tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73403445315006257562023-11-15T17:26:34.627+02:00Vonpell BlogThis is a photo blog with my pictures not only but mostly from Romania.Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-80697745907711358442010-09-17T13:37:00.007+03:002010-09-17T18:35:27.599+03:00Cluj Central Park (parcul central)<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4998931908/lightbox/" title="Cluj Central Park (parcul central) by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4998931908_63ab7e2191_z.jpg" width="600" height="278" alt="Cluj Central Park (parcul central)" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Cluj has not too many green spots inside the city center so usually if people want to take a rest they rush over to the central park. Inside the Park there is a really interesting looking building which is abandoned right, now. Still 20 years after communism there are quite some abandoned buildings in Cluj (and Romania). Sometimes people do not have financial resources to renovate buildings or at least to conserve the current state but more often claims and property rights are still disputed. This occurred because after the revolution documents about property rights were destroyed or forged, allowing people with access to those documents to get rich at the expense of others.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4998930194/" title="Chios and the central park pond by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/4998930194_8d002a4668_z.jpg" width="600" height="375" alt="Chios and the central park pond" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not far away from the abandoned building you can find a small pond and a restaurant (Chios). In the Summer this is a very popular spot also for weddings and and other kind of festivities. Of course you can also take a trip on the lake.</div>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-71451772983659734102010-09-07T15:30:00.000+03:002010-09-07T16:40:37.122+03:00Romania 2006 in Film<div style="text-align: center;"><embed src="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1283762917.swf" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="400" width="600"></embed></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The first time I came to Romania was in November 2006 and on this occasion I also visited Cluj for the first time. Back then I wasn't so well equipped and I had only a 20€ film camera. Nevertheless I tried of course back then to take my very first panorama of Cluj. Taking into consideration the poor quality of the camera and the lack of controls I find the results quite pleasing though it can't be compared to <a href="http://klausenburgcenteroftheworld.blogspot.com/2010/04/cluj-view-from-belvedere.html">HDR version</a> of course ;).</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4966776031/" title="Sibiu in the preparation for the European cultural Capital 2007 by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/4966776031_763d4b6d0a_z.jpg" width="600" height="269" alt="Sibiu in the preparation for the European cultural Capital 2007" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the time of my visit, Sibiu was in the preparation for the European cultural Capital 2007. The city saw a huge investment program prior to the event. As result it is now one of the most beautifulest city centers in Romania but it was also said that older people could not afford to live in the city center anylonger.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4966777245/" title="A cemetary in Rasinari by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4966777245_863a20722f_z.jpg" alt="A cemetary in Rasinari" height="401" width="600" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Close to Sibiu is the small town / village Rasinari and I really liked it lot. For me it felt in a very positive way like in a real Open Air Museum something that is difficult to find in Western Europe.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4966776671/" title="Rasinari "Downtown" by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/4966776671_aca76fb025_z.jpg" alt="Rasinari "Downtown"" height="465" width="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4967378382/" title="Oldtown Sighisoara by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/4967378382_0399bf51d6_z.jpg" alt="Oldtown Sighisoara" height="640" width="530" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sighisoara is a major tourist spot because of its fine medieval old town.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4967381518/" title="A walk around Bucharest by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4967381518_c52a4e8b76_z.jpg" alt="A walk around Bucharest" height="401" width="600" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I finished my trip back than with Bucharest. It was once called Paris of the East but unfortunately if you stroll around the city center there is not much left of it due to the destructions in the communist times. Nowadays, the capital is major recipient of financial aids for conservation and reconstruction. If you take a proper walking tour you might recall the spirit of the "interbelic" period (the period between the two wars).</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4749380524/in/set-72157624436192054/#/photos/schoko_chantalle/4749380524/in/set-72157624436192054/lightbox/" title="Cluj Film Panorama by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4749380524_1ee2b387ba_z.jpg" alt="Cluj Film Panorama" height="130" width="600" /></a></div>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-40887955826715069062010-08-23T13:47:00.007+03:002010-08-24T11:52:11.339+03:00Hiking in the Ceahlău Massif (Eastern Carpathians)<div style="text-align: center;"><embed src="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1282599296.swf" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" height="400" width="600" align="middle"></embed></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">During my <a href="http://klausenburgcenteroftheworld.blogspot.com/search/label/Farewell%20Holiday">farewell vacation</a> we also hit one day the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceahl%C4%83u_Massif">Ceahlău Massif</a> in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Carpathians#B.29_Eastern_Carpathians_.2A.2A.28province.29">Eastern Carpathians</a> in Romania.