Introducing Marc Strassman & Etopia News™

Written By Sita Writer






Marc Strassman, is a multifaceted man with extraordinary vision and interests that range the gamut from real life politics to virtual world etiquette. Strassman , who is a Los Angeles native that studied Social Relations at Harvard™ university is a true professional that is always in search of a good story ,Strassman admits, “ Mostly I use Secondlife™ to chat with avatars from around the world about their First Lives and, when they feel like it, about the political situation in their own countries. Second Life provides me with information that I can use in my real life profession of video interviewing guests about politics and related subjects, by giving me a clearer understanding of the actual political situation and attitudes in different states and countries.”


Technology has certainly made the world a smaller and more manageable place and Strassman’s research and subsequent interviews are perfect examples of this.

Picture of Etopia News' Marc Strassman

Strassman ,bilingual in English and Spanish is a self-proclaimed “internet reporter”.  “I use the Internet as the platform for conducting my interviews and as a means of distributing them, as well as in the sense of someone that covers new developments of the Internet itself.”


In 2003, Strassman started Etopia News™. 
The origin of the name is interesting because Etopia is a place where most public and private communications take place using electronic platforms, especially the Internet. 
Strassman tells OI that, “The name comes from a book by the late MIT professor William J. Mitchell called e-topia, available from Amazon (click hyperlink) .  When I started Etopia News, I often had to explain the origins of the name to people, but by 2013, most people realize that we are living in Etopia, even if they don’t recognize the name as such.”


Strassman started Etopia as a platform for coverage of important news that wasn’t getting adequate coverage in the mainstream or even online media.  He is reminiscent of Utne Magazine™; a subcultural watchdog that ferrets out important stories that really need to be told.  Strassman’s goal is to tell those stories via Etopia.


Over the years, Etopia has grown and evolved.  Currently there are thousands of articles and 200 plus YouTube videos to peruse created by the always-prolific Strassman.


As technology has advanced along with Strassman’s skills, Etopia News evolved from a text news operation that included links to audio and video coverage of people, subjects, and events to one that mainly features video interviews on Etopia Youtube™ channel and occasional text posts on the Etopia News blog, that also features embedded versions of the videos as they appear on YouTube. 


Not leaving a social media tool unused, Etopia News video interviews are also available on Pinterest™.  In addition, some Etopia News interviews are also syndicated as blog posts on AOL’s Menlo ParkAtherton™ Patch site. Strassman also promotes his interviews via Twitter™.


Many articles and interviews that were produced before Strassman started to use  Google+ Hangouts™ On Air to produce them (he previously used SightSpeed™ and Skype™)are archived on the Etopia News Now channel of blip tv ™. 


For the sake of convenience, a player streams the blip.tv interviews and is embedded on the home page.
The most recent interviews are streamed live and archived on the Etopia News YouTube.


In terms of getting the word out about Etopia, Strassman uses Facebook™ as his primary promotional tool.  “I usually post links to new interviews on the Etopia News page on Facebook to generate traffic to the page.  “On FB ,I define Etopia’s mission as a source that features in-depth, remotely-recorded video interviews with elected officials, academics, authors, business people, and others, covering current topics in politics, technology, medicine, business, and culture @ www.etopianews.com”) and on my own home page.   I’ve also recently created a FB page featuring 27 Etopia News videos dealing with cannabis regulation, called “The Path to Cannabis Legalization."


Strassman hopes to expand the quality and quantity of guests that appear on his show and to reach a larger audience utilizing the latest online technology for production, distribution and promotion of his shows.  “As for future guests, I hope to interview Tom Boellstorf, author of Coming of Age in Second Life, and Tom Ammiano, a California Assembly member and author of AB 473, which would reform the regulation of medical cannabis in California. I’m satisfied that Etopia News is getting its work out to a select group of viewers, but I’d like to build its viewership to enable it to reach more people and have a bigger effect on the news cycle.”


As an up and coming alternative news source, and as new stories emerge and slip under the radar, it is good to know that Etopia News will be there getting the word out and creating more conversation to a growing online community.


