July 2nd, late afternoon, we are crossing the border into Romania. It has about 5 cars in line. Immediately after the border we stop to buy a Ronvinieta (we do not want to get another fine like in Bulgaria). At 6pm, we check in with a couchsurfer in Constanta. We arrive around 5 p.m. as we said, but unfortunately, he is not yet back from work. So, we explore the area and withdraw some cash (RON). An hour later we move into our room and meet Edouard. I cook a risotto for everyone.
July 3rd. Today Edouard takes us to his workplace somewhere or nowhere. He works as a winegrower and he wants to show us the winery. The building is still under construction but 80ha of wine plants are producing very fine wine. The construction site is for Pablo very interesting. The construction site exists for more than 5 years. The owner probably must return the EU grant because the site was not completed in time. After visiting the construction site, we crossed the winery and examined the vines. The heavy rains washed away almost all the earth and therefore the plants suffer (we were told). We are invited to take lunch with the whole team. After a good meal and a outstanding wine, we drive back to Constanta (one way approx. 80 km) and go to the beach (5 minutes from the apartment). On the beach we meet another couchsurfer and her son (12 years old). We have great fun, the children play and bath, we adults have good conversations.
July 4th. Today we explore Constanta with the tourist bus (a red double decker like in London). First, we drive to the end point of the bus ride which is in Mamaia, and than come back to the city centre. There, we go to an address, which was mentioned in a letter to Pablo’s grand dad in 1948. We find the address, take a picture and than walk around till is lunch time. There is a McDonald beside our next visit place. At 2 p.m. we buy the ticket to the dolphinarium. First, we visit the small zoo and at 3 p.m. the dolphin show begins. C. is thrilled to see Dauphins in reality. With the double-decker bus it goes back to the apartment and then for a swim, it is 32 ° C. In the evening we go to a typical Romanian restaurant with our host. For dessert we buy at a takeaway some chocolate and berries filled crêpe.
July 5th. Today, we drive 401 km to Bran, our next stop in the region of Transelvania. Since we watched all 3 films “Hotel Transelvania” on our Europe tour, we had to show the children the Dracula Castle. On the way, we stop at a castle in Sinaia. Very impressive from the outside. T. & C. get a corncob for lunch (this is sold here on every corner, like the hot dogs in New York 😊).
Late afternoon, we check into our pension in Bran. Our family room is on the top floor, and for the kids there are swings and a trampoline in the garden.
Late afternoon, we check into our pension in Bran. Our family room is on the top floor, and for the kids there are swings and a trampoline in the garden.
July 6th. Shopping in a decathlon. Yes, I know, but new shoes and swimsuits are also needed while traveling. After the shopping tour we drive to the centre of Brasov. Beautiful downtown, clean and inviting. A coffee and toilet stop is required and later we eat lunch at a small snack bar (spicy pizza, sandwiches and a Kürtőskalács). In the afternoon we head out to see the famous (Dracula) Bran Castle from inside and the outside.
On July 7th we continue our trip to Turda. The Turda salt mines were recommended to us by the first couch surfing family in Bulgaria. So why not stop there as well? We found our accommodation on couchsurfing. Siggi welcomes us with a dinner prepared and spoils us with our own room and attached private bathroom, the children can sleep in the mezzanine.
July 8th. The day was already programmed for us by Siggi, so we have to postpone our visit to the salt mine until tomorrow and add another night at Siggi’s place. For today we have a guide. First, he leads us to the Cheile Turzii (a gorge). As we hike through the gorge and back above, Siggi is waiting for us at the restaurant with his book. Our feet are sluggish now, because we haven't walked that much in a long time. For lunch we drive to a Hungarian restaurant which is very well known in this area. The food is delicious.
The evening is as well organized for us. Siggi knows a family (she is German, he is Romanian with Hungarian roots) and they have 3 children in the same age as T. & C. We are invited to dine with them. They cook Langosh (flatbread fried in oil over the fire) for us. The children get along well, T. exchanges WhatsApp number with Emilia (12y.), C. exchanges WhatsApp number with Bea (school friend of Emilia). The evening ends at midnight.
July 9th. This morning we visit the salt mine. We park the car in front of the family’s house, and we walk to the mine. In front of the entrance I forgot C.’s and my mask, so we had to buy 2 new ones (these are now made of fabric). Masks are mandatory inside buildings and public transportation. The mine is impressive, the giant size unimaginable. Inside, it even has a ferry wheel and a lake where you can ride a rowboat. We had a blast.
For lunch we meet again with the family and we have a barbecue with Micis and Salads. In the afternoon, Pablo and the children go to the salt lakes and mud baths (15min. walk). The mud has a healing effect and many people pay money for it, here it is free and simply occurs in nature. The day passes fast.
For lunch we meet again with the family and we have a barbecue with Micis and Salads. In the afternoon, Pablo and the children go to the salt lakes and mud baths (15min. walk). The mud has a healing effect and many people pay money for it, here it is free and simply occurs in nature. The day passes fast.
July 10th. Our front tires are worn out and nothing worth when it rains, so we found a mechanic here in Turda with Siggi's help, who will change our tires. The order of the tires should come in today at noon, the mechanics counts 15 minutes for work and then we can continue our trip towards Hungary. After packing everything, the children went up to the girls to play together for the last time, and we will pick them up after the tires will be changed. It is noon and the tires are not here yet. 3 p.m., finally the call that they arrived. But driving to Hungary now would be too much. So, we stay one more night at Siggi and leave tomorrow at 10 a.m. The children are overjoyed to spend more time with their new friends. We organize a movie night. We watch the movie “Rocca” with chips, popcorn, chocolate cornflake cakes etc. T. has a little stomach-ache and diarrhea; and so, has C.
July 11th. C. no longer has diarrhea, but T. is not yet better, and Pablo now has abdominal pain and diarrhea. The only one who has nothing is me (got an iron gut😊). So, we decide to stay with Siggi for one more night and rest. Diarrhea on a 6-hour drive, no thanks! We thank Siggi for letting us stay 3 nights longer.
July 12. Everyone is healthy and we are heading to Hungary. See you later!
photos.app.goo.gl/WS6wGB23QDwGLrKh7
