Castle Daniel
We got up early this morning to check out the Old Town in the morning hours. Most of the activity, of which there was little, centered around the pastry shops that made their own version of a doughnut. Theirs looked a little like a pretzel although the pastry was much more doughnut like. Warm, most were stuffed with either fruit, sweet cheese, or salty cheese (with ham). We tried a cherry one and found it delicious.
Down on the square, they were just setting up for a farmer's market. The early arrivals looked fresh and homegrown. I bought a back of tomatoes and the farmer posed for me. We had to head back in time for our first critique. As many of you know, the critiques are a highlight of the trip for me. Both having your own work looked at and also having a chance to see the other's work is really how we grow from these trips.
After lunch, we boarded the purple time machine and headed off into Transylvania. I slept during most of the drive, but I was awake to see some stunning landscapes along the way. We needed to get to our destination because one group was going out to look for bear. More on that when our turn comes.
Our home for the next few nights was Castle Daniel. I know when you read this you start visualizing turrets and motes with grand dining halls and grand staircases. Castle in Transylvania has a slightly different connotation. Think more of a manor house with nice rooms but no turrets, etc. Our room was quite lovely with plenty of space to spread out.
Since almost half of our group stayed behind, we struck out across the street for the cemetery. This area was settled by Hungarians and they style use the language and traditions in the area. One Hungarian tradition is the wooden posts erected by the tombstones. A lot of the grave sites were decorated with flowers, both real and plastic. We watched the sun set and headed back across the street to dine at the Castle.
Since we were staying at the only tourist game in town, all of our meals would be at the hotel. Luckily, the food and service were both outstanding. Our group ate and then headed to our rooms to start picking photos for the next day.
Tomorrow: Volcano Lake
Down on the square, they were just setting up for a farmer's market. The early arrivals looked fresh and homegrown. I bought a back of tomatoes and the farmer posed for me. We had to head back in time for our first critique. As many of you know, the critiques are a highlight of the trip for me. Both having your own work looked at and also having a chance to see the other's work is really how we grow from these trips.
After lunch, we boarded the purple time machine and headed off into Transylvania. I slept during most of the drive, but I was awake to see some stunning landscapes along the way. We needed to get to our destination because one group was going out to look for bear. More on that when our turn comes.
Our home for the next few nights was Castle Daniel. I know when you read this you start visualizing turrets and motes with grand dining halls and grand staircases. Castle in Transylvania has a slightly different connotation. Think more of a manor house with nice rooms but no turrets, etc. Our room was quite lovely with plenty of space to spread out.
Since almost half of our group stayed behind, we struck out across the street for the cemetery. This area was settled by Hungarians and they style use the language and traditions in the area. One Hungarian tradition is the wooden posts erected by the tombstones. A lot of the grave sites were decorated with flowers, both real and plastic. We watched the sun set and headed back across the street to dine at the Castle.
Since we were staying at the only tourist game in town, all of our meals would be at the hotel. Luckily, the food and service were both outstanding. Our group ate and then headed to our rooms to start picking photos for the next day.
Tomorrow: Volcano Lake
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