We took a little break in Brașov and just enjoyed some leisure time. I found a fantastic coffee shop, the Book Coffee Store, where we spent an enjoyable time. Then we went into a spiritual store with buddha’s and essential oils etc, followed by a stop in a little pastry shop where they make their own ice-cream, casata brașoveană. We continued browsing through the historic centre for a bit and enjoyed our time there.
We visited the Black Church, biserică neagră, which has the largest organ in all of Romania. I was very disappointed that the regular organ recitals only start in June. The church also has the largest collection in the world of Ottoman rugs, which were donated in the early 17th century and are now displayed on the walls.
The Black Church was built in the Gothic style in medieval times by the Saxon Transilvanians, and it has got its name from black scorch marks from a big fire in Brașov in 1689. I enjoyed the peaceful energy in the church—it’s not as oppressive as the Catholic Churches in Mexico, which I found uncomfortable. Nevertheless, it’s always cold in old churches, so I wanted to get back out into the spring sun soon.
We went to Poarta Schei, a gate to Brașov that was built in the early 19th century in the classical style of the arc de triomphe. We also saw a piece of the wall that used to surround the town, but we were too late to visit the tower and get up onto the wall when we got there.
We also walked through Strata Sforii, which is the narrowest street in town, so you can touch both walls at the same time. I imagined it to be medieval, old and quaint, but unfortunately, it was just a narrow passage with painted walls which were covered in graffiti and messages written on them. Rather underwhelming.
The next day, we drove to Poiana Brașov, a ski resort town, where we went to a restaurant with traditional Romanian food and a hunter’s theme: Șura Dacilor. We shared two appetizer plates with Romanian specialties and a hunter’s platter; both delicious—my favourite was the deer pastrami. After the meal, we strolled through a hotel built on columns over top of a pond and through a park, where my friend had a langoș, a deep-fried pastry a little like a Canadian beaver tail but often served with a savory topping. She actually has been trying them from different places in the hopes of finding one that’s as good as the ones she knows from her youth. This one was not bad, apparently.
Overall, Brașov was a highlight; we both really enjoyed our time there.
What, is this a work trip? isn’t the whole trip leisure time!? 😉 Nice old church. Food looks interesting!
You seem to be having fun a look relaxed. Glad to see that!!
C
What a cool place … and yummy cup of coffee… I can tell it must be good from your smile. you look wonderful in that picture!
Well Dee you look very relaxed & clearly enjoying this part of your journey, it is sad to see such graffiti on what is clearly another beautiful part of the world, you both clearly have a talent for finding such little gems, as you know its not my taste but the food looks delicious & obviously right up your street, thanks for sharing & enjoy it.