For much of its recent history, Romania has been perceived – in the west, at least – as a land of mystery and intrigue. These perceptions stemmed in large part from popular vampire folk tales as well as the bizarre machinations of power-hungry national leaders during the communist period. However, with the execution of the Communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu in 1989, the fall of communism and, more recently, the country’s accession to the European Community, a new Romania has emerged.
Today, Romania offers a rich tapestry of cultural and tourist attractions unique in Central-Eastern Europe: Medieval towns and villages in Transylvania dating to the 12th century; the world-famous painted monasteries in Bucovina; the equally famous sculptural ensemble designed by Constantin Brancusi in Tirgu Jiu; the magnificent architecture of Bucharest; the majestic Carpathian mountains with diverse ethic, cultural, musical traditions. Romanian culture will be the main focus of the proposed ILEAD tour.
Tom Blinkhorn, an active ILEAD member, Hanover resident who knows Romania well will be our tour leader. He worked on the country’s development for almost 10 years with the World Bank. This experience included significant cultural restoration work in collaboration with the World Monuments Fund, the St. James Trust (United Kingdom) and specialists from Romania, Italy and elsewhere. He will be assisted by Dan Dimancescu, a Dartmouth College graduate and Romanian native, who is the Romania honorary counsel in Boston. Dan owns the Inn at Balaban, a recently refurbished historic hotel in the Carpathian mountains, one of the stops on the proposed itinerary.
The tentative itinerary is:
• Saturday, May 8: depart Boston.
• Sunday, May 9: Arrival in Bucharest from London. Overnight in Bucharest hotel.
• Monday, May 10: Morning visit to Museum of Art in Bucharest with presentation by Curator. Lunch at Museum or Mogosoaia palace. Afternoon briefing at World Bank office on Romanian economy/social issues.
• Tuesday, May 11: Travel from Bucharest to Brasov by van or small bus. Visit/tour historic Black church. Afternoon to Dan Dimensescu’s “Inn on Balaban.” Overnight at Inn.
• Wednesday, May 12: Visit to Rasnov Citadel. Return to Inn on Balaban for folk dance and music. Overnight at Inn.
• Thursday, May 13: Travel to Viscri, one of the very special 12th century Saxon villages in Transylvania. Lunch in Viscri followed by tour of several Saxon villages in area. Overnight at Viscri guest houses hosted by town leader, a personal friend of Prince Philip who has adopted several of the villages.
• Friday, May 14: Travel to Sibiu, historic cultural capital of Transylvania. Visit the ASTRA museum and engage in a discussion of Romanian folk culture with museum director. On to Sighisoara, overnight at the Fronius hotel.
• Saturday, May 15: Travel to Tirgiu Jiu, home of the internationally famous Constantin Brancusi sculptural ensemble. Presentation by local artists. Overnight at nearby historic monastery.
• Sunday, May 16: Return to Bucharest, overnight there.
• Monday, May 17: Return to London and the US.
Travel arrangements are being organized by Travel Leaders, Inc., Dartmouth College’s new travel agent. Estimated total cost is about US$5,000. Because of the nature of this trip, participation will be restricted to about 15 people on a first come, first served basis.
