We really like Sibiu, Romania, and it has a lot to do with a cafe/bar on the famous street, Nicolae Balcescu, called La Etaj. Wanting to avoid the heat, we stopped there and ordered two ice coffees. We intended to drink them slowly so that we could sit there longer, but they were so good we finished them in no time. Regardless, we sat there watching a clown make animal and flower balloons for children, watched people go by, and enjoyed the music by the different street performers nearby.

We felt guilty for taking up the table for so long, but every time I turned around to see if the lady was hinting for us to leave, she flashed a big warm smile, and we stayed. That happened a few more times, and suddenly we’d been there for hours. We were thirsty again, so we got a glass of wine and a Peach Spritzer.

I went to use the bathroom, which was upstairs, and realized that their kitchen and indoor seating were actually through a short alley and up the stairs. The place is really nice, and I thought, “Wow, they have to travel this far every time a customer needs something.” I also really liked the upper floor area that belongs to the neighbors. It reminded me of a place in Kuala Lumpur I lived in before moving to Ipoh; commercial downstairs and residential upstairs.

We left feeling lucky to have found a nice cafe at a nice location with great drinks and people. The guy that was sitting with her, sharing her pastry, and brought us the bill, we later gathered is her husband, was very nice too.

The next day, after we were done exploring, we automatically went there. They were quite happy to see us. Two ice coffees again, and a pizza. The pizza came with a bottle of ketchup. The pizza was great. We didn’t use the ketchup. We sat there for hours again, and had beer. The husband asked where we’re from and what our travel plans were. When we left, the lady said, “See you tomorrow!” How did she know?! We went there again the next day. Yes, had ice coffee, and sat for a long time (again).

There was a thunderstorm on the fourth day, and we didn’t leave the apartment at all. I told Kenric I hope they didn’t think we left without saying “Goodbye”. The following day, our last day in Sibiu, we spent the entire day at an outdoor museum (ASTRA). By the time we got back to the area, it’s time to go home and pack. We couldn’t leave town without saying “Goodbye” to our favorite hosts! So, I stood across the street from their cafe, and snapped this photo as a momento. Then, we stopped by to bid them farewell, and told them we’re going to Brasov the next morning.