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Message
Trip Report: Romania Bulgaria Serbia Croatia and Hungary April 2019
Posted on 4/21/19 at 10:03 am
Posted on 4/21/19 at 10:03 am
Some Selected Photos Out Of 400+!
Date: April 2nd - April 17th 2019
Countries Visited: Romania/Bulgaria/Serbia/Croatia/Hungary
Part 1: Romania
Good "Tips Sheet" To Get You Going!
The first part of the trip was in Romania. We flew into Bucharest and headed north to Brasov. We spent 4 days here.
It's beautiful but certainly not a country without it's problems. Imagine one (YES ONE) national highway, and people are allowed to sell their goods and vegetables along the side of the road. Accidents abound.
For every beautiful mountain scene, there's trash on the road. Like most European countries these days, graffiti abounds. Imagine you're hiking in beautiful cities and there are feral dogs running around you, some of which are considered dangerous. You see horse driven carts all over the road. People are generally depressed because of the rise of the "Social Democrats", which is leading to a fear of a rise again of communism.
But..It's a "must see" in my book just for the experience. Amazing scenes. Wonderful people.
And CHEAP! I won't go into the prices that much,but OMG. The currency there is called "The Leu" (Or "Ron"). 1 Leu is about $.23 right now, so about 4 per dollar roughly. You'll live like a King there! Romania vies with Bulgaria as the cheapest destination in Europe.
Not much else like it in Eastern Europe.
I can't stress enough how much more enriching the trip was because we hired a local guide.
HIGHLY Recommend Cosmin!! Dude's a forester. Has a PHD. Has had to face down bear and wolves on treks. Can't say enough about how much we appreciated him.
Why? It's not a real easy country to get around. To see the best parts you have to go away from Bucharest, which, while interesting, is a s'hole. The language and customs are truly unique. The politics are top of mind for everyone you meet right now.
We traveled with another couple and his fee for the week was $1,000, which we split with another couple. He came down from Brasov, picked us up and dropped us back off in Bucharest. Took us on day trips out of Brasov to Sighisoara, Fagaras, Bran, Peles Castle and Sinaia. We didn't have to rent a car. We learned Romanian. We partook (often!) of Rakija and Tuica (you'll have to look that up!).
The highlight was the day into the Highlands of Transylvania. We visited a small village and had lunch with a local woman at her home. Stunning. And, you have a deep appreciation (AND fear) when you see fluffy ol' sheep dogs and your guide yells at you to stay close to him? Why? They'd rip you to shreds if you weren't with someone they knew or got near the sheep.
NONE of this would be possible without someone like him to show us what to do, what to say, what not to say and do yada yada. It just made the trip so much more memorable.
We toured Bucharest for a day after our guide dropped us off. Old Town and the Parliament Building were really cool, but I wasn’t all that impressed overall. Dirty. Soviet era buildings falling down.
Date: April 2nd - April 17th 2019
Countries Visited: Romania/Bulgaria/Serbia/Croatia/Hungary
Part 1: Romania
Good "Tips Sheet" To Get You Going!
The first part of the trip was in Romania. We flew into Bucharest and headed north to Brasov. We spent 4 days here.
It's beautiful but certainly not a country without it's problems. Imagine one (YES ONE) national highway, and people are allowed to sell their goods and vegetables along the side of the road. Accidents abound.
For every beautiful mountain scene, there's trash on the road. Like most European countries these days, graffiti abounds. Imagine you're hiking in beautiful cities and there are feral dogs running around you, some of which are considered dangerous. You see horse driven carts all over the road. People are generally depressed because of the rise of the "Social Democrats", which is leading to a fear of a rise again of communism.
But..It's a "must see" in my book just for the experience. Amazing scenes. Wonderful people.
And CHEAP! I won't go into the prices that much,but OMG. The currency there is called "The Leu" (Or "Ron"). 1 Leu is about $.23 right now, so about 4 per dollar roughly. You'll live like a King there! Romania vies with Bulgaria as the cheapest destination in Europe.
Not much else like it in Eastern Europe.
