I have now been to Romania 13 times since September 2011. Or 14 times if I include the first time in 1985. What strikes me again and again is that Romania is a photogenic country in many ways. It's a photographer's paradise. Young people are beautiful with gorgeous features. Elderly people show beauty from endurance and hard work, love to their family and eternal souls.

Romanian cities are dynamic, often with the blend of historical buildings and modern houses. Many cities are  eclectic, vibrant and passionate. The countryside is often breathtakingly beautiful. Romania is very colorful. It is a country with contrasts. Old and new. Traditions and modern lifestyle blend and mix in a good, but crazy way. Food and wine culture are omnipresent. People also like to talk about food and drink. There are personalities and character in every direction you turn. If I was a film director I would go out in the street every day and become inspired.

Here are some of the pictures I have taken so far. Many are from Bucharest, as that is where I reside when I am in Romania. I hope I will be able to travel a bit more in the future. And definitely with my camera.

The University of Bucharest, down town Bucharest.

Calea Victoriei, one of the most important boulevards in Bucharest.

Typical park benches in Park Cismugiu, Bucharest.

Cismigiu Park again.

Prezels that so many Romanians like to snack on. Street-life Bucharest.

Downtown Bucharest.

Downtown Bucharest.

On the way to Herastrau Park, Bucharest.

Theatre, Old town, Bucharest.

The Atheneaum, Bucharest.

Inside the Athenaeum, Bucharest.

Walnut. My friend's place.

Walnut tree at my friend's place.

Berries, picked straight from the tree in Tineretului Park.

Escaping the city.

Horse and carriage. A familiar view in the countryside.

Countryside. Prahova Valley

.

Traditionally hand painted Easter eggs.

Tomatoes, ripe in the summertime.

Plum tree in the garden of my friends.

The Stavropoleous Church in the Old Town, Bucharest.

Melon, at a market.

Simple pleasures. Smoked fish, cheese, red onions, tomatoes.

Autumn market in Bucharest.

Colorful bracelets.

Gorgeous belts.

Wooden handicraft.

Romania spinach. Eat local.

Sunday barbecue at my friend's place.

Arc de Triomphe, Bucharest

Scarf from Romania.

By Yvette Larsson, Guest Writer 

Yvette Larsson is Swedish and in the last 12 years has lived in Norway, Denmark, England, France and the French Reunion Island.  She holds qualifications in languages and journalism from Umeå University, Sweden and has 10 years experience in sports management. Yvette now owns her Coaching and Leadership Consultancy business and is  currently blogging, running the Facebook page The Bucharest Lounge and writing a book about Romania, while searching for project opportunities in Bucharest. 

(photos by Yvette Larsson)