Thank you for reading my article on Etopia News and its founder, Marc Strassman. My name is Sita Writer, reporting for OI Magazine.

Myanmar Travel : "Yangon, A City of Reticent Hope"

Her 2013 real life trip to Myanmar ,exclusively for OI Magazine written by

Sita Writer.
Camera pictures provided by and are property of Sita Writer.

"It is all Kipling’s fault…. I wanted to go to Burma… now called Myanmar because of Kipling’s’ romantic descriptions. To me, Kipling immortalized this country in his famous quote from “Letters from the East”, “This is Burma and it is unlike any land you know about.” A tall order in this day and age where the world has gotten smaller with the ease of international accessibility and the Internet.

Burma, a country that has been sleeping for 50 years… a 50 -year nightmare is finally waking up --- but waking up to what and for how long? For now things seem to be going in the right direction but that could change at any time. After all Burma or Myanmar is, after North Korea, probably one of the most obscure and obscured countries in the 21^st century. In fact, it is an anomaly, and one I explored in March.

Pic 1 : Street scenes, man with fruit stands

When I think of Burma it conjures up magical visions of great golden temples nestled in tropical landscapes, verdant rice fields and mighty rivers, beautiful women adorned with rubies and jade, poppy fields and puppet performances inspired by myths and legends that go on into the wee hours of the night. Myanmar’s very name Suvanabhomi means the Golden Land and I wondered if it would live up to my imagination and expectations.

Pic 2: Street scenes 2, Burmese woman and food

Pic 3 : Street scenes 3, Burmese woman and flowers

Myanmar is usually described as a product of times past – it has an endearing, leisurely charm and innocence that was said to be pervasive throughout S.E. Asia fifty years ago. Unlike the rest of Asia, until recently, Myanmar remained reclusive. The first five things I noticed upon arrival was that you will see few Burmese dressed in Western garb, there are no Western commercial aspects (yet), no cookie cutter chain hotels, restaurants or atms, no skyscrapers, and although they drive on the right (a rather recent government mandate) all the steering wheels in cars are on the left making taxi rides very interesting experiences.

I traveled to Myanmar to experience a sense of the “real” and authentic Southeast Asian culture and from the very moment I stepped foot in Myanmar, I had to agree with Kipling; I knew I was in for a truly remarkable experience.

"My journey began in the former capital of Myanmar, Yangon, founded in the 11^th century by the Mon and located in the Ayeyarwady Delta area. The British seized Yangon after the Second Anglo-Burmese War in 1852 and it soon became a great commercial center. Typically, the Raj built colonial styled houses, public buildings, spacious parks and gardens amidst traditional wooden Burmese structures and golden temples.

Pic 1: Colonial building

Pic 2 : Another colonial building with the Burmese flag

In many ways, Yangon is stuck in a time warp – it has no skyscrapers, and only a few high- rise buildings some commercial others apartments no more than ten stories or so high. Today, downtown Yangon is known for its leafy avenues and fin-de-siècle architecture and has the highest number of colonial buildings in Asia. Sadly, many of the colonial buildings are in a state of disrepair and one wonders if they will be torn down because they are symbolic of foreign subjugation or if they will restore to their former glory.

"My first stop in Yangon was the famous Sule Pagoda in the heart of downtown. Sule has played an important part in Burmese politics; it served as a rallying point in the 1988 Revolution and the 2007 Saffron Revolution. The name the Saffron Revolution that connects monks’ protests against the military dictatorship is a bit misleading because the monks of Myanmar wear claret colored robes unlike the saffron colored monk’s robes of neighboring Thailand.

Pic 1 : The Sule Pagoda

The history of Sule Pagoda is bound up in the mythical prehistory of Myanmar. Two monks traveling from India established it because it contained a hair relic of Buddha. The actual name Sule can be linked to the Sule Nat, the guardian spirit of Singuttara Hill. Sule, an octagonal, zedi or stupa as it is known in the west, is shaped like a bell and inverted bowl; this architectural style originated in India. It sits in the middle of an intersection like a great golden traffic circle. Inside the pagoda’s shrines and images are four colorful Buddha’s with neon halos behind their heads.

