Sep 3 2025

Really really liked Braşov. As charming as Krakow but without the crowds. Was able to get up each morning and enjoy the quiet of the lovely town square. Me and the smokers. 

Unfortunately we didn’t get to do any major hikes in Romania. But at least we got to hike up Mt Tampa behind Braşov. The hike up the main route was pleasant with good views back over the city. The hike down the back not so. Made all the less pleasant by the rude sounds of (what we later found out) was a car club roaring through the town. A car club where no muffler seemed to be the admission criteria. 

The bonus of the back route then is that we came out at the Braşov Olympic Memorial. Lori found out that Nadia was not displayed there as she was not from Braşov. Fascinating old ski gear. 

We then got directions up the alley to the marvellous old wooden Weavers Bastion. Never spotted anyone to pay our entry fee to. Enjoyed it totally on our own. 

Visited the Black Church. Most interesting was the Ottomam carpets hanging all over and the guild sponsored pews. Also the contemporary Wedding at Cana painting by a Romanian painter (whose work we later saw at the gallery). 

We tried to find the textile museum but we suspect it was buried under construction. So we enjoyed the local art gallery instead. With time to kill we sat in a park and I enjoyed a slightly better ice cream. 

Mihael had booked us the “farewell” dinner back up at the base of Mt Tampa so it was great to see the city lit up. 

Full day.