Our riding loop from Arad to Sannicolau Mare to Jimbolia and finally to Timisoara would seem less than spectacular to most riders. And that could be true at a first glance. The view for miles is of nothing but the wide open plains with frequent smells of agriculture and one small village after another.
The pleasant square in Sannicolaul Mare was a perfect break. This city is near the Hungarian border and is a slow hum of activity. It was the birthplace of the Hungarian composer, Bela Bartok and was once a thriving gold town. 
As we moved on toward Jimbolia the poverty and economic depression became felt. Several towns which were thriving during communism have become mere shadows of their golden past. The town of Jimbolia is a perfect example. It is about 3 km from the border with Yugoslavia. During communism it was a manufacturing center producing shoes and construction supplies (roof tiles). Yet as we passed through town, none of the dreary looking facilities spoke of any economic life. Rather, they seemed stuck in a dusty past, unable to mime the least gesture.
Other than the adorable two little boys waving and blowing kisses to us, the other highlight was the endless fields of yellow flowers. Apparently, these flowers are harvested to make industrial oil. - HSR & BGR
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