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@Monastery, Rodna Mtns, Bucovina

"This is the new monastery at the 1416 metre summit of the Prislop Pass high in the Rodna Mountains between Maramureş and Bucovina," said Adriana. "As you can see, this part of Romania is extremely beautiful. There are 48 monasteries and churches in Bucovina, with wonderful painted frescoes."

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@Rural Landscape, Harghita, Romania

"A tour of rural Harghita offers an immersive experience of the region's unspoiled natural beauty and rich cultural heritage," said Adriana. "This picturesque area is known for its traditional Roman­ian and Hung­arian-Szekler arch­itecture, with charm­ing wooden churches and historic castles dotting the landscape. The tour includes a drive through the scenic Gheor­gheni and Mier­curea Ciuc valleys, where we can appreciate the forests, hills and crystal lakes."

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@Saint Anna Lake, Harghita, Romania

The tour coach then transported the pets and their guide to Harghita, in eastern Transylvania.
"Saint Anna Lake is a magnificent natural treasure, the only volcano lake in Central and Eastern Europe, formed in the bottom of Csomád (Ciomatu) Massif southern crater. Near the lake, in the northern crater, is the Mohos peat bog, where rare Ice Age relic plants are located. Both sights are part of the Mohos Nature Reserve. The area of the craters is protected."

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@Nature Scene, Romania

"Other highlights of our trip will include the Red Lake (Lacul Roșu), a natural reserve formed by a landslide. We will visit the Szekler capital, Miercurea Ciuc, to explore its mediaeval old town and the nearby Szekler National Museum. If we have time, the tour may additionally cover the Udvarhely region, which is famous for its handicrafts, such as the black pottery of Corund and the embroidery of the Szekler women."

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@Summer Hay Scene, Romania

"Along the way," continued Adriana, "you can enjoy local cuisine, traditional dishes like goulash and paprika chicken, and learn about the unique customs and folklore of the area. The tour may also feature stops at family-run vineyards and orchards, allowing for tastings of regional wines and fruits. The journey through rural Harghita provides a glimpse into the tranquil, pastoral lifestyle that has been preserved for centuries, offering a delightful contrast to the bustling city life. So, on we go!"

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@Curious Cat, Romania

It certainly proved to be an exhilarating and fascinating tour for the pets, and they made new friends along the way!

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@Sighioara, Old Town, Romania

They arrived in Sighisoara. "This is one of Europe's best-preserved mediaeval cities," Adriana informed them. "The historic centre of Sighi­soara is surround­ed by ancient walls and towers that have with­stood the test of time since the 12th century. Our tour begins with a drive through the narrow, cobble­stone streets, lined with colour­ful, well-maintained houses that show­case the town's rich history and blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles."

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@Historical Sighisoara, Romania

"Highlights of the tour include the iconic Clock Tower, a 64 metre high (210 ft) land­mark that provides stunning pano­ramic views of the town from its observation deck. The Tower of Tinsmiths and the Church on the Hill are also on the list, along with the charming Covered Stairs, leading to the upper town. The birthplace of the infamous Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula, adds a touch of intrigue to the experience!"

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@Snowy Landscape, Transylvania

As the tour progressed, the pets could explore the well-preserved citadel and its nine remaining towers, each with its own unique story and purpose in the town's defence. The tour concluded with a visit to the Mediaeval Weapons Museum, housing an impressive collection of historical arms and artifacts, providing insight into the region's tumultuous past. Throughout the tour, Adriana shared fascinating tales of Sighisoara's storied past, bringing the town's vibrant history to life for all the pets to enjoy.

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@Shopping Parade, Transylvania

Adriana took them to a parade of small local shops in Transylvania, show­casing a vibrant tapestry of tradition­­al crafts­man­ship and culture. These quaint establish­ments offer­ed an array of unique products and services that reflected the area's rich heritage. Here, the pets could find artisans creat­ing intricate wooden carvings, weavers crafting colour­ful textiles, and black­­smiths forging decorative iron­­­work, reminiscent of the region's media­eval past. Addition­ally, there were shops selling local delicacies such as smoked meats, cheeses and hand­­­crafted chocolates, along­­­side others specialis­ing in tradition­al cloth­­ing and accessories like embroid­ered blouses and hand-woven rugs. It was a delight­­ful opportun­ity for the pets to engage with the friendly, skilled inhabitants and purchase authent­­ic sou­venirs that encap­sulated the essence of Transylvanian life.

