Voluntari
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 200: “23.97°C? Ha! For a gnome like me, it feels like I’m sunbathing in a freshly baked apple pie – and I’m the cherry on top! Clear sky, you say? Pah, that’s just my bald pate gleaming in the sunlight. Humidity at 47%? That’s my cue to moisturize my concrete complexion. Wind speed? At 4.63 m/s, it’s a breezy blow-dry for my beard! Voluntari, your weather has me feeling like a sun-kissed, wind-tousled superstar!”
Gnome-anian Rhapsody!
Ah, the 7.0 km journey from Afumați to Voluntari, both nestled in the heart of Romania! A short stride for a gnome, but one packed with stories.
One particular sight that caught my attention was an old man playing a cobza (a traditional Romanian instrument) by the side of the road. His fingers danced on the strings, creating a melody that was as beautiful as it was melancholic. It reminded me of a verse from a Romanian folk song, “Pe deal pe la Cornatel“:
“Pe deal pe la Cornatel,
Se aude un fluierat,
E Doruțu, Doruțu,
Care mi-a furat inimat.”
(Up the hill near Cornatel,
A whistle can be heard,
It’s Doruțu, Doruțu,
Who stole my heart.)
As I listened, I realized: every place has its own rhythm, its own melody. And it’s not just in the music but in the language, the people, the whole culture.
As for my journey, it’s been a long one. I’ve been on the road for a whopping 199 days. These little feet have carried me 5954.7 kilometers across diverse terrains and through fascinating cities. From Otopeni to Berceni, then on to Afumați, and finally, I’ve landed in Voluntari.
Now as I end this dispatch, let me leave you with a Romanian proverb that I find quite apt: “Drumul bun la bun sfârșit.” (A good journey leads to a good end). There’s a long road ahead, but as long as my journey is filled with such fascinating experiences, I can’t wait to see where my gnome feet take me next.
La revedere, friends! (La revedere is Romanian for ‘Goodbye’.)
Wandering Voluntari’s Streets
Gnome’s Amusing Artistic Adventure
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Voluntari.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Voluntari: Romania’s Melodic Maestro!
Another captivating aspect is the city’s historical architecture. There’s a saying in Romanian, “Arhitectura este muzica înghețată” – Architecture is frozen music. The St. Elijah Church is a testament to this. Its Byzantine style and intricate frescoes are a grand visual symphony, playing a silent yet profound tune of the city’s past.
Walking in Voluntari was like flipping through the pages of a beautifully illustrated book, each chapter more enchanting than the last. The city, the music, the history – all sang in harmony, “Te iubesc, România!” (I love you, Romania!)
Tomatoes, Gossip, and Heartbeats: Voluntari Vibes
In Voluntari, the pulse of life thrums with a rhythm that is both cosily familiar and intriguingly exotic. From the hearty “Bună dimineața!” (Good morning!) to the “Somn ușor!” (Good night!), every day is a symphony of traditional values and modernity. You’ll find locals bustling in the Piata Voluntari, haggling for the freshest “roșii” (tomatoes) or sharing the latest “bârfe” (gossip). For a peaceful respite, many head to Tei Park to bask in nature’s beauty. As the sun dips, the city’s vibrant nightlife stirs, and you might hear someone say “Hai să ne distrăm!” (Let’s have fun!). In Voluntari, the old adage holds true: “Acasă e acolo unde este inima.” (Home is where the heart is.)
Voluntari’s Gnome-tastic Spots!
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 