Bathing Optional

Romania : late August 2003

Continents

Continents

Previous Button

Ceaucescu had grand plans for this main boulevard in central Bucharest. Immense fountains sit empty and matching blocks leading all the way to the immense Palace of the People are now in disrepair.
Bucharests Palace of the People is worlds second largest building after the Pentagon.
Another view at Ceaucescus legacy.
Us with Jeremy in whose apartment we enjoyed life in the lap of luxury for our few days in Bucharest. Communist blocks make for a pretty backdrop.
In the background, the balcony from which Ceaucescu made his final speech to his people. Following that, he hopped onto a helicopter and tried to make a run for it... the rest is history.
Lots of grand facades fill central Bucharest.
Not everyone gains from the westernization in Romania.
Still in Bucharest, the Folk Museum provides a great insight into rural life in Romania.
Another look at rural life in Romania.
Ready to set out for our hike through central Romanias Bucegi Mountain Range.
A horse in the valley as we head for that summit.
Maciej and Jeremy high in the mountains.
Ashe and Maciej, higher still.
Somewhere near the summit.
Ashe with the ladies up high in the Bucegi Range.
At the foot of the mountains, in the town of Sinaia, this turn-of-the-19th century palace contains remarkably modern features such as a retractable roof and elevator.
Another look at the Palace in Sinaia.
The palace courtyard.
One of many statues on the palace grounds.
Transylvanias not-so-imposing Draculas Castle near Brasov, Romania.
Within the walls of Draculas Castle.
More of Draculas Castle.
Abandoned chapel within the walls of hilltop Rasnov Castle.
Not much within and beyond the walls of well-situated Rasnov Castle.
The more time we spent in Eastern Europe, the more of these great looking orthodox churches we came across. This one comes compliments of Brasov, Romania.
Brasovs excellent Town Hall.
Enjoying a good game of chess by the river in Brasov.
Sighisoara, probably the best-looking small town in Romania.
A very colorful square somewhere in the maze of streets making up Sighisoara.
This was the scariest thing we saw during our entire time in Transylvania.
One of the many carved figures inside Sighisoaras clock tower.
View over part of Sighisoara.
Going to remote Moldavia in the far northern reaches of Romania is like going back in time.
Rustic life in Moldavia.
Nice home.
Its like one big farm in northern Romania.
Roadside nap.
Moldavia is famous for its many painted monasteries. We visited five.
The painted monasteries walls are completely covered in iconic art in brilliant colors.
A closer look at some of the wall art.
More art.
One of the monasteries.
Another look at one of the great painted monasteries.
Moldavian countryside.
One of the larger monasteries.
A nun circles the monastery while hammering on a long piece of wood -- an ancient, daily ritual.
Ashe inside one of the monasteries.
Some local ladies spend the day at the monastery.
A nun lights candles.
Roses.
Another local lady passes the fantastic painted walls of the monastery.
At one of the larger painted monasteries, the chapel sits in the heart of a large, walled complex.
An old tower at one of the monasteries with newer church in the background.
Ashe at one of our camping spots by a river in Moldavia.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
Nice place for a nest!
Part of the Happy Cemetery in northern Romania. Each cross is hand painted with a unique scene depicting the deceased life.
She must have been a great cook!
A good looking fellow.
The local butcher?
A farmer, we think.
Striking resemblance to Hitler...
Couldnt decipher this guys life story or circumstances surrounding his death...
Died of booze and smokes?
He loved his horse.
Another great cook!
The circumstances surrounding the death of this lady are presented in not-so-subtle a way...
Cant get enough of the Happy Cemetery. Each tombstone a happy reminder of a life passed.
Whos the barber now?
A musician come and gone.
Another look through the Cemetery.
Devote to the end.
On our way out of Moldavia we had to change buses in a not-so-exciting town that ended up being a fantastic stop!
We wandered into the local weekend market that gave us a glimpse into the simple way of life enjoyed in these far reaches of Europe.
All local men sported their best hats.
More pigs for sale.
More great hats!
An older gentlemen in a fabulous wool jacket and sporting his best hat.
A couple at the market.
Another local shopper.
A day at the market.
Just before leaving Romania, we visited a great little museum town with many fantastically preserved traditional structures.
Old gate.
An old church -- fantastic!
Sunflowers.
The church.
Old tombstone.
An old home.
A berry tree in blossom.
Old tombstones.
Ashe in the old garden.

View all picture thumbnails...

Move your mouse over a pin on the map and you will see some information here!