Tourist in Romania: Constanta and Black Sea coast

Today I will move back from the mountain's altitude to the sea level and in case it was not clear enough when writing about Negoiu it will be now. I am fascinated by the sun, both sunset and sunrise.
I was born and lived for 18 years in Constanta, the biggest city on the Black Sea shore. Of course I did not appreciated all the beauty while I was there, I remember the last night before leaving for Bucharest. I was with some friends on the cliff and we saw the moon-rise from the sea. It was spectacular and I realized then I won't see this anymore, or at least not as often. But well, enough with complaining, let me present you the beautiful Black Sea and my dear hometown, Constanta.

Constanta? Never heard of it...

Maybe you've heard about Tomis...joking:) Tomis is the name of the old town, first mentioned in 657 b.c.
Old, isn't it?
The center of the city is still called Tomis and you can see some Greek and Roman ruins here. There is also a beautiful museum, The National Museum of History and Architecture containing a mosaic area, a very special and rare piece of art.

Constanta was under different influences and domination through time: Greek, Roman, Ottoman and this is the source of a multiculturalism unique in Romania. There are different religions, languages and life styles but a lot of respect for diversity.
It is also a contrast of old and new, modern and archaic, crowded summer and empty winters.

Below you can see 2 pictures, first with the statue of our most important poet, Mihai Eminescu and the second one with Constanta's emblematic building, The Casino. (I know, it's not quite visible but I love more the sun. I promise I will dedicate a post to beautiful architecture)

Constanta and the Black Sea

I always preferred Constanta in autumn and winter when tourists were gone. There is so much serenity walking on the seashore without any noise but the seagulls and the waves. Every now and then, when I visit my family I keep walking the same path, recharging my batteries.

What else?

There is more on the seashore than Constanta. A very special place is Vama Veche, the last village on Romania's border with Bulgaria. It is known for the freedom and the night life during summer and is visited by people all around Europe (and not only). I admit I like it less and less each year as it becomes more commercial but hey, that's just me:). Still, the sunrise and the morning swim are still magical with the sound of Ravel's Bolero in my ears.

I could write about this part of the country again and again. I feel like there are so many stories and great learning. But for now I will leave you with one more picture I took in a walk on a secluded beach, around my birthday. The translation is "Smile while you have teeth" and this is what I wish you all to do, every day of your life!