Romania Part 3: The roads less travelled, spiritual discernment, and food

   

 We travelled on some absolutely terrible roads that, had we known in advance their condition, would have unquestionably avoided. Thereby missing some wonderful experiences …

Road condition can mean just narrow bitumen roads and risk-seeking drivers, or narrow, sealed roads in combination with serious pot-holes. Or unsealed roads with serious potholes ...
In Australia, we are used to unsealed roads that are mostly pretty good, wide and reasonably smooth where one can travel at 40 or 60 or 100 kph. Here, a secondary road is more like a narrow cobble-stoned Roman road in poor condition – with pot-holes and wheel-ruts scarcely distinguishable from its better sections. A 4WD with high clearance and low range gearing would handle it easily (at 5 kph), but our Peugeot 308 urban sedan had insufficient clearance and was geared too high to allow us to travel at an appropriately low speed, especially when travelling uphill. We are grateful for angelic protection!

We're all shook up oo-ooh

 

 

In direct contrast was the Transfaragas highway, made famous as being the “Top Gear” road of the year. Build under the direction of Ceausescu as a military road, it twists and turns back on itself as it climbs over and beyond the mountain ranges. The scenery was spectacular and with the road was in good condition. Anne even managed to take some photographs rather than keeping her eyes shut as we passed the steep drops on the side.(If you want to experience this road 'live' google the Top Gear episode. We drove slower than they did though!

 

 

You don't need to know Romanian to get a sense of what this means!

 

 

Sheep get priority

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Testing the spirits

 

In contrast to Spain, and Western Europe in general, eastern European custom is to offer spirits rather than wine with a meal. These spirits are highly effective at soothing frayed nerves (e.g. from driving the risky, rough roads, or after being disoriented while hiking). To further mask the spirits’ efficacy, the locals add flavours, perhaps from stone fruits, berries, or even the leaves of forest trees. Let the buyer beware!

 

 

Which is the innocent jug? 

The generous supply of spirits were matched by the ample three course meals we were provided with. After a day’s hiking, and with the cooler mountain temperatures, the soups were especially appreciated.

 

 

 

Pancakes are a popular dessert...or a middle of the day snack to break the drive!