Backpackerz BUZZ: Issue 63

This issue, we’re looking at backpacking in Romania, 5 handy gadgets to your grand tour, what to do in Edmonton this summer, and the ultimate Top 5 Hostel Health Tips.

Romania used to be a country hidden away, until its recent joining of the European Union, and I decided I wanted to discover it before it became too overwhelmed with visitors.

I started in Bucharest, where I discovered there are many different directions and prices to get to a destination. Haggling is the key!

The city architecture is varied although a medieval theme seems to prevail. There are many grey communist-style buildings within the city centre; the houses in suburban areas are older and basic, while the Parliament building, with its Champs d’Élysées-style street out front, is made of Romanian marble, gold and silk. The contrasts between the buildings are so striking it’s hard to believe that you’re in one city.

My travelling companion and I ventured down the main street of the old town and found a café filled with locals and we thought we would try the local specialty, mititei. It’s a small sausage rissole made of various kinds of meat. Once we worked out the ordering system (hand gestures seemed to work very well for us), we hesitatingly ventured forth. We found that the dish was quite tasty, when cooked, not raw! We sensed the BBQ chef was in a bit of a hurry so didn’t hold a grudge against him.

I found grocery shopping to be an adventure of its own kind. There are basic fruits, vegetables and staples in the supermarkets, but there is much more choice at open-air, fresh-food markets.

Realizing that there must be more than a city to explore, we set out via an intricate connection of minibusses to Brasov. The van was crammed with people, bags, crates and sacks. Personal space, and any other kind of space, was filled. We took it as all being part of the local experience and it brought smiles to our faces. This quaint little town at the bottom of Tampa Mountain has a city centre that is very easy to navigate, has superb bakeries for breakfast pastries and a challenging mountain to clamber up. There are many bars, restaurants and shops to entertain all kinds of people. The town also has a university, but at the time I was there, it appeared to be filled with Romanians on holidays instead of students.

From Brasov we did a day-trip to Bran and Rasnov to see Bran Castle. The castle is worth exploring, but do note that Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) only used the castle as a headquarters—all the tourist gimmicks around the castle would have you believe otherwise. There is yet another mountain to discover at Rasnov with a fortress at the top to scramble around. The reward is really cheap beer when you get back to the bottom—one pint for approximately $2!

There are some areas of the country where mountains and pastures stretch ahead, as do the construction sites. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see the country listed on a skiing destination list very soon.

I found the people to be friendly—they offer assistance with a smile. I had a little boy direct me to a hostel in Bucharest without having to ask for directions; I guess the backpack gave it away.

I feel I only scraped the surface of what Romania has to offer, but I urge those wanting a refreshing backpacking trip to look up flights to Romania.  By Colleen Boneham

Romania: Experience It for Yourself
Romania was once an “old school” pocket of Europe—where horse-drawn carts and cobble-stone streets prevailed. You’ll still find both of these in the Eastern European country,  but with its incorporation into NATO in 2004 and the European Union in 2007, modern European influences are beginning to impact the Romanian way of life. Whether that’s a good or a bad thing is a thought left up to the individual who takes the time to experience the country firsthand.

It’s had a wild history—laced with folklore and strong tradition. From Roman to Ottoman empires, monarchies to dictatorships, people’s republics to communist regimes—it all led to the country’s current democratic and progressive state.
What remains largely untouched by economic shifts is the stunning landscape of the country. That’s only part of the reason Romania saw a record number of visitors in 2007 and expects even more this year. A country as rich in culture, people and history as Romania deserves some undivided attention and reflection on the concept of old-versus-new and the impact of modernization.

Hostels in Romania
HI-Brasov, Hostel Mara is located in the city’s central square, in the Old City Centre. It’s close to old churches, monuments and parts of the wall that once surrounded the city. From the hostel, you’re also close to restaurants, shops and entertainment. The hostel has partnered with local establishments that offer discounts to guests. 
www.hostelbrasov.ro

HI-Bucharest, Midland Hostel is in the historic centre of Bucharest in a century-old heritage building within walking distance of restaurants, shops, bars, a supermarket and banks—and only a minute away from Cismigiu Park. Major attractions are also nearby, including the Parliament buildings, the National Opera House, Curtea Veche (the Old Court) and the Romanian Athenaeum.  
www.themidlandhostel.com

HI-Cluj-Napoca, Retro Hostel is the only hostel in Cluj-Napoca, but according to Lonely Planet, it’s “one of Romania’s best.” Cluj-Napoca is a young, energetic city, home to 4,000 students at its university. The nightlife is alive and history still thrives in its churches, museums and gardens. The hostel also offers tours to nearby attractions like an ice cave, salt mine and thermal baths. www.retro.ro

5 Gadgets for Your Grand Tour
Pocket Towel-This towel fits in the palm of your hand. The large is a decent 24″ x 48″-size, and for those more extreme packers, try the small at just 16″ x 32″. Incredibly lightweight, it handles lots of water and dries very quickly.

Money Belt-OK. OK. I know this isn’t the sexiest part of travelling, but at least consider it a necessary evil of travelling on a budget. This is your travelling safe. Not a wallet. Not a change purse. Not a fanny pack (it goes on the inside of your pants). Only the most essential items go in here and in this day and age of paperless airline tickets, you should be able to fit everything in the Passport Money Case from Eagle Creek, the most comfortable money belt on the market. I call it peace of mind for under 20 bucks.

HI Membership and a few nights reserved at your destination-Again, a little peace of mind on the road. Travelling with HI hostels gives you a guaranteed level of service and standards. A membership good until March 2010 is just $35. Research your destination and book your first few nights online at 
www.hihostels.com.

Adapter plug-Holy iPod Batman! Is there anyone who doesn’t own one? Travelling with one is easy—you just need to buy the adapter plug(s) from any travel store for the countries that you are visiting. Don’t forget the recharger from Apple that plugs into the wall—you won’t always have access to a computer.

Pocket Soap-This tiny package holds 50 leaves of pure, dry soap. Pocket Soap won’t turn into a soggy, slimy mess like regular bar soap. It’s also more economical because you only use as much as you need and the rest stays dry. Just add water and it’s ready to be used as a body wash, shampoo and dishwashing or clothes-washing soap. In addition, it can be put in your carry-on bag during flights because it’s not a liquid or gel. Biodegradable, fragrance-free and dissolves completely.

For those in Edmonton, these items can all be purchased at the Hostelling International Travel Shop at 10926-88 Avenue. (780) 439-3089 or email travelshop.na@hihostels.ca.

This entry was posted on Friday, April 18th, 2008 at 12:29 pm and is filed under Hostelling International. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site. Add to del.icio.us.