Romania’s history is indeed a saga of intense struggle and dramatic recovery. From the earliest settlers, the Dacians, who settled around 200 B.C., to the 1989 revolution that brought Nicolae Ceausescu’s communist regime to a close, the people of Romania have fought many battles both physically and economically.

The landscape of Romania is varied. From the majestic Carpathian Mountains, quaint sleepy villages, gorgeous Black Sea beaches and the winding Danube River and delta, there is an environment to suit every lifestyle.

The rural areas of Romania are home to beautiful log houses and wooden churches.

The major cities of Romania include the capital city of Bucharest, which has a population of more than two million people; Brasov, which is a medieval town with striking architecture; and Timisora, which is the site of the communist revolution.

And the ancestry of Romania is as diverse as the landscape.

The history of Romania is rich, and the culture is both lively and patriotic. Romanians are proud of their heritage and have worked hard to preserve the historical appeal of their country.

I have had the pleasure of traveling to Romania on several occasions and even spent a summer teaching English there several years ago. It is a place that I hold dear to my heart, and I have many friends there whom I met during my travels.

I think Romania holds such a special place in my heart because of the people. Their hospitality meant the world to me while I was there, and it is something that I hopefully will never forget.

Romania is not normally on a list of popular travel destinations, but I would encourage anyone seeking to experience a new place to go to Romania. I have been to several other countries, which hold unique values of their own, but Romania will always be my favorite place.

Lacey Walters is a staff writer for the Leader-Call and Teen Staff editor.