Category: 2024
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Nevermore & Masterpieces at Cantacuzino Castle 🇷🇴
Our Transylvanian journey continued at Cantacuzino Castle, a grand residence set against the Bucegi Mountains. Fans of Netflix’s Wednesday will recognize it instantly—it was transformed into Nevermore Academy, the eerie and mysterious school for outcasts. 👧🏻🖤🕸️🕷️🎻 Walking through its halls and gardens, it was easy to picture Wednesday Addams with her violin or the dramatic…
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Legends at “Dracula’s Castle” – Bran Castle 🇷🇴
Our journey through Transylvania brought us to Bran Castle, perched dramatically on a rocky hilltop. Often called “Dracula’s Castle,” it’s one of the most famous landmarks in Romania—thanks to its connection with both history and legend. The castle is most often linked to Vlad the Impaler, remembered as the “cruellest reigning prince” of Wallachia. Though…
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Rasnov & the Sissi Promenade 🇷🇴
After exploring Brașov, we made an overnight stop in Râșnov, a small town best known for its medieval fortress perched above the valley. But what made this visit unique was a quieter spot—the Sissi Promenade. Queen Sisi seems to be the theme of this trip. In 1879, near the barracks of the cavalry regiment, this…
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Through the Carpathians to the Libearty Bear Sanctuary 🇷🇴
Leaving Râșnov behind, we drove deep into the Carpathian Mountains, where winding roads cut through forests and misty valleys. The scenery alone was breathtaking, but the true highlight of the day was visiting the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești. Home to 121 bears, the sanctuary provides a safe haven for animals rescued from circuses, roadside…
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From Budapest to Brasov by Night Train 🇭🇺 🇷🇴
We said farewell to Budapest under the glow of city lights and boarded an overnight train bound for Transylvania. There’s something special about falling asleep to the rhythm of the tracks and waking up to an entirely new landscape outside the window. Our first stop was Brașov, a city tucked into the Carpathian Mountains. With…
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Soaked in History, Bound for Romania: A Perfect Budapest Send-Off 🇭🇺
Our final day in Budapest was nothing short of iconic. With tired feet from days of exploring castles, synagogues, and cobbled streets, we treated ourselves to a few indulgent hours at one of the city’s most beloved institutions: the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Nestled in the heart of City Park, Széchenyi is the largest medicinal bath…
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Touring the Dohány Street Synagogue: A Monument to Faith, Resilience, and Unity
During our time in Budapest, we had the opportunity to visit the magnificent Dohány Street Synagogue, a site that is not only visually striking but also deeply significant in European Jewish history. As the second-largest synagogue in the world—second only to the Temple Emanu-El in New York City—this landmark stands as a testament to the…
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Virtual Adventure in Buda: Saving Queen Sisi & Savoring Goulash 🇭🇺
What started as a casual sightseeing plan turned into an unexpected adventure on the Buda side of Budapest — complete with a virtual mystery, historical intrigue, royal guards, and a hearty bowl of goulash. Here’s how we explored Buda in the most immersive way: by joining a virtual game to save Queen Sisi from an…
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European Country #19, Hungary 🇭🇺
First stop Budapest Parliament which was made during the Austrian-Hungarian Empire and far greater than needed. Today the parliament occupies about 10% of the building. We stopped at the kids favorite museum so far, the Pin Ball Museum! Hungarian Parliament (Országház) The Parliament was built from 1885 to 1902 to celebrate the Hungarian millennium year…
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Planes, Trains & Automobiles Through Hungary & Romania 🇭🇺🇷🇴
Our spring adventure began in Budapest, where we landed and spent a few unforgettable days soaking in the city’s mix of elegance and edge. From the thermal baths at Széchenyi to sunset views from Fisherman’s Bastion, the Hungarian capital delivered nonstop charm, paprika-spiced dishes, and riverside walks along the Danube. Then came the next leg…