Timisoara

Timisoara is the fourth largest city in Romania. I arrived at Traian Vuia International Airport, which is the hub of Romania's second-largest airline, Carpatair in the morning. Like Lviv, Timisoara's public transportation network consists of trams, trolleys and buses. The bus to the city center takes about 40 minutes, and it cost only 2 lei ($0.75).

Most places of interests in central Timisoara are easily accessible by foot. The Piaţa Victoriei (Victory Square) is probably the most well-known square in the old district of Timisoara. There are dozens of coffee houses, and restaurants which surround the square. The stunning Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral is located on the south side of the square, with the Opera Theater on the north across a beautiful landscape of green plants, and a fountain. The cathedral is home to many valuables, and religious objects such as old icons and early writing in Romanian. It has 11 towers, of which the central and the highest has a height of 96 meters.

Piaţa Unirii (Union Square) is the old city's center. Here you find The Catholic Dome, The Baroque Palace, and The Serbian Church among other important buildings. 

Getting around the city is also possible by bicycle as there are dedicated cycle lanes in many parts of the city. 

Located between Victory Square and Union Square, is Piaţa Libertăţii (Liberty Square), a small square with old buildings. Here you can find the old City Hall and the St. Nepomuk's Statue. Carved in low resistance sandstone, the monument was built in memory of the 1738-1739 plague victims in Timisoara.

Timisoara is known in Romania as the City of Parks. The Botanical Park which is near Piata Unirii is the most beautiful park in Timisoara. Then there is the  Rose Park which is near Piata Victoriei, the Central Park which is just behind the Metropolitan Orthodox Cathedral), and the Children's Park which is near the Student Campus.

The day I arrived in Timisoara was one of the hottest days in the city. Temperature was 33 degree Celsius (almost 92 degree Fahrenheit). I had to get away from the sun at a local Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. After I had a large cup of Pepsi (you need to request for ice, otherwise it will be just soda), I walked toward the Central Park, and sat under the shade. The park was originally a military cemetery. Today, it is a park with Monuments of Heroes, statues, and fountains. 

There are rows of historic buildings as I walked my way to Gara Nord, the main train station for my night journey to Brașov. Most still retained their original state, while others have recently been restored. I saw trams that reminded me of the subway cars in New York City. It was like the iconic 7 (red) train cars given a second life here in Timisoara. It took me approximately an hour to walk from the park to the train station. I stopped at a cafe nearby for (bite size) pastries before I boarded my train.

Male Bonding

                                                          ........ in Colombo, Sri Lanka,

                                                                       Kiev, Ukraine,

                                                              and St. Antonia, Guatemala.

Lviv

I took a 9-hour train ride from Kyiv to Lviv. A second class cabin cost 170 hryvnia or UAH (approximately $25), and it comes with a set of comforter, blanket, pillow and towel. There is also a tea/coffee service.  

The hostel that I stayed is located near the Old Town Square. It is in an old building with a huge courtyard. The spiral wooden staircase gave a squeaky sound as I walked up the stairs. After checking in, I took a quick shower. With no time to waste, I began to explore the historic city center which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In the heart of Lviv lies the S. Krushelnystka Opera House which offers regular performances of various operas and ballets ranging in prices from 50UAH to 80UAH. Unfortunately, no shows were playing that day. I decided to walk around the Old City Center before my guided walking tour at noon. 

Lviv's historic churches, buildings and relics date from the 13th century. The buildings have many stone sculptures and carvings, particularly on large doors, which are hundreds of years old. Most buildings are three-window houses. It would be a privilege to have a six-window house at that time. Constantine Corniaktos, a famous Lviv merchant, earned that right to build one for his merits. Churches are almost every where. Most of them are situated among rows of three to five storey buildings that have hidden inner courtyards and grottoes in various styles. Some of these churches worth spending time at are the Ensemble of the Armenian Church Cathedral, St. George Cathedral, and the Dominican Monastery and Cathedral.  Monuments to Taras Shevchenko - the great Ukrainian poet and artist; Ivan Fedorov - the first Ukrainian and Russian book printers; King Danilo Galitsky - the founder of Lviv; and Leopold von acher-Masoch - Austrian write and journalist, are some of the city sculptures commemorating people and topics reflecting the rich history of Lviv.

As the city was preparing for its 20th anniversary of independence from the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, there were lots of activities going on in the Market Square (Ploshcha Rynok) where the City Hall is located. A large stage was being set-up for the event, while groups of teenagers were rehearsing for various traditional Ukrainian dances nearby. 

Cafes, restaurants and gifts shops made this Square a huge draw to both locals and tourists. 

The Pharmacy Museum, The Museum of Ethnography and Crafts, and The Lviv National Museum are some of the museums recommended by the tour guide. The guide was really enthusiastic about the history and culture of Lviv, and the tour lasted for almost four hours. After a day of walking, I went to a local restaurant for dinner. A grilled chicken leg and thigh, with salad and rissole cost about 36 UAH (less than $5).

Venture out of the Old City Center, you would probably come across a city's architecture that reflects various European styles and periods with cobblestones roads that are all very well-maintained. Most of these buildings are residential with a few family run businesses scattered around. 

By evening, the celebration was in full swing. Participants from all over the world parading in their costumes to the thousands of enthusiastic spectators.  Song and dance by local talents were performed live on stage, while not too far away, two ladies were doing the hoopla with fire to the beat of the drums. Local politicians took the opportunities to voice their opinions to the community, while children were seen 'rock climbing' from the wave monument behind Taras Shevchenko. 

I am glad that I was at the right place at the right time. Witnessing the indenpendence celebration by the Ukrainians in their traditional costumes showed how much they loved their country.