Notes from Romania & Bulgaria

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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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Photos

An enormous apartment building in Bucharest
This building took up almost an entire city block. It was massive and a good use of space since I'm guessing the center is probably some sort of park.

Somewhere In Bulgaria
A typical work horse in a charming little village.

Welcome to Bulgaria
On the bridge crossing the Danube.

Three men and a flat tire
They didn't ask any questions at all, they just took the bike from me and began to repair it. I have been repeatedly surprised at the hospitality of the people in this part of the world. It seems they cannot do enough for complete strangers.

My poor bike!
I was really nervous while watching them take the bike apart but I had nothing to worry about, they knew what they were doing and had the bike repaired in a matter of minutes.

Cristos & Marius
Cristos is Greek and Marius is Romanian. They are two friends who run a factory south of Bucharest.

Romanian Policeman and me
I stopped to ask directions and he spoke English and wanted to talk about my bike trip. He also warned me to be very careful and to stop before dark everyday.

Lion Monument
This is a monument honoring the Romanian heros of the WWI.

Leaving Bucharest
The towns are more like villages and one rolls into the next surrounding Bucharest. The further south of Bucharest I went, the more charming they were. This wasn't one of them.

French Filmaker
This man was making a documentary on Romania. I'm afraid I'm probably going to end up as one of his subjects as he would not stop filming me and insisted on asking me questions while the camera was rolling. Later he drove slowly by as the camera hung out the window and his assistant filmed me. If only I had combed my hair!

The Beautiful Blue Danube
It's more green than blue... but it is beautiful!

OMG!
Bikes? What are bikes? Why we need room for bikes? Nobody have bikes! Only children have bikes and they no ride on road!

Comments

[aaron]

sweet pics!!!
Hey there Debbie!! Sweet pics!! Keep em coming! I am happy for you and for your going to so many great places and meeting so many cool people!!! Have a GREAT day!

[Perry]

What a trip
Hey Debbie you are seeing alot of places most of us will never see, thats great and you must be in top shape to ride all those miles or kms, just how long is this vacation? Glad you are having fun. Perry

[Perry]

P.S.
You must be in top shape, I am 6'-2" and 150 lbs 47 years old and have smoked cigarettes for 31 years you could probably beat me up, I better start lifting my weights again. Have fun and be carefull. Perry

[One Girl One World]

In Top Shape
Hi Perry! I'm glad you're enjoying the blogs but I'm not really in that great of shape...I just push the pedal down and when the other pedal comes up I push that one down, too and I do that about 100,000 times and when I get tired I stop to rest. It's not as hard as it sounds, really! QUIT SMOKING! :)

[melissa]

you go girl
Debbie, Debbie!!!! I want to thank you so much for holding my memory as you travel around the world. What beauty you posses, through your friends and the countrys that you travel. YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!! melissa