As a passenger, perhaps the most difficult part of the adventure is the confrontation with the fact that there is no plan. There cannot be a plan, as Romanian roads bring uncertainty and the weather is unpredictable. I am reminded there is no documented itinerary charting our course – only the map to review, money to change, motorcycle bags to be packed, and then the riding begins!

Our mission remains constant. We ride wherever the road takes us - and often only as far as it takes us. We ride in whatever weather the day holds – and how we miss the Weather Channel with weather on the 6s. We ride to experience the sights and the sounds of Romania to share together - and then with you.

With three luggage carriers on the motorcycle, packing the house is not an option. We each have one saddle bag for clothing with the trunk holding the air compressor, chain spray, First Aid kit, toiletries, 2 liter of water, toilet paper (a must as Romania does not have easily accessible public restrooms), and in case of rain, space for the tank bag with the camera and travel books.

In regards to lodging, the option to call ahead for a reservation is not possible with our late arrival into small rural villages. There are no chain hotels except in the capital or large cities (Best Western, Hotel Intercontinental, etc.). There are local hotels and pensuines offering rooms in towns. Since we are frequently in small, rural villages, we simply look for a sign indicating a room (cazare) or utilize travel books to learn of families networked with Antrec. Antrec is similar to bed-and-breakfast networks offering a room in private homes. Again, a part of the adventure and a wonderful opportunity to experience unparalleled hospitality.

Riding days are quiet days. For the driver, it is a time of extreme focus and concentration on the roads as well as absorbing the beauty of his native country. For me, it is a time of intense reflection and overwhelming experience. I am flooded with emotions and thoughts on the simplicity of life, as I watch the fields being worked through sweat and hard work. I experience the hospitality of the Romanian people with their interest in learning about our journey, and view poverty and wealth existing side by side. I continue to be humbled at every turn of the journey. - HSR