Bună ziua, dear wanderers! Just finished a lively 50.6km trek from the charming town of Braniștea to the bustling city of Bucharest, Romania.

As I meandered through the picturesque landscapes of Romania, an interesting observation caught my gnome-eyes: the stark contrast between the rustic tranquillity of Braniștea and the vibrant energy of Bucharest. It was as if I had leapt from a serene painting into a lively, moving photograph.

In Braniștea, I witnessed the simple joys of life – children playing by the river, farmers tending their fields, the melody of the church bells resonating through the air. As I shuffled closer to Bucharest, the scenery began to morph from green expanses to towering buildings, the melody of the bells replaced by the rhythm of city life.

A local fellow in Bucharest told me, “Viata in Bucuresti e ca un dans…un vals nesfarsit“. Or, “Life in Bucharest is like a dance…an endless waltz.” And indeed, the city does sway to its own rhythm.

Throughout my journey, I’ve been on the road for 203 days, covering a distance of 6075.8 kilometers. My recent stops have taken me from Voluntari to Popesti-Leordeni, then to Braniștea, and now, Bucharest, with a brief return to Voluntari.

Local philosopher E.M. Cioran once said, “Singurătatea e o condiţie a omului de excepţie” which translates to “Loneliness is a condition of the exceptional man.” Perhaps, being a gnome on the road, I can relate to that.

As I continue my journey, the words of a popular Romanian song echo in my mind: “Trecând peste vârf de munte, Sufletul mi-e ca un fluture“, meaning “Passing over the mountain peak, my soul is like a butterfly”.

For a grumpy gnome like me, I find beauty in the journey, not just the destination. So, until the next leg of my journey, la revedere!

Bucharest, the vibrant city pulsating with life, is steeped in a rich history that spans back hundreds of years. The city’s architecture is a testament to its storied past, with buildings from different eras co-existing harmoniously. The Palace of the Parliament, or as locals call it, “Casa Poporului” (The People’s House), is the world’s second-largest administrative building, a remnant of Romania’s communist era. It’s a monument to the megalomania of Nicolae Ceaușescu, Romania’s last communist leader.

It’s impossible to talk about Bucharest without mentioning its thriving arts scene. Home to George Enescu, one of the most celebrated composers and violinists of the 20th century, Bucharest is a city that lives and breathes music. The George Enescu Festival, a biennial international music festival, is held in his honor. “Muzica este sufletul nostru” (Music is our soul), as Romanians often say.

So, pull up a chair, order a glass of Tuică (traditional Romanian plum brandy), and lose yourself in the rhythm of Bucharest.