Castle Dracula was located on a precipice overlooking the River Arges. It was built by slaves mainly those of Noble Birth....!

As described in the famous novel by Bram Stoker, the castle was near the Borgo Pass. It was reached from Pasul Tihuts, a point near the summit of the crossing, on a road way leading south into the high mountains. The castle sat on a great rock overlooking the surrounding forest which was sliced by several rivers.

The castle was built so that attack was impossible. The large windows were placed above the level that arrows and other objects could not reach.

The most common place to look for the castle would be by the Borgo Pass and in fact there are two castles in that area. The first was built in the 13th century, by the 15th century most of the castle was removed, because of lack of use.

Of the two castles that Dacula found, the Castle of Arges was in the more strategic position, possibly the major reason for his choice to rebuild it instead of settling at Poenari. It was located on a precipice overlooking the River Arges.

Vlad's Castle was quite small when compared to either Bran Castle or Hundoara. To the north were the mountains dividing Transylvania and Wallachia, and to the south, a commanding view of the countryside. There were three towers and walls thick enough to resist Turkish cannon fire, with room for 300 people. According to legend, a secret staircase led into the mountain to a tunnel, which in turn, led to a grotto that opened on the bank of the river below the castle.

The Turks attacked and captured the castle in 1462. Vlad escaped north through the mountains, but his castle was severly damaged. It was used by some of his successors as a mountain retreat but it was gradually abandoned.

In 1912 the towers of the castle still stood. On January 13 1913 an earthquake caused the main tower to fall into the river. A second earthquake in 1940 did further damage. In 1970 with a growing interest in Dracula, the Romanian government carried out a partial reconstruction and built a walkway up the mountain side to the entrance of the castle. Castle Dracula can be reached by car and a 45 min walk up the walkway to the entrance.

Source - Text and Picture The Vampire Book - The Encyclopaedia of the Undead By J. Gordon Melton.

1 x Head of cabbage, shredded 1 cup Almonds, coarsley chopped 6 cup Beef broth 4 tbl Honey 1/2 tsp Salt 1/2 tsp Dried sweet basil 2 cup Fresh peas GARNISH 2 tbl Grated candied red anise (or grated red or black licorice)

Method : Slowly simmer all ingredients, except peas and garnish, for 20 minutes. Add peas and simmer for another 10 minutes. After ladling into soup bowls, garnish each portion with candied anise strewn on the surface of the soup.

A banquet was sometimes made up of 6 courses. It provided food for everyone, not just the rich and famous. Rule were laid down for how people ate, their table manners and where they sat. They used spoons and knifes for eating. They also used trenchers (hard bread) that would soak up the blood and liquids from the chicken, turkey and other meats.

Due to the lack of what we take for granted today - refrigeration, food was often preserved . Meats and fishes were smoked , dried or salted for the long winter months ahead and fruits and vegetables were pickled. Sometimes meat and fruit were stored together in barrels.

The warmest place in the kitchen was the blazing hearth (A large fireplace). Food was often disguised with herbs and spices to hide the taste of rotten meat!

Sometimes castles kept honey bees and the honey was used to sweeten foods and drinks. water was channeled straight into the kitchen. Larger castles had their own fishponds, orchards, and vineyards.

Check to see what type of weather the area has so you can plan accordingly.

Check to see what type of paperwork and documentation you will need to travel.

Find out what type of diseases are common to the area you’ll be visiting and take actions to prevent your exposure to those diseases.

Check your own medical coverage to see what type of coverage you’ll have when away from home.

Consider purchasing trip insurance.

If you plan on driving, get your car ready and investigate the local road conditions, laws and other driving requirements.

Do some research about the costs of local items so you can set your budget.

Don't forget to budget for taxes and tipping. Many governments charge high taxes for travel related services.

Check the dates of local major holidays or festivals, since services may be limited on those dates.

Well! the ink has set and the 1st issue is put to bed. I hope you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have had in writting it for you.