Bucharesti Nord

I'm now in Romania, specifically Bucharest, home of the second largest building in the world (thanks, Ceausescu- I remember you getting executed on TV in 1989, and you deserved it for crimes against architecture alone). However, despite the rabid dogs, oppressive heat, crooked taxi drivers, bitchy hostel receptionists, and concrete building style . . . I kind of like it.

Tomorrow I may go to the old royal residence, or I may just bop around. One thing: Romanian currency is not just uninspiring of confidence because the denominations are so high (33,000 lei to the dollar) but also due to materials; I genuinely think the coins are aluminium, and the notes are made of plastic.