Oradea, my love

There are so many things to write about the town; firstly, it is also called "Little Paris"- because of the similitude to its famous counterpart and because of the river which splits the town in half. But the name comeS from the Latin "Varadinum" and it's an 11th Century bohemian University town favoured by many writers, painters and philosophers. The burgh comes alive at night, there are that many brasseries, restaurants, cocktail bars and clubs open at all hours. "The Corso" or Oradea's main street is buzzing with excitement and there are parties, barbeques and soiree's all over the place - you will never get bored.

English, Hungarian, Italian, Spanish and French languages are widely spoken so it is easy to forget this is still a part of the world which twenty years ago was under Ceausescu's infamous comunist regime.

I remember the queues, the rations, the blackouts and shortages - the whispered news of what lies just a few milew away, beyond the border. I never watched any television programmes or listened to foreign music and news of the "outside" were brought to us curtesy of the home made satellite dishes and antennae's. You could be arrested for owning one dollar or for just telling the truth.

Like any East-Europeans, Romanians are resilient if a little stubborn and the country  resembles little of the place it used to be. I am not going to reminisce of the days long gone (but not forgotten) instead I will try to entice you to visit this unusual place. But, don't forget there are still grumpy people around- relics of the comunist era so a bucket load of humour is a must! However- life would be so bland without a little excitement, isn't it?

RE: the Vampire myth, No, I have never been bitten by one, nor am I one- but it turns out there is a little truth (read more in the Visit Transylvania group which I belong to) even if metaphorically speaking.

Still, I am not going to elaborate too much, you can seek the story for yourselves.

So, what is it to do in Oradea, this little Transylvanian burgh? Well, there are plenty of places to visit in Oradea: museums, churches, historical buildings. When you'll be parched and hungry there is something to eat in every other place and so many hotels too. And shopping- shopping! You could also try your chances at abseiling, horse riding or you could be walking through the many woods.

In the winter you could go skying to the nearest skying resort at Stana de Vale but don't expect miracles- its only a small place and really inexpensive. The winters are really cold, with temperatures reaching to - 20 degrees centigrade (OK, mainly in the mountains) and the summers are exceptionally hot (could reach plus 40 degrees centigrade).

For those wishing to indulge in a little pampering, you should know the whole place practically floats on thermal springs. Not far there are the Felix Spa Town and the 1 Mai Spa resort and also most hotels have their own swimming facilities. You should know that through the town flows a little river called "Peta" and the water is warm, even in the winter! In fact I promise that my next winter visit I will go swimming to one of many thermal spa's situated outside (!!!) and will post some photo's to prove it. The water is so hot, even if sometimes there is two feet of snow and ice beside the pool! You won't believe the experience. You can have facials ( two hours approx 11 Euro's), maniqures and pediqures costing approx 11 Euro for both - and the do such a good job- nothing like you'll experience anywhere outside Eastern Europe!

Don't attempt to drive- the roads are attrocious- unless you have eyes in your back and/ or a death wish.

Taxi's are really cheap- approx 0.70 eurocents per kilometer and all you have to do is stick your arms out- you'll find one in an instant. There is a local airport which connects you to flights to Bucharest - but there are no international flights at this time- unless you own a private plane (the aiport is under re-development).

Trains are reliable (unbelievably so), and really cheap - you can travel by the Intercity speed train or by using an allnighter sleeper wagon (my favourite). Typically a trip to Bucharest takes approx 11.5 hours (approx 400 miles) and it makes its way across Romania's mountains and many beautiful cities. If you choose the Intercity (in the day time), you will be able to admire the beautiful scenery unfolding in front of your very eyes!

That's it for now- I will keep adding!

OK- you've asked for it!

The last few photo's are at the University's TIR (?) shooting range- this is where they prepare the new champions.

Apparently. The working conditions are appauling- still they keep training... My partner's wife and father-in-law are both teaching there and they thought it would be fun to watch me make a fool of myself. Well, who cares- what was I saying about taking part?