Romania Part 6: Miscellaneous images

 

 

We have become aware of  how mankind uses the materials at hand to make life functional and comfortable. The stone walls and villages so common in Spain are here replaced with the item most easily at hand - wood. 

 

Traditional wooden houses remain, but in most areas are being replaced by brick structures

 

 

 

 

The people of the Maramures have intricately carved wooden gateways and entrances to their houses. The carvings may contain symbolic meanings going back centuries

 

 

 



Small scale forestry provides an additional income





One of the remaining water wheels, with a carpet washing attachment

 

A fascinating visit to a wood museum showed extensive use of how wood is used in tools, household items, instruments and transport.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Village and farm scenes

 



A small, remote and poorer village. As is typical across all countries, the young people leave for the cities or to work in other countries, with the older folk remaining to care for small farms and gardens that provide a livelihood.  

Bright colours are increasingly being used on walls and roofs

Did you get the name of that village?



Now where did I leave that spare wire?  This is a typical sight in large towns 

Do you get the feeling you're being watched? An old house in Sibiu, a traditional Saxon area
 

People watching



Bicycles are a common form of transport for young and old

Hitchhiking supports a limited transport infrastructure. Young and old are seen waiting on the side of the road for a ride. We offered several times but either there was no understanding or the place we were going was wrong

 

So many faces, so many stories to tell

 



A village market (above and below). The short skirt and headscarf worn by women is part of the traditional dress in one region, while older men across the country all wear felt hats like our fathers used to wear

 

 

Do you recognize one of these knights?

 

 

 And the road goes on, opening up new scenes at each corner

 

 

 

 

 

 

In just a few days we will go on also, driving to Hungary, then Germany and Poland. We hope these postings have given you an idea of the fascinating sights of our last few weeks and we'll keep you updated with our further travels.

Bob and Anne