I can't stress enough how much more enriching the trip was because we hired a local guide.
HIGHLY Recommend Cosmin!! Dude's a forester. Has a PHD. Has had to face down bear and wolves on treks. Can't say enough about how much we appreciated him.
Why? It's not a real easy country to get around. To see the best parts you have to go away from Bucharest, which, while interesting, is a s'hole. The language and customs are truly unique. The politics are top of mind for everyone you meet right now.
We traveled with another couple and his fee for the week was $1,000, which we split with another couple. He came down from Brasov, picked us up and dropped us back off in Bucharest. Took us on day trips out of Brasov to Sighisoara, Fagaras, Bran, Peles Castle and Sinaia. We didn't have to rent a car. We learned Romanian. We partook (often!) of Rakija and Tuica (you'll have to look that up!).
The highlight was the day into the Highlands of Transylvania. We visited a small village and had lunch with a local woman at her home. Stunning. And, you have a deep appreciation (AND fear) when you see fluffy ol' sheep dogs and your guide yells at you to stay close to him? Why? They'd rip you to shreds if you weren't with someone they knew or got near the sheep.
NONE of this would be possible without someone like him to show us what to do, what to say, what not to say and do yada yada. It just made the trip so much more memorable.
We toured Bucharest for a day after our guide dropped us off. Old Town and the Parliament Building were really cool, but I wasn’t all that impressed overall. Dirty. Soviet era buildings falling down.
This post was edited on 5/2/21 at 3:44 pm
6
Posted on 4/21/19 at 3:08 pm to Nole Man
OP. Fix your thread title to have some spaces. Giving mobile view AIDS
Posted on 4/21/19 at 3:09 pm to Nole Man
Great photos! Thanks for sharing. I'm definitely of the opinion that more Americans should consider Eastern Europe.
Posted on 4/21/19 at 3:34 pm to Golfer
Thanks. See if that works better for you.
Posted on 4/25/19 at 8:12 am to Nole Man
Part 2: Viking River Cruise / 2 Days In Budapest
We caught our ship. I've previously had nothing but glowing reviews for Viking, and still do. This trip was a "cultural immersion" in that we went to countries you'd probably never consider. The value, organization and experience are second to none. I will say, however, that on this cruise the average age was MUCH OLDER than other ones we've done. And don't get me started on the "Asian Experience" when you run into hordes of tour groups taking selfies all day long, but I digress.
This format of travel lends itself to tours and following guides in part, and it might not be everyone's "cup of tea”. I won’t go into our tour in Croatia because of the short time there. Wasn't that memorable compared to the time we spent last year (Plitvice Lakes National Park), so I'll pass on part of the review.
I found each country fascinating in it's own way and a unique experience.
Schedule:
MON APR 08, 2019 Embark in Bucharest on Viking Modi
TUE APR 09, 2019 Russe, Bulgaria
WED APR 10, 2019 Vidin, Bulgaria
THU APR 11, 2019 Scenic Cruising: The Iron Gates
FRI APR 12, 2019 Belgrade, Serbia
SAT APR 13, 2019 Osijek, Croatia
SUN APR 14, 2019 Kalocsa, Hungary
MON APR 15, 2019 Disembark in Budapest
Bulgaria
Veliko Tarnovo was nice. The Tsarevets fortress is Veliko Tarnovo's highlight attraction. BUT...we did see one of the most single impressive structures ever in Belogradchik, a town in Vidin Province, Northwestern Bulgaria. These unique conglomerate rock formations once used as fortresses were beyond description.
Serbia
Cruising through the "Historic Iron Gates of the Danube River" between Serbia and Romania was spectacular. Features the Dacian Chief Decebalus Carved into the Iron Gates.
We only had a day in Belgrade. The Fortress was amazing, but the best part was the military museum. OMG. Best I've ever seen. Seeing remnants of the NATO bombings was surreal. Would love to spend more time here.
Hungary
We left our ship and spent 2 nights in Budapest. This was my 3rd time in Budapest, including a week while backpacking in Europe during the Soviet era. You are surprised by the sheer beauty of Budapest — Buda sits perched atop the Danube River, overlooking the grand architecture of downtown Pest on the opposite side.
