On Tuesday and Wednesday this week I and my Australian colleague Roy Jones travelled the 250 km to the port of Constanta (named I gather after the Roman Emperor Constantine or his wife) in the Black Sea and then back. The trip was by car ... possibly somewhat dodgy given Romanian driving skills, though I had every confidence in our own driver! I've always wanted to sea the Black See (excuse the pun) having reached as close as Istanbul, and now was the chance.
As expeceted, the journey was mostly flat as we approached and paralleled the Danube flood plain, and we crossed some of the best agricultural land I've ever seen - jet black rich soils and many huge fields stretching towards the horizon. On the downside, the landscape was marred by lots of electricity pylons! All the views shown here are looking more or less south on a cloudy day.
The roads and railways were often straight and fairly boring, with some moments of excitement as we crossed the massive Danube itself and saw one of Romania's few nuclear power stations (alas no picture).
At last a gently undulating section south of the Danube, before a glimpse of a more conventional power station adjacent to Constanta.
In some ways, our first introduction to the city resembled my Vladivostok experience two months ago - huge and not overly attractive port installations and surrounding locations.
But then it got much better as we approached the truly historic core, which has interesting Greek and Roman remains, not to forget subsequent incursions by Ottomans and other nations.
A Roman inscription
A statue to Ovidius (or Ovid to the English) a famous Roman writer who was exiled here by a disgruntled Emperor.
The city is now seas-side resort ... but only seriously in the 4 months of summer ... and so has lots of sandy beaches and places to park yachts or motor boats.
Street names give away its heritage and, at some time the sewer covers were elegantly replaced!
The orthodox cathedral, and some ancient remains.
The city is fond of statues to famous people whwo shaped its history, though I'm not sure who this first guy is - although I reckon he must have been exempt feeling cold!
I gather that this dude played a major role in harbour construction
The casino.
An early lighthouse
My companions in the deserted lower town - out of season and shops migrated to indoor shopping centres - as in many other places.
And a redntition of Romulus and Remus - heaven knows why here!
AS
As expeceted, the journey was mostly flat as we approached and paralleled the Danube flood plain, and we crossed some of the best agricultural land I've ever seen - jet black rich soils and many huge fields stretching towards the horizon. On the downside, the landscape was marred by lots of electricity pylons! All the views shown here are looking more or less south on a cloudy day.
The roads and railways were often straight and fairly boring, with some moments of excitement as we crossed the massive Danube itself and saw one of Romania's few nuclear power stations (alas no picture).
At last a gently undulating section south of the Danube, before a glimpse of a more conventional power station adjacent to Constanta.
But then it got much better as we approached the truly historic core, which has interesting Greek and Roman remains, not to forget subsequent incursions by Ottomans and other nations.
A Roman inscription
A statue to Ovidius (or Ovid to the English) a famous Roman writer who was exiled here by a disgruntled Emperor.
The city is now seas-side resort ... but only seriously in the 4 months of summer ... and so has lots of sandy beaches and places to park yachts or motor boats.
Street names give away its heritage and, at some time the sewer covers were elegantly replaced!
The orthodox cathedral, and some ancient remains.
The city is fond of statues to famous people whwo shaped its history, though I'm not sure who this first guy is - although I reckon he must have been exempt feeling cold!
I gather that this dude played a major role in harbour construction
My companions in the deserted lower town - out of season and shops migrated to indoor shopping centres - as in many other places.
And a redntition of Romulus and Remus - heaven knows why here!
No comments:
Post a Comment