Has anyone had a summer holiday in Romania?

[Superoom]

Thinking of some slightly different places to go to next Summer.

Romania came up
Or a nine day trip to Iceland

Yes I do, sadly the vast majority will have died, save for a handful who were adopted. They were all HIV+. I wonder what would have been if I’d adopted a little boy I felt a lot for, but realistically I would have been in above my head. I was 25.

I feel ambivalent about Romania. Lots f stealing and lying by the staff at the hospital/ orphanage. At the same time, when I got to know people on a personal level they could be incredibly hospitable and helpful. Travelling around was beautiful, we went to the Black Sea and Transylvania. Wish I’d been to the Danube delta.

Where were you? I used to visit an HIV orphanage in Arad and the survival rate for the kids was very good. And they will have had access to antiviral drugs for years now.

All of the big orphanages were closed in the early 2000s, and children went to small group homes, which were much better. In country adoption and fostering became more of a thing too.

I haven't however my sister did and her photos were amazing! I didn't realise just how beautiful Romania is and it is now on my holiday list!

@FeatheryFlorence i was in Bucharest at the infectious diseases hospital. I pre dated effective anti retrovirals by a few years. I am sure it is different now, not least with EU membership.

Went last June for 2 weeks, started in Cluj, then Sibiu, then Brasov (and Bran) then Sinaia (up the mountains by cable car), then Bucharest. Absolutely loved it. Train between Cluj and Sibiu a bit of a challenge, but from there onwards was fine with more regular modern trains. All places were great, all different. All reasonably priced - at worst, UK prices, but generally quite a bit lower. Fave things were Bucharest Terme (near aiport), Palace of the Paliament and also fab SC accom in Bucharest (other than that, liked Bucharest the least, esp the main restaurant area, far nicer places to eat further out Brasov and Sibiu are picture book pretty, Bran castle has to be done, but be first in line early in the morning, also liked a big swimming pool complex near Brasov (£10 for all day). It was hot. Sometimes unbearably hot. Liked going up Bucegi mountains on cable car (not particularly cheap, but compared with France / Switzerland it was a bargain) and walking to Pele's castle (did not go in). The people are lovely and helpful, the accommodation has massive range from cheap (but basic) to very good (and still OK price). Had a lovely stay in hotel in Sinaia with fab spa, and great breakfast for £70 a night. Bear warning ! I'd go back without hesitation. x