Barefoot in Bucharest

Day #35

Thursday, June 4th.

Bucharest

Country: Romania

Something kept me awake at night, and I'm far from fit.

But I have tasks to accomplish, so I grab a quick breakfast on the terrace before I get to washing my laundry.

Going old school in the bathtub, as the washing machine is out of order.

As long as the sun is still shining, or at least it’s dry, the clothes can also be taken outside to dry.

The mission regarding the brakes is of absolute priority.

Dave found me a shop that I’m now heading to.

My thigh has calmed down a bit, which is relieving, allowing me to casually bike through the city.

Very good, they should be able to take care of it during the day.

To inquire about shoe covers, I go back once more.

They don’t have them, but a call reveals that they have some at their second shop.

After some additional exchange, the guy there calls again, and they even have time to take care of my brakes right away.

Wonderful, this makes things even more relaxing.

He gives me the address and says it’s about 10km away... he looks at me again and we both laugh.

So off I go on the bike, navigating through the cars and the city up north.

The mechanic takes my bike, and just in time for lunch break, he has it ready.

Perfect.

Unfortunately, the shoe covers are six sizes too small.

For another attempt, I head to the local Decathlon, but that’s a failure as well.

No matter, from now on it’s going to stay dry. For sure.

At least I managed to get a new muscle shirt, as I would like to have a second one.

I had convinced myself before the trip that one would be enough, but in a brief moment of impulsiveness, I thought I would need two.

At one of the lakes in the city, I treat myself to a snack and watch as the clouds gather above the city.

I have seen quite a lot of the city already, and I want to explore the center on foot.

So, I carry the bike up eight floors, and we can get started.

First, heading towards the Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest buildings in the world.

Yes, it's mainly big.

Sarcastically, it’s also called the House of Victory over the People.

Many people were forcibly relocated, and large parts of the city, including some churches and synagogues, were demolished to make room for this monstrosity.

The Mihai Vodă Monastery has survived but did have to relocate.

Accordingly, the remains of the old town are quite modest.

While I’m out and about, the sky continues to darken, and a storm is approaching.

Lightning and thunder accompany my exploration tour.

When it starts to rain, I choose a restaurant with vegetarian cuisine, once again assisted by Jenni.

It’s the perfect time for dinner.

Having eaten well, the food was very good, even though the portion could have been larger for my hunger, I head towards bed.

I discard the plan to go shopping today since it is raining too heavily now.

Luckily, I managed to get an umbrella in the afternoon, so I arrive at the kiosk relatively dry to get some water.

And finally, I get my preferred tobacco.

Please give me three packets right away.

Since quite a bit of rain falls on my fabric shoes despite the umbrella, I decide on a whim to take them off and merrily walk the last stretch barefoot through Bucharest.

When a car splashes through a puddle next to me and drenches me from the knees down, I am doubly glad about my choice.

There’s certainly something to be said for being able to splash through all the puddles.

Once back, it’s time to pack.

At least the things that I can do today.

Because much always consists of a ‘first this, then that...’

Eventually, everything is done, or I stop rearranging stuff from one side to the other and go to bed.

Song of the Day:

Pennywise - Fuck Authority