We spent three weeks in Romania, May 13-June 3. The last time we went to my home country was in 2016. Wildfires and global pandemics have kept us from returning for nine years.
Our family in front of Grand Hotel Bucharest
Last fall, knowing we would go to Romania in 2025, we renewed passports. You might know this already, but the process takes at least 4-6 weeks. If you plan an international trip, start with the passports. Then get your tickets. We like United and the Star Alliance Partners, like Lufthansa. Here is more information about their Points, a frequent/loyal flyer program.
In addition to spending time with family, I met some high school friends. We spent two weeks in my hometown of Slatina, with my mom. My sister, who lives in Bucharest, came to stay with us during this time as well, with her family.
My family and my sister’s family at the Strehareti Forest, overlooking Slatina
History Lessons
We visited a historic site named Sucidava, about 90 minutes from Slatina. En route, we passed by the American Air Force base at Deveselu. One cannot see much from the road, but it counts.
Sucidava is an archaeological site from Roman times – about 270 AD. Students from all over the world come to see it and learn and drink from the millennia old fountain, hiding 19 m deep into the ground. The tunnel leading up to it is 23 m long and super tight. I did not go inside, but my husband and children did, alongside our tour guide.
Preston in the Sucidava Secret Fountain
Preston and his travel buddy inside Sucidava Fountain
Claire inside Sucidava Fountain
My mom and I stayed outside and took in the countryside, complete with wild poppies and horses grazing peacefully.
We also visited a monastery for Orthodox nuns, Strehareti, which dates since at least 1638. The nuns keeps a beautiful garden and the kids were teasing me I need to join this monastic order for one year so I can get some skills. I have 0 interest in gardening and a level 2 out of 10 skill level.
Flowers at Strehareti Monastery
Our daughter inside Strehareti Monastery
Carturesti Carusel
In Bucharest, where we spent a week, we shopped at the most beautiful bookstore in the world – Carturesti Carusel. It is breathtaking – this old building, restored in recent years by the Greek banking family who owned it before the Communists took it from them.
My daughter and I inside Carturesti Carusel
The kids practiced their Romanian and learned cultural details by immersion – the best way to learn. We hope to go back a lot sooner this time around. Here’s hoping for no more pandemics or natural disasters.