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4921028209/" title="Ceahlău Massif Trees II by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4921028209_1b7c9f01f3_b.jpg" alt="Ceahlău Massif Trees II" height="947" width="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This part of the mountains is already situated in Moldova, though the majority of the Romanian Carpathians is within Transylvania. The beauty of this section is that you can mange to climb and descend the massif in one day including reaching both peaks Toaca (1904 m altitude) and Ocolaşul Mare (1907 m altitude).<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4921020903/" title="Ceahlău Massif Moss by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4921020903_3236cce79f_b.jpg" alt="Ceahlău Massif Moss" height="799" width="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This particular day unfortunately was very cloudy so the view was limited by fog almost all day. Nevertheless it was a splendid hike also because the trails are very well marked and you can even find additional signposts with explanations about the surrounding nature.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4921019863/" title="Ceahlău Massif Trees I by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4921019863_05decaa55e_b.jpg" alt="Ceahlău Massif Trees I" height="777" width="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The forest is left untouched for most parts as the area forms the Ceahlău National Park - fallen trees are not removed.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4921028939/" title="Ceahlău Massif Mosaic by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4921028939_882aea19ed_b.jpg" width="600" height="858" alt="Ceahlău Massif Mosaic" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4921018813/" title="Ceahlău Massif Trail I by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4921018813_11f02feb35_b.jpg" alt="Ceahlău Massif Trail I" height="800" width="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4921613604/" title="Ceahlău Massif Grass / Flowers by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4921613604_146585b410_b.jpg" alt="Ceahlău Massif Grass / Flowers" height="572" width="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4921014561/" title="Ceahlău Massif Fog by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4921014561_cee192de91_b.jpg" alt="Ceahlău Massif Fog" height="803" width="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4921607672/" title="Ceahlău Massif Antena Station by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4921607672_c0ec96b560_b.jpg" width="520" height="1024" alt="Ceahlău Massif Antena Station" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The last (first) picture was taken right from the plateau right before the ascend to the peaks. You can spot also a small wooden Orthodox church there. For other episodes from my farewell vacation just hit the <a href="http://klausenburgcenteroftheworld.blogspot.com/search/label/Farewell%20Holiday">"Farewell Holiday" Tag</a>.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4921632412/" title="Ceahlău Massif Plateau I by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4921632412_eebd182efc_b.jpg" alt="Ceahlău Massif Plateau I" height="241" width="600" /></a></div>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-84713720213454111762010-08-19T16:07:00.007+03:002010-08-20T09:42:38.474+03:00Munich as seen from St. Peter chruch - Panorama view<div style="text-align: center;"><embed src="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1282225365.swf" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="400" width="600"></embed></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Last week I went to Munich to visit friends and of course the city as well. Munich is actually a beautiful German city despite the hordes of tourists and there is really a lot to see and to do. There is a couple of possibilities to get a panorama view over the city and one of the best ones is probably <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter%27s_Church,_Munich">St. Peter</a> church right in the center. From there you have a beautiful view to the fascinating <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Town_Hall,_Munich">New Town Hall</a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munich_Frauenkirche">Frauenkirche</a>, Munich's landmark. As you can see the Frauenkirche is right now in the process of restoration. If you have a look down you can spot Mary's Column right in the center of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marienplatz">Marienplatz.</a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">A short reminder: As always you can scroll around the panorama and of course you can also enter full screen mode and stop the auto rotation by pressing the button on the lower right. This time I decided to start something new and I am publishing the original pictures as well. They can be accessed via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4907613888/in/photostream">flickr</a> and reused under cc license.