Trip to Romania

If you ever want to go back and see what life was like 50 or even 100 years ago then Romania is the place for you. It is common to see horse carriages pulling the locals around or to see shepards out attending their heards. Life is much simpler and slower there.
I went there with a group of 13 international students from all over that study with me in Debrecen. We had a great time with each other. We were led around the area by one of the exchange students in Hungary named Alina. Alina conviently is a Romanian and acted as out tour guide. She took us all around, and even had her parents prepare several meals for us. We were well fed! On out third day it snowed heavily but did not stop us from getting to Dracula's castle.
The Romania's claim that this is Dracula's castle but there is no real proof. Most people believe that his real castle was destroyed long ago. Dracula or Vlad Tepes was a real person who ruled the area of Translyvania. He was a horrible person who would impale people on wooden spikes outside his caslte then dine outside with his victums all around. Dracula means Dragon.
After the castle we headed over to the Romanian royal palace.



Top right- A picture of me with the international students at Alina's parents house.
Middle- A great shot of an old traditional Romania taking a nap on a train.
Bottom right- The Romania royal palace.

Dracula's Castle

Oh no Dracula is coming!

On my way up the steps to the castle.

A side shot of the Castle.

Here is a great front shot of the Castle.

Here I am in the little town of shops with the Castle in the background.

Trip to the mountains and the coast

I had a great adventure this past week. I went from being in the Julian Alps of Slovenia to the warm soothing water of the Adriatic Sea. The trip started in Slovenia and ended in the harbor town of Split, Croatia. It was not an easy place to reach but was well worth it. I think I spent a total of 38 hours on train and another 4 hours on busses and ferries. I headed down from Budapest to Zagreb which is the capital of Croatia. From there I headed up the steep mountain slopes to the quiet town of Ljubljana the capital of Slovenia. Ljubljana is compared to Prague and Paris. From Ljubljana I headed to Split. Split is the main port for ferries that head to Italy and all parts of Croatia. Croatia is a country of Islands. There are thousands of Islands big and small. Split is home to Diocletians Palace. Diocletian was a great Roman ruler who was famous for executing Christian missionaries. In Split is where he decided to have built his retirement palace. The palace still stands to today. It is a marvel to see how a building so old can still be so strong. Inface the locals other the centuries have moved into the walls of the palace and it continues to be a thriving place. I was able to see the famous beach on the Island of Brac called Zlatni Rat. It is a warm beach that extends out to a point. I also saw some other amazing Roman ruins. This was a great trip!

Croatia day 1

Just as I arrived in Split the sun was rising.

Some of the ferries heading to the Islands

This is in the main square

A local band entertains

Croatia day 1 cont

Me in front of the tower of Diocletians Palace. Inside the palace walls are now homes and even the hostel we stayed in.

Split is a beautiful fishing town turned into a bust seaport. But some of the fishers still fish.

This ship was heading out to Italy. Can you imagine how fun that would be?

Croatia day 2

Here I am setting off on a ferry for the Island of Brach to the famous beach called Zlatni Rat.

Enjoying some sunshine

Enjoying the beautiful coast

Here is one side of the beach

And the other. The beach comes out to a point its quite amazing. Just watch out for nude bathers.

Croatia day 3

There are many Roman ruins in Split. Top left is are the remains of the great Roman Emperor Diocletians Palace where he retired and lived out his days. Top right is a Roman aquaduct. Below left are remanis of a Roman colosseum where gladiators fought and were Christian missionaries were killed by wild animals. Lower right is me resting after a long trip.

Ljubljana

I was glad that I could take train for the day up through the steep mountains to Ljubljana in Slovenia. I only spent a day but it was worth it. They say that Ljubljana is a miny Prague and has the feeling of Paris without the attitude. I feel in love with the rivers, coblestone streets and beautiful trees.

Here is shot of the river that cuts through the town.

Everyone seems to ride a bike or walk for transportation. I almost got run over multiple times.

One month in Hungary

Time is flying by and already it has been a month since I left SLC. I cant believe that I only have two more months in Hungary and another to travel around Europe. I must say that I have been loving it here, the people, school and the food. I love waking up each morning and getting a fresh cherry or apple pastry at the local bakery. School is still easy, the weather is nice and warm and the travels so far have been great.

Hungarian Folk Dancing

We had a international night with students from all over the world. I was surprised that so many people had chosen Hungary as their place of study. We learned a traditional Hungarian dance. It was a lot of fun! Here are some pictures.

Here I am amongst other international students wondering what are we doing in Hungary

Actually this stuff isnt to bad, I might try a little

Good job Paul

This is Aniko and her daughter. She is in charge of the international students

Debrecen

This is downtown Debrecen in front of the great church, my school is just up the road.

2007!

This is the trolley I use to get around

Coat of Arms