountains. We were still not sure if we’re at the right bus stop, but an old man who didn’t even speak English,helped us, saying bus would arrive in his own way. The bus to Bran finally arrived and we were relieved. From Rasnov, it only takes about 15 minutes to reach Bran castle.

Rasnov citadel

Rasnov is located in the town of Rasnov on a rocky hilltop in the Carpathian Mountains. The fortress was first mentioned in the year 1331. The fortress was built by Teutonic Knights as part of the defense system against various invasions. This was basically a place of refuge for the people and therefore, it had many schools, a chapel and other buildings which made it look more like a village.

We saw a well here at the citadel and found out it has an interesting story. The invaders managed to find out the source of water supply to the fortress and now the people needed a well for water in order to survive. According to legend, two Turkish prisoners were forced to dig a well through solid rock in the center of the fortress. They were promised their freedom once the well was finished. It took 17 years to finish this digging and God knows what happened to those prisoners.

I really liked the citadel. Set beautifully among the Carpathian mountains, it has massive fortified walls, and plenty of perfect lookout spots. There is not a lot to do here except for admiring the views from the top, which I loved. You get to see the entire towns below as well the impressive forests that surround this amazing citadel.

There are quite a few cheesy souvenir shops, but that’s alright. It's still fun to walk around and imagine what life was like back in the day.

Bran castle

Bran castle made famous by the myth created around Bram Stocker's Dracula is rather a simple castle. I visited Peles castle today, and that’s what we call a luxurious elegant castle. Nevertheless, as I mentioned earlier, Bran castle is something you have to visit when in Romania. I have to say this it does look impressive from the outside. It gives you that eerie feeling maybe because of its location.

The first documented mentioning of Bran Castle is the letter written in 1377 by the Hungarian Ludovic I D’Anjou, giving the Saxon inhabitants of Brasov the privilege to build a stone castle at their own expenses. The castle was also used against the Ottomans and Tartars’ invasion, coming from Wallachia through Rucar Pass. From 1920 to 1957 Bran served as royal residence within the kingdom of Romania.

The castle is now a museum open to tourists, displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie.

Traditional Romanian attires being displayed at the Bran castle

The castle doesn’t have anything to do with Vlad the impaler. Vlad Tepes or Vlad Dracula was a son of Vlad II Dracul. He was a three-time Voivode of Wallachia, ruling mainly from 1456 to 1462. Dracul used to mean dragon at that time, but now even in Romania, it means devil.

Hello Dracula!

Vlad Tepes is a national hero in Romania as he fought against Ottomans though he used some crazy brutal techniques to torture his enemies. He used to impale them. Hence, he is called the impaler or Tepes. There are legends that he even used to drink his enemies’ blood and hence he was a vampire. Bram Stoker, an Irish writer, whose book Dracula is mistakenly thought to be based on Vlad Tepes and Bran castle to as the home of the title character.

It is a nice castle, but a little bit too touristy. Thanks to Vlad III Impaler, the ticket prices are higher than justified. We visited all rooms in about an hour. I am sure everyone knows there is no Dracula here, but it’s an interesting story and the souvenir markets outside the castle is beautiful.

We wanted to take the bus back back to Brasov at 2:40 PM, but it arrived early at 2:30 PM. There is a schedule posted but don’t rely a lot on it.

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