Trundling south in a tin can

…two blissful days walking in the Carpathian Mountains, so peaceful.

On occasion, lost in my thoughts, it felt like I was drifting into Bhutan. There was the same calmness and serene energy. Cow (not yak) bells chatting away and bouncing off the hills.

It’s undoubtedly a corner of Europe I’d like to explore far more – it was like stepping back in time. We stayed in a working farmhouse, surrounded by chickens and cows, and each morning and evening we were served hearty meals by Marianna. Heaven.

We’re now in Plovdiv after a very chunky 17.5 hrs of trains yesterday. I discovered at the very last minute that the direct train here was cancelled for winter, meaning I had to hastily re-imagine a 5 train piece of art, zig-zagging through southern Romania and much of Bulgaria. It got a little twitchy at the Bulgarian border due to short connection times, but we made it.

Despite the long hours, it was a peach of a ride, and the Bulgarian landscape in particular was magnificent. Special moments, drinking beer whilst trundling south on a complete hunk of junk, watching the sun drop on the horizon.

Day: 12 / Distance: 3758km

6 thoughts on “Trundling south in a tin can

  1. Michael Martin says:

    Seems like you’re having a terrific time and brilliant you had 2 days of great walking in the Carpathians with Julien. It is a wonderful area and Julian a super guy

    Reply
    1. nick says:

      Thanks again for the introduction Mike, he really made it special. It’s Lucian right?! I hope so as otherwise he put up with me calling him the wrong name the entire time!

      Reply
    2. Lucian Clinciu says:

      Ha, ha… it’s a tradition here in Romania, if you change someone’s name, even by mistake, you do honor the next meal! Cheers Mike!

      Reply
  2. Kristie says:

    Eek. The first slight change of plan! We’re loving following along with your journey here at Lemongrass, Nick!

    Reply
    1. nick says:

      It’s great to have you all along for the ride Kristie 🚂.
      We’re crossing into Asia tomorrow, just to dip a toe in then I’ll come back to Europe for supper!

      Reply

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