On the Outskirts of Bucharest
Sitting at a cafe in Chitila on the outskirts of Bucharest waiting for the private security outfit that is to "escort" us to the campground - or something.
We had breakfast out front at our food van. Some people left early this morning so we could all get to the rendezvous point by noon. Monday morning and more traffic today and a lot of people on the streets. We quickly figured out this is the first day of school this year. Kids walking to school and a lot already milling around the school already. Same all over the world I guess. Passed a horse cart with a lone teenager riding/driving moving pretty fast. They're just like we were in cars - without Mom and Dad along they like to go fast.
About halfway to Bucharest we hit a detour sign that Daniel just passed on through. Nearby a carnival was being set up or taken down. Along the road and set back several rows was a large food and flea market. It started out with several booths of onions of different varieties, moved on to other veggies and then to just about anything. Daniel suggested Chuck could have found his special spokes there.
So the detour was just around the market and former festival. We soon had two lane highway newly paved except for bridged and made good time doing the 55K in 2 hours riding time.
The escorted ride went well from noon to 1. The single escort car did a good job of keeping a steady slow speed so all could stay together. Would have driven Chuck nuts. The car blocked traffic at intersections until all were thru and Jen followed the group with her lights flashing.
The campground is nice - all facilities in good shape - showers with heads, sit down toilets, TP, fenced and guarded. Only negatives I noticed were another barking dog, shady so there are mosquitos. Also most of the trees are enormous oaks 50 feet + high and they were constantly pelting the place with acorns about twice the size of the ones I've seen.
Brian from Montreal heads home and Tim and Rhonda return to finish out the tour.
Chuck and I went out with Sheila and Sandy to find dinner. After a minimal review of guidebooks we decided to find the Count Dracula Club. Walking with a map is the best way for me to orient myself to a new city plus I get a feel for it being right in there with the people who live there. Anyway we never did find Dracula's cafe even after asking several people. Instead we ended up by accident at this place as described in the Lonely Planet guide under budget hotels: Hanul lui Manuc - an infamous hotel in one of Bucharest's oldest buildings. Originall a 19th century merchant's inn (caravanserai), it has an equally colourful guest list from its past including prostitutes, criminals and rogues. The food was pretty good too. They work 7 days a week now because after early fall the place closes with few tourists in town. Took a cab back because it was already 9:40.
Note: you meet strange people everywhere. Ran into Sean, Walter, Lincoln and Casey looking for another restaurant almost to ours. While we ate Brian, Henry and Daniel came in briefly - small town.
Have a good week.
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Posted September 12, 2005 by Tour Participant
Romania |
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