B r a n :

  E x p e r i e n c e s

From Brasov, I took a day trip to Bran, home of Citadella Bran (Castle Bran). Some Romanians would like for you to believe that this is Dracula's Castle so you will buy their Dracula merchandise sold outside of the castle entrance. But even though Dracula did in fact stay here for a few days, the real "Dracula's Castle" was many miles away. (here)

In the courtyard below the castle, I noticed what appeared to be a man with his pet Labrador retriever. When I got a closer look, I discovered that it wasn't a dog at all... IT WAS A LION! The Romanian owner noticed my surprise and came forward to ask if he wanted to take a photo for me. He had a polaroid camera around his neck, the sign of a tourist trap in Romania. Before I could retreat, he had placed the lion cub in my arms and took my camera! For a moment, I thought that he was going to run away with my camera, leaving me with the illegally owned lion. (Imagine having a pet lion!) But he was kind and generous, giving my camera back and taking back the lion after he took a picture. He never asked for any money.

  A c c o m m o d a t i o n :