Don Feidner

Last Update:   10 April 2013

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The most exciting part of Cycle Touring - Meeting New Friends

Das Aufregenste vom Radwandern - Neue Freunde kennenzulernen

Of all the things which wisdom acquires to produce the blessedness of the complete life far the greatest is the possession of Friendship.

....Epicurus (Greek philosopher, BC 341-270)

Rock n Roll Capital of Romania

After meeting several friends in Romania, I let them know when I would complete my bike tour near the border of Bulgaria. They all said they would plan to spend the weekend in that last city, Vama Veche, and invited me to join them. “Of course, reserve a room for me.” was my answer.

My first impression of Vama Veche was that it reminded me of some of the Wild West tourist towns in the USA. Pubs everywhere, interesting restaurants, live music throughout the town and many young people looking for a new experience.

Nachdem ich mehrere Freunde in Rumänien kennengelernt hatte, habe ich ihnen gesagt wann meine Reise zu ende sein würde - in der Nähe von der bulgarischen Grenze. Sie haben mir gesagt, dass sie planen würden, ein langes Wochenende mit mir verbringen würden in dieser letzten Stadt, Vama Veche. Und sie haben mich dann eingeladen, mit ihnen die Zeit zu verbringen. “Natürlich, reserviere ein Zimmer auch für mich,” war meine Antwort.

Mein erster Eindruck von Vama Veche war, dass es mich an einige “Wild West” Dörfer in der USA erinnert hatte. Überall Kneipen, interessante Restaurants, live Musik durch das ganze Dorf, und viele junge Leute, die eine neue Erfahrung gesucht hatten.

My Friends at Our House in Vama Veche
Malina, Roxana, Bogdan, Laici, Cristina

Our House in Vama Veche

The Beach in Vama Veche

Vama Veche on the Black Sea

What is Vama Veche? Vama Veche is just north of the Bulgarian border – and has a beautiful beach where many people camp in their tents. The town is a combination Woodstock, Virginia and Aspen, Colorado with a clear Wild West flavor and people walking around wearing cowboy hats. It is the rock and roll capital of Romania where a festival is held each year. Everywhere are wide open pubs with wooden tables and inexpensive food and live music everywhere. This place is incredible – the dream of every hippie, vacationer and young person between the age of 20 and 70.

Malina (Laici’s Wife) on the Beach

Vama Veche Beach

Laici and Malina with a Little PDA

Selling Cigarettes

What a dirty trick! The cigarette companies hired beautiful girls to sell their products. Of course, every guy would stop to talk with them. I told one of them that I felt it was my responsibility to help people stop smoking. Apologizing, she said, I only sell them because it was the best job I could find. The fact is that most people in Romania smoke and have no real idea about the dangers of smoking.

Was eine Schande! Die Zigarettenfirmen haben schöne Frauen angestellt, um ihre Produkte zu verkaufen. Natürlich, jeder Mann ist angehalten, um mit ihnen zu reden. Eine davon habe ich erzählt, dass ich Leute geholfen hatte damit aufzuhören. Als Entschuldigung hat sie mir erzählt, es wäre die beste Arbeit, die ihr angeboten war. Tatsache ist, die meisten Leute in Rumänien rauchen und haben keine Ahnung was die Gefahren sind.

Malina, Roxana, Paul and Simone

Laici Made it to the Raft

Malina and Roxana - A Lovely Couple of Ladies

I was delighted to meet Cassandra and Maria-Magdalena
two lovely business ladies, who live in Bucharest.

We enjoyed many good conversations together at breakfast over the next two days.

Great Place to Lie in the Sun

Vama Veche Beach

Roxana - Long-Time Friend of Laici

Adriana Wearing Her New Beach Clothes
Isn’t She Beautiful?

Alexander

Roxana, Laici, Malina

Quick Visit to the Bulgarian Border

Cliff North of Vama Veche

These Two Guys Were “Putting the Make” on Malina
until Laici Showed Up

Vama Veche Beach

Laici and Malina Going for a Walk

Ugly Picture - My Legs at the End of the Trip

Paul - Playing in the Sand

Laici - Chillin Out That Evening

The Next Morning I went to Breakfast
While Everyone Else was Sleeping

At Bibi’s Bistro, the English Breakfast was Innovative

The Romanian breakfast was, well, not to my taste.

The Pink Rock Hotel - Typical for Vama Veche

Laici and Bogdan - The Friends I Met at the Iron Gates

Redhead on the Beach with her Daughter and Pet

At a Concert in Vama Veche

Anca and Cristina

The Only Bicycle Trail in Romania

FKK Beach at the bottom of the Cliff

Last Day at the Beach

Adriana - Modeling next to my Bike

As General Patton once said:
“I shall return!”

Malina and Adriana - Saying Goodbye

Sometimes, people come into your life and you know right away they were meant to be there, perhaps for a moment of encouragement, or perhaps to make us realize that our lives have a greater purpose than to continue as before. Such people are friends for a lifetime, even when many miles lie between. This is the case with the friends I made in Romania. I hope I can visit them again soon.

Update April 2013: Bogdan invited me to visit the ancient monasteries with him in June. I am planning a trip on 20 May to travel by bike from Vienna to Bucharest. From there, Bogdan and Laici will drive me and my son, Christian to Suceava where we will ride the bike for a week visiting the ancient monasteries.

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