Cable cars, gentian and tranquility

For our last days together, before I have to go back to Germany for almost two weeks and we will meet again in Istanbul, we went to the Carpathians again - this time to the Bucegi National Park between Bucureşti and Braşov. The longing for peace, green meadows and hikes was sweetened here by cable cars, which exceptionally took us to over 2,000 meters without any effort. This meant you could reach the plateau without climbing and could explore the alpine world above the tree line in a very relaxed manner.

Alarmed by reports that the cable car was always overcrowded, we went early to the first cable car, which not only saved us waiting, but also allowed us to have breakfast on the mountain with almost no people. Cheers to the good lunch box that always brings the Romanian cheese, butter and peppers safely to the destination 😊. Well-fortified, we went to the Peştera Ialomiţei monastery, which was located at the gate of an impressive cave that was air-conditioned to a pleasant 6°C. The whole area was extremely secured against bears, they really seem to exist. Of course we went into the cave and looked at how the river made its way here. The combination of impressive nature and living religiosity allows me to calmly look at the wonders of this world.

The rest of the day was sporty through the mountains, but always with plenty of time to enjoy the impressive views. Together with very, very many Romanians and their patient children, we then waited a long time and eventually found a place in the gondola for the descent.

And because it was so beautiful, the next gondola went up again two days later, this time completely without people (because it was a bit remote) and with a wildly romantic river valley, which we enjoyed lying on the meadow with a lot of time. This was the place to listen to the audio guestbook of our wedding and farewell celebrations. I tell you we laughed a lot, cried a lot and miss you very much.

Highlight of the accommodation: absolute peace & quiet and the sound of the river, large bathroom for lots of clothesline and I could dye my hair, good coffee and very nice hosts.

Low point: Robert couldn't stand the food and enjoyed the bed for a day, Kathleen had to walk up the ski slope without any option for shade and found it really hard (but slowly everything is going).

Treats: New in our breakfast program: chocolate cream, fresh cheesecake from the street café and no schnapps this time.

We then said goodbye in Braşov and took a short detour to the Transylvanian city. For me there are 27 hours on the night train to Budapest and then on the Eurocity to Dresden. Robert drives back to Bucureşti and then sleeps on the train towards the southwestern foothills of the Carpathians, the Banat Mountains.

Kathleen