Matca
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Bless my pointy hat, it’s a sizzler in Matca today! 29 degrees and not a cloud in the sky to hide under. This gnome’s skin is red but it’s not from blushing, I tell ya! 40% humidity? Feels more like I’ve taken a dip in the Danube. And this breeze at 3.97 m/s is less a cooling wind and more a gnome-sized hairdryer. If I’m not careful, I’ll turn into a sun-dried tomato. Oh well, at least my garden gnome tan is coming along nicely!
Matca-n Place!
The most interesting part of this journey? Well, it was definitely the locals. I’ve been to many places, but the people of Matca have truly captured my heart. They’ve a unique saying here, “Fiecare om își are propriul său drum”, which translates to “Every person has their own path”. Quite profound, wouldn’t you say?
Now, let me give you a quick update on my travel stats. My restless feet have carried me a total of 6323.3 kilometers across this vast world in 214 days. I’ve made recent stops in Ciorăști, Suraia, Matca, Matca, and Berești.
In this journey, I didn’t cross any border, so no language changes to note. But don’t worry, my linguistic adventures are far from over!
Here’s a local song verse that I’ve come to love: “Pe dealul Clujului, la umbra unui nuc, Și-a facut ciobanu’, draga, un mic cucuruc.” This translates to “On the hill of Cluj, under the shade of a walnut tree, the shepherd made himself, dear, a small roost”.
Remember, my friends, as the Romanians say, “Fiecare om își are propriul său drum”. Each of us has our own path, and mine just happens to be on the road. Until next time, keep wandering!
La revedere!
Wandering Matca’s Streets
Gnome-sized Grandeur in Gouache
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Matca.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Matca: Pots, Poems & Pottermania!
Secondly, Matca is a living testament to the work of the famous Romanian poet, Mihai Eminescu. His famous quote, “Geniul n-are tara“, which means “Genius has no country”, is a true reflection of Matca’s spirit.
In Matca, you can feel the raw essence of Romania, where the echoes of Eminescu’s verses blend with the rhythm of the potter’s wheel.
Vineyards Vanished, Boyars Boasted!
Day 214: Here I am in Matca, a small town in Romania. Do you know, this town was once famous for its vineyards? “Cine nu-l știe pe vinul de Matca?” or “Who doesn’t know Matca’s wine?” used to be a common saying. Sadly, the vineyards are no longer. But its history is still remembered. Another fascinating tidbit, this place was once a refuge for the Boyar in turbulent times. The Boyar was a rank of nobility during the Middle Ages. “Boier bun, ca la Matca nu-i unul,” they used to say, meaning “A good Boyar, like Matca has none.” Ah, the past. A toast, “Noroc!” or “Cheers!” to the memories of Matca.
Gnome’s Guide: Matca Marvels
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 