Pic 2 : Zoomed out on the Sule Pagoda

Wandering around the Sule Pagoda area I was amazed at the striking examples of colorful architecture, shops, markets and parks. Strolling through the markets and outdoor teashops gives you a feeling of how little life has really changed here. In the crowd I saw many smiling and curious faces. I would like to think faces full of hope.

Pic 3 : Interior of the Sule Pagoda

Pic 4 : Zoomed interior Sule Pagoda

"The next temple I visited was Botataung… it was exquisite. An Allied bomb destroyed the original temple in 1943. During the clean up and rebuilding of the temple, a golden casket in the shape of a stupa was miraculously recovered and was found to contain a hair and two other relics of the Buddha. I was excited to visit this temple because this 140 -foot (40 meter) bell shaped golden stupa is unusual. The stupa is hollow and you can actually walk around the inside of it. It was a surreal experience to walk around floor to ceiling golden walls all intricately inscribed with whimsical looking Burmese script embellished by beautiful floral offerings placed throughout the sanctuary. Outside the temple are thousands of turtles swimming and sunning themselves in pools of water. I bought some turtle food from a nearby stand and feed them in hopes of acquiring merit for a future existence.

Pic 1: The Botataung temple

Pic 2 : The Botataung, another angle with offerings

Pic 3 : Close up of the Botataung temple offerings

Although I did not stay in the best hotel in Yangon, which is a toss up between the historic Strand Hotel and the elegant Governors Residence, the hotel I choose had an excellent view of the Shwedagon Pagoda not only from my room but also from the restaurant.

Pic 1 : The Shwedagon Pagoda Temple

"I like temples and Shwedagon simply put, took my breath away. “Shwe” is the Burmese word for gold and “dagon” means three hills. The temple is situated on Singuttara Hill and is considered to be the holiest of the countries pagodas. Shwedagon was built over the shrine that contains the relics of the Buddha. Countless smaller pagodas made of gold leaf and lacquer, silver, marble; tin, teak, iron and brick, built one after another through the centuries are to be found here.

I will never forget taking off my shoes and socks as is customary in Myanmar and climbing a seemingly endless gold gilded covered staircase barefoot to the high marble terrace of the Pagoda for the first time; what I saw when I reached the summit was like a golden ray of hope glistening in the darkest of nights.

Pic 2 : The Shwedagon Pagoda temple and crowd

Pic 3 : Architecture close up of the Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Pagoda is an architectural masterpiece -- it is a golden fantasy forest of gilded stupas, serene Buddha’s mythical beasts, planetary posts, glittering glass mosaic alcoves, and grand pavilions in every architectural style all of which is a backdrop for meditation, prayer, renewal, pilgrimage and merit.

Pic 4 : Rooftops of the Shwedagon Pagoda temple

"The Pagoda is said to be 2500 years old and to have more gold on it than gold in the vaults of the Bank of England. The main stupa soars nearly 330 feet (100 meters) above the hilltop and is a treasure trove inside and out. Inside it is said to house eight hairs of the Buddha as well as three other relics. On the outside, the stupa is plated with 8,688 solid gold slabs; the tip of the stupa is set with 5,448 diamonds and 2,317 rubies, along with sapphires and topaz. As if this was not enough, a huge emerald sits in the middle of the main stupa’s spire to catch the first and last rays of the sun. All this is mounted on and above a 33- foot umbrella built on seven gold plated bars and decorated with 1,485 bells, 1,065 are gold, 420 are silver. Surrounding the main stupa are more than 100 stupas, buildings, pavilions, halls and administrative buildings.

Pic 5 : The Bell of Shwedagon Pagoda temple

For me, Shwedagon is an ultimate example of the timelessness of faith and hope. There isn’t a time of day that Shwedagon isn’t beautiful or for that matter crowded with families, monks, and pilgrims paying homage here – although it is so large, it never really seemed crowded. To say it is opulent is an understatement; it is also much more because it exudes spiritual serenity and energy reminiscent of the all -knowing eternal smiles of ancient Egyptian gods and kings.

