Day 7 proper (Tue 16 Aug)

Lots of travel. Met Istvan & family in Eforie Nord as they started their holiday. Apparently the President had been with us in Neptun the day before which made the news and explained the two fly pasts and warship. It was a national holiday, which also gave reason to the crowds.

We get caught up in some police/army incident on leaving Eforie Nord, then as we arrived in Bucharest an amazing lightning storm hindered finding the airport.

Did I say airport? Banessa is the illegitimate offspring of Otopenti, and is little more than a provincial bus terminus. Thank heaven our flight boarded on time. Got front row and extra leg room despite being told this would cost €10 and was fully prebooked (twice). Didn't cost a cent in the end, but not v impressed by Whizz Air. They did however get us to Luton on time and we were in danger of making it seamlessly from Romania's Black Sea coast to England's National Forest only for us to find the M1 closed at j19. So close. Quick diversion up M6 and round Lutterworth saw us arrive home at 3.30am. Tired but satisfied at finally arriving home and finding that this blog hadn't led to us being burgled or taken over by Eastern European squatters.

One more post to come with my musings on the trip, and what in my own opinion could/should be done.

SG

Day 6 proper (Mon 15 Aug)

Penultimate and last full day of our adventure in Romania. Spent some seven hours on the beach - including pizza for lunch on our sun loungers. Can't remember when we were last able to sit and read a book in daylight, let alone by the sea. Bliss. Boys did some swimming and digging for which they also entered into a joint venture with some local contractors of a similar age.

Meal out in the evening and then time to start packing. Days at the seaside don't need to be any more complicated than this.

SG

Day 5 proper (Sun 14 Aug)

Hot today, not sure of actual temp, but hot - "in the thirties".

Temperature wise in the 30's, but in other respects this resort is like being in the 70's. Breakfast is 7-9 so no long lie in, but after experiencing breakfast I regretted waking especially for it. Not good. Maybe 1 out of 10 - they would have scored higher had it not been for the gannets we share the hotel with. No way every member of the family needs a loaf worth of bread on their plate.

Breakfast finished we went back to the room (63 stairs, not sure who booked this fitness break) - we then plastered on factor 50 and put the boys in their UV protective trunks and t-shirts and headed for the pool. Such protection seems to have amazed the locals whenever we venture into public.

2D has an indoor pool & jacussi as well as two (very cold) outdoor pools. I now realise it is not the 2D hotel, but the double D - many people choosing to go topless, indeed whilst reading a book by the side of the indoor pool (supervising the boys) I was told to take off my polo shirt & tevas!

Headed down to the next door hotel for Sunday lunch, only to discover roast of the day and yorkshires was off, so we took pot luck from the Romania menu, the boys having peasant soup, Laura some disappointing kind of salad whilst I made do with barbecued sea bass.

Off to the beach for a while after lunch, very crowded and hot. Bought 2 pairs of sunglasses for 16 lei. Banana boats, locals selling fruit, corn on the cob, the only thing to dispel the 70's feeling is the euro-trash-muzak - that is probably c.2002 - not that I have a clue really.

News comes in of a 97th min equalizer for the mighty Chesterfield - good as first bit off news from home goes, but we ought to be hammering fellow promoted sides at home if we are to stay up. Never one to shy away from controversial issues, JS to go? Wouldn't shed a tear. Thanks Andy Walker for updating and worrying me. This Saturday getting lost in Bucharest, next Sat Milton Keynes away en route to the final test. Are we entering civil war or has DC told everyone to "calm down....."?

We didn't go out until quite late, but when we left the restaurant of our choosing which did us proud food wise, and provided live band with a wide repartee including most of Richard Clayderman, it was well gone 22:00 and families with kids younger than ours were still arriving to sit down and eat. Is this a living  example of the much lauded "cafe culture"? In which case, there should perhaps be an EU directive on bedtimes as this is far too late imho (or In Her Majesty's Opinion as mistyped first off).

Anyway, to round off Sunday, boys slept well - luxury of a pillow each tonight. We all sleep well despite me breaking one of the fold-out beds, and again go to sleep to Pan-pipes.

Great day living in the 1970's - Life on Mars? Dunno, bit plenty of swimming-trunk-clad-mis-matched-dayglo-apparel on Neptun.

SG

Day 4 proper (Sat 13 Aug)

Long drive today.

Thanks to Istvan this was possible as he found us a replacement hire car.

Istvan and Nina arrived around 9.30 as we were simultaneously finishing breakfast, packing suitcases and cleaning the flat. We popped over to measure up the decking outside the OT building (note to self 17x3m). Quite a few patients had gathered to say "La revedere", and we gave Costica, a patient who has been in the hospital for at least the last 20 years a football - hope this hasn't caused him any problems.

Said farewell to Nina, and left the village with mixed emotions.

We then sorted the paperwork for our hire car €266 for four days use of a Renault Symbol. Managed to get cases in the boot, and followed Istvan out of Brasov to make sure we were on the right road. Time then 11:30.

We only stopped twice briefly - but still didn't arrive at the hotel until gone 18:30 - so quite a drive. It's true we did lose time by getting lost in Bucharest, but probably only 40mins - signs always seem to be at a real premium when you need them overseas.

