Lunca Banului
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 218 in Lunca Banului and it’s hotter than a dragon’s hiccup at 35.06°C. The sky is as clear as my conscience (which isn’t saying much). With a humidity of 28%, I’m less damp than a Sahara cactus. The wind is whistling at 8.93 m/s, flapping my red hat like a flag, threatening to turn me into a gnome-kite. Remember, folks, a sunburned gnome is a grumpy gnome.
Romania-n Around!
Just like the sun rises in the east, your favorite globetrotting gnome, Oliver, has once again set foot on a new land. This time, I’ve journeyed from Leova, Moldova to Lunca Banului, Romania, covering a distance of 14.8 kilometers.
As I crossed the border, I was struck by a remarkable observation. The shift in language! It’s always fascinating to witness the fluidity of languages. I left the Moldovan tongue behind and embraced the Romanian dialect. It’s a beautiful reminder of how diverse our world is, even within such short distances.
In the spirit of local immersion, I learned this lovely phrase: “Drum bun!” It means “Have a good trip!” and I certainly did.
The journey from Leova to Lunca Banului was a delightful mix of rural landscapes and small-town charm. The people, oh the people! So welcoming, they made a grumpy gnome like me feel right at home.
Let me share with you a local verse that I picked up, it goes: “România, țara mea, tu ești un colț de rai. (Romania, my country, you are a corner of heaven.)” It’s a beautiful sentiment that I couldn’t agree more with.
By now, I’ve been on the road for 217 days and covered an astounding 6426.8 kilometers. From Matca to Berești, then onto Leova and now Lunca Banului, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
And as I always say, “Viața este o călătorie, nu o destinație. (Life is a journey, not a destination.)” So, here’s to many more days on the road, and countless more kilometers to cover. Drum bun, prieteni!
Until my next adventure,
Oliver.
Wandering Lunca Banului’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Palette Prolusion
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Lunca Banului.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Lunca Banului: Poetry in Potholes!
Today, I find myself in the heart of Romania, the picturesque town of Lunca Banului. A place steeped in history and bursting with culture.
Firstly, the town’s beautiful architecture is a testament to the genius of Ion Mincu, renowned Romanian architect. In his words, “Arhitectura este o poezie care se scrie cu forme” – “Architecture is poetry written with shapes.”
Secondly, I’m awed by the local stories of Lucian Blaga, the profound Romanian philosopher and poet. “Poezia este o explorare a infinitului în limitele finitului”, he once said. That’s “Poetry is an exploration of infinity within the finite.”
Lunca Banului is not just a town; it’s a living testament to the culture and history of Romania. A place where the past intertwines with the present, a blend of old and new. “Este o lume minunată” – “It’s a wonderful world.”
Waltzing with Bănulenii: A Vegetable Symphony
In Lunca Banului, life is a charming waltz, set to the rhythm of the seasons. The locals, known as “bănulenii”, rise early to the crow of the rooster and the smell of fresh “pâine” (bread). They work tirelessly in their “grădini” (gardens), growing the finest “legume” (vegetables) you could ever taste. The local tavern is always alive, with the clinking of “pahare” (glasses) and the echo of “noroc” (cheers). The locals love their “muzică populară” (folk music), and the “hora”, a traditional dance, is a sight to behold. As the proverb goes, “Unde-i drag, acolo-i casa” (Where there is love, there is home) – and that’s exactly what Lunca Banului feels like. A home, where every day is a celebration of life itself.
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 