8:19 am:

Got a decent night of sleep, on and off for 5 hours . Today will be my tough day of trying to stay awake and having low energy.

Simone's apt was very neat and comfy. The neighborhood was quiet. I got up at 6:45 to shower, and at 7:45 my cab arrived to take me to the train station. I didn't fuss much with make up, because it was raining cats and dogs anyway. The cost to the station was just over 6 lei. I gave the cabbie a 10 lei, and he said he didn't have change. I'm not shocked. I don't know which company Simona called, but I read some will rip you off. And given that I clearly look like a tourist, I am going to get ripped off. Unfortunately, I have learned and accepted that it is part of traveling. I gave him a look and was like whatever. Enjoy your tip, loser.

I got to the train station and found my platform to Brasov (brah-shof). This is a medieval city in the Transylvania region. I read how Romania trains are a crowded, hot mess. There are three kinds, and they vary by cost, speed and overall craziness . R trains are the slowest, cheapest and most crowded. IR and IC are quicker and not as crowded. Well, I booked an IR, and every seat in my car is taken, the luggage racks are full and luggage is between seats. A nice man helped me with my suitcase up the train steps (made up for the crappy cab turd), and I found my seat and a spot for my suitcase. I am glad I didn't bring my largest suitcase, as it never would've fit. The woman in my seat gestured I could sit in the seats kitty corner, and that would've been fine until I got kicked out by someone who had a ticket for that seat. I noticed an older man had taken MY seat, so I did what I feel a true Romanian would've done and kicked him out. Maybe I was irked at the cab thing or maybe I realized I didn't want to stand in between cars like some people are, but I didn't care. Yes, my parents raised me to give up my seat to elderly people, but I have a feeling to get what you want in Romania, you have to be persistent and maybe a little tougher.

So now I am sitting in my seat with my backpack at my feet . Teenagers are being loud. So much for 'sitting back and relaxing,' but at least I am sitting. There might be a lounge around here somewhere, but no way in hell I am getting up. This seat is too precious.

9 am:
At a stop, Ploiesti Vest. Romanian teenagers are singing 'Hit the Road Jack' and rap songs that were popular in the U.S. in 2003. Maybe they are just arriving here?

9:31 am:
Simona told me I was the first person from the U.S. to stay with her. I said, ' I don't think Romania gets a lot of US tourists.' She said, 'probably not.' Then it dawned on me.... How many American women come here alone? Probably not many. Am I nuts? Lol

Night time:
Arrived in Brasov around 11 and took a taxi to the hotel. My room wasn't ready, so I decided to go sightsee. I had a plan mapped out and pretty much saw everything I wanted, including the plaza (Piata Sfatului), the Black Tower, the White Tower, Ekaterina's Gate, Rope Street (Europe's narrowest street!) and the Black Church . Brasov is an adorable city that was once ruled by the Saxons. There are still remains of the wall used to keep out Romanians. When the Saxons ruled, Romanians weren't allowed to own property inside the city wall, so they settled outside. Apparently Ekaterina's Gate is where they were allowed to come through, but it was only certain times and they had to pay a fee. Imagine that! That is the one gate still intact. I loved strolling along the old city and looking at the towers and gates. I had lunch at Bella Musica, which is a cave-like restaurant and very cool.

Once I got settled into my room at Casa Iacob, I took a short nap and got refreshed. Naps are fine during travel as long as you set an alarm and keep it short. I find them helpful with combating jet lag. Alex at the hotel is so sweet and hospitable.

Around 7:30, I decided to head out and stroll the plaza. I feel very safe here and didn't even bat an eye when walking alone . Republic Street, the pedestrianized street, was busy with families and teens and tourists. I had dinner at Guatari on the square and had some very traditional Romanian fare like cabbage rolls. It was very good!

Other notes on Romania:
- Unlike the most of Europe now, smoking is allowed in a lot of places, including restaurants. Not a fan of that.
- I did read that service at restaurants is not the friendliest. I wouldn't say it's terrible, but it's not warm and fuzzy like in the U.S. I am ok with it because I suspected it.
- People do seem to take a bit to warm up, but once they do, they are friendly. It reminds me of Iceland in that way.

Tomorrow is another busy day. All for now.

La revedere (Bye),
Jamie