Bran, the Capital of Kitsch
Five days after Romania joined the EU I visited Bran Castle. I was sadly disappointed by the incredible kitsch on display in the carpark, the ruination of the village by uncontrolled banner advertising...
View ArticleTraveling into the unknown
Trying to compete with the west when it comes to tourism cannot succeed if the locations and infrastructure are as poor as they are in Romania. Romania’s beaches and ski resorts are promoted abroad...
View ArticleThe Balkans by Train
In my view the best way to travel in Eastern Europe is by train. It is cheap, interesting and relaxing. But why, you might be wondering, would anyone want to travel across the Balkans in the winter,...
View ArticleHow to get a grant
When I was in Montenegro recently I checked into a small guest house and asked if they had internet. “Of course we do” boomed the big cheery lady who runs the place, but when I tried to get online it...
View ArticleMagical memories
On the one hand my credentials for writing about magic would appear to be good: I come from Scotland, a country which promotes itself as a land of mystery, magic and legend. On the other hand...
View ArticleWhat I found in Scotland
Click here to see Rupert’s photos of Edinburgh When I went to Edinburgh recently I expected to see high street shops selling off their stocks at huge discounts and “everything must go” signs. But I...
View ArticleTravelling through Kitsch
In Romania, as in every country, there are stereotypes about which places are worth visiting. If I tell people I am from Scotland many say they would love to visit Edinburgh but it is rare you hear...
View ArticleDiary of a bike
I got ridden to Laurentiu’s house in the dark on a road through the centre of Bucharest, a road that is usually crowded but at that moment was deserted because it was the middle of the night; Laurentiu...
View ArticleDoes Serbia need a brand?
When discussions about promoting Serbia take place the following comment often comes up: “shouldn’t we develop a country brand?” The short answer is “NO”. I am from Scotland, I now live in Romania,...
View ArticleGet on your bike and see Romania
You can see Rupert Wolfe Murray’s photos of his cycling journey here. There are certain places in Europe that are known to be great for cycling. Amsterdam has been pro-bike for generations; in...
View ArticleSighisoara Needs Your Help
This article was also published in Romanian on Hotnews. Anyone who knows Romania is aware that Sighisoara is a pretty amazing place. Guidebooks describe is as the only medieval citadel in Europe that...
View ArticlePrince Charles’ New Guest House in Covasna County
Most people know that the Prince of Wales is fabulously wealthy and will one day become the King of England. But how many of you know that he recently renovated a country cottage in Romania and, in...
View ArticleRecycling is Rubbish
One of the most impressive things about Vienna is the shops – they are varied, stylish and often innovative. But when I went down Schleifmuhlgasse, which is not far from the Opera House, I was stopped...
View ArticlePrince Charles of Romania
You can also read this article in Romanian, on the Contributors section of Hotnews. I don’t have a TV as I can’t stand the sensationalist nonsense pumped out by ProTV or the endless “analysis” the 24...
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