Hi All
I have been to Romania many times and always have found it to be a fantastic country. People are great and very friendly, just dont get too close to the gypseys. Take you seconds to spot them. The kids beg and adults steal, its in their nature. Give the kids food if they are begging and your kind because all money goes to their 'parents'!
The roads are deff improving, we have seen a few by passes opened up lately which is amazing. In general the roads are busy mostly single carriageways shared with all manner of transport. The driving pace is erm, frenetic. There is only one way to drive, flat out with no regard for any safety. Overtaking is a must especially in dangerous moments wether the overtaking vehicle is an artic, Bmw 540 or a rotting Dacia. Its interesting to say the least! There is one common rule (unwritten) the bigger and posher your car the more right you have to get infront! The worst time to enter Romania is end of July, beginning of August when most the people who work away come home for summer. For example Nadlac to Brasov can take 8 hours, 400km ish!
The police are ok, might seem a bit hard on the exterior but they are fine! Worst thing is the lastest push knicking speeding people, oncoming drivers will often flash to warn you tho.
Food and drink is good, cheap and plentiful. There are a few expensive tourist areas but its not difficult to find good stuff. If your offered a white alcoholic drink try it, may blow your head off but itll warm you up! This is rakki made by a large amount of the population. My father in law makes his out of plums with alcohol @ 70 dg!
Whats to see? Tons but the Romanian government are a bit slow promoting this beautiful country. Most famous drive, the Transfagarasan, raced by Clarkson, before that Me killing a Dacia 1310! Its hell of a drive with cracking views and a wee bungee jump to try on south side!
You have many castles, Bran being famous for Dracula. Theres Rasnov, Peles and many others. Poiana for skiing, Constanta the seaside resort, Danube Delta (its huge) and Danube river itself. There is also many monastrys around. All these places are sign posted as you ride along, if you see a sign and your not sure have a look!
Everything is at a good price, all important beer is cheap and in many varieties, Food everywhere and camping/hotels all good. Petrol tho is same price as here, whiched shocked me last week!
Never had anything nicked there but using your brain is a must. You know when your instinct tells you no, listen its usually right!
Not many bikes in Romania, as said before by other posts people will be interested in you. Dont forget to get your tax when you enter Romania or the police will take a very keen interest in your wallet. Its a digitised tax system so all you get is an official reciept.
I ride/drive here a few times every year and love the place.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Au un mare timp,
Drum Bun