Romania
Above, somewhere between the Hungary border and Szeged.... Where i met my first Hungarian person.
"No bikes" and "Park, eat, go" were the first words anyone in Hungary said to me. It was actually a motorcycle copper too! Friendly bunch. I still don't know why I wasn't allowed in town.
Id been anxiously nervous for four days, eager to start to the trip. I don't know why this one has affected me so much, perhaps because it's the longest solo ride to date? In any case, Im attempting to ride the DR650 back from Romania to England and I'm nervous.
I arrived at motocamp Sibiu at 3am on Friday morning. Id already been chased by a massive dog enroute, but then greeted by gentle Romanian Dulux at motocamp (above and below)
The star of the show is Doru, pictured right, below. He provided safe bike storage, whilst I returned to England and also had a bed waiting for me upon the return. He even sent a WhatsApp video showing me how to enter MotoCamp and find my room. What a guy!
After 5 hrs sleep, two coffees and lots of hand shaking with Doru and new friends, I headed off into the Romanian mountains, GPS signalling West.
By 11am i was starving and thirsty, so I made a coffee on the Tank, as you do.
I have 260 miles to cover today. Id planned the route to avoid all motorways and dual carriageways.
I prefer travelling like this, it brings you into contact with the local people and way of life. I stopped at a shop where an old lady, who's skin was tanned and weathered as aged leather, was asking something. I didn't know what, I thought she might need a lift up the stairs. It turned out she was begging. I only know this as a young couple gave her a 1 leu note (16p GBP) She was really smiling, no bowl no hands out. I tipped her too and moved on.
Last two snaps of Romania, above and below. A small church and a humble abode. Just before leaving I made a new friend at the petrol station, smiley and happy, he just wanted to talk about Romaniacs, motorbikes and Romania. Ive loved it here.
Hungary above and below. It was my second attempt at a Hungarian border that succeeded. At my first, apparently a part time border gate between two villages, I was turned away by a police woman who ran out of the bushes as i meandered down the road. I was honestly quite surprised as she sprang out and waved me down. Not quite as surprised as I am at the amount of hookers I've seen next to the road though. Lots of lonely truckers to cater for.
Above, not a bridge, a cable boat. As can be seen the queue was massive. The captain still left me waiting for five minutes before allowing me to board. Power trip? 🤔 Interestingly, this just after the town where the police man told me to 'go!' Brothers ?
Hungary was hot! It had rained a little in the morning, but the ball of fire had long since ushered the clouds away.
Odd stuff along the way.
My final destination this evening. 1 mile of dirt track before 1 mile of sand to BalastyaBeach camp. It's owned by two nice retired Germans and is no where near a beach. Does have sand and a pool though.
He's as tanned as a Spaniard and met me topless, James bond chest rug in full effect, and said,
"You have the right bike, most people can't go that fast and hate it"
I loved it.
I was the only guest, the only sound was crickets. Peaceful.
Comments
Post a Comment