Friday 8th May
Once I get out of Ruse and off main road, good ride t0 Svistov. Find hotel Danube where I ask about room - no problem. I then ask if it's possible to bring bike in hotel? "It's not allowed" was the very firm response. Is there a ferry across the Danube at Svishtov? - "No".
I try hotel across the road. No problem bringing a bike into the hotel, and guess what, there is a ferry across the Danube at Svishtov.
Saturday 9th May
Catch 9 a.m. ferry. I am one of the only two passengers, the other being a great Romanian guy who had been to Svishtov for Rotary meeting. He came out with the wonderful saying - ' "Never Give up"- the Frog said as he was in the Snakes jaws!'
Great days cycling; flat, no wind and find great hotel in Corabia, just beside the Danube.
En route stop at little road side bar for a drink where bar owner speaks a little English. About half an hour later as I'm cycling along, this same guy pulls up in his old citroen van, just passed me and asks me if I want a lift to the next town. I declined - honest!
I reach the next town, Turnu Magurele, and I'm just finding my way through, when another van draws up just in front. Guy gets out and starts shaking my hand. I can just about decypher script on his van "Bicycle repairs". It turns out the guy, 'Christian', just loves bicycles . I explain I'm having little problem with my gears. "Follow me" he says. He then spends about 45 minutes adjusting all gears, perfect! and he would not let me pay.
Met Elvira and Frank, great German couple in their mid 60's making their way on bicycles the opposite direction. They had started in Belgrade and following the Danube to Constanta on Black Sea coast. Great to meet you both and good cycling for the rest of your trip.
Sunday 10th May
Can't help but reflect that this is just a little bit different to this time last year, when I was sharing celebration with Peter of our '60th's' at wonderful party at the Maples with lots of great friends. This year I'm 'on my tod', but I'm having a fantastic experience and met some wonderful people - I feel I'm very lucky to be able to embark on these trips.
800 miles since leaving Lafionas. 185 in the last 3 days.
Dardenelles must be coming up soon!
And I'm keeping a sharp look- out for Tiger Moths approaching from the West!
Good news for Magoo, lots of Trabants, Wartburgs, Lada's and as one avid follower has pointed Moskvitch and I've even seen a few Yugo's that are actually still moving - whatever happened to Magoo's?
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Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Wolly, Happy Birthday to you!! How are you Janey? Everything OK? We miss you so much here and I know Mummy's been pining after you non stop.
ReplyDeleteI told you that Sausage Man mowed the lawn, didn't I?! It looks delicious and I can't wait until you're back so we can hear your numerous stories over a fine glass of vino in the garden soon.
I've joined your gym! I asked if you still had membership so I could just use yours but they said you'd stopped. Rubbish.
Your adventures sound just brillaint so far. Enjoy every moment, I know you will. My word, I can't believe it's been a year since the party; what a fabulous time had by all.
Anyway, I'll get Sausage Man to write next time.
Our fondest, fonderst love as always,
Pip Squeak and Sausage Man x x x x x
'Continue making memories, Bish....'
You won't believe this Wally but this is the third attempt at posting a comment! Spot the Blog has been very unfriendly to your old mate Bladder!
ReplyDeleteHope you got my birthday greetings on your phone, it was still your birthday when I called, well not exactly in Rumania or wherever.
Your travels and meetings with half the retired and traveling world sound brilliant. Ros and I still remember the birthday before last in Sully on your way out to Lesbos.
You were missed at the Mason dinner last Friday but all gasped in amazement at your choice of peddalling back home rather than taking the plane. By the way the next Mason dinner will be the last since it coincides with the centenary of Jim's birth and seemed a fitting time for this tradition to end, at least to Gerry & co.
Anyway Wall keep stepping on it!
Bladder
Hello, tis I, Burdy.
ReplyDeleteI've ben trying to get signed up on this system on and off for some days now so hope I've succeeded this time.
Firstly, Happy Birthday Bish! Sorry I'm not on time so there is a complimentary beer behind the bar at The Tram witing for you. It's great to hear how well things are going it sounds facinating. What a trip! Maybe I will do it next year on a scateboard. Maybe not?
Will write more ext time if this posts ok. est wishes..... Burdy