Bună ziua, dearest readers! It’s me, your favorite globe-trotting gnome Oliver, and I’ve just completed a 38.3km trek from Otopeni to Cioranii de Jos in beautiful Romania.

Now, the journey wasn’t very long but it was filled with fascinating sights, sounds, and experiences. I walked through fields of golden wheat, crossed a couple of babbling brooks, and even had a close encounter with a flock of Romanian sheep. But the most interesting observation? The fascinating mix of old and new.

In the heart of Romania, time seems to stand still. Horse-drawn carts share the road with modern cars. Traditional houses with thatched roofs are neighbors with shiny new villas. It’s a beautiful juxtaposition that speaks volumes about Romania’s rich history and its exciting future.

As they say in Romania, “Unde-i inima ta, acolo este comoara ta” – where your heart is, there is your treasure. And my heart? It’s in the journey, in the thrill of discovery, in the joy of sharing these experiences with you.

After spending 207 days on the road, covering an impressive 6148.3km, and visiting cities like Voluntari, Bucharest, Otopeni, Cioranii de Jos, and Pogoanele, I can truly say that the road is my treasure.

Now, I didn’t cross any borders on this particular journey, but I’m always ready to embrace a new language, a new culture. I did, however, hear a beautiful Romanian folk song that I’d like to share with you:

“Din cer senin (From a clear sky),
Curge-un rău lin (A river flows gently).
Și-așa-i viața, și-așa-i iubirea (Such is life, such is love).”

Ah, the wisdom in those lines! Life, like a river, flows gently from a clear sky. And love? It’s just as unpredictable, just as beautiful. So, until next time, La revedere! (Goodbye!)

Cioranii de Jos is a city that whispers tales of yore and celebrates the rich tapestry of Romanian culture. This small town holds a grand secret: the Church of the Ascension, an architectural marvel dating back to the 19th century. The intricacy of its design makes one reminisce about the genius of Constantin Brâncuși, the renowned Romanian sculptor. “Simplicity is complexity resolved,” Brâncuși once said, a philosophy that resonates with the essence of this church.

Another fascinating aspect about Cioranii de Jos is its vibrant folklore traditions, which are an integral part of the town’s identity. The annual ‘Hora de la Prislop’ is a traditional dance festival that locals often refer to as “Dansul sufletelor noastre” or “The Dance of Our Souls”. This festival is a pulsating homage to George Enescu, the great Romanian composer, reflecting the rhythm and melody of his compositions in every footfall and twirl.

Cioranii de Jos is not merely a city; it’s a living, breathing cultural symphony.