- The Main Square in Sibiu
Sibiu was our first stop after leaving Bucharest. These wonderful buildings were built by the Saxons. They began building in the 13th century although the area has had a settlement since the Stone Age. The Saxons called their city Hermannstadt. They were German settlers who came to Transylvania at the behest of the Hungarian Kings. Doesn’t this square remind you of Prague?
- Once called Hermannstadt
We climbed up the town hall tower at dusk to get this shot. The tower of the former Catholic church which is taller was closed for repairs. That was good as climbing the tower with both of my cameras weighing me down was not easy. Daniel flew up the stairs, pausing now and then to wait for me and I did my best not to slow him down. We both knew the light was fading fast.
As I climbed, I tried not to look upward because I did not want to lose heart at the many steps yet to conquer. At each landing I’d look hopefully about. There always seemed to be another flight of stairs. I made it to the top, out of breath and legs spent.
The view was wonderful except the lights in the viewing area reflected in the glass windows. And there really was no sunset. Still there is the fairy tale village below us. It was once surrounded by fortified walls punctuated by massive guard towers (some of which still exist). I asked a woman at our hotel what it was like to live in such a lovely place. She said they don’t really think Sibiu is special until they see it on film or television. Then they realize how fortunate they are.
After we finished photographing, we went to a 150 year old restaurant for dinner. It was located in the cellar of a nearby building. We ate something called ‘Shepherd’s Bag’. Daniel had been looking forward to it and I ordered it, too. It is a chicken breast, boned and flattened, filled with local cheese, sausage and ham then folded into a triangle and cooked on a grill. It is served on a pool of creamy cheese sauce. Talk about calories but every bite was delicious. I ordered it twice and never could eat it all. When I ordered a ‘salad’ I got a plate of sauerkraut and pickles. Even the menu is medieval.
To contact my guide: www.covinnus.com