ZECO TRAVEL TALK

We’ve come back from our Romania trip with so many memorable images and moments to sift through… Despite the country’s ongoing battle with government corruption, it is such a beautiful place and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the medieval cities, such as Sibiu, Cluj, Sighisoara, and Brasov. The fortified churches and monasteries are out of this world, and the painted monasteries of Bukovina are still something I can’t get over. But beyond the major sights it was the villages, the landscapes, the fir-clad mountainsides, the horse-drawn carts, the horses decorated for a wedding, the “from another era” funeral ceremonies, the dancers… Those were the real highlights.

One of the best times was our visit with an older couple who single-handedly have collected an incredible assortment of objects: archaeological pieces from an dig the man participated in, wooden carvings, old vests, agricultural objects, paintings, and everything having to do with making butter. But his main legacy is–andwill be–that he has been teaching the children of the village the traditional dances and music.

On our way into the village Najie, our driver, used his horn to alert the children to come to the small compound where this couple lives. We did not know this was going to happen, of course. After we toured the houses the children appeared in the courtyard, in costume, and started to dance…An ancient bear-dance, a wolf dance, and their traditional village dances. And the old couple danced along with them, as spry and happy as could be.

Ron, our Zegrahm leader, has spent much time in Romania and has incredible knowledge of the country, especially its dance traditions. He kept us constantly entertained with personal anecdotes and great jokes. He was a great companion on this trip and we were happy to travel with him again.

M. & H. Smit