Notes from Romania & Bulgaria

Naturally I had a flat tire in the middle of nowhere about 24 km before Giurgiu, Romania. I walked the bike close to 4 km before I saw what looked like a rustic gas station ahead. Four very small, fluffy dogs who were hoping to look ferocious ran out to warn me to keep away. I would have laughed at them had I not been so exhausted.

Three men, who had been watching me walk up from the highway came out to greet me and the oldest one (maybe in his early 70s) took my bike from me and the three of them began talking in Romanian and looking at the damage. They ushered me to a seat at an outdoor table and filled my water bottle with cold water before they began repairing my tire.

I offered to pay them for their time and they refused. I got a hug and a kiss on the cheek from the oldest man as I left and they waved goodbye as the dogs followed me to the road, barking furiously that I had better stay away next time, or else!

CRISTOS & MARIUS
I met Marius and Cristos at a little road side fruit stand close to the factory where they run a business. It was a much needed break so I took a tour of their little factory. They make ornamental gates and business seems to be very good for them. Cristos is from Thessaloniki, Greece but lived for many years in Australia and Marius is from Romania but has lived in the UK and in Italy. Their English is very good and it was nice to have people to talk to.

It has been fascinating learning about Marius' life. Marius spent his youth planning his escape from communist Romania. He and friends secretly planned an escape into the Danube and through former Yugoslavia and into Italy. Many of his friends never made it and were shot while jumping into the Danube. He never risked it.

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