Sovata 25th July 14 - Drakula and salted Tin Sardines

25^th July:

There are two main images I will carry away from Sovata:

1) Miniature Dracula castles on every corner

2) Tin-sardine people, the oil-type on the beach, and the brine-type in the water…

Also lots of rain… Floating on top of the salt water, getting showered on from the top by rain, whilst still the sun is shining on you, is actually quite a fascinating sensation…

Sovata 24th July 14 - Saltlake - hop hop hop

24^th July:

I’m so lucky ! In dire need of some holiday, I’m making my way to the next place with ‘S’: Sovata, a spa-town with a thermal salt lake and great walks. I was quite frustrated after realizing, that to travel there will take me 8 hours, and 5 changes, even if it is only 200km !!! 

In my desperation I digged deep into my resourcefulness and the www, and discovered a Romanian car sharing service, and a couple who drove on the right day, to the right hour along the right road !!!

Well, I arrived after 2 ½ hours travel in a Dracula Fairy tale place. On my first walk round heaven opened its gates and flooded the whole village - this topped the best London shower I have ever experienced - where is my sunshine !!!!

Sibiu 23rd July 14 - Bavaria 100 years ago

23^rd July:

Today I spoke in Romani to Romanian Roma ! I was walking 3x past, before I could gather the courage to actually approach them. I asked them if there is Gypsy music in Sibiu and around and they said no. I also told them that I play, which earned me big smiles.

I only took a picture from far away as I felt stupid asking them to take their pic.

They looked amazing, in their black hats, and typical colourful long dresses and head scarves.

 Later I went to Michelsberg (Cisnadioara), the village which apparently looks like Bavaria 100 years ago…

 Up, in the castle, I was surprised to see the memorials of tons of ‘Musketeers’. Up til then I knew them only as figures from the movie. I now have learned, that they were soldiers armed with muskets…

Sibiu 22nd July 14 - the Drom and the Than

22^nd July:

I have left Magyarlapad, the village which is more Hungarian than Hungary, and the people, geese and chickens, who mostly seem to live in the last century - apart from the mobile phones….

I have arrived at Sibiu, an old Saxon town (Herrmannstadt), to which I fell in love 10 years ago, when travelling through by train. Finally I’m made it, yeay !

It's an absolutely gorgeous town, however, if feels a bit dead, I thought - it took me a while to figure out why - THERE IS NO MUSIC ANYWHERE - I really think there ought to street musicians in the big beautiful Piata Marebe not in the big squares, or the cafes or restaurants...

I went to the village museum to learn about Romania in the last centuries... 

   

    

… and here the Sibiu, just minutes before a heavy thunderstorm…

Magyarlapad 19 July 14 - The Final Day

19^th July:

The last day….

Today, I ‘re-met’ a lovely local lady, Klara, who speaks German, as she has been working for the harvest season at various places. Some of those peoples are so hard working - every year they try to make some extra money, to build or renovate one more section of their house.

Klara took me to her house and spoiled me with home-made cakes as well as her cherry beer. Her grandma had crafted traditional dresses, including headgear and jewellery - amazing work. I tried on one of the costumes…

In the eve was the final show - all generations are dressed ore or less traditional, and show off wild and skill-full dancing - to amazing life music! See for yourself…

Magyarlapad 18th July 14 - The respectful shepherd's dogs

18^th July:

After many thunderstorms, I finally managed to go for a walk in the hills. 

I didn’t quite make my way to the top, as suddenly two huge wolf-dogs appeared on the horizon, loudly barking. 

They looked pretty respect-instilling, so I decided not to cross them any further. After singing them a song (Mori Sokol Pie) and ensuring them, that I won’t have their little lambs as dinner, I turned and made my way down. I realised soon that I forgot to take their pictures, however, it was not the climb-up which prevented me going back…

Magyarlapad 17th July 14 - Personal Revelations

17^th July:

Today I gave up on learning music here - it’s not an easy thing for someone to achieve that I'm giving up on something! I arrived in the morning for the lessons, just to be left standing around, whilst Mr should-be-tutor went away without a glance to play with the kids.... 

It’s interesting that after 20 years of successful performing and teaching in the weirdest situation, it still can make one feel quite inadequate and worthless… well, reflecting back now, it’s actually quite funny... Went for a walk to explore the village instead...

In the evening, at the daily dance-house party, I solved an important mystery: why do the dancing men perform facing the band, and therefore turning the back to the audience? Well, see for yourself - this video is dedicated to my dear friend Phillipa…