I totally take back what I said in the previous blog about Bucharest being "ugly". While it is true that many of the streets ARE nondescript at best, and truly ugly at worst, it is ALSO true that there are some quite beautiful parts as well... of which this blog is about!
I went on a second walking tour--this time, through the affluent old neighborhoods--the "old money" neighborhoods, one might say--and there were many beautiful old mansions to admire there. There were prettier, quieter streets, as one would expect, with large trees and much more greenery in general. It is also true-- per our lovely guide, Paul-- that many mansions are abandoned and have fallen into disrepair, simply because the descendents of the wealthy owners could not afford the upkeep. Tragic, indeed! Many are also now possessed by insitutions or corporations... and some, by various consulates and embassies.
It was a scenic and enjoyable evening's walk...especially because the sky was clear and clean, and the air much cooler than the previous few days. The previous night--and throughout much of this day--there had been intermittent rain and thunderstorms. Happily, though, all of this had ceased in time for our walking tour! How very fortuitous!
The day after the tour, I returned to our meeting point in Herastrau Park-- the largest park in Bucharest-- rented a bicycle there, and spent a happy couple of hours circling the large lake and exploring the park and beyond. When outside of the park, I got chased off a property for trespassing (couldn't help but photograph the beautiful, dilapidated old mansion I stumbled across there!) Inside the park, I met some other friendly foreigners: we took photos for one another at the "circle of heads". As I sat eating my lunch on a park bench, I was entertained by some crazy boys riding scooters in a skateboard park, who frequently came crashing down on feet and knees! (I felt sorry for their parents!)
Now that it is Friday, it seems as though the week I am spending in Bucharest is passing more quickly than expected... I am enjoying it more and more, to be sure. (Also feeling very confident navigating the brilliant metro system now, and pretending to be a real local here!)
Enjoy the photos!
 |
| It had been overcast and rainy when I arrived at our meetup point in the park...but happily, the rain ceased and we had a pleasant, dry stroll throughout our 3 hour tour. |
 |
Yes, no surprise: Bucharest ALSO has its own version of the Arc de Triumphe! Paul told us that this one is only about half the size of the original in Paris, though.
|
 |
As with most of the mansions we passed by on our tour, I no longer recall who owned this one. I do believe it was either the government or a business of some sort, though...
|
 |
This one definitely housed offices of some sort... and was my absolute favorite!
|
 |
I was pleased to see this bust of Elie Weisel, who, to my surprise, was born in Romania! Happy he was being honored here, although--per Paul--very few people know who he is...how sad is that?!
|
 |
| This was not one of the mansions, but rather a charming old hotel...still surviving as such! |
 |
This one is now a very upscale restaurant...
|
 |
| NOT a mansion, but simply a beautiful old apartment building. |
The next day: my enjoyable bike tour of the massive Heratrau Park! Beginning with-- what I can only describe as--"The circle of heads"! Each "head" is a portrait of one of the prime ministers or presidents of the various countries comprising the original 12 of the European Union. As I understand it, there are now 20 countries in the E.U...but there probably wasn't a way to fit 8 additional heads into the circle!
 |
This cheerful-looking fellow was the prime minister of Luxemburg when the E.U. was formed. Don't ask me his name...cannot recall, of course! (But certainly a question for Google, if you really must know!)
|
 |
I got quite "cozy" with this nice fella!
|
 |
Prime minister of Germany, I believe...LOVE the double chin!!!
|
 |
Long shot of the very huge lake taking up much of the park.
|
 |
| The beautiful-- but sadly abandoned--mansion I photographed, right before being chased away for trespassing! (they yelled something at me in Romanian--hopefully not obscenities!!!) |
Comments
Post a Comment