"When in Rome.....

....do as the Romanians" George W. Bush is reported to have said that and if so, he was right on target! When in the WORLD do as the Romanians! We crossed the border by ferry and rode 4 km into Bechet--and into a different scene! As we followed the flood plain of the Danube we passed through many small towns alive with people. In each one they greeted us with waves, smiles and even applause! Our arms are tired from waving, our faces strained from smiling, and our voices hoarse from shouting "Salut! Salut!" to the cheering Romanians. We rode 105 km to Calafat, and the encouragement of the villagers really helped us today! Our favorite was the toddler in his stroller who pulled his food away from his mouth to smile and wave--without prompting from his parents! Even the older people were cheerful. If they didn't greet us first, our own "Salut! Salut!" was returned with a toothless grin and a hearty wave. And we're not talking about a reserved movement of the hand here. To a person, a wave is an "over the head" enthusiastic greeting! Amazing!

The houses are very different here. They are very colorful, and often fronted by elaborate fences of concrete or metal with intricate designs. There are water wells everywhere, and benches in front of every other house it seems. Some of the benches are shaded by carefully kept grape or ivy arbors; or under a mulberry tree. People sit in front of their homes and chat with passers by. Villagers of ALL ages use the benches throughout the day, and we got to wondering.....perhaps TV is not so common here as it is in other communities. Although hard work was in evidence everywhere, there is a lot of connection with one another in leisure--they take the time.

We had been told that "the Greeks are the worst drivers in the world", that "Macedonia is dangerous", and that "people in Romania are very reserved"--HA! Our experience has been the opposite on all three counts.

We are at the lovely "Hotel Casa Italia" tonight in Calafat, Wednesday, April 15. Great dinner of soup, fish and rice. We've passed the 500 mile mark on the odometer, and this comfortable accomodation is a welcome respite!