Even though there was no snow in Cluj-Napoca it was still mighty cold! After walking around the town for an hour I was in need of a coffee to warm me up. I ended up visiting a Pâtisserie on Str Memorandumului which was very nice and it didn't smell of stale cigarette smoke, although unfortunately my slice of cake was stale!
After a further hour of walking around the centre of town I decided to have an early lunch, and so went in search of the restaurant called 'Roata'. It was a little hard to find, but when I finally found it I had a pleasant surprise as it had a nice Transylvanian feel to it. I ordered Goulash soup for starters (15 lei), followed by Sarmale (20 lei), finished off with Floating Islands (15 lei). It was all very delicious, although when I gave a small tip at the end I realised I'd been charged extra for the bread!
After my lunch I had a good wander around St Michael's Church, where there were many stalls selling all varieties of goods and food worth looking at. I soon realised there was some large parade happening along Bulevardul Broilor, which seemed to be a celebration of all the forces, the army being the most dominate. As I continued to walk south the crowds were becoming bigger, and as I reached the Opera House I was lucky to witness some folkloric dance groups performing which was wonderful to see. As I stood outside the Opera House the massive parade headed my way, it was an amazing spectacle which made for some great photographs.
After the parade and the crowds dispersed, I grabbed something to eat before heading back to St Michael's Church. Nearby was a small stage, (which I'd noticed earlier) with a small crowd gathering. I hung around for a while and soon the crowd became bigger and I was presented with more folkloric dance groups performing, including some singers. The dance acts were amazing to watch and the crowds went wild! I stayed around for about an hour before a lady came on stage to sing which really wasn't my cup of tea and so I left!
Whilst heading back to my hotel I decided to visit the train station as I really wanted to continue travelling in the morning. (My plan was to explore around Stana de Vale in the Apuseni Mountains.) A very nice lady at the ticket office very kindly helped me purchase my 2nd class ticket for Piatra Craiulu (12.5 lei). I did ask if I should get off at Bucea but the she informed me the train did not stop here anymore. The train leaves at 8:03 am and is due to arrive at 10:04 am. I hope to catch a bus to continue further with my travels after arriving at Piatra Craiulu.
The Orthodox Cathedral in Cluj-Napoca (1923-33)
Cluj-Napoca
After a further hour of walking around the centre of town I decided to have an early lunch, and so went in search of the restaurant called 'Roata'. It was a little hard to find, but when I finally found it I had a pleasant surprise as it had a nice Transylvanian feel to it. I ordered Goulash soup for starters (15 lei), followed by Sarmale (20 lei), finished off with Floating Islands (15 lei). It was all very delicious, although when I gave a small tip at the end I realised I'd been charged extra for the bread!
Goulash soup & Pálinka (Plum Brandy) in Cluj-Napoca
'Sarmale' in Cluj-Napoca
After my lunch I had a good wander around St Michael's Church, where there were many stalls selling all varieties of goods and food worth looking at. I soon realised there was some large parade happening along Bulevardul Broilor, which seemed to be a celebration of all the forces, the army being the most dominate. As I continued to walk south the crowds were becoming bigger, and as I reached the Opera House I was lucky to witness some folkloric dance groups performing which was wonderful to see. As I stood outside the Opera House the massive parade headed my way, it was an amazing spectacle which made for some great photographs.
Kürtőskalács in Cluj-Napoca
Kürtőskalács in Cluj-Napoca
Kürtőskalács in Cluj-Napoca
Stone bowls for sale in Cluj-Napoca
The army in Cluj-Napoca
The army in Cluj-Napoca
The army in Cluj-Napoca
Folkloric dance group wearing Romanian traditional costumes - Cluj-Napoca
Folkloric dance group wearing Romanian traditional costumes - Cluj-Napoca
Folkloric dance group wearing Romanian traditional costumes - Cluj-Napoca
The army in Cluj-Napoca
The army in Cluj-Napoca
The army in Cluj-Napoca
The army in Cluj-Napoca
Covrigi in Cluj-Napoca
The Orthodox Cathedral in Cluj-Napoca (1923-33)
Romanian National Theatre and Opera House in Cluj-Napoca
Folkloric dance group wearing Romanian traditional costumes - Cluj-Napoca
Folkloric dance group wearing Romanian traditional costumes - Cluj-Napoca
Folkloric dance group wearing Romanian traditional costumes - Cluj-Napoca
Folkloric dance group wearing Romanian traditional costumes - Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca - As the sun goes down…
Cluj-Napoca - As the sun goes down…
Whilst heading back to my hotel I decided to visit the train station as I really wanted to continue travelling in the morning. (My plan was to explore around Stana de Vale in the Apuseni Mountains.) A very nice lady at the ticket office very kindly helped me purchase my 2nd class ticket for Piatra Craiulu (12.5 lei). I did ask if I should get off at Bucea but the she informed me the train did not stop here anymore. The train leaves at 8:03 am and is due to arrive at 10:04 am. I hope to catch a bus to continue further with my travels after arriving at Piatra Craiulu.
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