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@Winter Wilderness, Transylvania

Adriana became animated in describing the snowy winters in Transylvania, a region located in central Romania. "It is renowned for its enchanting snowscapes during the winter months. The landscape transforms into a serene, white wonderland as the Carpathian Mountains become draped in a thick blanket of snow."

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@Lake View, Transylvania

"These snow-covered peaks create a dramatic backdrop for the charming mediaeval towns and ancient castles scattered through­out the region. The most notable of these castles is Bran Castle, often associated with the legend of Dracula, which becomes even more mysterious and alluring when surrounded by a frosty aura!"

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@Autumn Landscape, Transylvania

Adriana painted such a vivid picture of Transylvania in the autumn that the pets could visualise its land­scape character­­ised by the vibrant trans­­formation of its foliage. "The Carpathian Mountains stand as a majestic back­drop, their slopes and valleys cloak­ed in a mosaic of reds, oranges, and yellows as deciduous trees such as beech, oak and maple shed their summer greens," said Adriana.

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@Spooky Castle, Transylvania

"Of course," continued Adriana, "Transylvania is home to a number of spooky castles that have captured the imagination of people around the world due to their association with vampire legends and mysterious pasts. The most famous of these is Bran Castle, often linked to Bram Stoker's Dracula. Although the author never actually visited Transylvania, the castle's dramatic setting, with its tower­ing turrets and fore­­boding Gothic architecture, has led many to believe it served as inspiration for the vampire's lair. Perched on a hill­side near the city of Braşov, Bran Castle dates back to the 14th century and was once a strategic fortress built to protect against Ottoman invasions. It later became a royal residence and is now a popular tourist destination, offering a glimpse into the region's history."

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@Snowscene, Transylvania

As the tour bus continued on its journey, Adriana carried on with her commentary. "The dense forests of Transylvania, such as the Pădurea Spinul Fagului or the Hoia Forest, become silent and mystical when covered in snow. The bare trees and frosty branches create an eerie yet serene environ­ment that is perfect for winter hikes and snow­shoeing. Wild­life in the area, such as wolves and bears, may be less active but can still be spotted by the keen-eyed traveller. The snowy land­scapes also offer excellent conditions for winter sports, with several ski resorts operating in the region, including Poiana Braşov, Sinaia and Predeal, which cater to both beginners and experts alike."

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@Scenic Winter Forest, Transylvania

"The towns of Transylvania, such as Braşov, Sibiu and Sighişoara, maintain their mediaeval charm even when they are adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations during the winter season. Narrow, cobble­stone streets are lined with historic build­ings that stand tall against the back­drop of the snow-laden roof­tops, and the warm glow from the windows of these structures creates an inviting ambiance." The pets were entranced, wishing they could come back to Romania at Christmastime and experience such scenes in reality!

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@Traditional Transylvanian Food

Next, Adriana described the traditional food of Transylvania. "The cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavours and aromas influenced by its diverse cultural heritage, including Romanian, Hungarian, German and Slavic traditions. The cuisine is characterised by its hearty dishes that often feature locally-sourced meats, such as pork, beef, poultry, and game, as well as a variety of vegetables and cheeses. One of the most emblematic dishes is sarmale, which are cabbage rolls fill­ed with minced meat, rice and spices, simmer­ed in a flavour­ful sauce. Another popular dish is mamaliga, a polenta-like staple made from boiled corn­meal and often served along­side stews. Goulash, a thick meat stew with paprika and dump­lings, showcases Hungarian influence, while tochitura moldoven­easca, a Romanian speciality, combines chicken, pork and sausages in a creamy sauce. The region is also known for its delicious desserts, such as papanasi, fried dough­nuts filled with sweet cheese and topped with sour cream and berries, and covrigi, a type of pretzel. Local bever­ages include tuica, a strong plum brandy, and sursa, a trad­itional ferment­ed drink made from sheep's milk. Meals are commonly enjoy­ed with side dishes of pickled vegetables, sour cream and freshly baked bread. The use of garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs like thyme, rose­mary and sage is prevalent, adding depth to the flavour profile of the region's dishes. The food is typically slow-cooked, allow­ing the flavours to meld and intensify, reflect­ing the import­ance of communal dining and the cele­bration of the land's bounty."