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4907617546/" title="Munich as seen from St. Peter chruch by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4907617546_337d7d8af6_z.jpg" alt="Munich as seen from St. Peter chruch" height="382" width="600" /></a>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-45329132239407799362010-08-08T10:43:00.014+03:002010-08-09T20:59:30.715+03:00Horse Racing: Henkel - Race Day 2010 Düsseldorf Grafenberg<div style="text-align: justify;">Last weekend the <a href="http://www.henkel.de/renntag.htm">Henkel Race Day</a> 2010 took place here in Düsseldorf Grafenberg. I've never been at a horse race before and I always expected the atmosphere to be a little bit posh or boring at most. Eventually it turned out that the crowd was very mixed from young families to the super rich.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><embed src="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1281341608.swf" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="400" width="600"></embed></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">In my opinion the races were a little bit short - basically all races were only one lap and that only every half an hour. Almost anyone there seemed to be betting (I didn't dare) and I quite liked the relaxed atmosphere at the race. The speed of the horses and the skills of the jockeys were amazing (<a href="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1281341608.swf">full-screen here</a>).<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4874599943/" title="Mosaic by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4874599943_69cd119685_z.jpg" alt="Mosaic" height="529" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4875207726/" title="Henkel - Race Day 2010 Düsseldorf Grafenberg by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4875207726_247e62a577_z.jpg" alt="Henkel - Race Day 2010 Düsseldorf Grafenberg" height="159" width="600" /></a>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-29813428995565706592010-08-03T19:22:00.010+03:002010-08-09T12:48:09.275+03:00Rostock as seen over the Warnow river before / after twilight<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0.9em;" ><a style="" href="http://www.flickr.com/people/schoko_chantalle/"></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Recently, I attended the wedding of friends in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rostock">Rostock</a>, Germany. For the party they choose an incredible nice site where you could see the city from the other side of its Warnow river right at a boat club. Right at dusk there was a beautiful atmosphere perfect for a panorama picture, of course (<a href="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1280847601.swf">full-screen here</a>).<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><embed src="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1280847601.swf" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="400" width="600"></embed></div><br /><br />Right after dusk then all the lights began to sparkle on the lake. Rostock is the largest city in northeast Germany right at the Baltic Sea.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4857331060/" title="Rostock as seen over the Warnow river after twilight by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4857331060_f1926902ae_z.jpg" alt="Rostock as seen over the Warnow river after twilight" height="375" width="600" /></a><br /></div><br />Especially with the B&W picture I realized the limitations of this presentation as the picture looks best in full screen resolution. If anyone knows how to achieve that in a simple way with blogger I appreciate suggestions very much.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4857332906/#/photos/schoko_chantalle/4857332906/lightbox/" title="Rostock as seen over the Warnow river before dusk by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4857332906_608bfae76d_z.jpg" alt="Rostock as seen over the Warnow river before dusk" height="189" width="600" /></a></div>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-77366817438541669702010-07-24T01:16:00.005+03:002010-07-24T01:51:32.711+03:00Sâmbăta de Sus Monastery / Mânastirea Sâmbăta de Sus<div style="text-align: justify;">In the midst of the summer heat another winter shot:<a href="http://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C4%83n%C4%83stirea_S%C3%A2mb%C4%83ta_de_Sus"> Sâmbăta de Sus Monastery</a> is one of the oldest orthodox monasteries in Transylvania being build in the 17th century. As a result of a conflict between the (catholic) Habsburg empire and the orthodox church the monastery was demolished in the 18th century and consecutively rebuilt later. Till today it remains a strong place of worship for the Orthodox community in Transylvania.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4822358842/" title="Sâmbăta de Sus Monastery / Mânastirea Sâmbăta de Sus by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4822358842_ec06cd85a7_z.jpg" alt="Sâmbăta de Sus Monastery / Mânastirea Sâmbăta de Sus" height="375" width="600" /></a><br /><br />This HDR shot was taken last December with early snow.Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-45584797047595713482010-07-20T20:16:00.008+03:002010-08-09T12:50:05.982+03:00Deva in December<div style="text-align: justify;">Thought it is very hot outside right now here is a shot from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva,_Romania">Deva</a>, Romania from December 2009. That particular day was very cold and the grey of the sky revealed the grey of the city's housing blocks (<a href="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1279643726.swf">full-screen here</a>).<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><embed src="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1279643726.swf" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="400" width="600"></embed><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Besides the ruin of the royal castle there's is not too much to see here - but it is worth a short stop when you pass through the city. Deva is known in Romania to host the famous Romanian national gymnastics team.