luni, 9 februarie 2009

Day Trip

This last Saturday we decided to profit from the unseasonably warm and sunny weather and go and visit one of the attractions near Bucharest.

It is called Mogosoaia Palace and park.

We had a great time once we got there. Once we got there...because getting there is an adventure. First we had to drive through the most complicated intersection in Europe.

Cars were coming from all directions, to give way one has to stop on train tracks. There are no clear signs to tell you who has the right of passage, you rely only on the rule "give way to traffic coming from the right". Also mind the rule not found in the traffic code: "give way to the traffic coming from the left" because the white SUV coming from that direction is bigger than your car. Also watch for trains and do not rely on the warning lights.

Once clear of that intersection you get on a straight road. Somehow the asphalt was scraped so prepare to drive on an unpaved road which is also the ring road of Bucharest. Mind the cars overtaking on your lane, they keep coming towards you no matter how many warning flashes you give them.

So after that road test we ended up in another intersection. A rusty sign will point you to the palace. You won't see it because it's behind a gas station sign and it's crooked. I sort of knew it was there.
After turning right you end up in Mogosoaia village. From there it is a straight drive until some undetermined point where you will need to turn left. Rely on instincts because there are no signs to point you to the tourist attraction.
If you are lucky enough to find the palace, then you will have to do some serious research to visit the interior. The way in is not marked. Also wonder around, behind the palace wall there are abandoned statues from the communist past.

So, dear Minister of Tourism. Can you please put some signs to guide people to existing tourist attractions before implementing the project of turning Bucharest into a spa?


To us, natives and frequent travelers, these adventures are not able to ruin a perfect day. We had a great day at the palace and in the park.
Once back in Bucharest we faced the reality of traffic. It could be that the taxi might offer more than a ride...after all, (sex)tourism is more popular that regular tourism.