Eastern Europe
Posted by Kirsty on April 23rd 2007
Written on the 2007 London to Sydney expedition
As soon as we crossed the border into Romania, everything was completely different – the scenery, the people and modes of transport and farming (with a donkey and cart being the means of getting from A to B for many a Romanian). Having just recently joined the European Union, both Romania and Bulgaria were proud to fly both their national flag and the EU flag side by side in even the smallest village.
We had some absolutely stunning bush camps – in fields with sheep, by meandering rivers and craggy mountain peaks (which some people seem to have the desire to run up – craziness, but good training for Tibet).
We visited Castle Bran, otherwise known as Dracula’s Castle in Romania which turned out to be a tourist trap par excellence, a bit disappointing but entertaining nevertheless (especially the fake Dracula teeth one could buy for a euro).
The highlight for many people so far was staying in the Dryanovo Monastery in Bulgaria. Originally built in the 12th – 15th century, the monastery is located in a beautiful spot – at the foot of sheer cliffs and next to a babbling brook. The Head Monk was very hospitable inviting us to eat in their dining room and treating us to a church service.
We are now in Istanbul, Turkey, land of fresh bread, tasty tomatoes and olives and of course, the kebab. Highlights have included visiting the Blue Mosque, partaking in a traditional hamam (Turkish bath) and popping over the Bosphorus Strait (the natural divide between Europe and Asia) on a ferry for a beer in Asia.
Tomorrow we head off to Gallipoli to commemorate Anzac (Australia New Zealand Army Corp) Day with thousands of Australian and New Zealand backpackers.
Till next time…
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