After years of austerity under communist rule, Romania became free in 1989 . They commenced to finish this over the top building of grandeur and beauty. All the marble, Chrystal and building supplies come from Romania. It is filled with intricate inlaid wood. The rose, white and black marble is stunning. One chandelier weighs several tons and can only be cleaned through an opening in the roof. Everything is spacious and elegant. Many rooms look like the UN wi...

Half of Romania live in cities where they can make between 7 and 800 euros a month, while those on the farm only make around 200, but they do grow their own food. The GDP breaks down to : 11% taxes, 6.5% agriculture, 27% industry ( during communism 90%), 50% services. - they have 190 castles to show the world!! The picture is of a gypsy who entertained us at lunch.

This is a picture of one of the many gypsy homes here . Gypsies make up 3.5% of the population and have special privileges .Whereas everyone else starts school at 7 with a year of preschool beforehand and after 8 years of free schooling are given a test. The high school they go to depends on the score of the test. The gypsy student if they get a 5 or more ( 10 being the highest) get to go to the high school of their choice. Our guide said they make their money...

This is my third try - I will really love having dependable WiFi when we get home in about 12 hours from now. Commie condos was the name our guide gave these drab concrete apartments the communists constructed so workers could be near the factories they had erected. They are depressing to look at, let alone live in. They were very small. Today some are able to buy two small ones and put them together to make a larger place. The Romans settled this area in 273....

After a good lunch complete with music and dancers, we walked to a Turkish house that was still intact from the Ottoman Empire. Pictured is a huge bed where 7 people would sleep. There are little tea cups on the bed, so I expect much more than sleeping was going on... From there we visited a Christian church which was allowed to be there during the Ottoman time if it were no taller than a Turk on horseback with his sword raised and they paid a tax. They dug de...