Day Five: Constanta, Romania

Constanta is the nation's main seaport. It's major attraction is the Tomis Baths. The roman ruins were discovered in 1959, but were left to decay by the Ceausescu government – the ancient rocks were mainly used by children to play mock wars. There is a surviving mosaic fragment, housed in a lone building erected for this one purpose.

We elected to pass on the handful of tour offerings. Instead, a three-mile shuttle ride from the port dropped us off downtown, for $4. Dada and I along Stefan Cel Mare, Constanta's main shopping street. We were accosted by two gypsy men, who, fortunately, ran away when I responded in kind. Walked along Tomis Boulevard, and just decided to spend the rest of the day back at the ship.

There really was not much to see. In fact, Holland America refunded those who went on the tours that day after the passengers complained for “lack of content.” It was that bad.

With its way of making up for lackluster ports, the Black Sea was exceptionally tranquil that night. The moonlit sea was lovely. The wind grew colder as we made our way toward the former Soviet Union.