by Andrei, age 8 from Cluj-Napoca, Romania, asks Santa about the mysterious term, Transylvania, and the region’s Austro-Hungarian architecture.
Dear Santa, my name is Andrei, and I am eight years old. I live in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, where my bunica says our city sits right in the heart of a region called Transylvania.
Dear Andrei, a region with a name that famous deserves a very curious flyover, your bunica picked a truly storied hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
What is Santa CSM? My cousin mentioned it but I was not totally sure what she meant.
I am honestly not certain what that particular phrase refers to myself, Andrei, there are simply so many abbreviations floating around these days. You and your cousin might enjoy figuring it out together.
My bunica says Cluj-Napoca is one of the largest cities in the whole Transylvania region. Is that true?
It is true, Andrei, Cluj-Napoca serves as one of the most important cities in Transylvania, full of history and culture. I always enjoy that scenic, hilly landscape on my way to your rooftop.
My bunica says our city’s buildings show influence from when this region was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Is that true?
It is true, Andrei, much of Cluj-Napoca’s architecture reflects its history as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a blend of styles still visible today. That kind of layered history, different eras leaving their own mark, is really something worth appreciating.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Andrei Popescu
Cluj-Napoca, Romania
P.S. Will you let me know if you ever figure out what CSM means?
I will keep a curious ear out, Andrei, a good mystery is worth solving.
