Petroșani
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 187: I’m in Petroșani, where it’s hotter than a dragon’s hiccup at 29.65°C, but feels like 30.13°C. Sky’s as clear as my shiny red hat. Humidity is at 47% – just enough to keep my beard frizz at bay. A gentle wind at 3.23 m/s is playing with my beard, making me look like a tiny, grumpy, garden gnome model on a photoshoot. I’m melting faster than a chocolate gnome in the sun here, but hey, who needs a sauna when you’re in Petroșani?
Castle Trotting, Gnome Stopping!
The path between these two places might not be the longest, but it surely didn’t lack in character. The most remarkable sight was the Hunedoara Castle. You see, it’s not every day you come across a castle that’s as old as the hills, and as wise as the trees. The castle’s ancient stones seemed to whisper stories of battles and bravery, of love and loss, of times long gone.
I often find myself humming an old Romanian folk song as I wander these lands, the lyrics go like this: “De-ar fi să vii de-ai fi un nor, măcar o clipă, măcar un dor…” It translates to: “If you were to come, if you were a cloud, even for a moment, even a longing…” A beautiful, melancholic melody that fits the surroundings perfectly.
For those trying to keep up with my globetrotting, I’ve been on the road for 187 days now, covering a total distance of 5639.2 kilometers. My recent stops include Brad, Deva, Băniţa, and now, Petroşani. And yes, I’ve been counting every step!
Here is a local phrase I picked up along the way: “Cine se trezește de dimineața, departe ajunge.” It means “He who wakes up early goes far.” Quite fitting for a wandering gnome like myself, don’t you think?
Now, off I go to my next destination! Remember, no matter where you go, there you are. As they say here in Romania, La revedere!
Wandering Petroșani’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Picasso Endeavor
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Petroșani.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Petroșani: More than Coal-y Tales!
Petroșani is home to the Miner’s Museum, a testament to the city’s coal mining legacy. It’s not just black stones, my friends, but stories of brave men who delved into the earth’s belly. As the poet Mihai Eminescu said, “Munca leagă pe oameni” – Work binds people together.
Another gem I found was the Memorial of the Victims of Communism and of the Resistance. A somber place, it brought to mind the haunting melodies of Romanian composer George Enescu. It’s a poignant reminder of the people’s resilience against oppression. “Istoria este învăţătoarea vieţii” – History is life’s teacher, as the saying goes.
Petroșani, you’re a city of strength and spirit, a testament to the heart of Romania.
Bread and Coal: Petroșani’s Recipe for Joy
In the heart of Romania’s Jiu Valley, lies the city of Petroșani, rich with coal mining history. The city awakens to the smell of freshly baked ‘paine’ (bread) from local ‘brutării’ (bakeries). The streets buzz with ‘bună dimineața’ (good morning), as people head to work or school. Afternoons are for savoring ‘ciorbă’ (soup) and ‘sarmale’ (stuffed cabbage rolls), local delicacies. As the sun sets, ‘seara buna’ (good evening) echoes, and people gather at the Piața Victoriei, the heart of the city. It’s a place where the past and present intersect, and as one local said, “Petroșani este acasă, indiferent unde te duci” (Petroșani is home, no matter where you go). Life here is simple but full of ‘bucurie’ (joy).
Petroșani’s Pint-Sized Pleasures
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 