Dawn Berkoski

As the sun set over the Dîmbovița River, I hit the streets of Old Town Bucharest, searching for the palace of Vlad III, also known as Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. But instead of vampires, blood, and fangs, I found the Carousel of Light.

As often happens when I step into a magical bookstore like Cărturești Carusel, time distorts. Somehow, it was hours later than it should have been when I left. I was late for a reservation at the historic Hanu’ Lui Manuc restaurant near the river, so I hurried there. Traditional food, music, and dance were on the menu. I loved every minute of the festive affair.

As I left, I noticed, once again, the emblems on the covered manholes that led beneath the city. I followed them for a bit, wandering down side streets towards my hotel, only to wind up back at the bookstore and the same manhole cover.

I laughed and retraced my steps. I must have gone the wrong way, I thought. Maybe it was a sign to buy another book! Alas, my suitcase was already packed to the brim. So, I made a different turn, then another, recognizing certain landmarks, only to end up at Strada Lipscani 55 once more. The bookstore was closed.

A shiver ran down my spine as a gust of wind blew, making restaurant canopies ripple and drip. It had rained earlier, and the once full and boisterous street now stood barren and dark. An empty beer bottle rolled down the road, clinking against the cobblestones.

I didn’t linger. I stayed on the main road, forgetting shortcuts. My steps were swift as I headed towards the river as if guided by an invisible thread, back to my hotel room, with my new book and my bed.

But I dreamt of vampires, carousels going round and round, and ladies dancing in swirling skirts of red.

Dawn B~