We flew from Amsterdam to Bucharest, Romania to join a river cruise on the eastern portion of the Danube River. Bucharest is the farthest east we have ever traveled.

Bucharest seems to have a split personality. Sometimes it is “Micul Paris” (Little Paris).

Other times, “Bucureștiul este o fetiță veche, obosită, într-o haină cam zdrențuită,” (Bucharest is a faded old gal in a raggedy coat).

A highlight from our first walk through Bucharest was the narrow passage leading into Old Town. There were countless cafes and hookah bars with lively music.

Dinner that night was delicious with plenty of grilled meats, stewed vegetables, red wines and enthusiastic musicians.

Our second day was spent in the National Village Museum, where authentic homes and buildings had been relocated to the museum grounds to show traditional village life in Romania’s past.

Also interesting was a talk given by Egmont Puscasu about his involvement in the Romanian Revolution of 1989. These pictures show Egmont, past and present. The hole in the flag is where Romanians cut the communist coat of arms from their flags as Ceaușescu’s dictatorship collapsed. It was an engaging story from Romania’s turbulent history.

Next stop, Bulgaria!