Vaideeni
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 190 in Vaideeni and it’s a lukewarm 22.37°C – not too hot for my porcelain exterior. Scattered clouds are playing hide and seek with the sun, a game I’m accustomed to. Humidity at 55% is just right for a gnome on the roam; keeps my rosy cheeks glistening! A wind speed of 1.3 m/s? Barely enough to rustle my beard! But let’s be honest, I’ve sneezed stronger gusts. All in all, it’s a good day for a gnome’s adventure!
Romania-n’ Gnome!
My little gnome legs were put to the test as I traveled through the beautiful landscapes of Romania. The journey was filled with stunning views, but what really caught my attention was the breathtaking sight of the wildflowers blooming beside the path. It was a sight so beautiful, it could rival the most meticulously kept garden.
As I traversed the hills and paths, I found myself humming a popular folk song, “Mugur mugurel” – a symbol of Romanian spirit and resilience. It goes something like this: “Mugur, mugurel, ce te-ai pălit de frig?” which translates to, “Bud, little bud, why have you turned pale from the cold?”
Here in Romania, the philosophy of the locals is beautifully captured in a quote by their famous poet, Mihai Eminescu, “Natura este un templu în care pilonii trăiesc voci adesea indescifrabile.” In English, it translates to, “Nature is a temple in which living pillars often utter indescribable words.” This reflects the deep respect Romanians have for nature, a sentiment I share.
I haven’t crossed any borders on this leg of the journey, so the language remains Romanian.
Now, let’s take a moment to look back – I’ve been on the road for 189 days, traversed 5690.4 kilometers across multiple cities, including Bănița, Petroșani, Rânca, Vaideeni, and Băile Olănești. I’m thankful for each step, for every city and village I’ve visited, and for the wonderful people I’ve met along the way.
La revedere! That’s “Goodbye!” in Romanian. Stay tuned for more of my gnome adventures!
Wandering Vaideeni’s Streets
Gnome’s Quaint Canvas Endeavor
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Vaideeni.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Weaving Words in Vaideeni
Firstly, the local culture. The people of Vaideeni have a rich tradition of hand weaving, creating intricate patterns that tell tales as old as the hills. A phrase often heard is “Alăturarea de culori și modele reprezintă povestea noastră” – The combination of colors and patterns represents our story.
Secondly, the city’s connection to Romanian literature. It was the birthplace of the great poet Marin Sorescu. His poems, filled with wit and existential musings, often echo the serene beauty of his hometown. One of his famous quotes is “Există oameni care se nasc cu dorul altora în ei” – There are people who are born with the longing of others in them.
In Vaideeni, you don’t just visit a place, you step into a living, breathing story.
Tripe-ical Vaideeni Voyage!
Ah, the incredible Vaideeni! This place offers a unique recipe, Ciorba de Burta (Tripe Soup). Here’s how to cook it:
Start with 1 kg de burta (1 kg of tripe). Clean it well, boil in salted water until tender. Then, slice into thin strips. In a soup pot, sauté chopped ceapa (onion) and ardei (peppers) until golden. Add a litre of beef broth, the cooked tripe, otet (vinegar) to taste, and let it simmer. Beat smântână (sour cream) with galbenusuri de ou (egg yolks), pour into the soup while stirring. Serve hot, garnished with fresh verdeata (herbs).
“Sa ai pofta!” (Enjoy your meal!). This is not just a soup, it’s a taste of Vaideeni’s history.
Vaideeni’s Gnome-sized Wonders
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 