麻豆社

As with most Brits, the headlines that flash into Romesh鈥檚 mind when he thinks about Romania are those around communism, the 90s orphan crisis, maligned Roma and its greatest celebrity export, Count Dracula. But is this image justified? Or does Romania have more to offer? Landing in Bucharest, the only place in the country he鈥檚 heard of, Romesh meets political activist and media expert Angi Serban at the parliament palace, the astonishing architectural behemoth built on the command of the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.

Failing to warn him about the miles they鈥檙e about to clock, she takes Rom out of the capital to explore many amazing things that are overlooked in this vast slice of eastern Europe.

Romesh and Angi embark on a journey through the country鈥檚 seemingly endless and varied landscapes. Along the way, they sample Romania鈥檚 ghoulish side, seeing Transylvania and Vlad the Impaler鈥檚 castle and paying their respects in a 'merry' cemetery. They also witness cars rolling up hills, drive along the spectacular yet dangerous Transfagarasan Highway, dance to world-famous Roma music and take part in a spiritual ceremony in Romania鈥檚 traditional heartland.

But whilst Romesh realises the beauty of Romania, he also learns how the hangover of the communist regime remains, what challenges are still faced today and why more people visiting would help the country to continue to move forward.