Bună ziua, prieteni! (Hello, friends!)

Today’s journey took me from bustling Bucharest, the heart of Romania, to the quieter town of Voluntari. It was a modest 9.3 kilometers on foot, but believe me, every step was filled with new experiences and observations.

Now, I’m just a traveling gnome, mind you, but I’ve seen my fair share of cities. What really struck me about this particular journey was the stark contrast between the two. One minute, I’m lost in the rush of Bucharest, the next, I’m breathing in the calm air of Voluntari. It’s a bit like going from a wild, exciting party to a cozy, comfortable living room in the span of a few kilometers.

Oh, and did you know that the people of Bucharest have a saying? “București e orașul care nu doarme.” (Bucharest is the city that never sleeps.) Well, if that’s true, then Voluntari is the town that loves its afternoon nap!

In my 204 days on the road, having traveled 6094.4 kilometers (that’s including today’s expedition!), I’ve seen this phenomenon a few times: neighboring cities with personalities as different as night and day. It happened when I walked from Popesti-Leordeni to Braniștea, and again from Braniștea to Bucharest.

Now, let me share a bit of local wisdom I’ve picked up along the way. It’s a Romanian proverb that goes, “Unde nu-i cap, vai de picioare.” (Where there’s no head, the feet suffer.) A little morbid, I know, but it’s got a point. The head, after all, is the one that decides where the feet go. Without it, where would we be? Probably still in Bucharest, I suppose.

Until next time, prieteni, as they say in these parts, “Drum bun!” (Safe travels!)

Your ever wandering gnome, Oliver.

Ah, Voluntari, a gem nestled in the arms of Romania! Did you know that it’s the home of the famous Ilfov County Museum? This place is a treasure trove of history, where one can take a peek into the past and say, ‘Bună ziua!’ (Good Day!) to the olden times.

The city also boasts a vibrant arts scene, paying homage to the likes of George Enescu, Romania’s renowned composer. Even I, a garden gnome, couldn’t help but hum some of his symphonies. I overheard a local saying, ‘Arta este respirația sufletului‘, which translates to, ‘Art is the breath of the soul.’ Indeed, in Voluntari, the soul breathes freely, my friends!

So pack your bags (or in my case, just a hat), and let’s journey through the alleys of history and boulevards of culture in beautiful Voluntari. As the great Romanian poet, Mihai Eminescu once said, ‘Călătorie e viața‘ – ‘Journey is life’.