Summer in Romania

A few months ago, I had the privilege to spend five weeks in a country I have never heard before in my life, for an exchange program with AIESEC. To be honest, I had no idea that a country named Romania exists in Europe. When I told my friends and family, their response would be “Where is Romania?” or even worse, “Why Romania? There is nothing to see there!” In fact, it lowered down my expectation for the perfect summer trip in Europe. 

But I was wrong. Turns out that traveling to a country that’s not a main tourist destination and a few people know about has its own beauty. The moment I stepped my feet on Romanian soil I was soaking in everything. The fact that I had no single clue about their culture, their history, their language, their food, and their custom, pushed my adventurous self to the limit. 

Through this trip, I learnt to love where I come from more - that is my Tanah Air, Indonesia. Whenever a Romanian ask me where I come from, they would be puzzled and clueless about where is Indonesia in the map - the same way how I responded when I heard 'Romania' the first time. Then they would start asking me tons of questions about Indonesia and for the record, 10 out of 10 of them would be amazed by every single thing I told them about my beloved country. It makes me realise that I come from a very special place and I should be forever grateful for that. 

To conclude, I had the time of my life there. And to me, Romania - especially Brasov - will have a special place in my heart forever.

Click 'Read more' to view the entire photo set! 

Scroll to the end of the post to read my personal travel guide.

The list of cities I visited: 

Brasov, Bucharest, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Cluj Napoca, Alba Iulia, Turda, Sinaia, Fagaras

Recommended things to see:

Brasov 

Hike the Tampa Mountain, see the sunset from Cetatea Brasov (fortress), barbecue or picnic at Parcul Noua (a park).  

Eat at Gaura Dulce (Romanian food), Azima (best shwarma ever), Poarta Schei (expensive and fancy), Gigi (best covrigi), Come Back Coffee (breakfast).

Drink at Britannia (cheapest), Schwarz Pub (karaoke), Bistro de l'Arte (chill pub).

Bucharest

Bike at Herestrau Park, walk around Tineretului Park and its beautiful lake, walk around the old town. 

Eat at La Mama (best Papanasi - a traditional romanian dessert), Hanul Manuc (an old tavern).

Drink at Caru' Cu Bere (local beer).

Cluj Napoca 

Walk around the city centre, hike up the fortress hill.

Eat at Samsara (shisha and food, place to chill).

Turda

Salina Turda is probably the most amazing thing I have ever seen, it's a salt mine turned into an amusement park.

 Sinaia

Pay a visit to the Peles Castle. A super modern castle that's almost like what you see in Disney movies.

Fagaras

Balea Lac and the Transfagarasan Road is a must see. The Transfagarasan is known as the world's best driving road in Europe.