There is nothing like experiencing a place for the first time. I have traveled all over Western Europe, but the closest I have been to the southeastern nations is Greece and Turkey. Now I am traveling to the native land of my good friend and long time assistant, Gavriel Jecan. Other than as the home to vampires, gymnasts and despots, Romania remains unknown to most.

We will travel to Gavriel’s ancient hometown of Brasov, nestled in the Carpathian Alps. We will be traveling just as the untouched forests in the Carpathians are turning golden, which will lend a great backdrop to the very traditional 12th century villages we will be passing through.

We will visit several orthodox monasteries, famous for their medieval murals, and we will engage the diverse peoples, Roma, ethnic Hungarian and German, as well as Romanian, all along the way. With Gavriel as our guide it will be like visiting a good friend, not like traveling with a standard tour guide. It is a trip I am eagerly awaiting.