Romanian Travel: Land of the Hay Wagon and Mule, Van and Bicycle

There are no speed limits on roads between villages in Romania. What an experience that is! Several years ago I had an opportunity to go on a mission trip to Bucharest, Romania and traveled up into the Carpathian Mountains. This trip took us through villages, around mountains and into cities. We traveled in a vehicle, part jeep and part van, but thankfully, air-conditioned as it was very warm anywhere except the mountains.

Mostly we dashed at break-neck speed across bridges, sharp curves and even while meeting head-on with frequent hay-wagons and bicycles. I kept my hands over my eyes most of the time. The native driver seemed to know what he was doing but I still kept my eyes shut. He did not speak English but his bright smile said it all..."They are tourists and I am taking them for a ride!" There was no warning when a hay-wagon was around a bend in the road ahead so brakes were applied abruptly, forcefully and frequently. I couldn't help but yell out occasionally. Prayer became a "rule of the road." Even when we were passing the hay-wagons, we weren't entirely sure we would make it around safely, considering that they were overstuffed with wide and very tall loads. The load would totter precariously as we zoomed by, only to confront other wagons coming head-long at us. Of course, our driver picked up the break-neck speed once again as we gasped for air. He pointed out several places where cars had run off the road. They were still there, rusting away, their noses plowed into the hillside. We were not comforted.

In the cities, there was more order and traffic lights but there were also mules. One poor animal had been hit and was lying on his side, mouth open and bleating loudly. Cars and wagons drove by as a policeman waved us on. It made me feel sad.