I saw hope in Yangon - a reticent hope to trust that change will continue and things will proceed in the right direction. Quick political transformation here is unlikely as there are still many places off limits to foreigners as well as things the government definitely does not want the outside world to see. Change in tourism will also come slowly – the infrastructure is sadly lacking not only in terms of world-class hotels but also in terms of rail, air and auto travel. Is Myanmar in transition? I would have to say absolutely but what course the changes take depends on the complexities of the people themselves, the government and Myanmar’s strategic location and wealth in natural resources and, most importantly, how Myanmar will interact – or not with the world.

"In my next installment… I will take you to the mythical city of Mandalay and to enigmatic Began.

Thank you for reading my first installment about my recent trip in 2013 to Myanmar (Burma) , my name is Sita Writer, OI Magazine journalist."

Working Hard To Stay Broke

by DavidHawk Actor

If you've ever been so excited to get your paycheck, just to watch it go all away within minutes to all your bills, then you know exactly how I feel. Each and every week, I work forty hours to waste my days. Then, every other week, I get a paycheck that within a couple days is completely gone and I feel privileged if I got to swing through a drive thru for some dinner.

image from royalty free www.123rf.com

Rent, groceries, power, water, sewage, trash, kids and the list goes on and on. It seems like every week I'm falling further and further behind. 

Rent in any specific area is defined as cost of living. Basically, New York , NY is going to be more expensive than Boise , ID. When cost of living is higher, that means minimum wage has to go up to match. This is good and bad news. First, you make more money. But in the end, that goes directly to rent. Now the con side is when the cost of living is higher, stores raise the prices of goods and services we want.

What this does is creates a void. Basically, you get $10.00 an hour and due to the cost of all your bills, it makes it to where there is no surplus of your paycheck. This creates a problem where just to survive you have to roommates or if you're married, you have to have both people working to be able to afford to not live with your parents. 

Just thirty to forty years ago, a family of five could survive on the income of only one parent. For added savings the other parent would get a job. Once the community realized that two parents were working, it all went to hell. All of the sudden, everyone knew that a family had more money and they decided they wanted it. So the prices went up. Gas for the car went up because now that you have two people driving possibly two cars, they realized you don't have a choice but use gas more.

This greed has corrupted our entire economy. Think back to when you were a kid. In most cases, we had two parents working and even with that, our homes probably only cost around $30,000. Now look at that same home and its a quarter million if not more. What is going on with this system? When did everyone decide to bleed eachother? And unfortunately its a never ending cycle. The owner of a specific company has to pay the employees more and now ups the price of their goods or services to maintain their percentage of profit. And on and on without end through all the companies and services. Another thing pushing this problem is the debt the United States has, causing our dollar to become worth less and less so anything we import is more expensive to us.

Unfortunately, there isn't going to be any vast economic change bringing the prices of things down anytime soon. Contractors will still want $100,000 to build the home so the owners will still have to sell it at $250,000 just to make a profit. Same with cars and even cereal. So the next time you wonder if you deserve a raise, the quick answer is to say "yes, you do". But if you get a raise, then the other services in the area will notice and want more of that money, jacking up their prices. 

 

That's my view on how hard we all work just to stay broke. If you agree, like this article and share it with others. If you don't, comment down below. And remember, I love your avatars and I'll see you next time.

An American in the UK - Scotland

By Syrah Evans

Earlier this year, I decided it was high time for this US citizen to do some more traveling. This time, it was to be the UK. I've always seen and heard lots about the UK, of course. All one need to is mention "I'm going to visit the UK." and 1000 opinions will be heard, some good, some disappointing. Yes, it was time for me to find out myself!

There are many ways to travel once in the UK: I thought at least some of the time, I would travel via rail. But, how best to get from the London area to Edinburgh, Scotland? That's easy. There are several trains each day! The one I decided upon was the overnight Caledonian Sleeper.

