Ojesh Singh

October 27, 2018 at 2:50PM

Day 2222: Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Cluj-Napoca, the city with three names, known only as Cluj to its locals is also called Kolozsvár and Klausenburg. Kolozsvár is the Hungarian version, while Klausenburg is the German variant of Cluj.

The unkempt but original, authentic and organic city gave me the instant intimacy of Nepal while roads and few orderly planning presented the sophistication of London. Cluj has best of both worlds.

Right in the heart of Transylvania, one can sense its rich history in medieval castles, fortified churches and in highly artistic and romantic ambience. It had an impressive baroque and neoclassical architecture while it boasted a very young and chic working population. Nothing was ultra-commercially touristy. The air in Cluj just felt very fresh, clean and pure. Cluj was a city of a hipster-meets-history character – charming and distinctive.

While travelling to work, I couldn’t concentrate on the political debate our colleagues were having in the cab because the view of Cluj was making me picture Nepal of 20 years ago. Had the development gone the correct way, one would imagine, Nepal, Kathmandu in particular, would have looked like this city but warmer, both in temperature and heart (I'm being biased).

Vampires and it being part of Transylvania were the only things that was known to me about this city before this visit. It wouldn’t have even crossed my mind to travel to Cluj before this visit, but I am glad I have been here. Cluj is mesmerising, and it will remain in my heart for long time

I am #polyamorous with the places and there are only three so far. Kathmandu, London and Cluj.

Cluj, Romania - October 2018