Category Archives: Eastern Europe

The best way to see a country is from the footplate of a locomotive.

Posted on November 3, 2010 by Traveler

Aside from a longstanding desire to visit Transylvania, the driving force of my eastern European itinerary was an almost-as-longstanding desire to take a ride on a luxury train (generally), the Orient Express (specifically).  After researching many options, I had come … Continue reading →

Posted in Eastern Europe, September 2010, The Train | Leave a comment

Losing time to jet lag

Posted on October 22, 2010 by Traveler

I know there are solutions to jet lag — sleeping pills for the plane ride, a glass of wine, herbal tea, and other sleep aids of choice — but nothing has ever worked better for me than good old-fashioned sleep.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Budapest, Eastern Europe, September 2010 | Leave a comment

An atmosphere befitting Transylvania

Posted on October 19, 2010 by Traveler

The 9th of September 2010 is a day to remember, and its mood helps the remembering.  The day before, I had boarded a luxury train in Budapest and arrived in Romania the next morning.  By the time I arrived in … Continue reading →

Posted in Eastern Europe, Romania, September 2010, Transylvania | Leave a comment

Istanbul cats

Posted on October 13, 2010 by Traveler

Nine years ago I was in Rome Italy, and I was struck by how many stray cats were wandering about the Colosseum. Yet the number of stray cats there barely rivals those in Istanbul! From the time I arrived to … Continue reading →

Posted in Eastern Europe, Istanbul, September 2010 | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Tonight I’m gonna bathe like it’s 1584

Posted on October 8, 2010 by Traveler

Now, if you’ve never had a massive jug of foamy water poured across your naked form on a hot stone table, I highly recommend the experience. Continue reading →

Posted in Eastern Europe, Istanbul | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Turkish Delight

Posted on October 6, 2010 by Traveler

During a stroll on our first night in Istanbul, we passed by a shop window full of this candy, and I found the color-burst irresistible. Continue reading →

Posted in Eastern Europe, Istanbul | Leave a comment

Harem

Posted on September 28, 2010 by Traveler

To most of us the term “harem” evokes images of dancing semi-clad ladies and and girls, inevitably falling into the 15th-century era-appropriate equivalent of pillow fights. Continue reading →

Posted in Eastern Europe, Istanbul, September 2010 | Leave a comment

Who is this man?

Posted on September 24, 2010 by Traveler

Our guide told us that throughout this area there are mounds and hills that contain similar tombs all over the place — some of which have not yet been opened or discovered. Continue reading →

Posted in Bulgaria | Leave a comment

English tea in a Hungarian pub

Posted on September 22, 2010 by Traveler

After order my blackcurrant tea, I couldn’t well resist digging into the big bowl of peanuts but wondered where to place the shells after cracking. Continue reading →

Posted in Budapest | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Romanian dogs

Posted on September 20, 2010 by Traveler

I can’t help wondering how our own spoiled 40-pound pet would fare were she to be transplanted to the streets of Braşov, or Sighişoara, or Istanbul. Continue reading →

Posted in Romania | Tagged , , | Leave a comment