Fun in the snow

On this fine day of winter, with temperatures well below 0° (-13° Celsius) we have decided to take advantage of these optimal winter conditions.
So, we have armed ourselves with snow disks, went to the park and picked a slope.

We were having so much fun that soon enough the slope became the most popular one. Of course, four crazy adults sliding down on red plastic snow disks, making more noise than the kids, is not a show one can see every day.

Anyway since the weather is suppose to stay as cold as today, we are planning to do it again and with the experience of this fine day in our portfolio, our next “Snow fun” Day will definitely be something special.





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The magic of the Danube Delta

The Danube Delta is one of the biggest treasures of Romania. Located in the South-Eastern part of the country it is the second largest Delta in Europe and the best preserved ecosystem of this sort.

The wildlife is also impressive ... over 300 species of birds can be found here, the migrating birds are one of the symbols of the Danube Delta. Amongst these 300 species we find Spoonbills, Glossy Ibises, White Pelicans, White-Tailed Eagles, Cormorants and Egrets.

Also there are at least 90 species of fish including pike, carp, bream and sturgeon, famous for its black caviar.

All these and more are waiting to be discovered by you in the heart of this amazing natural sanctuary.




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International sunglasses

A few years ago, I was leading a tour through Eastern Europe.
I had about 40 travelers on my bus and we were in Bulgaria. Our trip was going form Ruse to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi, two lovely places filled with history.
When traveling with such a large group, finding toilets for all becomes an issue. We found a good place, at a hotel in Veliko Tarnovo and we have decided to stop there. Good, you’d say…but please bare with me for a while.
You see, whenever you have many ladies in the group, they have to line up at the toilet. This is the moment when I usually step in and solve the problem by guarding the door at the man’s room and let the ladies use that as well.
Good, everything fine so far, except the fact that I had to explain to some local gentleman (in language sign, since I do not speak Bulgarian) that the toilet is unavailable for the moment.
Skipping forward … all the travelers are all onboard, when a lady approaches me with the request to retrieve her sunglasses she forgot in the men’s room. “That’s easy!” I said to myself as I was on my way to the toilet. At the toilet’s entrance, there is a Chinese man standing, blocking my way in. He explains that his wife is inside.
Now, remember, me, the Romanian, in Bulgaria, looking for an American lady’s sunglasses and there is a Chinese man blocking my way.
“Could you please ask her if she can see some sunglasses?” I asked him. “She saw a boy taking the sunglasses” he replied; “that boy over there” he continued pointing a kid in the lobby of the hotel.
So, I went to this boy trying to get back the glasses. The boy is Russian. I am about to faint. Instantly I have decided to ask my Bulgarian colleague for help. The Bulgarian and the Russian languages are somewhat similar.
So now, my Bulgarian colleague went and told the Russian kid that the Chinese man at the toilet saw him taking the American lady’s glasses and the Romanian guy is here to get them.
I cannot explain the face on that poor kid…he immediately gave back the glasses like being afraid not to start an international conflict.
Once back on board, I had to tell the story first.
This is when we decided that those were international sunglasses.

Peles Castle again! :))

I guess I should start by introducing myself: I am Sorin and my business is "smooth traveling".

Seeing that all the formalities are taking care of we can go ahead and start the story.

Once upon a time ... actually, come to think of it ... last week, I visited Peles Castle (the summer residence of the Royal Family of Romania) for the 100th time. Yes, I had the same reaction when I realized it; the good thing about it is I still enjoy going there.

Why, you ask?

Well for one because I love traveling and nature, and Peles Castle has both, it is 75 miles out of Bucharest, in the small beautiful town of Sinaia, a very popular ski resort.
The castle is neatly tucked away on the side of the mountain between the tall pine trees overlooking the Prahova Valley.

Another thing I love is history and "the summer residence of the Royal Family" has plenty of it, built in late 19th century it stood witness to quite a few events in its life time.

Also a good thing about Peles Castle is the fact that it is really beautiful, and this makes my job easier, the tourists are naturally in loved with it, the architecture is Neo - Renaissance and the interiors are exquisite.

Oh and don`t get me started on the food, I know this restaurant that serves the best sarmale I had in a long time.

I am looking forward to our 200th anniversary ... I have a special surprise planed for that occasion.

Velvet Tours's blog Grand Opening

We have decided to create this blog in order to give you the chance to know more about us and help you plan your trips to Eastern Europe.

The purpose of this is to gather as much information, ideas and tips as possible, to make YOUR traveling more comfortable and turn Romania into your favorite destination.
Our posts will include news about Romania, stories about Transylvania and updates from our friends from allover the world.

We will debate upon "spicy topics" such as: "Dracula- Myth vs. history", "Transylvania-the fairytale land between Romania and Hungary" or "Red Bucharest- my life in Communism".

Join us on this trip from legends to facts! Comment our posts and add your suggestions, all for the same purpose: smooth traveling!

www.velvettours.com