Today we’ll be travelling from mountain top to sea side celebrating Thursday Doors and stories of 2021. I found it difficult to choose a handful of doors, but here are the ones that stuck to my heart…
We begin in the mountains… In Brasov, where doors hide surprises and books, we head down the stairs of Bistrot l’Etage where musical instrument and books are part of decor:
I love tiny pubs, full of character – such as Laptaria lui Enache used to be (upstairs at National Theater in Bucharest). But since I don’t have images from there, this one above should do. Although… I had a ball chatting to Steve Allison from ‘Expat Life’ and I did mentioned Laptaria lui Enache. Hit play and view further:
Still in the Old Town of Brasov we’ll stroll past these character-filled window and door of an old merchant’s shop and then glance up at statues on a roof and magnificent 16th century buildings:
We can’t leave Brasov without stopping by the Golden Gate Portal of Black Church and ENJOY a Story:
Next we’ll take a detour and travel to Făgăraș Fortress:
I loved Râșnov Fortress next with its charming walls kissed by a gentle sunset:
To head south we’ll need to make our way to a mountain pass through the Carpathians Mountains. So we’ll tiptoe up the stone stairs leading to the front entrance of Bran Castle with its Unique Door Knocker and LISTEN to a Crocus Legend:
Up we go to the castle top for a humorous legend from Țara Bârsei and more Bran Castle Photos:
To leave Bran Castle we’ll use a secret tunnel down a well and exit through a door out of The Hobbit, but belonging to the late Queen Marie of Romania:
And before we know it, we’re admiring classical or innovative, glass and brick architecture in Bucharest and a door with memories (for me) at Carturesti Verona Bookstore:
Heading from Romana Square to University Square downtown Bucharest we arrive at the Christmas tree guarding the Palace of Agriculture and Domains that we visited when it snowed in July, in South Africa:
But what is a visit in Bucharest without a Tall House, a Banknote, and a Legend on Fire – at the Village Museum – the house similar to the one on the featured on the Romanian 10 Lei banknote and a 100-word legend about a fire that engulfed a village:
Heading east, towards the sea side, we visit next the Lipovans who lived here and painted the tree of life, “as in Heaven, so on earth“ on their doors. Discover its symbology in Dreamy Blues, Authentic 1885 Tulcea House by the Black Sea and their story too.
Finally, we’ve made it just after sunset at the Black Sea and although this image was not included in my 2021 Thursday Doors posts, I feel that Looking at the Sea, lost at the sea side, is the ideal way of saying god bye to 2021:
For Dan Antion’s exciting Thursday Doors weekly challenge.
Christmas Gift Ideas: stories and travel photography blend: Transylvania’s History A to Z in 100-word Stories.
It is indeed difficult to choose a favorite, but I have beautiful memories of “the Hobbit” 🙂 entrance in the Bran Castle. I may have a picture of my dog passing in front of it. It wasn’t available for the visitors back then, but after I found out from your blog about it, I really want to visit Bran again. That secret tunnel is so appealing… ghosts and all. 🙂
I think that was is my favorite too, Jo 🙂
I can imagine why. That personal secret tunnel down a well of Queen Marie is so mysterious. I vividly remember how much I enjoyed your story of it.
You’re very sweet to remember my story,Jo.
You made it memorable.
Lovely work
Kind thanks, Michael.
It is impossible for me to pick a favorite!! I loved most all of them..
Gosh, that makes me so happy! 🙂 It was difficult for me too, to choose the doors featured here.
Thank you 🙂
You did a terrific job!
As you and others have said, Pat, I can’t pick a favorite. I can say that I enjoyed your doors and stories very much in 2021. I like learning the history and the mystery of interesting places, and your blog and books are filled with that. Thank you for supporting Thursday Doors with your participation. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and I wish you all the best in 2022.
Ah, thank you, Dan!!
Looking forward to 2022. 🙂 Doors, stories and all that life!
Gorgeous photos. Great stories.
You are too sweet, Martie. Thank you!.
The stories add to the mystique .
Much obliged, Indra 🙂 🙂
Thank you for stopping by!
The black church’s door is impressive! As well as the Christmas tree in the last capture. Am hapapy Bucharest is free to celebrate Christmas now (since I know it from the period before). A merry Christmas and all the best for the year of 2022!
Thank you, Emiliie.
The Black Church is a masterpiece, indeed.
I have fond memories of decorating and celebrating Christmas with my family, each and every year of my life and until 1989. 🙂
Hope you found a great church after that!
We lived right next to a grand Church, Emille. I thank you kindly for your concern.
The Holy Fire of Easter
That would be a new thing for me, to live next door! The closest we got was a half hour drive:)
I think, Patricia, that it is the variety of doors you offer us here to see, which enthrall me! If I had to choose, I would say “The big doors to the cellar” because I very much like the whole construction!
Merry Christmas and a very good 2022:)
I like that cellar door too! And the secrets it might hide…
Thank you so much, Martina! A blessed and cheerful Christmas to you too 🙂
I hope that it will not be too hot in South Africa so that you can really enjoy this special period of the year! 🙂
Thank you, Matina! We had a peaceful time 🙂
Happy Holidays to you too 🙂
Cool story!
So much character in your doors. I lo e the one below Bran Castle, but I think my favourite is the Verona bookstore. Maggie
The Verona bookstore door hides sweet temptations 🙂
Thank you, Maggie!
The Golden Gate Portal of Black Church looks fantastic✨ Some day I wanna visit there. Until then I’ll enjoy virtual tour looking at this post
Kindest thanks, Tanooki. I hope 2022 will bring us all more travels 🙂
Great capture and the doors are a gift to all of your followers. Thanks Pat!
Thank you, Cindy!
🙂
Pleasure!
Hi Patricia! Beautiful selection of doors. They´re all really special but the front entrance of Bran Castle is my favorite.
Thank you so much, Blanca!
Wishing you and your a blesses, happy Festive Season!
The stuff fairy tales are made of 😉
Hugs, Blanca.
a wonderful collection from your travels. I too, like small pubs…
Thanks, Jim!
This is really a delightful post, Patricia. Doors are so intriguing, especially the thought of what’s behind them. There are many types of doors signifying various architectures here in India. The Buland Darwaza (High Gate) is one of the biggest doors in India at Fatehpur Sikri. I’ve seen it myself. Magnificent. Thanks for always sharing such interesting posts. 🙂
Food for thought you’ve given me, Terveen 🙂
Thank you for your insightful comment and lovely support. Doors are, indeed, magical.
All beautiful.
I have things to say about your new post and no comments section. But that won’t stop me. 🙂 I’ve read until St. Nicholas Day and I smiled at you as a kid being happy with an orange. My nephew wanted an expensive Lego for his boots and was disappointed when I explained that St. Nicholas is all about fruits and sweets OR sticks. 🙂 I blame the parents who haven’t taught him about traditions.
Well, oranges were only available around Christmas time back then. And were expensive too. Plus hard to get buy… 🙂
Thank you for readng, Jo.
Pretty doors.
Very cool post! I love old buildings with secret tunnels. We don’t have anything like this in Canada. My favorite was the Golden Gate Portal of Black Church.
And as old as Vlad the Impaler, Mark. 😉
Your wild life camera captures pretty cool images too 🙂
Thanks, Pat, :}
i must say, its a beautiful post….
Thank you very much, Nazer.
Welcome