Knock-Knock, Opening a Door on ‘Touch Wood’

‘Knock-knock,’ I chuckle to myself as I knock on the wooden closet, ‘the work on my next book is going so well, touch the wood!’ And ‘mum’s the word!’ ~ Am I being irrational by succumbing to a positive superstitious belief? Or do I actually improve my performance in a subsequent task by engaging in such credulous thoughts and behaviors? Never mind keeping to a rigorous writing schedule! It feels magical, so it’s got to be, right? 😉

25/08/202308/10/2023

The Boyar, with the Dagger, in a Square of Sibiu, or the Assassination of Mihnea cel Rău

Evanghelical Church Sibiu, Southern Portal 1457, has a baroque style door

There are numerous historical stories associated with Sibiu, Transylvania, but the assassination of dark Mihnea Vodă cel Rău, son of Vlad the Impaler, by a boyar, with the dagger, in the church square stands out.

08/07/202308/10/2023

Being Bold, Climbing A Rare Medieval Council Tower, Bewitching Sibiu

Council Tower Sibiu view Small Square Big Square Patricia Furstenberg

Join me in climbing the seven floors of medieval Council Tower of bewitching Sibiu, located in the heart of Transylvania. We’ll squeeze our shoulders and bow to history as we’ll make our way up, up, up, but slowly, along a narrow spiraling stone staircase. We’ll pause to gather our wits and breath deeply before climbing further up on the suspended wooden stairs, all the way to the top!

14/06/202308/10/2023

Witchcraft and Witch-Hunting in Transylvania, a Historical Journey

Today we unveil the shadows of the past, taking a historical journey into Witchcraft and Witch-Hunting in spellbinding Transylvania. I am taking this trip to understand the main character of the book series I write.

I’ll attempt to shed a light on the ancient pagan traditions of Transylvania, Romania, its rich folklore and supernatural practices. I’ll take a peek at the local cultural beliefs surrounding witchcraft, at the witchcraft hysteria that seized Europe and choked Transylvania too, followed by witchcraft persecution and witch-hunting methods, as well as the impact that witch-hunting had on communities. I’ll touch on notable witch trials in Transylvania, and – how else – look into local witch legends and stories.

09/05/202309/05/2023

Gothic and Whimsy, the Pharmacy Museum of Sibiu

Gothic and whimsy, once named At the Black Bear, the Pharmacy Museum of Sibiu is a wondrous place tucked behind a bowed wooden door sheltered by the Small Square’s vaulted loggias.