Overrated Romania: The Mud Volcanoes comments

• 03
  
  August
  
  2009
  Thomas Hiergens - Ghent - Brussels
  
  To the author of 'overrated romania': you are more or less right. I was at the volcanoes just a week ago, and I too was 'disappointed'. But not really disappointed, because I knew I shouldn't expect to much. This small volcanic site is not bad, but not as stretched out and volcanic as one would expect. Worth a visit, when in the area. But don't travel to far for this, it isn't worth it. But dear Author, you have to admit, the picture you are showing in your piece isn't the best picture you took, right? ;) Whatever.For real disappointment, go to the salt mine in Praid (transylvania)! True horror, surely for a nature loving traveller. I visited the mine with a Hungarian friend. The 'salt mine' is just a big hole at -150 metres, filled with romanian tourists playing pingpong, badminton and kids jumping around in air castles. There is nothing salt-miny or cave-like about it: just an underground playground with restaurants, bars... forget it! Badminton seems to be a must when visiting... BUT, there is another salt mine in Turda, close to Cluj Napoca, of which my Hungarian friend said it's much better, he visited the mine last year. I believe the salt mine in Turda will at least give you the feeling of visiting a salt mine.I was biking transylvania and the Carpats for 10 days. Really beautiful, unspoiled nature, lovely people. I truely loved it, and the transylvanian food and people are great too. But everywhere I came, I had the feeling that what was said to be nice and beautiful, was just the opposite. I had by far the best time at the shores of nameless lakes and in forgotten villages. There was very little about the Calimani Natural Park and the volcanic lake in my book, I rode into the park and up on the volcanoe with my mountainbike... man it was great! Not 1 tourist for the whole day, drinkable rivers, eagles, wild horses, talking forests, and yes the obligate awful dogs. Forget about what your travel book says, just get out there and explore...In Romania I had the feeling that local tourists can spoil and litter the (natural) site very fast and heavily. My advice: don't go to places which could be very crowded or that every travel book and every romanian recommends. Go of the beaten track, much better. Romania is a pearl, go out and discover it yourself.
• 17
  
  March
  
  2009
  Shiloh - Phoenix,Az.
  
  There is indeed many things to look forward to enjoying in Romania. If you are looking for really upsacle Tourism,go to France or Germany.If you are looking for something that exists in a Fairy Tale boook,then,do go to Romaina,and out into the Northern Countryside. Transylvania is incredible,and totally worth the effort to get there.While this site invites you to go by train from Hungary,it is quite easy to get to Bucharest from the US by Air.And,no haggling over money,visas,or other such confusion.Once you make it to Bucharest,well,..the beauty just outside the city is wonderful! The most beautiful are the smaller villages that show people out in the fields,taking care of their work,ploughing,sewing seed,etc,and not wearing the latest fashions.I,for one love that.I am sick of going to places,seeing people wearing the same things I am,and doing things same I leave America to get away from.Anyway,..Romania is great! Enjoy it!