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Brasov - historic old town, ski resort, and urban mountain

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 Visit time: 2026-03-11 to 2026-03-15 It does not surprise me that this beautiful historic city is the most popular tourist destination in Romania.  Its historic old town is well-preserved and well-maintained. Romania's largest ski resort, Poiana Brașov, is in its suburb. A highly hikable mountain is right by the old town. Brașoveni are just like typical Romanians - super friendly, approachable, and engaging.  Uber in Brasov is quick and inexpensive.  The old center: Old town streets in the morning: Bird's-eye view from Mt. Tampa: Bird's-eye view from Rt. 1E The central bus station, where you can catch a bus to go anywhere in Brasov. You can pay with your credit card on a bus if the card reader works. Poana Brasov: The Poana Brasov ski resort: I rented skis from this place, with excellent service, and enjoyed long conversations with Matthew there.  Mountain Tapa: It is too big for a post-dinner casual walk, but small enough for a pre-breakfast jog. The ascent is...
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Dnipro, once closed city, today's welcoming hub

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I visited Dnipro in 2024, when I delivered first-aid supplies to Ukraine, and I had a great time in this city that was closed during the Soviet era to protect its missile manufacturing facilities. Foreigners were prohibited from visiting the city, and even Soviet citizens needed permission to enter the city. The legacy of the Soviet era is everywhere. Dnipro probably no longer makes rockets, but it has a Rocket Park. The iconic Unfinished Hotel Sail (Nedobudovanyy Hotelʹ "Parus"). Its construction started in the 70s and was stopped near the end of the USSR. Monument to fallen soldiers in Afghanistan.  The Soviet War in Afghanistan was a disaster. I can understand that these youngsters were brainwashed to believe they were fighting a noble war for the people of Afghanistan and for their motherland.   Brutalis buildings: One universal scene in Ukraine is that Churches stand out as often the most beautiful buildings in their areas.  Cathedral of the Transfiguration of t...
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