Ep 6. Romania: On the Run

Word Travels is an exciting travel show that takes viewers on a journey to different parts of the world with their travel writing experts, Robin Esrock and Julia Dimon. In season 2, episode 6, we join the duo as they explore Romania: On the Run.

Far away from Dracula's castle, Robin and Julia begin their adventure in the city of Brasov, which is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. They quickly discover that Romania has a rich and complex history, which is still evident in the architecture, culture, and traditions of the country.

The episode takes us through the narrow streets of Brasov where Robin and Julia sample traditional Romanian food at a local market. The food is fresh, organic, and delicious, and they enjoy local Hungarian-style sausages and cheese-stuffed pastries. They also visit the Black Church, one of the largest gothic churches in Eastern Europe, which survived a devastating fire in 1689.

From Brasov, the travel writing experts take a short drive to Bran Castle, commonly known as Dracula's Castle. The castle, which has become a popular tourist attraction, has little to do with the actual Dracula legend. Nevertheless, Robin and Julia explore the castle, which is nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, and learn about the fascinating history of the 14th-century fortress.

Next, the duo embarks on an exciting adventure through the countryside by participating in a Transylvanian Safari using Willys Jeeps, which were imported to Romania from the US during World War II. They take a ride through the forest, along rough tracks and over river crossings, and take in the beautiful Romanian countryside.

The adventure does not stop there; the travel writers join a team of huskies on a sled. They venture into a remote area deep in the forest, where they meet a family who has made a living running a husky ranch since the mid-1990s. Robin and Julia take turns riding and guiding the sled across the snow, while the huskies bark and pull at the reins.

The duo concludes their Romanian adventure with a visit to a local salt mine, Salina Turda. The mine dates back to the Roman Empire and was later used as a bomb shelter during World War II. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction with many activities on offer, including rowing boat trips, mini-golf, and an amphitheater.

As Robin and Julia discovered, Romania is full of culture, history, and adventure. Whether it's sampling traditional foods, exploring Dracula's castle, going on a Transylvanian Safari, or riding on a sled with huskies, Romania has so much to offer visitors. With its rich traditions, brisk winters, and beautiful landscapes, Romania is a must-see destination for any travel enthusiast.