This is the avenue directly in front of the people's palace. It was built to resemble the Champs Elisees, but ordered by Ceausescu to be 1 meter wider. Several houses and historic buildings demolished to make way for this.


IMG_0423 by mooshoo10011, on Flickr

Next was the Atheneum, where the operas are performed. Beautiful building, which until a few years ago could only be visited by bribing the guards. Not anymore. I entered the building thru a side door, no signs or anything, to find a guy sitting in a plastic chair in the middle of the lobby, eating half of a watermelon with a spoon. Here's the exchange once he see's me:

- Visit?
- Yes, I'd like to visit. How much?
- Visit 10 lei
- Here you go, 10 lei
- (puts the money in his pocket) Ok, visit (goes back to enjoying his watermelon)

As you can see, there's a highly official way to get admission. Nothing shady about this! I'm sure this guy at some point takes the money from his pocket, issues a receipt and collects all taxes.


IMG_0407 by mooshoo10011, on Flickr

Inside, quite a beautiful building.


IMG_0424 by mooshoo10011, on Flickr

IMG_0427 by mooshoo10011, on Flickr

IMG_0429 by mooshoo10011, on Flickr

IMG_0430 by mooshoo10011, on Flickr

IMG_0431 by mooshoo10011, on Flickr
The roof

Next to the Atheneum, is the beautiful University Library.


IMG_0433 by mooshoo10011, on Flickr

On the other side of the road, is the Royal Palace, where the Romanian king lived. Now it houses an art museum.


IMG_0352 by mooshoo10011, on Flickr

It costs $3 to enter, and $40 to take pictures, so naturally, here's a picture from the outside I took when I thought no one was looking


IMG_0434 by mooshoo10011, on Flickr
*not in the picture: me running away after being caught in the act*