TravelswithCharie

Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi ) The Basilica Cistern or the Sunken Palace, has been around since the 6th century when it was constructed as a reservoir for the palace of Constantinople and the surrounding neighborhood. It takes its name from the Stoa Basilica which once stood on the very same site. There are 336 marble columns standing 30 ft. high supporting the ceiling. Many of these columns were recycled from the ruins of other buildings. The vaulted ceiling and rounded arches remind one of the great cathedrals of Europe but the Cistern predates these cathedrals. It has been restored multiple times through the years and earthquake-proofed in 2017. The Cistern was reopened to the public in July 2022. This is the bottom of the cistern with just enough water to reflect the columns and artworks scattered throughout. Visitors walk on raised walkways. Here’s a Corinthian column decorated with acanthus leaves. Peacock Eye or Column of Tears This column may be a tribute to the slaves wh

Chernivtsi National University When your country is at war but you live a thousand kilometers from the combat zones, how is your way of life affected? I had a surprisingly pleasant visit in Ukraine in September. There was no hint of the conflict happening on the eastern front.  This is what I saw in Chernivtsi, a university town in Western Ukraine.   The Chernivtsi National University, once the residence  of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans (bishops), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The residence including the church, monastery and gardens incorporate Byzantine, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles. It became part of the University in 1955.  Bartka Outdoor Terrace As soon as we arrived in Chernivtsi, we stopped for coffee, cola and cake at a rooftop café overlooking the city. How peaceful it was to sit there and soak in the view while slowly savoring my chocolate cake. Address: Holovna St., 124 There’s a lounge area outside the restrooms of the terrace  café which it shares w

   Nevermore Academy I had never heard about Wednesday nor Nevermore Academy until recently through a post on Instagram where I discovered that the filming location is in Romania. As it turned out, the Academy was on our way to Brașov and I had a glimpse of it. Since then, I have checked out the series, Wednesday, and found that this is about the daughter of the Addams Family. I enjoyed watching the Addams Family as a kid and was intrigued by the adventures of Wednesday. I haven’t watched all the episodes of Season 1 yet but look forward to watching them soon. It’s so popular that Netflix announced a Season 2 is coming soon.  The Cantacuzino Castle (Nevermore Academy) was the summer home of Prince Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino, a wealthy aristocrat and politician who died two years after the manor was completed. The manor is now owned by a German lawyer and property developer who is awaiting government approval for the transformation of the property to a golf and ski resort. The Castle

A beach in Mamaia  It was Friday in mid-September. School had just started in Romania and the kids were deep into their books. The summer crowds had gone home. The umbrellas at beaches along the coast of the Black Sea were mostly folded up and the scene in front of me was one of abandonment. A welcome site, I might add. As I walked (with my Sketchers on) and sunk deeply into the warm sand, the sound of waves kissing the shore gave me the calm I needed after a week long road-trip in Northern Romania, Ukraine and Moldova. I was connected once again to my roots. I grew up by the sea on the other side of the world and I always return to the sea to rejuvenate my spirit and get a fresh start. This poem (I wrote it  a while ago) mirrors how I felt when strolling on the beach. I grew up by the sea It’s always with me No matter where I go I hear its warm hello. It’s been too long Since I heard her song  Seeing her today Never far will I stray. There are many beaches in Mamaia, a suburb of Const