Maintenance and Expectations

Day #29

Friday, May 29th.

Cluj Napoca

Country: Romania

Sleeping in. Feels good.

And fortunately, the neighbors upstairs only started drilling or tearing down walls when I was wide awake.

Then the relieving news: the Transalpina is supposed to be open from today.

That’s the mountain pass road through the Carpathians that I want to take.

And the duration of the winter closure always depends on the weather.

I have relied on climate change, which seems to work in my favor, so I can take the recommended route south.

Originally, I had planned to change the brake pads today. But when I look at them after breakfast, I think they’re still good enough. So I’ll reinstall them and head into the city.

My side quests are a memory card and a haircut.

Memory card for the Go-Pro and a haircut so that my niece recognizes me again.

So I let myself drift, with no fixed goal, and soon find myself on the way to the citadel, from where there is a nice view over the (old) town.

Noticeable are small food shops that only serve through a small open hatch, with many customers sticking their heads inside, which looks somewhat amusing.

Additionally, there seem to be very few smokers. At least, I’m still unsure how extensive the non-smoking regulations are in Romania.

In the evening, I find a hairdresser who has time.

He used to work as a truck driver and knows Düsseldorf and the surrounding area, too. Too much traffic.

Yes, that’s why it’s better to hop on the bike.

It’s a bit confusing that it’s still so light out; I have to get used to it, and soon it’s time for dinner.

With Jenni's help, I find a vegetarian/vegan restaurant, and the choice of dish is made purely based on the indicated nutritional values.

Chili is meat.

By the way, all the few guests seem to be tourists.

Back at the accommodation, I take a small bike ride to check if the brakes are properly installed.

All good.

It feels like there are only three- to four-lane one-way streets in downtown.

Annoying when you want to turn left as a cyclist; my route ends up being a bit longer.

Then I need to pump air and pack my bags. At least I try; instead, I just move things from left to right and give up.

Better to keep talking to Jenni before heading to bed.

You should always focus on one activity anyway.

Song of the Day:

Felix the Hare - Dracula