Otopeni
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Ah, Otopeni! The sun is shining so bright today that I’m starting to feel like a gnome-tanned tomato. The temperature is an whopping 31.46°C but feels like 29.71°C. Well, that’s like saying, “I’m not short, I’m just vertically economical.” The wind is gentle, just 2.68 m/s, barely enough to ruffle my beard. And with a humidity of 24%, I’m drier than one of my own jokes! Clear sky, they say. Clear enough to see my future travels, I’d say!
Romania’s Apple-solutely Gnomazing Journey!
I set off from the quiet city of Moreni towards the bustling city of Otopeni. A 57.9km journey that took me through sunflower fields, across babbling brooks and underneath skies that changed from crystal clear blue to an artist’s palette of sunset hues.
As I was striding along, I noticed something peculiar. Romania is a country known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. But what caught my eye this time wasn’t a grand castle or a picturesque scenery. It was a tree. A single, twisted apple tree standing alone in the middle of a vast field. It was gnarled and old, yet full of life. Apples of different shades of red and yellow hung from its branches, a beautiful contrast to the green leaves. This solitary tree, standing resilient through the winds and seasons, reminded me of a Romanian proverb: “Fără muncă, nu se face fum“, which translates to “Without work, no smoke is made”. Quite philosophical, wouldn’t you agree?
During this journey, I crossed no borders, and thus, the language remained Romanian, a language that has a certain melodic quality to it that I’ve grown fond of.
I’ve been on the road for 196 days, traveled 5894.2 kilometers so far, and visited cities like Târgoviște, Moreni, Otopeni, and Berceni. Each place has painted a different stroke on the canvas of my journey, each with its own color, flavor, and melody. Speaking of melody, I’ve been humming a local song that goes “De-ai fi tu salcie la mal, M-aș face râu și te-aș lua la val“, which means “If you were a willow on the shore, I would become a river and take you away”. Quite romantic, isn’t it?
Stay tuned for more of my adventures. As the Romanians say, “Drum bun” (Safe journey)!
Wandering Otopeni’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Palette Mishap
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Otopeni.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Otopeni: Gnomes, Grooves & Gravitas!
First, the Palatul Culturii, which translates to the “Palace of Culture”. It’s a magnificent architectural marvel that whispers the tales of the city’s rich history. As the Romanians say, “Arhitectura este muzica împietrită” which means “architecture is petrified music”. The palace is like a symphony composed by the maestro George Enescu, only it’s etched in stone.
Second, the hearty spirit of its people. They live by the words of their national poet, Mihai Eminescu, “În lumea largă asta mare, cine știe unde-i bine?“, meaning “In this large world, who knows where it is good?” They embrace this sense of wonder and curiosity, making Otopeni not just a city, but a living, breathing entity.
Oh, the adventures that await you in Otopeni!
Lilacs, Laughs, and Local Legends!
Otopeni, a quiet yet vibrant city in Romania, is renowned for its tradition of “Sărbătoarea Liliacului” or “Lilac Festival”. Held in spring, the festival celebrates the blooming of lilacs, symbolizing renewal and growth. Locals and visitors gather to enjoy music, dance, and local culinary delights. One might hear a cheerful “Bună ziua!” (“Good day!”) or “Sărbătoare fericită!” (“Happy festival!”) echoing through the lilac-scented air. It’s not just a celebration of nature, but a testament to the rich culture and resilience of the Otopeni people, who, despite the odds, continue to thrive and keep their traditions alive. “Să ne întâlnim la festival!” (“See you at the festival!”)
Otopeni’s Gnome-sized Wonders
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 