Wedding Anniversary

Day #27

Wednesday, May 27th

From Balmazújváros to Oradea

Country: Hungary / Romania

The early bird can take a hike.

Yes, I wanted to get up early to arrive in Oradea on time.

I never mentioned 4 a.m.

Doesn't matter to the birds, and so we welcome sunrise together.

One thing remains, be careful with your wishes.

That's why I grab the earplugs first to turn down the volume to a tolerable level.

And then congratulate the woman of my dreams, and my life, on our wedding anniversary.

It's been a long time since I've been on the road, and I am infinitely grateful for the support I receive from her and for the experiences I can have.

And since I'm already awake, I might as well take the time and optimistically book accommodation.

In Romania.

But before I can take everything down, the tarp definitely needs to be cleaned.

Underneath, I also had breakfast before it disappears into the bags as the last item.

A passing carriage makes it clear once again that time ticks differently here.

I hop on my bicycle and leave the crow field.

Getting water is priority #1.

I've been completely dry since departure, but the next place is only a few kilometers away.

I knew that and had it planned.

Later, I find a drinking spot, what a relief to let water run over my head.

The sun beats down on me, and it's already over 30 degrees before noon.

Accordingly, the grass is parched.

Everything is yellow. But mowed.

The wheat fields I pass are also a golden yellow.

There are surprisingly many bike paths along the highways.

Usually even with a median strip.

And so I struggle against the wind on good asphalt through the area.

The lack of shade is hard for me and makes it difficult to find a resting spot.

Okay, just add a few more kilometers on top.

That brings me closer to the next border.

The towns are pretty and there are many stork nests on the lanterns or power poles.

In between, I have a strong déjà vu.

Two guys greet me enthusiastically from a beer garden.

Then, the same guys, the same situation, 30 km later.

Must be the Matrix.

What is definitely not a mistake in the Matrix, is the next border.

And then the shock, where has the time gone?

Until I realize, different time zone.

I theoretically knew about the clock change, and yet it was another eye-opener.

As much as it shows that I am far away from home, it's also an intense feeling to have come so far.

In the country that already borders the Black Sea.

It’s just around the corner to Oradea and after a stop in the city center, it's time to check-in.

And rinse off the dirt, sweat, and sunscreen of the day.

Washing in the woods works too; running water is an achievement.

Great plan to start early to arrive early, this way I'm at least out and about in the old town in the early evening with the new time.

It’s very beautiful, with large squares and magnificent facades.

Everything is very clean, almost sterile.

What I notice is that the squares start to fill up when it gets cooler.

Accordingly, I have to kill some time until I get a free table at the chosen restaurant.

No problem, there’s plenty to see and just sitting and reflecting on the days is also sensible.

A jacket would have been good; it’s getting windy and noticeably cooler.

But that’s complaining at a very high level, and so I enjoy just being.

After dinner and a little round to wrap things up, it’s off to the accommodation.

And tomorrow back to the climbs.

I’m actually looking forward to that after the monotony of the last days.

Knowing wisely that the climbs in the Carpathians will reach their peak.

And after a short last night, I might even be asleep before my head hits the pillow.

Conclusion about Hungary:

The Danube Cycle Path was nice, although in the small Hungarian part, it is already very populated.

Budapest was very beautiful. You should definitely go there if the opportunity arises and make your own picture.

Just because of the Sziget Festival, it’s on my list of future destinations.

The lowlands were less monotonous than I expected, and an interesting experience with the extensive fields and herds of cattle.

With a headwind, it would probably be a different perspective.

There are still plenty of other areas of the country to explore.

Song of the Day:

Hillbilly Moon Explosion - My Love for Evermore