Bucharest- The (slightly late) round up

So I know this is a bit late off the mark, but I promised myself a year of travel. I also promised myself to keep the blog up to date a bit more often, so here goes.

So did my first trip of the year with my uni queen to Bucharest. Now I have done a city break or two before, but I found this very different from any other I have been to.
Firstly I was very lucky that the friend I went with used to live in Bucharest, so we could basically say what we wanted to do throughout the holiday, and he would plan the route/day as to where everything was. Also handy as he knew the city, we didn't get lost, and could speak fluent Romanian.
The other part of the trip I found was very different was how Bucharest seemed to be a city of opposites. You would have some beautiful buildings, and then another moment a derelict building. The poor and the businessmen/women. The traditional Romanian food, with the big chains dotted around the city. It added a different charm to the place, a very unique touch that I haven't got from other places I have been to.
Day One
After an early start, we got to Romania about 1:45, and spent the day getting round Romania, enjoying our fabulous hotel (I will take full credit for our brilliant hotel. Just saying.). I tried traditional Romanian food, and getting a general feel for the city. You do notice the tale of opposites in this city very quickly. We went out again that evening to use the metro for the first time, to wander round the shops and get some supplies. Very handy having a shopping centre shut at 10pm. Also they do nice macarons. Just saying.

My queen enjoying the sun <3

Day Two
Got a lot of stuff done this day. Went to the Natural History Museum, (word of warning: you have to pay to take photos. Don't get caught out.) Ventured out to Herastrau park, where we just chilled out and enjoyed the 22C sunshine. Stuffed our faces full of gorgeous food at lunchtime, visited my friend's old flat, went to the white church, and hung out at the Romanian Atheneum. We didn't bother venturing too far out for dinner, as apparently I had to try this meal at KFC, and we had been pretty busy throughout the day.
Day Three
Went to the History of Romania Museum, where we spent nearly two hours wandering around, enjoying learning about Romania. One of my favourite things is learning, especially about places I am travelling to. My favourite museum in the city. Enjoyed eating Italian food in the sunshine, and wandering around finding little bits to take back for the family. I had also been looking at all these gorgeous patisserie's throughout the city, and finally gave in to temptation and tried some baked treats. Nom. That is all.
Day Four
On our last day in Bucharest, we were able to go out early after breakfast for a last wander around, buying from the patisserie, getting those last minute souvenirs, and stumbled upon a handmade and antique market. Bought some beautiful handmade jewellery, a good reminder of the trip and a unique way to remember Romania.

All in all, Bucharest was an interesting and very different city. Would love to go back in 20 years time to be able to see how much it has developed. A couple of tips if you ever want to go....
-You don't need to bring very much in the way of Lei, it is cheap out there. Admittedly I made a decision not to drink when I was over there, but I don't think it would make much difference. I took £150 worth with me. Probably only needed £100 max
- If you are using the metro, you can get a multiple journey ticket which will save you a fair bit of money. I think it was 10 Lei (£2) for 10 trips.
- There is no map of the metro, so plan your route before you go
- You don't need to know Romanian before you go, but if you can pick up a couple of words it helps
- If you like trawling through duty free, the airport is in Euros. Make sure to bring Euros as well as Lei
- If you want traditional treats to take home, there is a carrefour supermarket that will have it all for the best price

The balcony of our hotel room

Also, my recommendations:
* La Mama is the main chain of Romanian food if you want something traditional (cabbage rolls are particularly nice)
*Capitol Hotel is where we stayed. Brilliant location to be able to explore the city, and good value for money
* Patisseries. Everywhere. Do it.
* Hard Rock Cafe in Herastrau park is brilliant. Would recommend going for their lunchtime menu if you want a good deal

Time to now plan Budapest!