 

The Caledonian Sleeper train

 

 

 

Late at night, I arrived at Euston Station in London where I was met by a female porter who happily directed me to my car and efficient cabin. The cabins are comfortable, come with your own bed, sink, and storage. There are toilets at the end of the car and a passageway to the lounge car. I wondered if the motion or noises of the train would keep me awake but soon found it was nearly time to rise. The train does arrive early in Edinburgh and the porter wakes you pleasantly in time for your cabin tea and shortbread service. Time to depart in the midst of the old city.

Of course, when in Edinburgh, there are several tourist stops that can be made. One I decided upon was Edinburgh Castle.

 

Edinburgh Castle

 

 

The castle is a fine and rather interesting place at the end of the Royal Mile, with much to see in and around the area. The day I was there, it was besieged by rains and many of the usual throbbing crowds were nestled in their hotel rooms. However, a rainproof jacket and umbrella provided all that I needed to enjoy the walk in the rain. The views from the castle are amazing.

 

Syrah's aerial picture of the city Edenburgh, Scotland

 

 

This city, even shrouded in clouds and rain, is beautiful! A fine place that has kept well a sense of its history.

Religious stained glass window of the Queen Margaret Chapel

The Queen Margaret Chapel is considered to be the oldest building in Edinburgh. Built upon black volcanic rock, the chapel is not large, yet is quite inviting. Queen Margaret herself was quite an interesting lady. Born in Hungary, Margaret found favor with Malcolm III of Scotland and was married around 1069. As she is sometimes known, Saint Margaret is remembered today for her beauty, her kindness to all she encountered and her devotion to her faith.

There is so much to see, so much history in just this one city. Alas, one must take their rest and let the day's events collect and settle in. There are several fine hotels within easy walking distance of the Royal Mile. Mine was comfortable in every way yet, I decided to adventure for some breakfast the next morning. A fine Scottish breakfast it should be too! 

 

 

Syrah's delicious Scottish breakfast!

 

 

One with eggs, ham, tomatoes, toast, and, of course, haggis. I found it quite a tasty breakfast, satisfying yet not overly filling. Just right for another day's adventure. As I walked out the door of the restaurant, I was greeted by sunshine and blue sky. 

 

Sunshine and Blue skies!

 

 

OI Magazine reporter, avatar Syrah Evans

Ah, Scotland! I shall return some day and learn more of your bonnie lands.

 

Thank you for reading my real life traveling story of my trip to Edinburgh, Scotland.

My name is Syrah Evans, reporting for OI Magazine.

Stay tuned for more of my articles and feel free to comment!







(If you love this article,also read the previous real life traveling story of Costa Rica that Syrah wrote in the August 2009 issue of OI Magazine at this link http://issuu.com/kriscar/docs/oi_magazine_august_2009_-_issue__2 )

The Hidden Romania

Tue 05/18/10

This is an article about the country Romania told by the real person behind one of SL's avatar who lives there in real life.
She also uses her own pictures to make it even more unique!
The avatar's name is reporter,Marrie Helendale
Enjoy :)



Brasov


I will start by asking you what comes into your mind when you hear this country’s name? Still thinking?... Maybe you have heard of Dracula, Transylvania, Bucharest, People’s House, Hagi, Mutu, Nadia Comaneci… Here is Romania how I see it
I start this virtual tour  from the same location I started my first life journey: Brasov. As I was born in a mountain medieval town. I’ve always been attracted to such places and thank God there are plenty in my country.
I love this city, it’s old style buildings and it’s calm. You don’t see the rush like in big crowded cities and can enjoy the view of snowy or green mountains even from the window. A curiosity of this city: it has the narrowest street in Eastern Europe. No wonder why I missed it all the time when I was looking for it, but after a long search finally I found it. Woot!
A good weekend trip is a hike on the surrounding mountains (Piatra Mare Mountain) or through the forest path till Poiana Brasov, a winter resort where ski fans come. I tried once to take skiing lessons, but the falls made me head to the skating rink.
From a place called “Belvedere”, on the road side to Poiana Brasov this time, there’s a lovely view of the city and can observe the old citadel up on the hill and its fortifications, now known as the old town.
The most popular place in Brasov is “Piata Sfatului” (Council Square), which has its name from the old city hall in the center, and “Biserica Neagra” (Black Church), an old Gothic church which got its name cause it has burned and it was all covered in black smoke. A similar destiny had “Turnul Negru” (Black Tower).  This is the place where all the people have a rest after a shopping session either sitting by the fountain or at a cafe's terrace enjoying a flavored cup of coffee,  a beer  or an ice cream.



