Break in Bucharest

Time for a short trip to mainland Europe for a drop of Autumn sunshine and this time I had the pleasure of sharing my travels with a beautiful friend. 

Our days were spent walking many miles in the Old Town, through city parks, in churches, searching for street art and visiting an open air museum showing Romanian architecture and life through the ages.

We also left the city for a day to visit the spectacular Peles Castle, Bran Castle (of Dracula fame) and the Bavarian feeling town of Brasov. The history and wonders of both castles were well worth the journey. 

Every trip always includes unexpected adventures and this one didn’t disappoint. We came across two beautifully tranquil book shops and time just slipped by as we explored them. There was also a car rally event, the Bucharest marathon (which someone asked me on the bus if I was running) and an intriguing evening light show complete with installations along the main boulevard set to music which gave a real carnival feel.

So, a city with surprises and a country whose history I hadn’t known much about until this visit. A mix of influences including French, German and Turkish adding to Romanian means a feast for your eyes and taste buds. Thank you Bucharest!

Autumn thoughts…

September always seems to be a month of change - a change in the seasons and a change from holiday time to term time. This year there have been unexpected changes too and I was reminded again how important it is to stay grounded in the present and to not dwell on past mistakes, or place too much importance on the future. 

I also (unexpectedly) plucked up the courage to face my one remaining fear. I’m braving the chlorine smell, the echoes and noise and booked swimming lessons. So far, so good. I have discovered the wonders of the pool noodle and for the first time ever experienced the sensation of floating like a starfish on my back! Sounds like a small thing, but for me it was huge! I have met an amazing bunch of people and have two very lovely, patient and kind teachers. I literally booked the lessons an hour before they started, jumped in the car and went. I’m so glad I did. It has helped me turn September into a positive month and as they say, ‘every adventure requires a first step.’ 

Thankfully no photos of me splashing about with my floats, but here are some gloriously sunny pictures from walking and running in the early Autumn sunshine in Norfolk!