Category: Sounds of Romania

Sounds of Romania: the good shepherd

9th September 2017

Shepherds are awesome people. I have met quite a few of them by now and I continue to be amazed. Their lives are tough: they live outdoors throughout the summer season, come rain or shine; they walk many kilometres each day, make cheese, carry sick sheep, and have to fend off bears. Only yesterday I met a shepherd who recounted that last Sunday, two bears killed four of their sheep. And last night we heard gunshots coming from the stâna next to our lodgings – to scare away another bear. Apparently in autumn bears come down into the village to eat apples and plums – to do so they tear down an entire apple tree and then start eating. Enough about bears – here is a short impression of a shepherd in the Retezat Mountains, and a small collection of pictures of various shepherds I’ve met.

more “Sounds of Romania: the good shepherd” …

Sounds of Romania: waterfalls

5th October 2016

I’m aware of the fact that waterfalls aren’t unique to Romania, and that there is nothing Romanian to the sound of them either – or is there? Like many people, I am enticed by the sight and sound of waterfalls – the sheer power they come down with, the calming effect they have on me – I could spend hours looking at them.  more “Sounds of Romania: waterfalls” …

Sounds of Romania: the station

24th August 2016

I love Romania. I love trains. I love Romanian trains. Hence, I don’t mind arriving at the station early to just watch the train come in and hear the tune that precedes all announcements played over and over again. Here is some footage to give you an idea of the atmosphere at a Romanian station – Gara Braşov, in this case. Hopefully you will feel as thrilled as I do – although I am probably a bit of a train maniac. Enjoy! more “Sounds of Romania: the station” …

Sounds of Romania: A Cowboy and his Trumpet

28th July 2016

On day one of my hike into the Rodna Mountains last week, I thought I heard a trumpet or other brass instrument in the distance. Soon after, we saw a shelter appearing on the horizon, which turned out to belong to a cowboy and his son. They herded cows and horses; made cheese and kept a little lamb beside the fire in their very snug hut. The cowboy also turned out to be the trumpet player – or whatever it’s called.  more “Sounds of Romania: A Cowboy and his Trumpet” …

Sounds of Romania: the Post Office

28th June 2016

Yesterday I went to the post office in Sighetu Marmatiei to get some stamps so I can send snail mail to the home front. It was an interesting experience. I’ve never had to wait so long for stamps in my life. But then again I asked for timbri pentru Europa (stamps for Europe) and that turned out to be a difficult request. more “Sounds of Romania: the Post Office” …