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4812323995/" title="Deva in December by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4812323995_7907d49c7c_z.jpg" alt="Deva in December" height="211" width="600" /></a></div>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-60198659542981026282010-07-15T11:58:00.010+03:002010-07-15T20:45:21.058+03:00Waterfall at the Bicaz Gorge<div style="text-align: justify;">The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicaz_Canyon">Bicaz Canyon</a> is situated in the northeast of Romania created by the Bicaz River. It offers a stunning scenery when passing from the Harghita county in Transylvania to he Neamt county in Moldova. I shot this when I passed through the canyon on my farewell holiday.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4795355521/" title="Waterfall at the Bicaz Gorge by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4795355521_e304ac7607_b.jpg" alt="Waterfall at the Bicaz Gorge" height="1024" width="526" /></a></div>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-84958312173327481022010-07-10T22:46:00.004+03:002010-07-13T18:47:16.385+03:00Saxon fortified church of Biertan<div style="text-align: justify;">One of my most famous places in Romania is the Saxon village <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biertan">Biertan</a> (<i>Birthälm </i>in German). The center spot of the 13th century village is a massive Saxon fortified church recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Approaching Biertan which is situated between Mediaş and Sighişoara is already a pleasure as you go some seven kilometers of the main road through a valley where you can spot the already after some time its church.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4779475989/" title="Saxon fortified church of Biertan by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4779475989_8c7983334e_z.jpg" alt="Saxon fortified church of Biertan" height="407" width="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The church in late Gothic style itself was finished in the 15th century and is certainly one the highlights of the Saxon fortified churches in Transylvania. The village has some 1500 inhabitants today and only a tiny fraction of its original Saxon population remained in the village since 1990 when the majority left.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4780111582/" title="View on the village Biertan by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4780111582_132284360f_z.jpg" alt="View on the village Biertan" height="281" width="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, I was extremely unlucky the two times I visited the place. The first time the winter break started (from November on) and the first time I arrived on a Christian holiday for which the church is closed. But nevertheless also scenery around is breathtaking enough! The <a href="http://www.transylvaniadreaming.eu/?p=147">surrounding area</a> is also very nice and worth to explore.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4780111986/" title="Side tower at the Saxon fortified church of Biertan by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4780111986_1027086cb9.jpg" alt="Side tower at the Saxon fortified church of Biertan" height="500" width="338" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Among all the <a href="http://www.fortified-churches.com/">fortified churches in Transylvania</a> (there are many of them) this is certainly one of the most visited ones, though compared to western standards tourism is still little. A major share of the tourists visiting is also Saxons who now live in Germany.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4780112248/" title="View on the village Biertan by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4780112248_d82b99ec95_z.jpg" alt="View on the village Biertan" height="215" width="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the features I specifically like about the architecture of the Transylvanian fortified churches is the combination of wood and bricks creating a unique and beautiful style.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4780110992/" title="Saxon fortified church of Biertan by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4780110992_c2db13d416_z.jpg" alt="Saxon fortified church of Biertan" height="449" width="600" /></a><br /></div>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-88134247808064341172010-07-06T20:51:00.011+03:002010-07-08T11:02:18.832+03:00Sibiu Spring: Piata Mica and Lutheran Cathedral<div style="text-align: justify;">Sibiu is fine destination for every season but particularly nice in Spring. On one of my last trips to Sibiu I took some night shots which turned out to quite nice.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4767041309/" title="Piata Mica / Ghosts by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4767041309_897479bdee_z.jpg" alt="Piata Mica / Ghosts" height="371" width="600" /></a><br /><br /></div>One of the city's nicest church is the <a href="http://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catedrala_Evanghelic%C4%83_din_Sibiu">Lutheran Cathedral</a> which used to serve the German Saxons. The gothic church was finished in 1520 being one of the cities most prominent landmarks.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4767680912/" title="The Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4767680912_e1a47cf01a_z.jpg" alt="The Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary" height="500" width="272" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4767679772/" title="The Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4767679772_d9378f79f4_z.jpg" alt="The Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary" height="449" width="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4767675346/" title="The Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4767675346_5cd290de9c_z.jpg" alt="The Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /></div><br />And again the church as seen from the other side. Both shots of the cathedral are HDR panoramas from three or respectively four HDR shots.