Brasov picture 2

Time to jump into the car, fasten seat belts and hit the roads. Next stop: Bran. On our way there we pass through Rasnov where we can  observe the fortress from up on the left hill. When I visited the fortress I was touched at the sight of a cage which you could say it’s a birds cage, but it’s dimensions say it was not, but rather a prisoner’s cage. Of course in SL I’ve seen plenty of those, but the feel is different when seeing a real one.
Bran. The name does not say much, isn’t it? Just wait we go forth a bit and wonders will be vanished when the great castle arises in front. Also known as Dracula’s castle this was actually the home of Vlad Tepes aka Vlad the Impaler. He is known by this name cause he used to be very cruel to the thieves and traitors whom he used to torture and kill by hanging them on spikes. Bloody, isn’t it? Well he inspired Bram Stoker to write the book which we all know.
From here we continue the trip to Sibiu, which I like to say it’s Brasov’s twin brother cause they are much alike. Of course this is my opinion, others may not share it. Anyways…
Sibiu, since 2007, is known as an European Cultural Capital. Each year here are taking part different art events. I chose to go with my buddies to the ArtMania rock music Festival. If you come with your sweetheart in Sibiu, don’t make promises on “Podul Minciunilor” (Lies Bridge), but ask a local citizen to tell you the story of it.
And cause I mentioned of festivals, one very popular is the Medieval Festival from the beautiful citadel Sighisoara, where the shining armor knights still meet the princesses, the troubadours charm with their songs, the painters reveal pretty portraits and scenery, and the merchants lure you to buy their old style souvenirs. And cause you are in the 21th century there are some modern influences like the rock concerts and the youngsters gather around  guitar guys  playing folk or rock songs. Eeeh, memories...  /me smiles
Back on Earth. We are in Sibiu and we go North-West  now, to Alba Iulia.
On our way we’ll have a stop to Sarmisegetuza Regia, the oldest fortress in Romania, from where Romania’s history began with our ancesters the Dacians. Now there are only a few rocks reminding of what once was and like any fortress they are well guarded by the mountains. To see them, must endure a one hour trip on foot on a forest path. Sarmisegetuza is now one of the Unesco World Heritage Sites along with Sigisoara, medieval fortified churches of Transylvania, painted monasteries of Bucovina and wooden churches of Maramures.
After the Roman wars in 101-102 and 105-106 the Sarmizegetusa Ulpia Traiana, the Roman citadel arised not very far from here, in the valley.
Alba Iulia has also a very important place in our history. Here is where the actual Romania was born as a country by the union of the Romanian regions. The town still has a scent of old, coming from the star shaped fortress, the cathedrals and the Union National Museum, where Romania’s “birth certificate” was signed.
Not far from Alba Iulia there are Rametiului Gorges (“Cheile Rametiului”), a beautiful and mystical scenery only for the eyes of those who dare to face a rough way till there. This is the reason I mentioned of the “hidden” Romania, cause many beauties are hard to reach and not many mention about them.
Rametiului Gorges aren’t the only ones in Romania. Other great gorges are “Cheile Bizacului” and “Cheile Nerei”. We will continue our trip heading to the Nera’s Gorges with one stop to Corvin’s Castle.
A medieval castle, not as luxurious as Peles Castle from Sinaia, but majestic and much older, Corvin’s Castle (“Castelul Corvinestilor” or “Castelul Huniazilor”) takes you back in time wishing you were walking around the noblemen and court ladies.



