It’s been a while since I’ve been in Bucharest. I returned to the city for a longer stay. I hope this time I’ll get the chance to see more of it and show you a different perspective than the one you are used to.
I couldn’t not notice Laura asking why I don’t post anymore. Well, carra mia I’m back and I’ll write you about other places in your lovely town.
Arriving at A&A Adventure & Accommodation was an interesting experience from my point of view. And from a high point of view.
I tried the Tower apartment this time. I was a bit afraid of the height wneh I was told that it’s on the 12th floor. “What if the building crashes in case of an earthquake?” This was my main concern. But I got reasurred the building survived the ” ’77 earthquake” which apparently was a serious one, and after that they added some more reinforcements.
Still I was afraid. It’s not easy for a person used to feel the ground under his feet each time he walks. But I accepted. The first few minutes, recovering from a long journey with the elevator, I tried to lie to myself that it’s all in my mind and nothing wrong will happen.
Then I got to the window and I was dazzled: a magnificent panorama of the western part of Bucharest and in front of me the Parliament Palace. I couldn’t have ask for more.
I recommend this apartment for all those who want something different. Still I’m fascinated by this city and still impressed by what I see on my window.
Nevertherless wondering through Bucharest can be an exhausting enterprise. Today I got at Universitate early in the morning to feel the city pulse in it’s very heart.
I discovered a very fancy cafe near Universitate Square, called CremCaffe, where I found a real Italian espresso. At 9 in the morning, this wonderful potion given by Gods to us, made me understand why this part of the world is called the Little Paris. Old buildings surrounding me, the rush near by, a cool breeze. I was lucky to find here WiFi and write my emails and this post.
It’s a exquisite experience. Come, have a coffee and a croissant at first hour in the morning, feel the aroma of an old city pulsing full of life.
The other day, I got lost in the old alleys of Bucharest. At first, I thought I will wander for hours to find my way out of the intricate street design of the old center. Instead I found a place where they build pieces of jewellery: The Glassmakers’ Court.
If you dare to enter this den, you’ll find some fiery dragons trapped in big brick furnaces writhing for centuries. Around them glassmakers are swirling long pipes, handling hot melted glass. I stood still for a while astonished, admiring the precision and the craft they embed into these glass masterpieces.
Around this Court, I found stores where the jewells are being displayed. I entered one. A nice lady met me and we started chatting about this art of producing Galle, Tiffany or Daum Nancy. Each story impressed me more and more. Finally, I decided to leave my story teller and head back for the apartment feeling overwhelmed.
Entering my apartment, I felt all the stories I have been told, surrounding me. The Galle apartment  I have chosen for this staying felt more alive, filled with stories about craft and dragons. A smile and a story for all the travellers that come to Bucharest.
Maybe one of the most important buildings in Bucharest is The Parliament Palace, sitting majestic in the very center of Bucharest on top of a small hill called Uranus Hill or Spirii Hill.
Built by Nicolae Ceausescu in an eclectic neoclassical architectural style, as a simbol of his power, bigger than Keops Piramyd and the second most large building in the world.
Housing the Romanian Parliament, this city-in-a-builing has a life of his own, separated from the rest of the city. From outside you can only get a glipse of it’s grandor and opulence. Inside, huge halls and infinite hallways are waiting for the curious visitor to get lost.
I could tell you numbers and facts about this controversed building but they could not tell you much about it. You have to come and visit it.
I recommend you the Parliament Apartment as it has a spectacular view over the Palace. I have always wished to wake up in the morning and see the Pyramids. This apartment offered me a close experience without having to go to Egypt.
It’s not easy to find a starting point when visiting Bucharest. Nor the modern center, nor the hidden old alleys can tell you that there should be your start. After a long day discussing business, a few hours of wandering can get you to discover places you never thought could exist.
Such a small city, so many things cluttered in a small place waiting to be discovered.
I invite you to roam Bucharest as my virtual partner in a very long journey that will uncover places and pieces of history, some hidden, some forgotten, some boldly standing in front of you.