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4767041673/" title="The Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4767041673_4477c41bb5.jpg" alt="The Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary" height="500" width="308" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4767675742/" title="Citygate by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4767675742_c59e0367d2_z.jpg" alt="Citygate" height="500" width="373" /></a></div>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-69185168905483289492010-07-04T16:47:00.005+03:002010-07-04T16:59:11.003+03:00Cluj: Views from the hallwayThese were some initial experiments on HDR / Panorama views from my hallway.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4760164016/" title="Hall Entry by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4760164016_482c8a735b_z.jpg" alt="Hall Entry" height="275" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4760163248/" title="Stairs by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4760163248_143959b585.jpg" alt="Stairs" height="500" width="406" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4759529123/" title="Hall 2 by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4759529123_fb773964cc_z.jpg" alt="Hall 2" height="321" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4572555434/" title="Abyss / Handle by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4572555434_0984a8bcc7_z.jpg" alt="Abyss / Handle" height="375" width="600" /></a></div><br />Stitching them together was particularly difficult because shots were taken from a regular tripod introducing paralax artifacts.Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-87715469849754504212010-07-03T02:02:00.008+03:002010-08-09T12:50:58.800+03:00Düsseldorf Aaperwald<div style="text-align: justify;">My new hometown Düsseldorf has some really nice advantages one of them being that it is particularly green and has many recreation areas within short reach.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4755572813/" title="Aaperwald by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4755572813_611fe5b1ce_z.jpg" alt="Aaperwald" height="171" width="640" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Aaperwald is a nice small forest ideal for jogging or picking strawberries at a small farm inside. And yes you can see the difference between Romania and Germany here with paved rural roads ;)<br /></div><br /><embed src="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1278109640.swf" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="400" width="600"></embed><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4755573469/" title="Aaperwald by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4755573469_9fefb73269_z.jpg" alt="Aaperwald" height="375" width="600" /></a></div>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-40082978765349596072010-06-12T21:06:00.010+03:002010-06-22T17:13:53.106+03:00Sibiu International Theater Festival 2010 (FITS)<div style="text-align: justify;">One of Sibiu's remarkable cultural events is the annual <a href="http://www.sibfest.ro/FITS-2010.aspx">International Theater Festival (28.5. -6.6.2010)</a>. Unfortunately I had only the chance to attend the festival on its last day but the play I saw was really amazing. I attended a Chinese adaption of Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler" theater performance: <span style="font-style: italic;">Aspiration Sky High</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> </span>performed by the <span style="font-style: italic;">Hangzhou Yue Opera Troupe</span> from China.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4693872414/" title="Haida by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4693872414_a827ce416b_b.jpg" alt="Haida" height="461" width="600" /></a><br /></div><br />In a nutshell the play is about (romantic) relations and how time changes them. Ibsen's original setting from the turn of the 19th century is transfered into an ancient Chinese one.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4693872652/" title="Haida by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1279/4693872652_50d5dc5561_b.jpg" alt="Haida" height="600" width="527" /></a></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">All the characters (including male) were performed by woman.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4693237715/" title="Haida by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1305/4693237715_75aa1f017b_b.jpg" alt="Haida" height="375" width="600" /></a><br /></div><br />The play included beautiful dresses and splendid songs, performances and dances.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4693872740/" title="Haida by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4693872740_fa99ce29b5_b.jpg" alt="Haida" height="375" width="600" /></a><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4693237357/" title="Haida by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1281/4693237357_0a0d8dfef0_b.jpg" alt="Haida" height="600" width="450" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">All the music was performed also live on stage. It was especially remarkable since you I couldn't see the musician initially and thought that it was prerecorded. The play was actually presented in Chinese with English subtitles at the side of the stage.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4693237835/" title="Haida by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4693237835_36c9f4b25e_b.jpg" alt="Haida" height="302" width="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Thanks to the ensemble and FIT for this magnificent play!