may – june, 2024
Ever heard of bears? Yes? Great—congratulations. You’re officially more knowledgeable than I am, because apparently, I hadn’t.
What was meant to be a month-long cycling adventure through Romania—visiting Count Dracula’s castle and riding what Top Gear calls “the world’s best road in existence”—quickly turned into a full-blown panic attack. Why? Because while queuing the airport check-in line, I discovered that yes, there are these things called bears. And oh.. Yes, right. Romania is riddled with them. Lol.
To cut a long story short: I appear to be afraid of bears. Very, afraid.
Which is why, upon landing in Serbia, I promptly turned my bike in the opposite direction and went on a journey through the Balkans instead. From the dreary greyness of Serbia, the stunning nature of Montenegro to the incredible hospitality of the people of North-Macedonia (North-Macedonia being the place no one seems to know anything about), it was a trip filled with culture, sunshine and ice cream. And up until this day, I have yet to regret my panicked decision.
But don’t worry, Romania—and your bears. One day I’lll muster up the courage to visit you.
