For many of us, traveling means adventures and experiences in distant lands and exotic cultures. But what happens when we decide to explore the hidden beauties right in our own city? With the eyes of a tourist, I decided to rediscover my hometown, Constanța , and I want to share this day of April 13, 2024 with you.
Morning with the smell of coffee and pie with goat cheese and leeks, and lunch at Rozmarine
The day started somewhere 45 km from the city of Constanța. A steaming tray of pie, filled with a filling made of fresh country eggs, goat cheese made in the same household and leeks (bought), was waiting for me for breakfast. Anyone who has never eaten Machidonești dishes and does not know what a piece of fresh “pita” means, accompanied by a glass of thick and slightly sour yogurt, should plan at least a city break to discover the flavors of Dobrogea . The pita that I received in the package became currency a few hours later.
As you can see in the photo, I influenced Octavian Băloi, chef at the Rozmarine restaurant , to put me on the long reservation list for a portion of caldereta prepared right under the eyes of the greedy.
On the menu at Rozmarine, caldereta is a traditional Spanish dish of maritime origin, especially popular in coastal regions such as the Canary Islands and northern Spain. It is a rich stew, usually made with fish or seafood, but there are also meat versions, such as lamb or goat.
Caldereta often includes vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes and potatoes, seasoned with ingredients such as garlic, onions and various herbs. It is known for its intense taste and its comforting way to gather family or friends around the table. That's exactly how I felt at Rozmarine.
Walk through the Old Center
After this delicious start to the day, we strolled through the narrow streets of the old center of Constanța. Every corner of this cobbled maze hides stories and architectural gems. Some buildings still need investment from the owners, others are undergoing rehabilitation, but all remind you of the mix of nationalities in the port city.
Afternoon and evening at ZooM Beach
As the day progressed, I decided to head to ZooM Beach , the first beach open on the Constanta coast for the 2024 season. Even though it was only April 13th, the generous sun and fine sand made me feel like summer had already arrived. The beach atmosphere was vibrant, with tourists and locals alike enjoying a beautiful day by the sea. It was the perfect place to end my one-day adventure.
Exploring Constanta as a tourist in my own city, I rediscovered the beauties that we often overlook out of habit. I hope this story inspires you to see the beauty hidden in the urban everyday life. Constanta is definitely a city worth exploring, regardless of the season. And during this period, hotel rates are off-season, spas are open, and if you are lucky and for a weather like today, you will definitely arrive home with a slight tan. And don't forget that here you have live images of Mamaia and Constanta.
Pingback: Vote for Destination of the Year: Mamaia and Constanța nominated
Pingback: Dobrogean pie given a place of honor in the European Union