DAY 53 – 60 ROMANIA

DAY 53 – 60  No need for borders to see the difference in scenery when we cross it into Romania.  Although for the first time our passports were checked. Particularly the Roma (Gypsies) people seem poor and there seems to be less maintenance everywhere. Many houses and buildings are deteriorating and there is a lot of rubbish however there is also a lot of restoration and building going on. The people are friendly, many wave and say hello. The roads seem ok but also with roadworks. Maybe it is just this west-northern part where we enter Romania near the city Chisineu-Cris. It’s the first time we cannot use Euro’s so we cash some “Lei” and find a restaurant where we order soup, salad and potatoes. Our first overnight stop is Pensune Alina Maria, squeaky clean, comfortable, a restaurant and Alina Maria is a friendly host. Overnight’s cost; € 26,-

The next few days, cycling further east, gives us a positive feeling. It’s sunny and warm, people are friendly and the scenery beautiful and interesting. Next overnight in Brad I found “Penseunea Irina” for € 18,- and the night after we camped our tent near Abrud for around €25,- including dinner and breakfast. So Romania is definitely cheaper for travelers like us.

We stop at Pensiunea Sub Piatra after a steep long climb riding a bad gravel road. Exhausted as we are we set up camp quickly and go for a warm meal. There is a big friendly dog who seems to like us as he stays near the tent. When it’s dark I go out to photograph the night sky and the dog stays with me. After a cold clear night he still lays near the tent as if he has been guarding us.

Another hot day when we visit the tranquil village of Ocolis. A sleepy valley with only the sounds of running water and the bells from the cows.