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@Map of the Continent

Neville's Mandrake surveyed the map of the Continent on the wall. "So—which one is Romania?" it asked.
Genzi looked superior. "Look to the east of the map. That pale yellow area there is the Black Sea. Now, do you see that country in dark green immediately to the left? That's Romania. Think of it as being shaped like a fish, with its tail in the Black Sea and its head pointing westwards."

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@Chalet, Maramureş Mountains, Pop Ivan Massif

The pets were excited to begin their tour of Maramureş. Adriana explained that, with its picturesque landscapes and traditional wooden villages, the county offered a unique glimpse into Romania's rich cultural heritage. The region's stunning natural beauty, she said, including the renowned Maramureş Mountains, created an enchanting atmosphere for travellers seeking an authentic and immersive experience." She pointed out the unique wooden chalets as their coach passed them.

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@Meadow, Maramureş

"Ah! Maramureş!" Adriana described a landscape dotted with haystacks and scythe marks. Storks would walk through freshly cut hay meadows looking for insects. "There are about one hundred wooden churches in Maramures, of which eight are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These wooden structures are made without nails and have high roofs and a very tall narrow steeple stretching towards the sky."

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@Harestail Cotton Grass

"Those living in Maramureş are a very traditional populace living in harmony with nature, leading a rustic lifestyle unchanged in centuries. They live in wooden houses built without nails or screws. They do basket-making, spin wool, weave carpets, raise livestock, keep bees for honey, and grow organic crops in organic fields."

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@Wild Plum

Adriana continued: "They grow plum trees to make Țuică and apple trees to make horinca, both traditional fruit liqueurs. They have almost no need of cash, because the land gives them all that they need. Their home-made fruit liqueurs are used sometimes as currency." Adriana explained that plum production in Romania had been going on for hundreds of years, and that Romania was the second largest producer of plums in Europe and the third largest in the world. She added that plums can be eaten fresh, dried to make prunes, used in jams, or fermented into wine and distilled into brandy. Plum preserves are cooked over an open fire and known as silvoița or magiun de prune.

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@Autumn Foliage by Stream

"It sounds idyllic!" said Luna.
"It is," confirmed Adriana, "but it's very hard work, and the human young don't like it, and leave the area to work in paid employment. Many leave to go and work in England, for example."

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@Pietrele Doamnei, Carpathian Mountains

The coach had now entered the county of Suceava. Adriana told them that the Pietrele Doamnei, or 'Lady’s Rocks’ is within a conservation area of national interest. National parks are areas of particular geographical interest or outstanding natural beauty. They preserve nature and protect many rare species of animals and plants.

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@Scenic Snowscape

In addition to this, Adriana informed them, they play a significant role in preserving traditional crafts, local customs and historical settlements. Activities you can enjoy include climbing strange rock formations, studying endangered flora, bird-watching, wandering in the countryside, trying your hand at traditional crafts.

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@Snowy Mountain Hike

"There are many legends associated with this area," said Adriana. "For instance, it is said that a long time ago, so long ago that it’s lost in the mists of time, the land was ruled by a very wealthy king. He was so rich that his wealth and goods could not fit into his castle. Those possessions were craved by the devil, who roamed those lands, so the king decided to safeguard his goods. He sent his subjects to find an appropriate place. When the devil followed, a shower of heavy rocks fell on him."

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@Romanian national flag

"Many of you have asked what the colours on our national flag symbolise," said Adriana. "I should first explain that our flag has gone through many changes over time, reflecting political and historical context. Personally I think the blue signifies liberty, the yellow represents our fertile land and golden grains, and the red stands for courage and sacrifice."

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@Friendly sparrow

It now being lunchtime, the pets were taken to a cheerful traditional pub where they were served wholesome bar meals outside on wooden benches. Some friendly sparrows joined them for their meal!

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@Illuminated Bridge

Fortunately the weather cleared. There were cheerful decorations around the city and the pets particularly liked the illuminated bridge. They spent some time taking selfies in groups.

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@Storm A-Brewing

They were now approaching Suceava and Adriana hoped they would reach their accommodation before the rain started.

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@Rural Panorama with Rainbow

Fortunately, although there was a heavy burst of rain, it cleared quickly, and the sun came out along with a rainbow. "The rainbow is welcoming us! It's a good omen," declared Adriana. "The Romanian word for rainbow is curcubeu, which means 'sun arch'."

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@Suceava

The bed & breakfast they checked into when they reached Suceava that evening served them a flavourful, delicious meal, which the pets were more than ready for!

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@Suceava

As always, the evening meal was the time for the pets to chat excitedly about what they had seen that day, to wonder where they might be going the next morning, and to compare photographs of their sightseeing! Some bought postcards at reception to send to friends and family back in PnF Land who had been unable to come on this amazing trip!

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@Aerial View, Mountain Landscape

The next day the coach set off and Adriana said they were taking a trip into the Carpathian Mountains, one of the largest mountain ranges in Romania. Snow had fallen overnight, making the passing towns and villages places of such beauty, the pets couldn't help exclaiming in delight!

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@Meadow, Jerusalem Artichokes

They stopped to stretch their legs in a meadow, and Adriana pointed out the various local flora, in particular Jerusalem artichokes, which has a lot of nutritional benefits from the flowers and tubers.

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@Mountain Hiking Country

The coach climbed higher into the Carpathian Mountains. Adriana kept up a commentary, explaining that the Southern Carpathians in Romania have the highest peaks, which are around 2,500 metres. The highest mountain in Romania is Moldoveanu Peak, which is 2,545 metres (8,350 ft) tall.

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@Scenic Mountains

As the coach started to descend, Adriana explained that the town of Suceava covers two types of geographical areas, the hills (of which the highest is Zamca Hill) and the meadows of the Suceava river valley.

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@Lake View, Romania

The pets spent the afternoon making the most of the beautiful countryside and lakes. Some took part in boating activities whilst others went on hiking trails to see what local flora and fauna they could spot.

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@Christmas spirit

Late that afternoon they left Suceava and the coach drove on to Bacău. It was a very long drive and again, many pets couldn't help drifting off to sleep. However, they were woken when they reached their destination by the bright and cheery street decorations up that seemed to welcome the tour bus and its occupants to Bacău!

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@Painting of riverside scene, Romania

When the pets checked into their hotel in Bacău for the night, they found there was an exhibition by local artists taking place in the foyer. Many of them couldn't resist purchasing beautiful scenes of Romania to take home!

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@Stuffed cabbage leaves

For their evening meal, there was another delicious traditional Romanian treat -- stuffed cabbage leaves. The pets were ravenous after their busy day and wolfed them down!

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@Bacău, Cathedral

After supper, most of the pets ventured out into Bacău for a stroll as the sun set. They admired the Church of the Ascension of the Lord (Biserica Înălțarea Domnului), a modern building, the third largest cathedral in the country. They were told that officially the structure is a church and not a cathedral, because Bacău is not the seat of any bishop. However, due to its size and importance, it is called "cathedral" by the locals – in the sense used in the primary Christianity, that of the main place of the city.

Neville's Mandrake has enjoyed their tour of Romania, but it is time to go home. Please select another pet as visitor, so they can also enjoy this event!