Corvin's Castle


From Corvin’s Castle our road crosses Resita, an industrial town where the first steam locomotive was built. Now it is sitting on a pedestal in the Locomotive Museum. You cannot miss it as you can see it from the car too. I decided to stop though and take a closer look.
Finally arrived at Nera’s Gorges, a wild place and great for adventures in the nature. Pitty I didn’t have the time for them cause the place is vast and can’t cover it all in one day. I still could see the Beusnita Waterfall which I was unlucky to see it dry cause of the lack of rains, but still gorgeous. It made me think of a rainforest. All the way, on the other side of the gorges there is Devil’s Lake (“Lacul Dracului”), of a fascinating blue-green water color and known with this name due to the legend which goes like this:
Once upon a time… there was a prince and a beautiful princess…. Oh bummer, that’s not the right story. Hehe. It actually goes like this:
It is said that the devil himself drown in that lake after a bet he made with a peasant / shepherd who was feeding the goats on a meadow nearby. The devil bet that the peasant couldn't fry a fish and stop it from bending. The peasant accepted with the condition that the devil fries him a goat head without making it to grin. The devil accepts the dare. So our peasant takes the fish and shoves a stick into the fish, then fries it and the fish remains straight. When his turn comes, the devil puts a goat's head on a stick to fry it and after a while the mouth stretches and lets the teeth show. Out of anger, the devil jumped in the lake.
Another local legend says that the lake has no bottom and it has many underground tunnels and those who dare to swim in it, are never coming back. I saw a tv show about that place and there were some divers who tried their luck though. They didn’t die, but they said the lake is dangerous so don’t try your luck in it.
Nature is in the same time gracious, strange and also dangerous. I like a lot to go on trips in the nature and Romania is gifted with all sorts of reliefs. From high mountains to the Delta Danube and sea shore. Most of my trips are on the mountains though and Bucegi is the most visited. I also been visiting Piatra Mare, Ciucas and Piatra Craiului. A strange place is represented by the Mud Volcanos from Berca, Buzau County.
There are many natural reservations and one is in Bucegi. There you may see some wild splendors like crocuses, edelweiss, black goats, bears, etc. Beware though of the bears, they have also become citizens of the near towns. They came down from the mountains looking for food and sometimes trashing and attacking tourists’ tents and camps. I was lucky be in the car when I passed near a momma bear and her cub. If I were on foot I think I would have fainted, a pretty good way to play dead J.
And speaking of food, this time for humans, a few Romanian traditional food I like are “ciorba de perisoare” (meatball sour soup), “ciorba de burta” (beef belly soup), “mititei” or “mici” (meat rolls on barbeque), “varza calita” (cabbage dish) and papanasi (a specialty of donuts with sourcream and jam). A custom of country people is to eat bacon with onion and drink “tuica” or “palinca” (brandy most times made from plums) as an appetitive at breakfast or in the short breaks from the hard peasant’s work. In most places in Transylvania you find yummy kurtos kalacs. It’s a Hungarian specialty though, cause there are large Hungarian communities. The rest of the specialties I will let you discover yourself.



Ciucas Mount


When you come in Romania you won’t be very pleased of the roads and if you are the driver you will have quite an adventure, but one not to be missed is Transfagarasan. It is spectacular due to it’s altitude and difficulty. It crosses the highest mountains in Romania (Fagaras Mountains) which makes it the highest road too (at around 2000 meters). Have a break at Balea Lake and enjoy the view, from here the road looks like a snake crawling. Mind it’s closed in winter time due to the snow danger, so you won’t have any surprises.



Nera's Gorges - Devil's Lake



Sarmisegetuza - Ulpia Traiana


Here ends my virtual tour for now. I hope you enjoyed the trip and if you wish to hear more stories, you may find me inworld or better have them told by a local on a trip in Romania.

Multumesc (that is thank you)
Feel free to comment :)

Reporting for Press Pass Media, my name is Marrie Helendale