Transylvania

Why Transylvania?

It all began this past June, on what seemed like an ordinary morning, beneath the rhythm of water. Suddenly, with unwavering clarity, I heard a single word: “Transylvania”.

Me: Transylvania?… followed by an automatic and doubtful association… Dracula?

“Go to Transylvania”. Each word landed with rhythmic precision. A pause in between, as if to ensure I would understand the instruction.

Me: Transylvania? Does that even exist beyond the novel about the pale aristocratic predator?

Still surprised and intrigued, I stepped from the shower with the intention to Google it – yet before I reached my desk, Merlin and St. Germain crossed my mind.

Me: What is the connection between these archetypes and Transylvania? 

Aha! Transylvania does exist –   a living region in the heart of Romania, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains on the south and east, and by the Apuseni Mountains to the west.

Trans = Across. Beyond. Through. To change. To transfer.

Sylvania = Woods. Forest.

Transylvania literally means that which lies beyond, on the other side, of the forest of the Carpathian and Apunesi (ultra silvam, überwald).

I kept the summon on my to-do list until July… then eureka: I could weave Visoko and Transylvania into one journey this fall.  After all, both are in the Balkan Peninsula. 

Three months have gone by since I received the instruction. Tomorrow, I leave London to Cluj Napoca, the heart of Transylvania. 

And so, the journey continues.