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Romania…wow it is very different from the rest of western Europe. I can see that now is the part of the trip that is gonna test my travel skills and adaptability to another way of life, which is good and I am initially not enjoying the experiences, but recognize they will be needed later on in the travels, so I am taking it as a learning experience to use later.. Romania, is still very much a third world country in the fact that there are a large portion of the population living as quoted by a Romanian "like the villagers in Borat" they live a very poor, very simple life of farming. The cities thus far have been a unique experience. As I was coming on the train you see old communist factories that line along the train tracks. These factories seem like they were cut out of a video game, because they truly look abandoned and are, but with broken glass and huge crumbled walls of steel and concrete. This really makes you reflect on what life was like here under communism, and how terrible it would have been. Now, unfortunately the government is corrupt and bribes are a normal way of transport in and out of the country(example I had to give two ticket takers 2 eruos each because my ticket did not have a reservation that I bought in Czech) totally lame, but I am figuring out how to handle them.
Its all moving along though. I have met up with Katie CS and her and I are on the way to Dracula's castle tomorrow. She had involved in a HELPX here in Romania working on a farm with some villagers and has some amazing stories about how they live 100% sustainable, by making their own cloths and eating everything they farm with minimal electricity. Just an amazing way of living life that is so different from the typical American lifestyle.
So, as I said of to Dracula's castle tomorrow then take a night train to Istanbul, Turkey where we will stay for 3 night and have a cool sounding CS host. Then we depart and I head to Krakow, Poland 30-2nd to visit Auschwitz concentration camp. Then to Berlin from 2-11th.
Keep it real
Kevin
- comments
Mom You said "we" twice. are you traveling with someone? Read up on travel cautions in the areas you are going to. As you said you are traveling in a different world than what you are used to. Take lots of pix of Dracula's Castle and add captions. I love you. Stay Safe. Mom
The Clymer Family Sue and Tim adopted their kids from Romaina the food was so bad!! Watch your back do you have any way of knowing the laws where you are traveling. DeNeilas boyfriends mom travels everywhere for her work and it's crazy what can be ok for us is breaking the law for them. Just don't get into any trouble you know our leader won't fight to get you back !!!!!!!!! Auschwitz will be heavy give yourself time to get over what standing in a place where so much death happend . Pure evil. Sad. Imagine a hug from your auntie when you are standing there!! Berlin for your birthday ? Ok what kind of cake will you get there ? The kids are off to the State fairl Eddie and Tommy with their pigs. They show them on friday. Then next week we go with the camper and horses Clarissa and Eddie. We will miss you !! Your pop in's were fun ! I'll let you know how they do. Have fun , learn your laws !! We miss you and Love you The Clymer Family xoxoxoxoxoxo
Jeanne I reirterate your mom and the clymer's comments.. stay safe .. even if you think you are .. be on your guard. You're going where the common tourist does not...so have fun, but be careful! I love your pic's....I too would like a little more commentary, but I'm happy with what i see! Romania must be something to see.. from what were told, I never would have guessed it was that poverty stricken. Stay safe ... love Jeanne
Sharon Happy to hear that you have made it to Romania. I have been there twice and the growth in the country between my visits was remarkable. The first trip, the store shelves were empty and most food was sold on the street (yogurt in jars, bananas, etc). Very little available to buy. When I returned a few years later, there were market places on the streets much like our Farmer's Market. They would not let me in the casino because I was not dressed appropriately!! Enjoy your journey!