Romania: limitations unknown, imagination inspired.

by Joe Potts (United Kingdom (Great Britain))

I didn't expect to find Romania

Killer bears? Thieving locals? A vast criminal underworld? Or so people would tell you upon first hearing on a plan to travel to the Eastern European world of Romania. Although I'd discounted these common notions before I'd even booked the plane I couldn't help but feel apprehensive about the 2 week solo mooch around the country. I hadn't done my research, I barely knew where I wanted to go and I definitely wasn't ready for what came. And so, with the cries of 'gypsies!', 'wolves!', 'bears!' Still ringing in my ears I set forth on my endeavour, hoping to overcome the stigmas and find the natural wonder I knew the country beheld and boy, did I. Admittedly, stepping out of the airport of Sibiu, a small town in Central Romania, I wasn't impressed. A dark grey sky met me and I hurried to find a taxi to take me to the city centre to find a hostel for the night. No luck, unless I could learn the language I was hopeless in my attempts. So I began the long walk, passing broken houses, feral dogs and little civilization other than a gas station. A bad start, but without a doubt not a sign of things to come. Suddenly the sky cleared, the colour came into the city, and a magnificent large square opened itself to allow myself to cautiously walk through into the incredible city. Here I climbed a large tower, visited cheap museums and met a wonderful array of locals, one of whom I now consider to be a true friend. It was a fantastic few days in the stunning city, capped off by a farewell meal with my new friends before I moved on to try the one thing I'd gone to Romania for, wild camping, (spoiler alert: I failed at this). Next stop, Brasov, incredible from the off. A wonderful mountain view coupled with the nearby 'official' Dracula's Castle, although as Bran Castle made me fall in love and it became clear whatever people thought Romania to be, it was not. With a cheap hostel, a little exploration of the woodland nearby and a beer with a fellow traveler, it was a short, but worthwhile, stay in a beautiful town. The wild camping aspect of the trip was something I'd thought would be the easiest. Pitch a tent somewhere secluded, get comfy, read a book, go to sleep, simple right? Nope, not for me. An arduous climb up a mountain in Sinaia, a village notorious for its bears, led me to what I thought to be an idyllic spot. I could see for miles on this mountain spot and I liked what I saw. The famous virgin forests of Europe did not dissapoint. Wow. A truly incredible view unrivalled anywhere else on Earth. Perfect. A great start to my camping experience. Until the wind set in. Then the rain. Then the failing tent. With ached legs and an inquisitive fox trying to steal my food, it began to get dark. I needed to get back down the mountain, stat. I packed up, being careful to leave nothing behind and allow this beautiful mountainside to remain untouched by the fouls of humankind. A four hour hike down went by with genuine fear. The realisation I was in Transylvania, with wolves howling distantly and in the backyard of bears didn't do much good for my heart, but a safe descent and getting cosy in a hostel that night was all I needed to know this has been a trip to remember. A debaucherous last few days in Bucharest rounded off my visit to Romania. With the bustling nightlife and endless bars that fit any specification, I was left with a hangover only cured by the feeling of my own bed the next day. Although I didn't experience a lot of Romania, the small part I did left me in utter awe. Killer bears? Thieving locals? A vast criminal underworld? No. A crazy world of unimaginable scenery, insane nightlife, failed camping and eternal friendship. Romania couldn't dissapoint even the most travelled fellow, it couldn't leave the most enthusiastic naturalist regretting their stay nor the most debaucherous lad. Absolutely unlimited potential.