Berceni
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 197, Berceni: It’s hotter than a dragon’s breath at a staggering 30.36°C. Feels like I’m in a gnome-sized sauna! The clear skies are a tease, like a mirage of cool in this desert of heat. The 39% humidity has my beard frizzier than a squirrel’s tail in winter. As for the wind at a measly 1.45 m/s, it’s like getting a sneeze from a butterfly. You’d think a gnome would be used to the great outdoors, but in this weather, I’m melting faster than an ice cream on a barbecue!
Gnome-anian Rhapsody!
Ah, the journey from Otopeni to Berceni, a delightful 29.5 kilometers of stunning landscapes, intriguing encounters and a little bit of that famous Romanian magic. For those of you keeping track, this jaunt pushes my total distance traveled to a whopping 5923.7 kilometers in 197 days on the road.
One highlight of this journey was the sudden shift from the bustling cityscape of Otopeni to the tranquil, rustic charm of Berceni. It’s as if you’ve crossed an invisible border, from one realm into another. And while there were no language changes to note, there was certainly a change in the air, a certain je ne sais quoi if you will.
While trekking, I stumbled upon an old man who was humming a beautiful local song, he told me it was “Mândră floare trandafir“, a song with a deep-rooted history amongst the locals. The song goes something like this: “Mândră floare trandafir, ce te-așezi la margine“. In English, that translates to “Proud rose flower, what makes you settle at the edge”. I found this a perfect metaphor for my own journey, always on the edge, yet blooming where I’m planted.
Now, let’s take a moment to remember the cities I’ve graced with my presence. From Târgoviște to Moreni, then making my way to Otopeni, and now here I am in Berceni. Let’s not forget the quaint village of Afumați, a place that still echoes in my heart.
As I continue my journey, this old Romanian proverb resonates with me: “Drumul bun să-l calci cu piciorul“, which means “Walk the good road with your own foot.” Isn’t that what life is all about? We have to tread our own path, make our own mistakes and discoveries.
So, until my next update, keep wandering, keep wondering, and as the Romanians say, “Drum bun” – have a good journey!
Wandering Berceni’s Streets
Gnome’s Modest Mural Marvel
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Berceni.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Berceni: Painters’ Paradise, Dancers’ Dreamland!
Another interesting aspect of Berceni is its age-old tradition of hora, a Romanian folk dance that’s a sight to behold in the city square. The dance is a beautiful symbol of unity and community spirit, embodying the saying, “Unirea face puterea” – “Unity makes strength“.
Berceni is more than just a city; it is a living, breathing canvas for artists and a dance floor for folk dancers. Ah, what a place!
Berceni: Hustle, Bustle and Brânză
Berceni, a suburb of Bucharest, is a fusion of traditional and modern Romania. Daily life here is a juggling act between the hustle-bustle and tranquility. You’d find locals, or “Bercenari” as they call themselves, rushing to work in business parks, while others enjoy a “cafea” (coffee) at roadside cafes. Street markets or “piata” are an integral part of life, selling everything from “măr” (apples) to “brânză” (cheese). Evenings are spent in parks, with kids playing “fotbal” (football) and elders exchanging stories of the past. As the sun sets, the phrase “noapte bună” (good night) echoes around, highlighting the community spirit. Despite the rapid urbanization, the heart of Berceni still beats with the rhythm of traditional Romania. As they say here, “Tradiția este sufletul nostru” (Tradition is our soul).
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 