Boss, sit down and take a breather, because I've got stories from the coast and the mountains that'll give you chills. The Russian holiday weekend came and went, but it felt more like a bad joke. On the coast, in Mamaia, Saturday morning saw kilometer-long queues at the entrance - not of fancy cars, but of tourist trucks waiting to see the sea. And what do you see? Empty beaches! Bro, the sunbeds - 25 lei per day, off-season rate - sat untouched, because outside it was 17 degrees, the sea water 18, but the wind made you feel like you were at the North Pole. Me, if I got there, I'd have dived into the first restaurant for a portion of sea fox (35 lei, go big!), mussels (40 lei), mackerel (50 lei), or Black Sea turbot (40 lei). But with this weather, I'd rather be at Fane's terrace in Berceni, where at least I know the wind won't get me. By the way, a fish festival attracted people with these dishes - and around 50,000 tourists are expected on the coast over the entire mini-holiday. The "Litoralul pentru Toți" program runs until June 21, with reduced rates at 84 accommodation units - but with this weather, you'd better bring a thick jacket.
In the mountains, in Brașov, also 17 degrees at noon and light rain, but tourists didn't give up. They went for a stroll in Piața Sfatului, where they found a climbing wall about ten meters high - meaning you climb like a little donkey on the mountain, but on concrete. The terraces were packed, and a meal for two (soup and main course) sets you back about 200 lei. In Poiana Brașov, occupancy rates jumped over 80% - so people want to have fun, even if it rains. Me, if I go to the mountains, I want to see the sun, not get soaked like a fool. But hey, to each their own.
Now, in the Danube Delta, in Tulcea, it's a whole different story. Besides the rain, tourists were more cautious due to RO-ALERT messages about the war in Ukraine and a Russian drone crashing nearby. I mean, bro, you go to the Delta to relax, and you have to look up so a drone doesn't fall on your head. Accommodation rates are off-season - between 200 and 400 lei per room per night, and boat rides between 120 and 300 lei. Occupancy is 70-80%, but agency managers hope tourists won't cancel reservations due to weather or the border situation. Me, if I were there, I'd rather stay at the Scrumbia Festival or the Joy Festival - at least there you know the fish doesn't fly.
And, not to forget, on the religious side, Saturday before Pentecost, His Eminence Father Teodosie, Archbishop of Tomis, served the Holy Liturgy and the General Memorial Service at the "Holy Trinity" church in Culmea, a neighborhood of Ovidiu (Constanța County). He explained that the Saturday before the Descent of the Holy Spirit is for commemorating the departed: "This Saturday, before Pentecost, is for remembering our loved ones who are no longer with us." He also referred to Saint Isaac the Confessor, who defended the true faith during the time of Emperor Valens. The church in Culmea is 7 kilometers from Ovidiu and has the patron saint "Holy Trinity," plus protectors Saints Constantine and Helen. So, if you wanted to have a barbecue for Pentecost and stayed home, maybe you didn't miss much - because outside it was raining anyway. Until then, I'm going to tell Mioara that next year we go to the sea only if it's sunny, otherwise we stay at Fane's terrace.