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@Meadow, Transylvania, Romania

"A meadow in springtime in Transylvania, Romania, is a vibrant and tranquil natural land­scape character­ised by a rich tapestry of wild­flowers, lush grasses, and burgeon­ing plant life. The region's unique climate, with its mild winters and warm, wet springs, creates an ideal environ­ment for a diverse range of flora and fauna. The meadow is often carpeted with bloom­ing crocuses, daffodils and wild tulips, which are native to the area and provide a riot of colour against the emerald back­drop of new growth. The air is fragrant with the scent of bloom­ing trees such as the fruit-laden apple and cherry orchards that frequently line the meadow's edges. Birds like the nigh­tingale, black­cap and golden oriole return from their winter migrations to fill the skies with their melodious songs. Butter­flies and bees flit among the flowers, drawn to their sweet nectar and contribut­ing to the area's bio­diversity. Transylvanian meadows are also home to various small mammals, including hares, deer and the elusive wild boar, which emerge from the surround­ing forests to graze and frolic in the open spaces."

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@Forest in Winter, Romania

"The rural areas of Transylvania are particularly picturesque," remarked their guide. "They have traditional wood­en churches and fortified structures nestled among rolling hills and valleys. During winter, the snow­fall often high­lights the unique arch­itecture of these ancient buildings, which have with­stood the test of time. Horse-drawn sleighs are a popular mode of trans­port­ation in these parts, providing a scenic and nostalgic journey through the snow-covered countryside."

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@Fog-Shrouded Valley, Romania

"The untouched beauty of the natural surround­ings," said Adriana, "combined with the cultural heritage, makes Transylvania an appeal­­ing destination for those seek­ing a peace­ful and authentic winter escape."

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@Winter Landscape, Transylvania

Adriana waxed lyrical about the local cuisine. "This plays a signifi­cant role in winter in Transyl­vania. Hearty meals, such as goul­ash and cabbage rolls, are served in warm, cosy inns, providing a much-needed reprieve from the cold. The aroma of mulled wine and traditional food waft through the air, as locals and visitors alike gather around open fires to share stories and cele­brate the festive season. The winter markets in cities like Braşov and Sibiu offer a vibrant mix of local crafts and delicacies, with the snow­­fall adding to the festive atmosphere."

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@Painting of Romanian Town in Snow

Warming to her theme, Adriana continued: "The region's ability to preserve its past whilst embrac­­ing the joy of winter creates a unique and en­chanting experience that is hard to find else­­where in Europe. Whether you are drawn to the legend of Dracula, the allure of winter sports, or the charm of its media­eval towns, a snowy Transyl­vanian adventure is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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@Gothic Castle, Transylvania

"Another notorious castle in Transylvania," said Adriana, "is Corvin Castle, located in Hune­doara. Known for its large, imposing structure and distinctive Gothic and Renaissance features, the castle is often referred to as Hunyadi or Hune­doara Castle."

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@Traditional Ceramics, Romania

Adriana escorted the group to an exhibition of Transylvanian ceramics. "Such vases and jugs are a significant part of the region's folk art tradition, character­­ised by their distinct­ive hand­­crafted designs and rich cultural heritage. Typically made from local clay, these jugs are crafted by skilled artisans who employ ancient tech­niques that have been passed down through generations."

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@Painted Easter Eggs, Romania

With particular pride, Adriana took the pets to a shop specialising in traditional, hand-painted Easter eggs. "These are known as oua pintate in Romanian, are a significant part of the Easter cele­­bration. These intricately decor­ated eggs are not only an art form but also hold deep symbolic mean­­ing for the Romanian people, represent­­ing life, fertility, and re­birth. The tradition dates back to ancient times and has been passed down through gener­ations as a way to preserve cultural herit­age. The eggs are typic­ally chicken eggs, but ostrich, goose or duck eggs are also used for larger and more elaborate designs. Artisans use natural dyes derived from plants, fruits and spices such as onion skins, beet­root and turmeric to create a range of vibrant colours. The most common tech­nique is wax-resist dye­ing, where bees­wax is applied in patterns with a stylus to the egg's surface before it is sub­­merged in dye. This process is repeated multiple times with different colours to achieve the desired intricate patterns. Each region of Romania boasts its unique egg-painting motifs, such as the Horezu region's geo­­metric designs or the use of specific motifs like the rooster in the North or the fish in the Danube Delta. The eggs are often dis­­played in a bucurie, a tradition­al Easter bouquet, along­side other ele­ments such as branches of willow or paint­ed wooden eggs. They are also used in various religious and social customs, including egg-tapping games, egg-dances, and are given as gifts to family and friends, symbolis­ing wishes for a prosperous and healthy new year.

Hettie has enjoyed their tour of Romania, but it is time to go home. Please select another pet as visitor, so they can also enjoy this event!