Break on Through

When one mentions Transilvania, the first thing that comes to mind is Dracula.

For good reason, I'd say.

Transilvania had not had much publicity aside from this tale which has been rehashed and dramticised by Bram Stoker.

Of course the region is more than that.

One of its cities, Cluj, is the centre of education in Romania. It houses a number of premiere universities in the country. This is also where the culture of the country blooms - where technology meets culture, while its history admirably preserved.

The city centre houses a walled fortress, used to be a protection against neighbouring invaders, but is now the university belt. It also houses two main religious sites - one for each of the major religious denominations in Romania (orthodox and catholicism).

Not too far from the district of Cluj Napoca is Turda, where the must-visit Salina Turda is housed. This saltmine, which has now been converted into a tourist attraction, was man-made and developed into an underground theme park. Attractions such as playground for children, a man-made lake where boats can be rowed, and a ferris wheel are conveniently situated 112 meters underground.

Aside from the sights, Cluj is a city of hospitable people. You would not find a city in Europe where people are very accommodating , caring, and genuinely kind. They are very helpful, respectful, kind, and polite, that it almost feels like you're in a scene from Pleasantville (and it is never bad to be in such place, especially if you're away from home).

The experience of the culture, the warmth of the people, the four colourful seasons - all these and more which make up an experience of a lifetime (whether you catch in photos, or just in your mind - these leave permanent imprints which one can relive over and over again).