A Whirlwind Drive to Romania: Adventures, Scenic Views, and Shopping Sprees!

I’m about to take you on a rollicking ride across Europe! Over a span of two weeks, we embarked on a an epic journey from UK to the heart of Romania in my trusty 2020 MG HS. With humour as our co-pilot and laughs as our fuel, here’s the tale of our grand adventure.

The Euro Tunnel Tango

Our journey began with the much-anticipated trip through the Euro Tunnel on the Le Shuttle train. Now, if you’ve never experienced the surreal feeling of driving onto a train, let me tell you, it’s like being in a sci-fi movie where cars and trains have merged into one magnificent beast. The check-in process was a breeze, despite travelling with our German Shepherd/Malamute dog. We had to navigate Pet Control and Border Control, which was easy enough, albeit a tad time-consuming.

A Paw-sitively Expensive Journey

Bringing our beloved pet along was quite an investment. The medical certificate in the UK set us back a whopping £160, plus £68 for the rabies injection and £22 each way for his ticket. All in all, our furry friend cost more than we did for the 35-minute trip across the channel. Once aboard, the carriages proved to be rather hot, with limited air conditioning, making it an uncomfortable journey for all, especially our dog.

France: Rest Stops and Scenic Views

The French leg of our journey was characterised by smooth, wide roads that seemed to stretch endlessly. We didn’t venture into any villages or vineyards, but the rest stops along the way were a revelation. Equipped with toilets and picnic tables, they offered a perfect respite with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. These stops were clean, convenient, and a testament to the French knack for making even a pit stop a pleasant experience.

Germany: Overnight Drive on the Autobahn

Germany greeted us with the famed Autobahn, and we drove through the night. This was one of the most challenging parts of the journey. My girlfriend took over the wheel while I rested, navigating the high-speed, unlit roads like a pro. The German roads were impeccable, but driving overnight was no easy feat. I took the wheel again a couple of hours before we reached Austria, our next stop for a quick nap. One thing to note—petrol in Germany was quite pricey, costing over 2 euros per litre. Our wallets felt the pinch, but our MG soldiered on.

Austria: Vignettes and Brief Rest

Crossing into Austria, we purchased our vignette—a small price to pay for the privilege of driving on pristine roads. We pulled over for a much-needed sleep, grabbing a few hours of rest before continuing our journey. The Austrian landscapes, even in our sleep-deprived state, were nothing short of spectacular, with mountains and rolling hills creating a serene backdrop.

Hungary: The Land of Paprika and Rough Roads

Crossing into Hungary, we had to purchase another vignette. Honestly, by this point, buying vignettes had become part of our road trip ritual. Hungary’s roads were a mixed bag. While the main highways were decent, the rural roads were a bit of a shock. Rough, neglected, and full of potholes, driving through some villages felt like navigating an obstacle course. The villages themselves seemed oddly deserted, giving off a somewhat eerie vibe. Budapest, however, was a bustling metropolis with a vibrant atmosphere that was a stark contrast to the quiet countryside.

Romania: Vignettes, Borders, and Bucolic Beauty

Our final border crossing into Romania was the only one where we actually felt like we were crossing into another country. Hungary to Romania required another vignette, but it was a small fee for the welcoming embrace of Romanian roads. Our primary destination was Cluj Napoca, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Transylvania. For the next couple of weeks, Cluj Napoca would be our home base.

Exploring Cluj Napoca and Beyond

In Cluj, we discovered a city teeming with history, culture, and an unexpectedly lively nightlife. We made day trips to Floresti, a lovely suburb with picturesque landscapes and friendly locals. Cheile Turzii, a stunning gorge, offered some of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen. We also ventured into the mountains for some trekking, soaking in the pristine beauty of Romania’s natural landscapes. If you ever find yourself in Romania, do not miss these gems.

Culinary Delights: Coffee, Ice Cream, and Divine Food

One thing that stood out in Romania was the coffee—rich, robust, and wonderfully aromatic. Every café we visited served coffee that was a cut above what we’re used to back home. The ice cream was another pleasant surprise, with flavours that danced on the tongue and textures that melted perfectly. And the food? Absolutely divine. From hearty stews to delicate pastries, every meal was a gastronomic adventure. Romanian cuisine is a delightful blend of Eastern European flavours, and it did not disappoint.

Shopping Sprees: Carrefour and Brico

Now, let’s talk shopping. Carrefour in Romania was a revelation. The sheer variety of products available was astounding. It was like walking into a wonderland of consumer goods. From local delicacies to international brands, Carrefour had it all.

Brico, on the other hand, was a DIY enthusiast’s paradise. The range of tools available was mind-boggling, putting UK stores to shame. If I could’ve fit an entire Brico aisle into my MG, I would’ve!

The Road Home: Border Adventures and Friendly Faces

As our holiday drew to a close, we began our journey back. The border police on the Romanian side were polite and friendly, making the crossing smooth and pleasant. However, the Hungarian side was a different story. The officer we encountered seemed to let the power of his position get to his head. He was rude and dismissive, barking orders without a hint of courtesy. When asked to open the boot where our 60kg dog was, I tried to warn him about the rather large canine. He completely ignored me, rudely insisting, “Open the boot.” A simple acknowledgement would have gone a long way.

The MG’s Performance: A Mixed Bag

Throughout the journey, our MG HS performed admirably, but it wasn’t without its quirks. The air conditioning failed a few times, turning the car into a mobile sauna. The radio also decided to act up, getting stuck on “Module is loading” more often than not. Despite these hiccups, the MG proved to be a reliable companion, handling every twist and turn with grace. On average, we had to fill up the car every 350 to 400 miles. The MPG ranged from 40 to 55, which was impressive given the varying road conditions and our fully loaded car.

Conclusion: A Journey to Remember

Our two-week holiday, from the UK to Romania and back, was an unforgettable adventure filled with scenic views, delightful surprises, and a deeper appreciation for the open road. We’re already planning our next trip back to Romania next year. Having my Romanian girlfriend as my translator is a massive help, especially since my Romanian is limited to “Mulțumesc,” “Merci,” “Cafea,” and a few other basics.

So, if you’re contemplating a road trip across Europe, I say go for it! Pack your bags, fuel up, and let the journey begin. Cheers to the open road and all the adventures it brings!