Bucharest to the Black Sea and Back

The Arch in Bucharest



McDonalds, new and old transportation



Chowcheske (sp?) Memorial in Bucharest

Fortress at the Black Sea

At the black sea

The boys in conversation after a beer lunch

Charlie and Mary at Black Sea

Nancy & Jim at Archeology Museum

Government bldg. in Bucharest

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Varna

·         This morning we departed by motor coach for a 3-12 hour (each way) excursion to the Black Sea resort town of Varna, Bulgaria

·         The charming city of Varna is the largest city and seaside resort on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, and another of Europe's oldest continually inhabited destinations.  A major agricultural, trade and shipbuilding center for the Ottoman Empire in the 16th-17th centuries, today it remains a popular seaside resort and hub of business and education.  It's also home to a number of notable sights:  The Varna Archaeological Museum features numerous regional artifacts, such as the Gold of Varna (thought to be the world's oldest gold), while the beautiful Sea Garden--the largest landscaped public part in the Balcans--is an ideal locale for which we gazed upon the Black Sea.

·         It was very cold and windy.

·         After lunch, we got a chance to dip our fingers into the Black Sea and collect some sea shells. 

·         After the ride back, we had dinner at our hotel and then up to bed.



Monday, November 14, 2011

Bucharest, Romania

·         This morning we explored the highlights of Bucharest during our city tour of Bucharest.  Bucharest is an old city that, since 1659, served as the capital of Wallachia and later, Romania.  During the 19th century, it was often referred to as "Little Paris of the East".  Today it is noted for its broad tree-lined boulevards, parks and architectural styles.  Highlights are the Arc de Triomphe, which commemorates the exploits of World War I soldiers and Revolution Square, where recent events in history are inscribed.

·         After a few picture taking stops, we were set loose in the Bucharest shopping mall for two hours.  We all had different items for lunch.  Bob and Mary -- McDonalds, the Montanos-- Chinese, Charlie and Rose- Lebanese food.  After much intense shopping, we came away with Star Bucks go cups with Romania printed on them.  What a find!!

·         We have our last happy hour in the hotel—and prepare for a farewell drink in the lobby before dinner at hotel - Ramada Plaza Bucharest.

·         36 of our tour group goes on to Transylvania.  We wanted to do this portion of the trip, but were told by GCT that it wasn’t available.  There will be strongly worded letter written to GCT upon our return.

·         We say our goodbyes to Radu, our guide as he leads the next tour group on to Transylvania.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Bucharest

·         Transfer to the airport for your flight home

·         We have an early check out (3:45 a.m.) for a 6:00 departure home through Amsterdam.  We are to arrive about 1:30 on the same day that we leave, even thought there is over a 10 hour time difference.

·         We have had lots of fun, and will never think of Eastern Europe the same again.  It is a country that is surviving, and doing quite well, as well as preserving the past.