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Not right?
by fizzytom
Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
November 6, 2006
An amazing idea - shame it doesn't quite work. Here you'll find a collection of genuine historic buildings moved from their original sites in places all over Romania and rebuilt here in one place. Churches, barns, mills, waterwheels, cottages, and other buildings found in the countryside, from the last few centuries. Only about one third open each day, presumably due to the number of staff and/or volunteers that would be needed to open each property every day. Sadly they don't tell you before you pay your entry fee so I'm warning you now. It seemed that not much thought had gone into deciding what opens on which days so you don't get much variety. There is meant to be a button you press outside the properties for a commentary on the building in several languages but not all the buildings have one and not all those that do are in working order. Some of the buildings contain furnishings and furniture so you can get an even better picture of what life would have been like.
Some of the volunteers carry out crafts while they sit in the buildings and visitors can ask questions - assuming the staff speak your language! This is a great idea but one which needs to be a bit more polished. The setting is superb and the grounds are well kept. However, most of the buildings have steps up to the front door and could be difficult for people with mobility problems and wheelchair users. The museum is also situated on the edge of Lake Herastrau and some of the buildings butt up against the shore - mosquito repellent is a must here in summer! The entrance fee is the equivalent of about £4 Sterling and is reasonable enough. I would advise joining an organised tour to get a good commentary. We didn't and regretted it.
From journal Bring on Bucharest