June 30, 2009
This morning after a traditional breakfast of bread, jam, cheese, and scrambled eggs, we left for Bran and the famous castle. Most tourists come here to see “Dracula's” castle – which is based on Stoker's novel, not history. I came to see Queen Maria's castle – given to her by the people of Brasov in appreciation of her kindness and service. She renovated the castle and it was used a summer home, I believe.
When the royal family was forced into exile, the castle somewhat deteriorated; it was returned to the family after the communists lost control, and has been a tourist site for some time now. It was lovely to imagine her gracing the rooms and walking the halls. It made me yearn to do much more research, and to write my novel with it's two star heroines, Queen Maria and my greatgrandmother Lazar. It seems that their parallel lives could be turned into a plot of some interest, yet, the greatest fun will be the research and imagery.
We are staying at “Laura's” guest house, which is quiet, immaculate, and courteous in every way. The other guest is Phillipe, a gracious man from western France who loves to travel. His work in in agricultural counseling, and he assists farmers in developing ecological and productive ways to better their work. A very quiet and self-assured gentleman who is delightful to share a table with (after we moved together last night at dinner!).
Tomorrow, hopefully, a Pan Travel representative will meet us here at 9 AM to drive us to Brasov train station (and take the car back). I hope that small section of travel goes smoothly, and we arrive in Bucharest with nothing to write home about.
Seems a bit unlikely considering the small misadventures we have had so far. The most recent being this afternoon on our way back to Bran from Sineai, where we had gone to ride a cable car to the top of a 6,000 ft. mountain. Another torrential rainstorm hit as we were coming back down the mountain; it let up slightly as we left town and all seemed well. At least until we came upon some backed up traffic and pulled over to find that the road was seriously flooded. Large trucks were cautiously slushing their way through, one direction at a time. Police were doing nothing but standing by. We watched for quite a while, critically evaluating our chances of getting this under-powered Dacia through the hubcap high flood. Ron, every brave and true, decided to take the chance. The map only showed alternate routes of perhaps 100 km – not a great choice at 3:30 in the afternoon in a country we knew little about.
When we carefully made our way through and reached the far side of the “puddle” we couldn't believe that we hadn't video-taped the event! Ron, who takes photos of everything, and me who loves to record life events, with three cameras in the car and at least ten minutes of down time, and not one photo!
But, safe at last, we are showered and awaiting our 7:30 dinner here. The hostess is gracious and tries to satisfy every need, but speaks little, if any, English. The fish dinner was quite good last night, and I can already smell something wonderful for tonight. Only wish I had internet!
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