<br /></div></div>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-21130070794451557372010-06-12T17:22:00.009+03:002010-06-25T16:30:23.922+03:00Flat hunting in Düsseldorf (no commercial ;)<div style="text-align: justify;">I recently moved to Düsseldorf, Germany and it was a major challenge to find an apartment from Romania without having the chance to actually see the apartment. Of course hunting for a flat nowadays happens on the Internet with again some sites being more helpful than others. There are portals for the whole of Germany such as <a href="http://www.immobilienscout24.de/">Immobilienscout 24</a> or regional ones such as <a href="http://www.kalaydo.de/">Kalaydo</a> (in cooperation with local newspapers) with a very wide offer for Düsseldorf. The problem with these is that the majority of the flats are being offered by agents .<br /><br />They usually charge the rent of two months as commission (!) on behalf of the landlord. Oddly enought, Immobilienscout 24 doesn't allow you to exclude commercial offers relsulting in a time consuming manual search for the word "provisionsfrei" (without commission). Another problem is that many private offers on Kalaydo lack pictures which is essential if you search from the distance.<br /><br />In the end I found two pages which were useful: <a href="http://www.wg-gesucht.de/">wg-gesucht.de</a> and <a href="http://duesseldorf.studenten-wohnung.de/">duesseldorf.studenten-wohnung.de</a>. Both are targeted to students (flat shares, small apartments) but they are equally good offers if you look for a budget offer or an interim solution ("Zwischenmiete" in German). Ads often have pictures or if not landlords are willing to help out.<br />If you have some extra cash to spend I'd recommend the <a href="http://www.zweitwohnagentur.de/">Zweitwohnagentur</a> agency with a wide amount of offers and very good descriptions.<br /></div>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-16471214787184429822010-05-26T14:59:00.011+03:002010-08-09T12:51:59.143+03:00Time to say goodbye... Cluj by night!<embed src="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1274869850.swf" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="400" width="600"></embed><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">After more than 3 years the moment arrived where <span style="font-weight: bold;">I have to say goodbye to Cluj</span> as I am currently in the process of relocating to Germany. I had an excellent time here and with this panorama I'd like to say servus Cluj/Klausenburg/Kolosvar and to all the people who made this stay here so enjoyable! The shot was taken from the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Feleacu hill</span> - this is usually the first place where you spot the city when you approach the city from the south. In the center you can spot for example the Orthodox church or the Hotel Bellvedere. Unfortunately I messed the settings a little bit up so that not everything is clear in the image - apparently this setting showed the limits of my equipment ;)<br /></div><br />One more time... time to say goodbye... perla de pe somes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4642506399/" title="Cluj by night! by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/4642506399_5b3781c191_b.jpg" alt="Cluj by night!" height="64" width="600" /></a>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-92015952240961590112010-05-23T01:18:00.012+03:002010-05-24T13:53:50.412+03:00Turda Salt Mine<div style="text-align: justify;">I was very surprised when I went last weekend to the <a href="http://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salina_Turda">Turda Salt Mine</a>. I expected just like in some other Romanian museums to see something in a bad condition. Instead, everything was renovated (for a whopping 5 million euros) there and it got just reopened in 2010. This is a view from the top of into the main Hall.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4623581957/" title="Space by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4623581957_4a020d31b7.jpg" alt="Space" height="500" width="360" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The place was quite packed with tourists (also to my suprise) and it takes quite some time till you reach the main hall. Inside there I was really exited about the light installations. It was only then that I realized that I had forgotten my tripod :( which is very bad when you plan to take pictures under these light conditions.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4623577509/" title="Queue by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4623577509_9b5bc6c3fe_b.jpg" alt="Queue" height="375" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4623577521/" title="Sepia by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/4623577521_e152f704a9.jpg" alt="Sepia" height="500" width="402" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Salt mining in this area has a history that goes back till Roman times. In modern times mining startet at the end of the 17th century. The main hall has the shape of a bell and that's exactly the shape that was created by mining. For the museum it was extended with a gallery.<br /><br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4623577513/" title="Structure by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4623577513_51f81289fd_b.jpg" alt="Structure" height="375" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">You can choose weather you like to use the newly installed lifts or to climb the stairs. The main hall is roughly 90m high.