My how things have changed since then! Had most recently gone here 2 years ago, and didn’t do the real “touristy things” this time like Fisherman’s Bastion etc. but was able to do a couple of unique things this time.
Always wanted to go to Memento Park. This is where the Hungarians put all their Soviet era statues out in a park outside of town. Kind of a surreal experience and definitely one you should do. Maybe 30 minutes outside of town. Cost about $35 round trip and our cab driver waited for us!
We also toured the Dohány Street Synagogue and the Hungarian Jewish Museum. Europe's largest and the world's third largest synagogue. A sobering experience. Over 2,000 people are buried in the makeshift cemetery. In memory of those who had died, there is a memorial. The leaves are inscribed with the names of victims. The “Tree of Life”.
I could spend a whole review on the food and drink scene, but I’ll just leave this article here:
"The Food Scene"
Final Thoughts
To hear the "loss of hope" young Serbians have about the prospects of a bright future. Joining the EU. Being able to travel and work. To hear the real fears of a Russian invasion in Romania and concerns about the return of Communism. To see a new and youthful Belgrade, a vibrant city once bombed by NATO, flourishing. To see Budapest emerge as one of the great tourist destinations in Europe after having been there and seen tank and bullet shell holes in buildings years ago.
There is something truly unique about visiting Eastern European countries. When you look at the wars, the oppressions, the losses of life in their struggles, it's just something every American should experience so that you have a true picture of how good things are.
We caught our ship. I've previously had nothing but glowing reviews for Viking, and still do. This trip was a "cultural immersion" in that we went to countries you'd probably never consider. The value, organization and experience are second to none. I will say, however, that on this cruise the average age was MUCH OLDER than other ones we've done. And don't get me started on the "Asian Experience" when you run into hordes of tour groups taking selfies all day long, but I digress.
This format of travel lends itself to tours and following guides in part, and it might not be everyone's "cup of tea”. I won’t go into our tour in Croatia because of the short time there. Wasn't that memorable compared to the time we spent last year (Plitvice Lakes National Park), so I'll pass on part of the review.
I found each country fascinating in it's own way and a unique experience.
Schedule:
MON APR 08, 2019 Embark in Bucharest on Viking Modi
TUE APR 09, 2019 Russe, Bulgaria
WED APR 10, 2019 Vidin, Bulgaria
THU APR 11, 2019 Scenic Cruising: The Iron Gates
FRI APR 12, 2019 Belgrade, Serbia
SAT APR 13, 2019 Osijek, Croatia
SUN APR 14, 2019 Kalocsa, Hungary
MON APR 15, 2019 Disembark in Budapest
Bulgaria
Veliko Tarnovo was nice. The Tsarevets fortress is Veliko Tarnovo's highlight attraction. BUT...we did see one of the most single impressive structures ever in Belogradchik, a town in Vidin Province, Northwestern Bulgaria. These unique conglomerate rock formations once used as fortresses were beyond description.
Serbia
Cruising through the "Historic Iron Gates of the Danube River" between Serbia and Romania was spectacular. Features the Dacian Chief Decebalus Carved into the Iron Gates.
We only had a day in Belgrade. The Fortress was amazing, but the best part was the military museum. OMG. Best I've ever seen. Seeing remnants of the NATO bombings was surreal. Would love to spend more time here.
Hungary
We left our ship and spent 2 nights in Budapest. This was my 3rd time in Budapest, including a week while backpacking in Europe during the Soviet era. You are surprised by the sheer beauty of Budapest — Buda sits perched atop the Danube River, overlooking the grand architecture of downtown Pest on the opposite side.
My how things have changed since then! Had most recently gone here 2 years ago, and didn’t do the real “touristy things” this time like Fisherman’s Bastion etc. but was able to do a couple of unique things this time.
Always wanted to go to Memento Park. This is where the Hungarians put all their Soviet era statues out in a park outside of town. Kind of a surreal experience and definitely one you should do. Maybe 30 minutes outside of town. Cost about $35 round trip and our cab driver waited for us!
