BUCHARESTIAN
 
 
Despite anything and everything else, there are a few things I would not trade for whatever in this world; some of the things which have created my tight connection with this city. And which keep me here. Such as... Wandering along narrow streets bordered by houses with fine architectural details, off the main avenues in Romană, Victoriei, Aviatorilor or Filaret areas. Having a fresh, warm covrig at a local covrigărie. Or grabbing some of that great pastry (especially the pumpkin or salted cheese filled one) at one of the plethora of outlets throughout town. Visiting one of Bucharest’s old houses (be it Melic, Storck, Zambaccian or Minovici) and leaping through the city’s history with its contrasts and fragrance. Reading for an hour in Ioanid Park before going to work; listening to the old men’s chatting while walking their dogs. Enjoying an evening at the Athenaeum, listening to classical music in a great hall with fine acoustics. Spending some time just sitting on a bench, relaxing and listening to the resonance of the religious chants at Dărvari Convent. Having some tripe soup and a ‘healthy‘ (i.e. hugely oversized) portion of pork joint with beans, joined by a glass of țuică at the Nicorești. Exploring the heritage left behind by the different ethnic groups that live in town: Armenians, Jews, Romanians, Turks, Gypsies, Bulgarians, Serbs, Macedonians or Greeks. Or watching the world go by near Antim Monastery or Stavropoleos Church. Sniffing some mici, pickles and draft beer (a pastime for me as a vegetarian, but I recommend the respective food to those into meat and the no frill atmosphere to all) at a simple, lively terrace with plastic chairs and no fitze. Riding the bicycle to fine places around the city, such as Caldărușani Monastery, Mogoșoaia Palace or Saint Nicholas Monastery. Talking to friends while having a portion of superbly done papanași with sour cream and blueberry jam, joined by some Vinars de Jidvei in Capșa’s bar. Then taking home some pricomigdale or chocolate from their confectionery shop along with a bottle of good wine (of Mișa Rotenberg’s Menestrel kind). Contrasts/Pages/Houses.htmlCovrigi/Entries/2010/1/19_The_Covrigi.htmlCovrigi/Entries/2010/1/19_The_Placinte.htmlSights/Entries/2010/1/9_Bucharest_Houses_1.htmlWalks/Entries/2012/9/9_Leafy_District__Icoanei-Batistei.htmlSights/Entries/2010/1/9_The_Athenaeum_1.htmlSights/Entries/2010/1/8_Hidden_Gems.htmlSights/Entries/2010/1/8_Hidden_Gems.htmlR%26Bs/Entries/2010/1/12_Restaurants_-_Nicoresti.htmlR%26Bs/Entries/2010/1/12_Restaurants_-_Nicoresti.htmlSociety/Entries/2010/1/24_Jews.htmlSociety/Entries/2010/1/24_Romanians.htmlSociety/Entries/2010/1/24_Gypsies.htmlSights/Entries/2010/1/8_Hidden_Gems.htmlSights/Entries/2010/1/9_Churches_in_the_Old_Town.htmlSights/Entries/2010/1/9_Churches_in_the_Old_Town.htmlCovrigi/Entries/2010/1/19_The_Mici.htmlSociety/Entries/2010/1/23_The_Fitze.htmlOut_of_City/Entries/2010/1/11_The_Artistic_-_Caldarusani_Monastery.htmlOut_of_City/Entries/2010/1/11_Mogosoaia_Palace.htmlOut_of_City/Entries/2010/1/11_The_Secluded_-_Saint_Nicholas_Monastery.htmlOut_of_City/Entries/2010/1/11_The_Secluded_-_Saint_Nicholas_Monastery.htmlHotels/Entries/2013/5/13_Capsa_Hotel.htmlshapeimage_2_link_0shapeimage_2_link_1shapeimage_2_link_2shapeimage_2_link_3shapeimage_2_link_4shapeimage_2_link_5shapeimage_2_link_6shapeimage_2_link_7shapeimage_2_link_8shapeimage_2_link_9shapeimage_2_link_10shapeimage_2_link_11shapeimage_2_link_12shapeimage_2_link_13shapeimage_2_link_14shapeimage_2_link_15shapeimage_2_link_16shapeimage_2_link_17shapeimage_2_link_18shapeimage_2_link_19shapeimage_2_link_20shapeimage_2_link_21shapeimage_2_link_22
Arguable a Top 11 of Things To Do in Bucharest