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I got there on the third day of Christmas, when most of the people barely remember it's still Christmas. The town still had the coat of lights on, maybe preparing for the New Years Eve or just being happy that there is still a holiday, who knows?
I think I see a pattern with these old cities: whenever you want to find the most beautiful part of a town you ask directions to the "old center". You sure are in for a treat ;)
So, like Oradea, Sibiu had gathered its most beautiful buildings in the old part of the city. It had put together three squares interlinked through various small and hidden alleys and everywhere you turn you’re bound to find a coffee shop, restaurant or souvenir kiosk. Just don’t adventure too far on the Small Square, otherwise you’ll end up on Liar’s Bridge (Podul Minciunilor).
On top of that, the mayor (some say he might be the best one in the country) had arranged for the Large Square and the Small Square to be tastefully illuminated for the winter holidays and had gathered all sorts of entertainment gadgets (a skate rink, huge Christmas tree, carousels etc).
During daytime, after visiting the Lutheran Church (Biserica luterana) and being really, really disappointed on the Brukenthal Museum closure 'till February – it was time for a snack and coffee. I recommend everyone to try the Wien Cafe. If you're lucky, you'll get to hear live piano music and if you're luckier (I wasn't) maybe you'll get a piece of strudel, made after a Viennese recipe.
After taking hundreds upon hundreds of photos (amongst them only 10 or 15 worthy enough to be shown to others) – I stopped for a while to admire the cleanliness, the colors, the height of every building. St. Ursula's Church (biserica Ursulinelor), the Central Tower (Turnul Sfatului), the Orthodox Cathedral (Biserica Sf. Treime), the massive city walls and arches and everything else should remain more than a snapshot forgotten on a memory stick somewhere...
At night, for dinner, if you're in the mood for something fancy - the Gothic Restaurant is the place to go; if the budget is not that big try the Grand Plaza Restaurant: there are not that many places where you can buy a good steak for less than 7 USD...
It's true I tend to get easily impressed by new things (small, big, alive or static) but I think anybody would be if they would see how buildings come to life and they are literally watching you...just look at the eyes on the roof, they are on the verge of creepiness.
Other place not to be missed in Sibiu (better seen on a summer day than in winter time, though) is the Astra Museum: a huuuge area gathering all types of old countryside Romanian houses and constructions. If you can, avoid the only restaurant there, or, if it's not possible, stay on the safe side with some appetizers or cold plates.
It wouldn't be fair not to mention the people living in these areas: aside from their sweet accent, they are some of the warmest and hospitable, as ready to help you or give you directions as anyone I’ve ever met.
Fifty years from now (if I'm still alive) I'll retire somewhere around this area (and if not for good, maybe at least some of my retiree vacations will be spent here).
These were my short 2009 visits; I can hardly wait to see what 2010 has in its bag for me...
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