Well, we’ve arrived in Romania, docking in Constanta, It’s a cool town, with a busy military port that keeps it moving. On a past visit, my husband and I walked the promenade at Ovidiu’s square, but this trip we opted to drive the 2.5 hours to Bucharestand it was so worth it!

Inspired by the bohemian street looks of Bucharest Style, I threw on a Gap maxi dress from Ms Collection, Rag and Bone sandals, a Topshop leather belt I snagged in London and a gold body chain (which I wore doubled up.) Grabbed my Evelyne PM by Hermes from BBS and I was ready to see the city.

First stop, Palace of Parliament, built in the 1980s under Communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. Crazy to see the excessit was empty massive room after overly ornate massive room.

There are over 3000 chandeliers on the propertyjust think of the electric bills!

It was def over the top, but kind of a yawn, so we cut the organized tour short and headed for lunch.

(Our rented driver Johnny and Mihaela our guide from InterCruises Tours)

This was my real Bulgaria moment. We went into the heart of the city to an old beer hall called Caru’ cu’ Beremid-way through our meal, this string quartet breaks into music. It was awesome!

With that impromptu fanfare, we walked down the street to the REAL Dracula’s castle. It doesn’t look like much now more or less just a pile of bricks, but there are some pics from when there were stone slab graves on the corner of the property.

The back-story is still pretty cool, because this guy’s grandfather had the castle in Transylvania (yes, it’s a REAL place!) Today, a modern church stands to the right of the former home, and people now attend services right next to where Dracula ruledcan you imagine?
Across the street an ancient inn that was in operation during Dracula’s rule is undergoing a major renovation. Just like everywhere else in the world, it now has a Starbucks. Of course!

We finished the tour just walking around this beautiful city, but I will for sure be coming back. I love the great vibe this place has, an awesome mix of old and new culture, plus incredible people. Plus, I have always wanted to explore the vampire culture, being a big fan of True Blood. I would really love to plan a vampire tour through Romania. Itinerary suggestions, anyone? Feel free to share!

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