Enroute to Piatra Neamt, we passed numerous villages and rural countryside. In particular, the town of Bicaz was a dreary sight with its ugly concrete and asbestos plants.



Arriving into Piatra Neamt, we waded out the drenching rains at Rompetrol's HEI restaurant over two sandwiches. On a side note, Rompetrol has become our gas station of choice over the past four months for fill-ups, bathrooms, and sandwiches reminiscent of Subway! Piatra Neamt (German Rock) is a valley with hills surrounding it.



Since night was moving in, we decided to head north to Targu Neamt. Our first stop was at the Varatec Monastery (1785) where more than 600 nuns reside. The exterior resembled a villa with the interior closed and reminiscent of a botanical garden. A man sitting in his car outside the confines offered us lodging with no shower for 10 Euro!




Our next stop was at the Agapia din Vale Monastery where more than 400 nuns live. Surrounded by walls and a gate tower concealing the 17th century church and a lovely garden, the monastery is a pleasure to walk the grounds. We arrived for prayer time and heard a medley of pan pipes and bells.




We stopped at a pleasant house with a cazare sign out front to inquire about lodging. After a long day of riding and soaking in the sights, we were happy to meet the Toader family (and even happier at the price?!). – HSR & BGR