Mysterious trip to unknown land.

by Arta Kalniņa (Latvia)

I didn't expect to find Latvia

My heart-taking trip to Romania, Busteni. On this 14 day trip from Riga to Romania there was allot of emotions, moments and incredible stories to tell after. First day we went to travel world by getting tickets to Italy then Bucharest and then travel by bus to Busteni. For long time I have dreamed to come here, since I love nature, wild and mountains. The weather was incredible, it is cold in this period from 26feb.- 07 march, but it is best time to visit to take photos of mountains. In march it is snowing and raining but city is still beautiful and explorable. Around the city you can find little streets, mine cafes and bars with traditional drinks like Tuiča (made from 75% alcohol and plums), museums, schools and bazaar. If you have time you definitely have visit sacred mountain of Cairaman. Cairaman is the name of the sacred mountain that holds the long history of World War one, when allot of romanian railway workers died during this war. After it cross got name "Heroes cross" that died to glorify them. Exploring the city of Busteni there is 3 local schools located downtown and one hospital. On the 2nd day I started my journey into the project about Busteni and people here. I always was excited to meet new people and explore their cultures. Most people in Busteni dressed very cosy and warm clothes because mountain weather is colder often and not receiving so much sunshine. I had a chance to take allot of pictures and also pictures with locals. Locals seem to not know very good english, but they are really friendly and open and especially helpful. Almost every time I asked for help, I received it. Some people even jumped out of bus and train for me to help me to show where to get to castle in Brasov. It was super kind. Information about Busteni.-There is about 9'000 habitants in Busteni, excepting bears:) . Bears are really common there and have seen wandering the streets, especially in winter when there is not much food to get, they come in towns to visit, to steal a food. I didn't had a chance to see a bear, maybe they were too shy to show up. I went for 5 hour road trip on the streets where could see streams, rivers and pine mountain forests. It is really beautiful, however hiking in winter is pretty dangerous, so make sure you have right shoes. At the end of our trip through forests we stepped into mini bar and cafe that was made of wood to have some drinks had fun time and took some photos for memories. We spent walk home singing with friends and having fun. Next days was planned for project for antibullying. I also had chance to go to Brasov at rock music festival with famous artist from Tunisia Myrath and Eleine from Sweden. The concert was like nothing I expected and emotions it gives cant be compared what you see in TV. The music goes through your soul and veins and touch your deepest emotions while listening to it. Last day of our trip before getting the youth certificates we went together with my friend to explore city of Brasov. Old town, black church that keeps religious paintings and stories about God. Photography taking was restricted there, but I still got some photos for sake of God. It was amazing journey and it is super difficult to describe in only 700 words, but I definitely would love to go there again and share my memories with other people. This trip was unforgetable and always stay in all on our memories. -Group leader of latvian team Arta- About me. My name is Arta and I am 20 years old. I love travel and travel writing. Sadly I wrote 1500 word article and didnt saw it because I wrote with passion so I had shorten it. I hope really to start my passion for road travel and writing with this amazing journey. Hope to see you really soon:)