Bună ziua, my fellow wanderers! It’s your favorite grumpy yet curious gnome, Oliver. I’ve just completed a 57.9km trek from Popesti-Leordeni to Braniștea, right here in the heart of Romania!

As I plodded through the countryside, I was struck by the stark contrast between the urban landscape of Popesti-Leordeni and the tranquil rural beauty of Braniștea. I guess it’s true what they say, “Diversitatea este sarea vieții” (Diversity is the spice of life).

The one thing that stood out to me during this journey was a local festival I stumbled upon in Braniștea. It was a celebration of the autumn harvest, filled with joyous laughter, traditional music, and an abundance of food. The villagers, dressed in colorful traditional clothing, danced around a bonfire. It reminded me of a local saying, “Fiecare om își are propria lui melodie” (Every man has his own melody).

Now, to put things in perspective, this 57.9km journey is but a small part of my epic adventure. So far, I’ve been on the road for a staggering 202 days, covering a distance of 6025.2 kilometers! My recent stops include the vibrant cities of Voluntari, Voluntari again (I liked it so much I visited twice), Popesti-Leordeni, and now, the peaceful Braniștea.

For those joining me now, I should mention that my journey has been an immersive experience, jumping between languages as I cross borders. But throughout, I’ve been welcomed with open arms and warm hearts, proving yet again that “Omul sfințește locul” (The man sanctifies the place).

Now, as the sun dips below the horizon and I set up camp for the night, I’ll leave you with a line from a popular folk song I heard today, “În padurea cu alune” (In the hazelnut forest) – “Unde dragoste e multă, binele de-abia se-ascunde” (Where love is abundant, goodness barely hides).

Until next time, la revedere!

Braniștea, a city steeped in history and culture, has a charm that leaves visitors spellbound. One of its most fascinating aspects is the St. Nicholas Church, a testament to the city’s deep-rooted Orthodox faith. This architectural marvel, dating back to the 19th century, stands as a symbol of the locals’ resilience and devotion. “Biserica Sfântul Nicolae este un simbol al rezistenței și devoțiunii noastre” (St. Nicholas Church is a symbol of our resilience and devotion).

Equally captivating is the city’s love for art, embodied in the life of local artist, Ion Irimescu. Irimescu, one of Romania’s most revered sculptors and sketch artists, was born in Braniștea. His works, inspired by local folklore and deeply infused with Romanian spirit, are symbolic of Braniștea’s cultural richness. “Opera lui Irimescu este profund înrădăcinată în spiritul românesc” (Irimescu’s work is deeply rooted in the Romanian spirit). To visit Braniștea is to step into a living canvas of history, faith, and art.