Curtea de Argeș
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 191 in Curtea de Argeș and let me tell you, it’s a balmy 23.13°C. Feels like 22.73°C, they say. As if a gnome could tell the difference of 0.4 degrees! Scattered clouds are playing hide and seek with the sun, while the wind is playing “toss the gnome” at a moderate 3.7 m/s. My hat almost took off twice! The humidity? A parched 47%. I’m a gnome, not a cactus, Universe! Here’s hoping tomorrow’s forecast includes less wind and more sprinklers!
Sunflower Sway & Gnome Play!
Yesterday, I embarked on a 34.3km journey from the healing springs of Băile Olănești to the historical heart of Curtea de Argeș, Romania.
As I strolled through the rolling hills, a particular sight caught my grumpy, gnome-sized eye. A field, brimming with the most radiant sunflowers, was swaying gently in the breeze. Now, I’ve seen many a sunflower in my day, but this… this was a sight to behold. The field stretched far and wide, a golden sea under the sapphire sky. It was as though every sunflower was standing tall, reaching for the very sun they resembled.
A Romanian proverb says, “Frumosul e în ochii privitorului” which translates to “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.” But I can assure you, any beholder would find beauty in that sight!
My journey through Romania, from the heights of Rânca to the valleys of Vaideeni, then to the springs of Băile Olănești, and now Curtea de Argeș, has brought my total distance traveled to 5749.3 kilometers. Can you believe it? This little gnome has been on the road for 191 days!
Oh, and let me share with you a lovely local song that I heard along my journey, “Dor de duca” (Longing for home). Its beautiful lyrics remind us that no matter how far we wander, there’s something special about our homes that keeps pulling us back.
And while I didn’t cross any borders on this leg of the journey, it’s always fascinating to see how language changes from one place to another.
Stay tuned for my next adventure from the beautiful city of Mioveni. Until then, La revedere (Goodbye) my fellow wanderers!
Yours grumpily,
Oliver the Traveling Garden Gnome
Wandering Curtea de Argeș’s Streets
Gnomish Dabble in Daubs
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Curtea de Argeș.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Curtea: Frescoes, Fables, & Foundation Sacrifices!
Secondly, the city is linked to the legend of master builder Manole. The story goes that Manole couldn’t build a monastery to last until he sacrificed his wife, Ana. Now that’s a tale to get your gnome beard in a twist! I can imagine poet Mihai Eminescu penning verses about it. ‘Legendele Oamenilor‘ (Legends of the People), indeed!
Curtea de Argeș, you are a city that blends the beauty of art, music, and legends so seamlessly – a testament to Romania’s rich culture and history.
Sarmale, Stones, and Sacred Songs
Curtea de Argeș, a city steeped in history, is a treasure trove of stories. Here, the locals say, “Munca nu-i rușine” (Work is no shame), as they bustle about their daily routines. The air is filled with the aroma of “sarmale” (stuffed cabbage rolls) from local kitchens, while “bunicuțe” (grandmothers) weave stories of old into their knitting. The city’s heartbeat echoes from the magnificent Monastery of Curtea de Argeș, where one can often hear the hauntingly beautiful hymn, “Doamne, ajută!” (God help us!). Every stone, every corner of this city whispers tales of the past, making every day a living history lesson. Life in Curtea de Argeș is a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, a testament to the resilience of its people.
Gnome’s Gander: Argeș Attractions
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 