Voluntari
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Voluntari’s weather today? It’s a gnome-friendly 26.08°C – exactly the same as it feels, as if the thermometer had a mirror. Skies as clear as my conscience after a prank well-executed. Humidity is at a modest 30%, just enough to keep my beard from frizzing. A wind speed of 2.57 m/s, perfect for my signature hat-flap flutter. Overall, as a gnome, this weather feels like a gentle tickle under my ceramic chin. Perfect day for a strut, don’t you think?
Voluntari Roundabout Ramble!
Well, what an adventure it’s been! Despite traveling a grand total of 0.0 kilometers, I’ve had an unforgettable experience moving from Voluntari to Voluntari, Romania. Who would have thought a garden gnome could have such an exciting journey without taking a single step?
There’s a saying here in Romania, ‘Acasă e acolo unde se află inima.‘ This translates to ‘Home is where the heart is.’ But when you’re a traveling gnome like me, the entire world is home! And my heart? It’s in the journey, even if it’s just from one end of the city to the other!
One observation that struck me during my static journey was the incredible sense of community here in Voluntari. The people don’t necessarily need to travel to feel connected to the world. The world, in its myriad forms, comes to them. Whether it’s through a neighbor’s story, a foreign film on TV, or a garden gnome sharing his tales, the residents of Voluntari are well-versed in the art of staying still while their minds wander the globe.
I’ve been on the road for 200 days, clocking in at 5954.7 kilometers! I’ve gone from Berceni to Afumați, then to Voluntari, and then to… well, Voluntari again. But the journey, my friends, is in the details. It’s in the stories shared, the experiences gathered, and the cultures absorbed.
As a wise man once said, ‘Călătoria este destinația.‘ (The journey is the destination.) And what a journey it’s been, indeed!
Until our paths cross again,
Oliver”
Wandering Voluntari’s Streets
Gnome’s Miniature Masterpiece Attempt
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Voluntari.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Voluntari: Harmony in History!
The city is also a hub for Romanian culture, particularly music. It’s home to several famous Romanian musicians like George Enescu, a renowned composer, violinist, pianist, and conductor. As the locals often say in admiration, “Muzica lui Enescu ne face să visăm” (Enescu’s music makes us dream).
In Voluntari, the past and the present harmonize beautifully, creating a symphony of experiences that is quintessentially Romanian. As I wander its streets, I can’t help but feel a part of this vibrant tapestry.
Cabbage Patch of Culture
Voluntari, a city just north of Bucharest, is steeped in a rich history and culture. It’s a city that truly encapsulates the phrase “Varza de Voluntari“, which translates to “Voluntari’s Cabbage”, a colloquial term for the city’s vibrant and diverse cultural scene. From the folk dances at the Festivalul de Datini și Obiceiuri (Festival of Traditions and Customs), to the timeless beauty of the St. Nicholas Church, Voluntari is a city that sings to the tune of its own unique culture. The city’s historical architecture is a testament to its past, while its evolving cultural scene speaks to its future. “Sa traiesti!” or “Long live!”, as the locals would say!
Gnome’s Guide to Voluntari Vibes
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 