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4623577517/" title="Bottom - Top by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/4623577517_e5e9742701_b.jpg" alt="Bottom - Top" height="454" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4623581961/" title="Light by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4623581961_af3be18bb3_b.jpg" alt="Light" height="375" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">As you can see there is even salt lake in the mine on which you can take a trip by rowing boat.<br /><br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4631039007/" title="Tuda Salt Mine: Lake by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4631039007_58c10b5c41.jpg" alt="Tuda Salt Mine: Lake" height="447" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So there is plenty of stuff to see but what the mine actually lacks is a bit the museum side you don't get too much of the history of the mine nor how the salt was mined. There are some paper sheets at the entrance but in rest you'll probably need a guide or web research before ;)<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4623577511/" title="Size by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4623577511_573e2e5d47.jpg" alt="Size" height="534" width="600" /></a></div>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-72444249702813591262010-05-22T17:42:00.012+03:002010-08-09T12:52:49.962+03:00RITTO 2010 Table Tennis Tournament Cluj<embed src="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1274535485.swf" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="400" width="600"></embed><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">From Thursday till today Cluj hosted at Sala Spoturilor again the <a href="http://www.ritto.ro/general_information.html">Romanian International Table Tennis Open (RITTO)</a>. It is a tournament specially for people with disabilities of different degree. The tournament was supported by the <a href="http://www.thelittle-people.org/LPA_website/projects.html">Little People</a> NGO here in Cluj. It was very interesting to see so many sports men and women from different countries get together (<a href="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1274535485.swf">full-screen here</a>). Congratulations to all who participated!<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4629274950/" title="RITTO 2010 Table Tennis Tournament by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3415/4629274950_e061d542db_b.jpg" alt="RITT 2010 Table Tennis Tournament" height="213" width="600" /></a>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-52970704022989814572010-05-21T00:16:00.014+03:002010-08-09T12:53:24.823+03:00Views from Iulius Mall on a cold afternoon<div style="text-align: justify;">Since a couple of days it got really cold especially taking into account that May in Romania usually means (very) warm weather. Last weekend I took two panorama shots at <a href="http://www.iuliusmall.com/">Iulius Mall</a>. It is one of the two big malls in Cluj. Located at the eastern side of the city you get a nice view over to the neighbouring quarters.<br /></div><br /><embed src="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1274386434.swf" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="400" width="600"></embed><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4623581975/" title="Panorama from Iulius Mall 1 by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4623581975_b5eeb1c556_b.jpg" alt="Panorama from Iulius Mall 1" height="127" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">In the first panorama you can spot the city center on the left side with the university opposite to the mall to the blocks of Marasti city quarter with its block of flats. At the mall there are two small artificial lakes which are also good for ice skating in winter.<br /></div><br />The next panorama connects directly from the eastern suburbs up to Feliacu hill. As you can see construction in this area is still continuing.<br /><br /><embed src="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1274386496.swf" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="400" width="600"></embed><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4623581977/" title="Panorama from Iulius Mall 2 by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4623581977_7c63e87b84_b.jpg" alt="Panorama from Iulius Mall 2" height="130" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Unlike the historic city center of Cluj the <a href="http://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C4%83r%C4%83%C5%9Fti,_Cluj-Napoca">Marasti</a> suburb was only extended in the process of industrialisation starting in the 1970s. Finally, I took a detail shot representing for me the cold weather of that day perfectly.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4623581971/" title="Marasti by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4623581971_7be0348187_b.jpg" alt="Marasti" height="450" width="600" /></a>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-86067869804576246412010-05-10T16:21:00.011+03:002010-07-20T09:00:32.095+03:00Cloudy Landscape close to Vestem<embed src="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1273493221.swf" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="400" width="600"></embed><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">On the weekend I stopped over close <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=vestem+sibiu&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Ve%C5%9Ftem,+Romania&ei=JQfoS7PGIsWZOJKFxbwE&ved=0CBwQ8gEwAA&ll=45.720563,24.427414&spn=0.302492,0.887833&t=f&z=11&ecpose=45.45818514,24.28886783,29819.12,0.179,44.738,0">Veştem</a> where you get a beautiful view on the Fagaras Mountains which are part of the Romanian Carpathians (<a href="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1273493221.swf">full-screen here</a>). If you take a look to the left you can spot the some cars which go along the E81 European road in direction to Brasov. The landscape - typical for this part of Transylvania - is a mix of fertile fields and forests limited only by hills and mountains.