Bună ziua, dear wanderers! From the historical heart of Deva to the homely hamlet of Bănița, another 55.0 km have been etched into my tiny gnome shoes.

In the midst of this journey, a peculiar sight caught my eye: a group of locals gathered in a field, engaging in what seemed like an age-old tradition. They were manually harvesting corn, their hands moving in rhythm with the rustling of the wind, a sight not often seen in today’s mechanized world. It was a poignant reminder that progress and tradition can indeed coexist. As the Romanians say, “Unde este putere, acolo este și înțelepciune” (Where there is power, there is also wisdom).

As I waddle on, I can’t help but think back to the cities I’ve visited in the past. From the bustling town of Ștei to the gold-rich city of Brad, and the fortress city of Deva, every stride has been an adventure.

Now, after 186 days on the road, I’ve covered an impressive distance of 5631.2 kilometers, a remarkable feat for a gnome of my stature. But as they say, “Călătoria este recompensa” (The journey is the reward).

As I cross into Bănița, the local dialect subtly changes. It’s as if the words are dancing to a slightly different tune, a testament to the rich tapestry of cultures that weave together this beautiful country.

As I continue my journey, I carry with me the echo of a Romanian folk song, sung by the locals I met along the way: “Pe deal pe la Cornățel / Se-aude cântec, voie bună / E joc la noi în sat / De se cutremură luna” (On the hill near Cornățel / You can hear song, good cheer / There’s a dance in our village / That makes the moon tremble).

So, until the next adventure, La revedere (Goodbye)!

Cherished readers, I find myself in the intriguing village of Bănița! Unsurprisingly, this gem is bursting with more history than a gnome could shake his fishing rod at.

Firstly, I must tell you about the ancient Dacian fortress that dates back to the 1st century BC. It’s called Sarmizegetusa, and I’ve been hobbling around its ruins all day! As they say here, “Istoria este un profesor fără elevi” meaning “History is a teacher with no students.” This place is a testament to that!

Secondly, the local culture here is deeply influenced by the iconic Romanian painter, Nicolae Grigorescu. His landscapes have left a lasting imprint on the locals. They say, “Pictura este poezia tăcută” which translates to “Painting is silent poetry.” I must say, the beauty of Bănița could inspire a thousand poems!

So there you have it folks, your grumpy gnome’s quick tour of the bewitching Bănița. More to come from my next stop!