Transylvania conjures images of Dracula but in fact much if it consists of lovely, green, fertile, rolling hills.

The area around the medieval city of Sighisoara is particularly attractive. Sighisoara is in a state right now of what might be called "picturesque reconstruction." Most of the streets of the ancient citadel are being repaved. It's still very much worth visiting.

 Many villages have fortified churches where the inhabitants retreated behind walls at times of danger. The Saxons who lived here for almost eight centuries are almost all gone.

The villages are dirt poor of course. You get the feeling they were a lot better off a century ago. Now, most seem dilapidated and neglected. It's a pity. They could be beautiful with a bit of investment and care.

A good example of a fortified church is this one in Harman, near the city of Brasov.

In other news, my friends might like to know that my novel, "The Nazi Hunter" is available at last on amazon or through my website, www.alanelsner.com. It's a thriller that deals with themes of justice, guilt and memory. Early reviews have been very positive.