I'd like to go, but there's a lot of planing still to do -- Little things like how to find the place (it's not on my SatNag's database, though I'm sure the constellation does fly that way occasionally), what shall I do about currency, visas, carnets, insurance, ...
The EuroInvent show is in Iaşi, AFAICT (Details are a little sketchy)...
I'll probably drive there (approx 2 days, each way [B&B-ing en-route and while there], leaving from London/Dover/Calais probably)... If anyone fancies tagging along for the ride (assuming there's room!), I'd appreciate the company [Of course, they'll have to put up with me for upto 4 days solid].
How exciting. Wish I could go.
ReplyDeleteBe sure to pack garlic!
ReplyDeleteHehe - If I end up in an Inn for the night because it's stormy, and the whole place falls silent as soon as I mention EuroInvent, I'll just turn back. I promise
ReplyDeleteI am *so* tempted to volunteer as freeloading assistant - but work's nuts right now (isn't it always) - can you speak Romanian?
ReplyDeleteHe struggles with English.
ReplyDeleteI caN SHOUT, I SAY, I CAN SHOUT I.N. E.N.G.L.I.S.H!
ReplyDeleteActually, the more I look at it, the more Italian it looks!
Sala Paşilor Pierduţi
Hall of the Lost Stairs
Sala = Hall in Italian
Salire = (roughly) staircase (-ish)
Perduti = Lost
I might be able to bluff my way, if I get my ear in.
That sentence amazes me as an American. I realize that the distances are probably not so fantastic that one could actually conceive of driving from London to Romania (For me, it would appear to be comparable to driving from Los Angeles to New Orleans, or LA to Minneapolis.), but while doing so you have to cross through at least six sovereign borders, maybe more if there is not a good straight line road route. The cultural shifts alone in that 48 hour drive period seem like an incredibly daunting adventure!
ReplyDeleteMoney and Maps (and border crossings!) are the biggest differences.
ReplyDeleteSee if you can find a route from Calais to the destination! I was amazed that the University doesn't have any expectation of anyone arriving by car - No Google Map Coverage... No SatNav coverage... I've no idea at the moment about what to do about cash - Euros have made European treks *so much* easier... but I don't think I've ever seen any Romanian dosh... and I can't find anywhere that says they'll accept Euros.
Not too daunting, but yes, an adventure :)... if I end up going, that is! I don't want to go on my own (no company / no one to spot you've missed a turning/signpost ) - I wouldn't like that.
Daunting?
ReplyDeleteThat's the best bit!
It's really tedious now driving around parts of Europe, with just roadsigns announcing the fact that you're crossed from one country to another.
Much more exciting in the old days, with border guards and machinegun posts.
If I didn't have a shed-load of house decorating to do, I'd be off with Andrew in an instant.
Halfbakery on tour!
ReplyDeleteI can't make it, unfortunately, but it sounds like a great adventure.
Don't worry too much about planning, you can over-plan these things. Some mates of mine were on a Euro tour last year - flying into Dubrovnik (Croatia), railing and such up through Lubjiana (Slovenia) and somehow managing to get home via Berlin and about 52.5 pubs, clubs, and bars. They're a pretty incompetent and fiasco-prone bunch who have never got beyond the 'concept' stage of any plan. They had a fab time, I'm sure you'll have one too!
{If your route is France-Germany-Austria-Hungary-Romania then you'll need Euros up until Hungary (which is the Forint) and then Romania (which uses the Leu)}
Cheers for that Jin. I certainly don't like over-planning - but I do like to be prepared (ensure all paperwork in order, dosh, ins coverage, somewhere to sleep if pos etc) - And I *do* have to be *somewhere* by a particular time. Ordinarily, I'd love the opportunity to just kick around the place, but sadly, there is a point to the journey.
ReplyDeleteRight, I've been searching - The Mitchelin route-finder (one of the first, AFAICR) did the job - But it's just a list of road numbers directions and distances. I'd still like some sort of detailed map, just in case I stray.
Also I checked out what the FO says about it - Apparently they use Euros (though their official currency) the ROL (Romanian Leu) was changed to the RON (Ro - New) (and subtract 3 from the exponent of the prev value!) but Euros can be used (apparently) - I think I'll have to speak to the Romanian Embassy for a copy of a real road-map before I go.
The Road laws are interesting (expect horse-drawn carriages! Darkened ones... with 2 black mares in full funereal get-up, and no driver) - Something about one-directional blood transfusions being compulsory for all visitors, or something... And it's illegal to wear polo-neck sweaters
Velcome...
ReplyDelete... Hmmm about that... The FO's got it a bit wrong, IMHO- I spoke to the organiser and he said that wasn't true - But that Euros can be changed at borders and hotels
ReplyDeleteI spoke to the organizer yesterday and I've submitted details about my idea for publication. I got details of Ferry/Train crossing prices, Extended breakdown cover for my car, the green card (European Motor Ins, BTW), and Travel Ins, but the chances for going are not looking so good :( I still haven't found a co-pilot/navigator
ReplyDelete