Dobrești
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Sun’s playing peekaboo with the clouds at a toasty 26.4°C here in Dobrești. Not much wind, just a gentle 1.45 m/s breeze, barely enough to ruffle my gnome-sized beard. Humidity at a manageable 47%, though I’m still sweating like a gnome who’s just been told his hat’s on backwards. Perfect weather for a gnome on the go: not too hot for my porcelain complexion, but warm enough to keep the chill off my stony posterior. Remember folks, even weathered garden gnomes need a little sun to keep their cheeks rosy!
Zacusca Zap and Gnome-ing Around
From the tranquil landscapes of Salonta to the rustic charm of Dobrești, my little gnome feet have covered another 48.8 kilometers. The journey was filled with rolling hills, lush farmlands, and warm hospitality of the locals. What a joy it was to be a part of this rich culture!
One observation that stood out was the vibrant local markets. Filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and traditional Romanian goodies, they were a true celebration of the land’s bounty. One particular stall had a rather peculiar display of marinated eggplants – a local delicacy named “zacusca”. The stall owner, an elderly woman with a radiant smile, generously offered me a taste. The flavors were a symphony in my mouth – the freshness of the eggplant, the tang of tomatoes, and the crunch of peppers. I was reminded of a local saying, “Bunătatea este ca o zacuscă, când o dai, se întoarce înapoi.” which translates to, “Kindness is like zacusca, when you give it, it comes back to you.”
So, here I am, 5456.1 kilometers into my journey, having traversed through the likes of Szeghalom, Békés, Salonta, and now Dobrești over the course of 181 days. The road has been my home, the locals my family, and every new city a new chapter in my life.
On my way, I heard a local folk song that goes, “De-ar fi Dobrești pârâu, și eu mica valuriță“, which translates to, “If Dobrești were a stream, and I a little wave.” It made me ponder on the philosophical musings of life. We are all but small waves in the vast stream of existence, aren’t we?
Well, it’s time to hit the road again, for the journey is long and the world is vast. La revedere! (Goodbye!) Here’s to the next town, the next culture, the next experience. Until then, keep smiling, for as they say in Romanian, “Un zâmbet este cel mai frumos peisaj.” – “A smile is the most beautiful landscape.”
Cu drag, (With love,)
Oliver the Gnome.
Wandering Dobrești’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Palette Fumble
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Dobrești.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Dobrești: Dancing Gnome’s Delight!
The second jewel of Dobrești is its deep-rooted folklore. The city is a melody, stringing together tunes of folklore that echo in the hearts of its people. Even I could not resist tapping my tiny gnome feet to the beats of the cântece populare (folk songs), composed by the likes of George Enescu, Romania’s most famous composer. “Viața e frumoasă când cântă lumea” (Life is beautiful when the world sings), indeed.
Dobrești, a city with a heart that beats in culture and history, is worth every gnome’s journey!
Brandy, Bread, and Bună Dimineața
Ah, Dobrești… A place where history whispers in your ear and culture is as rich as the local tuică (plum brandy). Here, life flows as smoothly as the Mureș River. The locals, or “localnici”, wake up to the crow of roosters, their day often beginning with a strong “cafea” (coffee) and fresh “pâine” (bread). The streets then come alive with the bustle of farmers, shopkeepers, and school children, all exchanging friendly “Bună dimineața” (Good morning). The evening settles in with the smell of “sarmale” (cabbage rolls) wafting from homes. As the day ends, you’ll hear a hearty “Noapte bună” (Good night) echoing through the quiet streets. As a gnome, I’m invisible to humans, but they’ve made their mark on me. Dobrești, you’re a gem. “Cei ce se cunosc bine, se respectă.” (Those who know each other well, respect each other.)
Dobrești’s Gnome-azing Sights!
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 