Travel Again... a city that needs to be explored. (Timisoara)

Member Name: Atlante

Product:	Timisoara
Date:	05/09/09 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Varied culture and activities, friendly people.

Disadvantages: Little tourist information available.

Romania's second city, Timisoara, is a city of opposites. Having visited the city many times visiting my Fiance who currently lives there, I have grown to both love and hate different aspects of this unusual place.

The city is steeped in history, proudly boasting the first street lighting in Europe, and more significantly the birth place of the Romanian revolution against Communisim in 1989. The architecture in this city is truly beautiful; from the detail of gargoyles and grotesques on each building, to the Orthodox Cathedral that dominates the centre of the city. However, there is a feeling that in some sense the population is trying to dispose of their roots, with a strong move towards American and British fashion, business and media. Walking through the city there seems to be huge contrast between the young dressed in their designer jeans and the old in more traditional Romanian garb.

Poverty is still apparent throughout Timisoara, although much is hidden out of the areas commonly visited by tourists. There are communities with dirt roads, no heating or running water, within the city limits. This is juxtaposed with the wealth of many of the central residents and the heavy investment in certain projects such as the Iulius Mall.

The mall consists of several hundred shops, many designer. There is a multiplex cinema (films are in English with Romanian subtitles), a high-class gym, outdoor pool and several eating establishments. It takes a good few days to explore what the mall has to offer, although it distinctly lacks a Romanian influence (Starbucks, KFC, Pizza Hut, Guess, Nike etc etc). Romanian clothing tends to be far more expensive than in the UK, so Timisoara is more suited to window shopping than a cheap spending spree as I had originally hoped.

Food in Timisoara is cheap. You can choose between the student complex which tends to house cheap Romanian fast food, the centre with classier restraunts from various culinary cultures, or the mall with more international (read US) food options. Tipping is customary, and with the small denominations of money it is easy to cater your tip to match the quality of service received (as is expected). Vegetarians may find their options restricted, and be aware the translation of meat in Romanian excludes chicken.

The city has several beautiful parks, which are well kept and clean. At night lighting is poor, so despite the romantic opportunities presented it is best to be safe and leave a walk by the river for the day time. Further entertainment opportunities exist in the opera house, theatre and football stadium.

Transport is cheap in Timisoara, with trams costing 28p a ticket. Taxis are inexpensive and can give more thrilling a ride than any seen at Alton Towers! There is an airport just outside of the city with regular flights from several European cities, and recently WizzAir has offered cheap flights from Luton to this destination.

I would recommend Timisoara as a city to visit, the residents are charming and fascinated to meet Brits. Although the tourist areas are spectacular and unspoilt, to gain a true insight into this ununusual place it is worth wandering down an unmarked street and seeing both faces of this city.

Summary: An unusual and worthwhile place to visit.