During 2012 we discovered more of the hidden jewels of Romania that are in well positioned areas, such as close to the big cities.

For instance, we found out about the beautiful hilly landscapes in Urlați area, Prahova County, only 90 km away from Bucharest. Not only that here you can find the best red Romanian wine, but you can also take a ride through magical forests, smell the “lilac” and elder trees along the road, find out the history of 500 years old monasteries and have fabulous meals in locals courtyards. The welcoming of the locals in Urlați made us proud of our country! Priest Manuel and his wife Ligia are a wonderful couple who help the local disadvantaged children from their village and were indeed the best hosts, especially when groups of hungry cyclists entered their home. A remarkable moment was when Tanti Țuțu offered her extremely tidy little old house for visitors to sleep over, as an alternative to the nearby pension.

Another mighty bike tour was in the wild Northern Buzău, where we got to visit old Pre-Christian cave churches, found wild life traces, discovered natural wonders such as steep salt mountains, bubbling mud volcanoes, or admired the beauty of local traditional houses.

In Transylvania it was always a joy to return, since every time we happen to meet new extraordinary people: from the Saxon „cake man”, Viorel, to Austrian community angel, Barbara, who is helping the locals to get jobs and have a better life. We cannot be thankful enough to our good friends in Saschiz, Anca, Charli and Christophe, who made our stay to feel like home.

In conclusion, 2012 made us to get attached even more to our home, Romania. We want to explore more of it, to reveal its beauty to every visitor. You are always welcome to join us!

Author: Mircea C.

In anul 2012 am descoperit si mai multe dintre acele bijuterii ale Romaniei care sunt pozitionate bine – foarte aproape de orasele mari.

Spre exemplu, am cercetat si mai bine zona deluroasa de langa Urlati, in judetul Prahova, la doar 90 km de Bucuresti. Aici am descoperit un vin rosu extraordinar de bun, carari perfecte pentru bicicleta prin maduri absolut superbe, flori de liliac si soc de-a lungul drumurilor si istoria unor manastiri vechi si am mancat acasa la localnici, in langa livezi de meri. Localnici din Urlati sunt extraordinar de primitori si ne-a bucurat mult sa descoperim asta; Parintele Manuel si sotia sa, Ligia, ajuta copii cu probleme din localitate si desfasoara foarte multe activitati sociale si educative impreuna cu acestia si pentru acestia. La masa la Parintele Manuel si peste noapte, la Tanti Tutu, in casa de tara, (ca o alternativa la pensiunile standard) calatorii cu care am impartit tururi frumoase s-au simtit extraordinar.

Un alt tur foarte frumos a fost cel din nordul Buzaului, unde am vizitat bisericile rupestre precrestine, am urmarit urme de lupi prin padure si am studiat munti de sare, vulcani noroiosi si case traditionale care inca nu au inceput sa fie “renovate” in “dulcele” stil contemporan.

In Transilvania e intotdeauna o bucurie sa ne reintoarcem, stiind ca de fiecare data intalnim oameni extraordinari: incepand cu Viorel – care face placinte traditionale sasesti, in Agnita, dupa retete nemodificate de generatii, pana la Barbara din Stejarisu, care ajuta intreaga comunitate sa-si construiasca putin cate putin, dar cu mare grija si determinare, un trai mai bun. Le suntem recunoscatori prietenilor de la Casa de pe Deal din Saschiz: Anca, Charlie si Christophe, la care intotdeauna ne simtim ca acasa.

In concluzie, in 2012 am invatat sa iubim si sa apreciem si mai mult casa noastra: Romania. Vrem sa descoperim si mai mult din ea si sa impartim descoperirile noastre cu cat mai multi vizitatori. Va asteptam cu drag!

Autor: Mircea C.