June 14th- Sibiu, Romania

I am pretty sure we woke up at 4:30 and since the buses weren't running that early, had to take a taxi to the train station in Brasov. Made it to our train which was maybe 3 cars. It reaked, and I mean reaked the whole time. We stupidly chose seats right next to the bathroom and the odor was unbearable. There was also a lot of yelling and fighting taking place on this train. I can only assume that these people didn't encounter many backpackers because they were very enthralled by our presence. When we made it to Sibiu we were able to walk to our hostel in the little square Piata Mica. It was the best location possible honestly! Well we get up to reception and the clerk tells us that our room is in some sort of ruin- burst pipes maybe? She was speaking rather quickly and in broken english so I did not catch the full story. She did however tell us that that they had booked us in a private apartment with another company and it would be the same price. She said we lucked out because it was actually much nicer. Okay yes this sounds good right? She took us over to their reception and then told us that the problem was that we couldnt check-in until 4. It was 10. Joy. They let put our bags down at least and we decided to cover some ground in Sibiu. 

There were some things I had on the list so we set out on foot to find them. First of all Sibui is all walking which is wonderful. Lately I have been feeling like our walking has fallen by the wayside with all the fancy metro systems in Europe. There are two main squares, the Piata Mica and the Piata Mare. There are restaurants litered all over both squares with museums and historic buildings in between. The best part about our stay was that there was a week long international theater and book festival coming to a crescendo! All over the town was buzzing. That is the only word I can think to describe it. There were people everywhere: street performers, schedules of events, ice cream and beer booths, street food, merchants and vendors, the works. After crossing the Bridge of Lies (honestly no idea why it is called this and I know I should look it up, but I am already so behind on blog posts that I think it can wait) we found a restaurant in the big square to people watch while we ate an early lunch. We just really explored after this and found a few of the many tunnels in the city. They run through the buildings to connect the side streets and residential areas. Really cool effect. We went up in the Tower of the Council and got a wonderful view of the city. Walked around to see the Orthodox Church and another church with a really pretty roof. Guys I am basically Rick Steves. Look at me giving you allllll these specifics and being very clear and detailed. This is what happens when a city doesn't offer a free tour. You just flip through like a magazine and [take] pictures of pretty things.   

That being said, sometimes this is exactly what you need. This was my culture town. And if we are being honest, probably every town from here on out will be the same. The history is wonderful but at some point it becomes overload and I can't keep it straight. 

By 3 pm we were zombies. We had been up for hours and just exhausted by all of our movement and previous busy days. As I said, check in was at 4, so what to do? We went back to the original hostel and sat in the kitchen. Katelyn and I proceeded to fall asleep on the table while Michelle got souvenirs  for her cousins. I tell you, I don't know where the hell she is keeping all of these goodies she keeps buying. And on top of that, these things are for her cousins. COUSINS. I can barely get my parents anything, and no offense, but I would probably never get my cousins something while away. Maybe thats just me. 

Nap time is over (for now) and we head to the other reception desk to check in. We literally walk all over town and back to the big square then through the city walls and into this huge unmarked wooden door, up some concrete stairs in the alley and onto (I swear to god) a collapsing balcony overlooking the courtyard filled with clothes lines. We open one door, then the next and its like we have stepped into another world. We have a bathroom, a kitchenette, a huge living space with 3 beds(!!!!!) and a bookshelf. #luxury 

We honestly passed out for a few minutes/hours, but when we woke up we were ready to PARTYYYY. Just kidding. We were ready to eat. Are you surpirsed? We found a restaurant with reasonable prices and sat down. Pizza again. Shoot me. I am telling you this pizza isn't even good. Like no matter where we get it, I am never impressed. To be honest, the food in Romania isn't my favorite. Very pork and potatoes bland. I'm just not about that meat and potatoes life. Anywho, there was a parade in the street with a marching band and some huge inflatable catepillar with some relevance I am sure. Afterwards there was a band! The entire big square was covered with people all bopping their heads to the performers. We snaked our way up towards the front for a better view after grabbing some of the grossest beer I have ever tasted. The name of the singer was Grasu XXL and one of the songs we really enjoyed was "Deja Vu." It was all in Romanian but the people were really enjoying it and singing along so I figured he must be pretty popular. We liked the vibe at the very least. I felt cool like a local. Music has a way of bringing people together.