May 1st was an interesting day in Romania. It was Labor Day! Businesses were closed. People flocked to the forests and rivers to enjoy time with friends and family. Some shared a picnic by the river while others, camped in the foothills of the Carpathians or hiked the ruins of Deva.

We spent time with family and reconnected with two very dear friends, Lulu and Marioara in beautiful Hateg. Hateg is heralded as the gateway to Transylvania’s greatest Roman remains and offers spectacular views of the Retezat mountains. There was still snow on the mountains (approximately 2500 meters) on the first of May! This was our first introduction on this journey to the famed Transylvania!

On our return home, we stopped in the old mining town of Deva and the fortress ruins. Whether you choose to climb 300 meters or ride the cable car, the 365 degree views of the Mures Valley are beyond breathtaking! On an interesting side note, the founder and first bishop of the Unitarian Church, David Ferenc (1510-1579) was martyred and imprisoned here.

A beautiful visit into Transylvania with the assurance this will not be our last! - HSR