Day 35: Fri 1 Jul - Cernavoda to Tulcea

Ride: 100km

Weather: Cloudy with isolated showers

Romania is a very wet place it has rained every day we've been here. Okay it's only been 2 days but it has rained BOTH of them. We did see the sun shine this morning, however briefly. 

A quick breakfast of eggs, coffee and toast followed by a short ride to the railway station, being very careful to avoid several wheel-killing grates strategically located across the road; with the gaps running in the direction of travel. We were wondering why we hadn't seen any bicycles in town. 

Why the train for 100km? It's not that we've suddenly become soft it's just the quickest way to get to our houseboat where we are spending a couple of days. The alternative was a long and unpleasant ride on a dodgy road. Judging by the cobbles and dogs yesterday the decision was vindicated. Hence it was the easiest 100km we'll do this tour; sitting in a very modern, comfortable train.  Initially we were concerned that the number of bikes would be a hassle as the train would be stopping for one minute at our station and it was only a small rail-motor type. We managed okay with some pretty nifty team work and careful stacking. Once on the train we paid the conductor for the bikes separately from the passenger ticket as required. We don't like being a party to corruption but the price per bike with "no ticket" was 70leu while "with ticket" would be 150leu (1 leu = A$0.32 - we are just loving the current exchange rates). Corruption is alive and well in Romania. 

On the train with us were three Swiss guys heading for the Ukraine. We thought we strayed into the back-blocks occasionally!  

Nearly all the 100km on the train we were surrounded by broad-acre grain farms, mainly wheat, barley and sunflower along with a couple of unfamiliar ones. This was interspersed with goat, sheep and cattle herds always tended by a Shepard. We guessed that the farmers in Romania are doing very well. 

Tulcea, a city on the Danube, has a large tourist port dedicated to getting paid customers out into the Danube Delta, which is not far away (approx 30km). The city square is modern and well kept, but most other areas are looking tied and overdue for a clean and / or renovation. The National Independence Monument is perched high on the hill overlooking the city and is a significant piece in an excellent setting. But alas, the parks and gardens and even the monument area itself has not been cleaned or maintained for sometime which is a pity. The promenade along the Danube where the tourist boats hang out is great for a slow stroll after dinner. 

You can't complain about the price of anything in Romania 4 nectarines, 2 yoghurt, 2 x 1.5 water (buy 2 get 1 free) came to all of A$2.79.  

Another excellent motel, Egreta right in the middle of the city, very comfy and clean, free wi-fi and free wired Internet for A$38 double.  

Tomorrow we ride out for a two night stay on a houseboat on the Danube Delta.