We also toured the Dohány Street Synagogue and the Hungarian Jewish Museum. Europe's largest and the world's third largest synagogue. A sobering experience. Over 2,000 people are buried in the makeshift cemetery. In memory of those who had died, there is a memorial. The leaves are inscribed with the names of victims. The “Tree of Life”.
I could spend a whole review on the food and drink scene, but I’ll just leave this article here:
"The Food Scene"
Final Thoughts
To hear the "loss of hope" young Serbians have about the prospects of a bright future. Joining the EU. Being able to travel and work. To hear the real fears of a Russian invasion in Romania and concerns about the return of Communism. To see a new and youthful Belgrade, a vibrant city once bombed by NATO, flourishing. To see Budapest emerge as one of the great tourist destinations in Europe after having been there and seen tank and bullet shell holes in buildings years ago.
There is something truly unique about visiting Eastern European countries. When you look at the wars, the oppressions, the losses of life in their struggles, it's just something every American should experience so that you have a true picture of how good things are.
Posted on 4/25/19 at 8:31 am to Nole Man
Great review and thanks for sharing.
Nothing like seeing that red flag bouncing around toward you and hoard of cameras and a loud microphone.
quote:
And don't get me started on the "Asian Experience" when you run into hordes of tour groups taking selfies all day long, but I digress.
Nothing like seeing that red flag bouncing around toward you and hoard of cameras and a loud microphone. Posted on 4/25/19 at 9:04 am to speckledawg
I'll Just Leave This Here! 
You mean like this scene from beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park last year??
I thought they hadn't discovered Eastern Europe yet, but I was wrong.
You mean like this scene from beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park last year??
I thought they hadn't discovered Eastern Europe yet, but I was wrong.
Posted on 4/25/19 at 7:29 pm to Nole Man
Dude, I went to all these temples in Thailand in November. Inevitably, the Chinese would show up and ruin the entire experience. They like to argue LOUDLY with each other and talk where quiet is requested . Just horrible self awareness . Especially when compared to the friendliness and simplicity of Thai culture.
Good trip report OP.
Good trip report OP.
Posted on 4/26/19 at 11:12 am to Nole Man
If you drink then you must try..
Rakija!
I found that each Eastern European country has their own variation of this type of Brandy. In Hungary it's called palinka for example. It's kind of a "man thing" as each has their own home brew.
Rakija!
I found that each Eastern European country has their own variation of this type of Brandy. In Hungary it's called palinka for example. It's kind of a "man thing" as each has their own home brew.
This post was edited on 4/26/19 at 4:26 pm
Posted on 4/26/19 at 3:22 pm to Lsupimp
They have little to no manners unfortunately
Posted on 5/21/19 at 8:03 pm to Nole Man
Damn! Sorry for missing this.
Posted on 5/21/19 at 10:27 pm to Nole Man
My brother-in-law hated the homemade Rakia I brought him from Bulgaria (back when water bottles could go through security). Meanwhile, a couple of women enjoyed it so much, the Sunday School teacher missed Sunday services the next day.
Posted on 5/22/19 at 6:14 am to lagniappe14
quote:
My brother-in-law hated the homemade Rakia I brought him from Bulgaria (back when water bottles could go through security). Meanwhile, a couple of women enjoyed it so much, the Sunday School teacher missed Sunday services the next day.
It can be foul, no doubt. Like grappa or ouzo. Stuff I've found here isn't that good so far. And even the "best" (homemade you'd get from someone from there) was better, but not "great".
BUT..it kind of grows on you and it's definitely a bridge between two worlds when you toast with them. At least I learned to toast in 5 different languages while I was over there. Was worth it to watch their expressions when you'd toast them like they would to each other? Had one guy look at me once and say (In English of course) "you were speaking Romanian". Kind of cool.
This post was edited on 5/22/19 at 6:15 am
Posted on 5/22/19 at 8:29 am to Nole Man
Those cevapcici look really good.
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