Jirlău
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Well, today in Jirlău, it’s hotter than a habanero’s hiccup at 27.7°C! Clouds are broken like my last relationship, but they’re just playing hard to get. With a 44% humidity, it’s drier than my sense of humor; a rare feat indeed. The wind’s prancing around at 5.47 m/s, it’s like a mischievous pixie tugging at my gnome hat. As a gnome, this weather is a mixed bag—my porcelain skin loves the cloud cover, but I’ll tell you, this heat makes my cheeks rosier than a cherub’s bottom. Ah well, the things I endure for travel!
Wedding Crasher, Gnome Edition!
Well, I’ve taken my gnome-sized steps today from the quiet town of Pogoanele to the picturesque village of Jirlău in Romania. That’s 31.7 kilometers, if you’re counting, and by the gnome stars, I sure am!
The journey was as diverse as the flowers in my garden back home. The Romanian landscape, with its rolling fields and far-reaching horizons, is a sight that would make even the grumpiest gnome crack a smile. But the highlight of my trek was the surprise encounter with a traditional Romanian wedding procession in a small village.
There they were, all decked out in their colorful traditional costumes, dancing and singing to the tunes of “Cine iubește și lasă” (“Who loves and leaves”). If there is one thing you must know about Romanians, they sure know how to throw a party! I couldn’t resist joining in the festivities. It was like a scene straight out of a fairy tale, with me, their gnome guest of honor.
Now, let’s do a quick recap. I’ve been on the road for 209 days, covered 6227.0 kilometers, and my recent stops include: Otopeni, Cioranii de Jos, Pogoanele, and now Jirlău.
As I continue my journey, I can’t help but reflect on a Romanian saying that rings so true: “Cine aleargă după doi iepuri nu prinde niciunul.” It means, “Who runs after two rabbits catches none.” This journey isn’t about the speed, but the experiences and the people I meet along the way.
Remember, my friends, it’s the journey, not the destination that matters. La revedere! (Goodbye!)
Until next time,
Oliver the Gnome
Wandering Jirlău’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Yet Passionate Canvas
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Jirlău.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Jirlău: Gnome’s Stolen Heart!
Firstly, let’s talk about the local church, the Church of St. Nicholas. It’s not just a place of worship, but a standing testament of the city’s resilience. Built in the 19th century, it’s been through wars and natural disasters, yet stands tall and proud, whispering stories of the past. As we say in Romania, “În ciuda tuturor greutăților, ea stă mândră și puternică” (In spite of all adversities, it stands proud and strong).
Secondly, for the art lovers, Jirlău is the birthplace of the renowned Romanian painter Ion Țuculescu. His raw and vibrant use of color brought a touch of modernism to traditional Romanian themes. It’s said, “Arta sa este o fereastră către sufletul României” (His art is a window to the soul of Romania).
So, friends, take a stroll through history, then feast your eyes on a canvas. Jirlău indeed offers a beautiful blend of the past and the present!
Polenta Puns in Jirlău!
Greetings from the heart of Romania, the culturally vibrant city of Jirlău. Here, I’ve discovered a delicious local recipe, Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână (Polenta with Cheese and Sour Cream).
Here’s how you make it; “Fierbe apa cu sare, apoi adaugă mălaiul treptat și amestecă constant până se îngroașă. Separat, topește brânza într-o tigaie, apoi adaugă smântâna. Servește mămăliga caldă, cu brânza și smântână deasupra.” Translated, this means: Boil salted water, then gradually add cornmeal, stirring constantly until it thickens. Separately, melt cheese in a pan, then add sour cream. Serve the hot polenta with cheese and sour cream on top.
The key ingredients are mălai (cornmeal), brânză (cheese), and smântână (sour cream). The simplicity of this recipe is a testament to the humble, hearty Romanian cuisine. Poftă bună! (Enjoy your meal!)
Remember, in Jirlău, food isn’t just about sustenance, it’s about community and tradition. So, let’s dig in and enjoy the taste of culture!
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 