<br /><br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4594823827/" title="Landscape near Vestem by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3314/4594823827_0e0226b16b.jpg" alt="Landscape near Vestem" height="193" width="600" /></a><div_prefs id="div_prefs"></div_prefs>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-32327195422136599762010-05-07T14:34:00.001+03:002010-05-07T16:18:43.878+03:00Cluj Orthodox Cathedral (Night)<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4585909299/" title="Cluj Orthodox Cathedral (Night) by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4585909299_efa643af9c.jpg" alt="Cluj Orthodox Cathedral (Night)" height="500" width="346" /></a><br /></div>A night shot of the Cluj Orthodox Cathedral. Just in the lower right you can spot the Communist style <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avram_Iancu">Avram Iancu</a> monument - a Romanian National Hero of the 19th century.<br /><div_prefs id="div_prefs"></div_prefs>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-88461318805543685112010-05-06T12:51:00.000+03:002010-05-07T15:24:13.648+03:00Cluj - City of wires<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4565105514/" title="Cluj - City of wires by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3309/4565105514_d2edc360b8.jpg" alt="Cluj - City of wires" height="406" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">One of major issue one realizes in Romania is the enormous number of wires one can spot. This is mostly because there are almost no subterranean wires. This junction near Mihai Viteazu place is really a nice spot with the BT Building on the right. The junction is additionally crossed by the tram increasing the number of wires ;) To be continued...<div_prefs id="div_prefs"></div_prefs></div>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-3322195289346439692010-05-04T10:23:00.003+03:002010-08-09T12:54:07.121+03:00Cluj, up from the hill<embed src="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1272954343.swf" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="400" width="600"></embed><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Cluj is situated in a valley between two steep hills north and south of the city. This is my favorite site in Cluj on the northern hill near the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dambul Rotund</span> quarter (<a href="http://www.swfcabin.com//swf-files/1272954343.swf">full-screen here</a>). Unlike other areas in Cluj e.g. Faget it's not so accessible (by car) and that leaves a beautiful, uncrowded spot. Unfortunately, most time of the year the view is not very clear mostly on windy days only. This area is also covered by fruit trees which make a trip even more worthwhile. On the Panorama, you can spot also the two major suburbs east (Marasti) and west (Manastur) with its Communist style housing blocks.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4577143029/" title="Cluj, up from the hill by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4577143029_603bf7b0f5.jpg" alt="Cluj, up from the hill" height="150" width="600" /></a>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-50430367419806959912010-05-03T12:56:00.001+03:002010-05-07T16:25:07.214+03:00Taverna Terrace Bar Cluj<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4573380725/" title="Taverna by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/4573380725_cf86a60f17.jpg" alt="Taverna" height="341" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the nice spots in Cluj right now is the terrace bar "Taverna" situated at Clinicilor Street almost in the center of the city. It has a very nice atmosphere with a lot of fruit trees like an orchard.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4574014882/" title="Peach by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4574014882_730f4a6112.jpg" alt="Peach" height="376" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It was extended this year and the only downsides are the speed of service :( and the lack of local Romanian beer if you don't consider "Skol" a fair contender.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4575564117/" title="Leave by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3399/4575564117_83fb79d094.jpg" alt="Leave" height="376" width="600" /></a><div_prefs id="div_prefs"></div_prefs>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340344531500625756.post-3696834042820892202010-05-01T18:52:00.000+03:002010-05-03T00:28:17.213+03:00Three shots from Iuliu Maniu Street<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4565105520/" title="View towards St. Michaels Cathedral by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3350/4565105520_52fc69883c_b.jpg" alt="View towards St. Michaels Cathedral" height="366" width="600" /></a><br /></div><br />Iuliu Maniu Street connects within the Cluj city center two of the most prominent spots St. Michaels Cathedral and the Orthodox Cathedral.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4572585710/" title="Iuliu Maniu / No Parking by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4572585710_0033e88536.jpg" alt="Iuliu Maniu / No Parking" height="600" width="367" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Unfortunately, like everywhere else in Romania parking is forbidden in places like these but people take it rather easy. Lately authorities started to tow away cars :)<br /></div><br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoko_chantalle/4565105522/" title="Yard at Iuliu Maniu Street by schoko_chantalle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/4565105522_5afc57fa89.jpg" alt="Yard at Iuliu Maniu Street" height="376" width="600" /></a><br /></div>Klaus Jürgenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510649477240501588noreply@blogger.com0