It is sad to think that the original inhabitants were invaded frequently and forced to pay to enter the gate to their own city to sell their goods.
In recent years, the 1960's, the Communist regime forces thousands of people from Moldovia to work in new factories in Brasov, changing the nature of Brasov and converting it into a large city. Luckily, the old town remains more or less intact, and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
In November 1987, discontent by workers from a Brasov factory manufacturing trucks, lead to demonstrations and riots against the regime and it's leader and self titled 'President', Nicolae Ceaucescu.
Ceaucescu's policies had led to years of rationing and shortages of goods and food, and when the Brasov workers were told that 15,000 out of 20,000 of them would be laid off, they took to the streets shouting 'down with Communism' and 'down with Ceaucescu'. This was one of the key events in Romania which led to the overthrow of Ceaucescu and Communism with him, in 1989.
The threatened deportation of an Hungarian priest in the town of Timisoara was the final catalyst for revolution. .As his parishioners surrounded him to protect him, passers-by and students joined in the cause. The unrest and dissatisfaction of the populace, with Ceaucescu and his policies keeping the people poor and hungry, while a few officials and cronies lived off the fat of the land, and spent public money demolishing servicable buildings, so that Boulevards in the French style could be built, accredited to Ceaucescu, had taken it's toll. The peasants couldn't eat the replica of the Arc de Triomphe, and the vast majority would never visit Bucharest to see it, when they were living hand to mouth.
In Brasov in 1989, 'revolutionaries' were gunned down mercilessly, including a young girl in the wrong place at the wrong time, and the Volksbank Building still bears the scars.
R.I.P.
Today, Brasov is a magnet for 'Bucharest Millionaires', Skiers, and tourists. The fresh air is a draw for city inhabitants and tourists alike, in Summer and Winter. The picturesque setting of ancient Brasov, nestling beneath the statuesque mountain slopes covered with evergreen trees, is a delight to the eyes in the sun, snow, and even the rain, such is it's magnificance.
A swanky bar where Rich sat happily for an hour while I went in every shop (nearly), in the street at the 'T junction at the building on the right. The mountains just soar upwards at the end of the street, and when you are near them, you cannot see where they end.
We ate in a cellar restaurant called Bella Musica which serves local, Hungarian and Mexican (!)food.
I decided to try Mexican as a change from Romanian food, then was disapointed wnen I saw someone getting Hungarian soup served in a round loaf of bread as it looked delicious.
The Bella Musica has a music menu, and diners are encouraged to choose from it. I liked the sound of Beatles love songs while Rich liked Leonard Cohen, but we compromised on 'Buena Vista Social Club'. After about 3 numbers,the music changed to Noray Jones , someone else's choice. I think having a music menu is a good idea, but should probably be changed regularly and not include 'Bat out of Hell' unless it is v busy.
An art nouveau restaurant in the French style which we did not manage to visit. There was also a restaurant opposie this one which served fondues. The food in Brasov is from varying cuisines, and is better than in the average Romanian restaurant. We may have to visit Brasov again as it has a lot to offer.
We ended the still warm evening in one of the cafe bars where I had hot chocolate and blackcurrant, which was delicious, and gave us a breather before we tackled the lower mountain slopes up to the hotel and Bedfordshire.
For any traveller to Romania, I would definitely recommend putting Brasov on the itinerary.
I hope that people enjoy the mixture of tourism and history as I do. I am always interested in the history compared to the modern day culture in the places that I visit as well as the obvious tourist attractions.
Signing off for now, AM
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