Middle-aged flash packers

We had a very jolly time last night – drank some beer and wine (delicious here by the way), ate typical Romanian food and then back to the city square for Irish coffees. 

I was fine and slept like a log but Steve was feeling a tiny bit fragile this morning.

Best thing for a mild hangover is a good hike up a hill, so we set off to climb Mt Tampa which is in the middle of Brasov.

 First, we had to get some water. It’s boiling in Brasov – around 32 degrees – so it’s important to keep hydrated. I spotted a mini mart which we crowded into and soon realised its main customers were women in hospital gowns. Heavily pregnant women, one of whom had her boobs hanging out. What is it about Romania and people exposing themselves? How strange we thought until we realised we were next door to the obstetrics hospital. 

Watered up, we climbed up the hill which was actually quite pleasant as it was in the shade. At the top we got chatting to two Romanian lads, one of whom was studying in Birmingham. They gave us some recommendations for food. Cabbage rolls, brains and tripe soup. Shotgun the cabbage rolls.

We were quite hungry by the time we descended and spent a couple of hours eating and drinking, just watching the world go by.

Slightly offensive observation number whateveritis (I’ve lost count!) . Middle aged Romanian men have enormous bellies which they show at every opportunity. It’s not uncommon to see them with their tshirts rolled up to just above nipple height. Their tummies are very brown but huge. Guys, please don’t do this, whatever you may think, it’s not attractive. Also, all of you, stop it with exposing the flesh all the time, it’s just weird!

We had a quick wander up to the fort and then I was permitted to do some shopping – hurrah! Found a clothes shop called Cato which had lovely tops made in the softest of cotton and silk. Could have stayed in there all day. (This is when I miss female company. Steve does his best but I swear men are genetically predisposed to hate shopping, unless it’s for something very dull like nuts and bolts)

The rest of the afternoon was spent planning our next ports of call. Takes a surprisingly long time but a bit of thought is needed in order to maximise time and enjoyment. Its a fine line between being aimless and ending up wasting valuable time, and losing all spontaneity by over planning. We don’t always get it right.