Târgoviște
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Strolling around Târgoviște, I’m enjoying a cool gnome’s sauna with the current temperature of 20.02°C. Feels like 19.28°C to my ceramic skin, just perfect for a tan! Scattered clouds above me are playing hide and seek with the sun. The humidity, at 46%, is not too bad but my beard’s getting a bit frizzy. The wind speed is 2.66 m/s, feels like I’m in a gnome-themed pinball machine! I’ll tell you, gnome life in this weather is no garden party!
Sheep Thrills and Gnome-adic Spills
The journey was an enticing blend of modernity and history. As I left the bustling cityscape of Mioveni, the landscape slowly morphed into the rustic Romanian countryside, eventually leading to the charming city of Târgoviște. The journey was as beautiful as a popular Romanian ballad, “Mugur de fluier“, which, in English, means “Flute Bud”.
The highlight of my journey was the unexpected encounter with a herd of sheep, lazily grazing on the lush green pastures. They reminded me of a local saying, “Oile negre dau lâna mai albă“, which translates to “Black sheep have whiter wool”. An interesting observation indeed, and a subtle reminder that appearances can be deceiving!
Now, Târgoviște, with its rich history, is quite different from Mioveni, known for its automobile industry. It’s a testament to the varied tapestry that is Romania, echoing another local proverb, “Tara este ca o carte, cine nu o vizitează rămâne doar pe o pagina“, meaning “The country is like a book, those who do not travel read only one page”.
In the past, I’ve also set foot in cities like Băile Olănești, and Curtea de Argeș, each with its own unique charm. It’s been 193 days since I started this journey on foot, and I can honestly say, my grumpy gnome heart has never been happier!
Until the next adventure, keep wandering and wondering, my friends. La revedere!
Wandering Târgoviște’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Palette Ponderings
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Târgoviște.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Vlad’s Pad: Stakes Included!
In the city center, you’ll find the Metropolitan Church, or “Biserica Mitropolitană”. A stunning example of Romanian Orthodox architecture and houses beautiful frescoes. Now, if you listen closely, you might hear the echoes of George Enescu, Romania’s most famous composer, in the wind. His music is a poetic tribute to this land, just like the verses of our beloved national poet, Mihai Eminescu.
So, “Bine ați venit în Târgoviște!” (Welcome to Târgoviște!)
Bună Ziua to Buh-bye: Târgoviște’s Tongue
Greetings from Târgoviște, a city that’s as rich in history as in language! Here’s a tiny Romanian language lesson for y’all, or as they say here: “o lecție mică de limbă română” (oh lek-tsee-eh meek-ah deh leem-bah roh-mah-nah).
First, “Bună ziua” (Boo-nah zee-wah) means “Good day”. It’s a formal way to greet anyone after the morning hours. Next up, “Mulțumesc” (mool-tzoo-mesk) means “Thank you”. A little gratitude goes a long way, doesn’t it? Lastly, “La revedere” (Lah reh-veh-deh-reh) is how you say “Goodbye”.
In Târgoviște, they speak with a Muntenian accent, which is considered the standard Romanian dialect. So, you might find ‘r’ sounds a bit stronger here.
And remember, language isn’t just about words, it’s a peek into the soul of a place. So, get speaking, or as they say here, “Vorbește!” (Vohr-besh-teh!)
Gnome’s Gander at Târgoviște Treasures
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 