We had a wonderful sleep, very quiet - no barking dogs or roaring lions or snoring humans or plumbing noises! Breakfasted and ready, assembled in the hotel with others to go to the Palace of the People, the Romanian Parliament building. It is the second largest building in the works, after the Pentagon. When we came out there was a thunderstorm happening, so had to stay undercover until the torrential rain stopped.
Afterwards, with Jos, caught a taxi to "Revolution Square". Finally, after being declined at many banks, we found one which would exchange our American Express traveller's cheques. It was a branch of the bank in Timisoara where we were also successful, the UniCredit Tiriac Bank. The young tellers in both branches spoke perfect English and were very friendly. Note if travelling through Europe that travellers cheques are not easiest to use!
Had a coffee at a cafe with free wifi, so caught up on emails, then dodged the rain in another thunderstorm to find somewhere for lunch. It was 3pm when we found a pizza restaurant, where we shared a large pizza. We went back to the hotel and watched the Tour de France. Jos, Carl and Rita, Janice and Allan joined us. Then we went for dinner at the hotel restaurant. Bucharest is a city undergoing change. There is a lot of EU money being poured onto Romania, for a wide variety of projects. There are a lot of buildings built during the time of Chachescue, when he had half the central city demolished to build his administration buildings.
There are also large numbers of apartment blocks. Lots of park areas and squares, grass is not well maintained though. Many water fountains in the central city. In another decade the whole of Romania will be much improved.
Afterwards, with Jos, caught a taxi to "Revolution Square". Finally, after being declined at many banks, we found one which would exchange our American Express traveller's cheques. It was a branch of the bank in Timisoara where we were also successful, the UniCredit Tiriac Bank. The young tellers in both branches spoke perfect English and were very friendly. Note if travelling through Europe that travellers cheques are not easiest to use!
Had a coffee at a cafe with free wifi, so caught up on emails, then dodged the rain in another thunderstorm to find somewhere for lunch. It was 3pm when we found a pizza restaurant, where we shared a large pizza. We went back to the hotel and watched the Tour de France. Jos, Carl and Rita, Janice and Allan joined us. Then we went for dinner at the hotel restaurant. Bucharest is a city undergoing change. There is a lot of EU money being poured onto Romania, for a wide variety of projects. There are a lot of buildings built during the time of Chachescue, when he had half the central city demolished to build his administration buildings.
There are also large numbers of apartment blocks. Lots of park areas and squares, grass is not well maintained though. Many water fountains in the central city. In another decade the whole of Romania will be much improved.
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