Neptun is a bustling Romanian holiday resort - in a line of others on the Black Sea. We are only 10 miles or so from Bulgaria. Couldn't find a parking space for love or money, so abandoned the car on a junction at the top of the road. Our hotel is the flatly named 2-D, a 60/70's building which has had a makeover, but retains a certain Eastern charm. Our "apartment" is good despite there being bedding for only three and towels for two. Requested extra, but still waiting. Biggest annoyance is the no-doubt ultra authentic but also ultra loud native American just outside our balcony with Pan-pipes playing through a speaker system. It did eventually finish around midnight! No English tv channel in the room so blissfully unaware of news from home - is London still burning? Are Chesterfield winning?

Had a meal out then a wander down to the beach. Lots of stalls selling everything from corn on the cob to personalized business card holders - any orders?

Turned in at around 22:30, setting the alarm for the first time since being here as breakfast is only served from 7-9!

Pleased to have arrived after such a long journey, looking forward to a bit of RnR, but tinged with guilt at the thought of those left behind in the village who will never leave. This is a universal feeling with anyone who has done work there, but doesn't get any easier.

Day 3 proper (Fri 12 Aug) - pm

A great last full day in the village doing a bit of charity work, with a smattering of typical Romanian hicup included for good measure.

Wall to wall sunshine on waking and all day through.

Wendy Stevens is a long standing member of the charity from Gloucestershire. Sadly her husband passed away earlier this year, but in memorial a collection was taken to renovate the morgue here at the hospital. Come 9.30 I was called to pay for and inspect the first of the work. Gone was the woefully inadequate cardboard window, replaced by a (frosted) double glazed upvc number, well fitted and causing quite a stir amongst the patients. I then had a tour of the hospital - the occupational therapy rooms funded by charity being well used; the hospital proper and the laundry where one of the workers kindly offered to wash our dirty clothes, an offer we gratefully accepted (not stripping off on the spot!)

Laura, Nina and Istvan then did a couple of hours craft work with the patients whilst us boys went for a tour of the village, stopping at the shop on the way in for meat, bread and tomatoes to feed the six of us at lunch. Then on getting inside the hospital gates resplendent in Chesterfield FC shirt and two  similarly dressed offspring, find a medium sized crowd of patients, and a coffin on the driveway. Quickly get hold of keys from Nina and usher the boys inside the flat past the patients and two mourners we later discover to be the deceased's family & friends.

After lunch, we hit a hicup, on ringing to see if tomorrow's rental included a map with the Astra, we were told that there would be no map, and indeed no car. Reason given was our failure to confirm the booking, this despite us receiving no instruction and having a printed reservation. Upshot no car anyhow. Then followed an hour of frantic phoning to get a car, brief consideration of taxi/train etc.. Eventually reserved a Renault for collection tomorrow (Sat) returning to Bucharest on Tuesday even though we have to pay staff overtime for the drop off.

Then Laura, Nina and Istvan distributed pop and biscuits for the final time, and come back content as each of the 140+ patients has had some of each.

We head off into Brasov at around 3.30 with a list of tasks. First and both far too difficult and expensive is changing travellers cheques to Lei. Note to self, don't bother in future. Boys and I found a self serve ice cream shop whilst waiting. Great.

Then we went up the Brasov cable car. Finished in 1975 it is all very retro communist bloc - cost around £10 for us all to go up and down, but because of the time we had to turn straight round at the top and come down again.

Then we met up with the rest of Istvan's family again and had a good time playing in the park by their flat. Met some interesting English speaking neighbours who it would've been good to get to know better, but we had to rush off back to Codlea where we were late anyway meeting Nina for a goodbye meal. Come 9pm, six of us illegally piled into the car for the short, but no less potentially lethal journey back to Mina 1 Mai. Very Romanian all round. I had finished my barbecued trout a good ten minutes before anyone else's main course appeared. They also saw fit to bring me a fresh beer without request. A great way to round off the spell with two fantastic helpers and treat them to a meal whilst sharing their company. If you ever find yourself looking for a suitable venue in Codlea I heartily recommend Pizza Alex.

Home to our flat shortly after finishing the food, and soon to bed, we have a long day ahead.

SG

Day 3 proper (Fri 12 Aug) - am

View from the flat's balcony, 11am, the weather is doing it's bit - very warm.

Laura already out with the patients, me and boys off to cause intrigue and no little amusement amongst the villagers.

Day 2 proper (Thurs 11 Aug)

Rain all night long. Finally hit the hay at 00:15. Boys had been in bed since about 22:30 - we hadn't got back from an evening at Istvan's until late. Really interesting to see how under 10's for whom their age is almost all they have in common get on so well, play, laugh and communicate with one another. The boys got on brilliantly with Karina the whole day.

Nina arrived before 10, and we walked down the village to the shop where we came to a commercial agreement and purchased 36l of pop and 10 packs of biscuits. Istvan and Karina arrived just after 11 and we all went out to the hospital grounds, the kids and I playing football with some of the patients whilst Laura & Nina encouraged others in painting and drawing. After half an hour or so we were told of a problem. The doctor who only spends two hours a week at the hospital let it be known she was not happy with children in the grounds, this was a shame as we'd just encouraged 5 or 6 patients to join in, but equally understandable, it's not as if we'd be able to do any of this back home, then again there is less need there. Respecting the doctors orders I took the kids away for a walk, we looked in on the football pitch but it was too wet to play.

Whilst we were shown a red card, Laura was really encouraged by the mornings work with the patients. There had been a really good turnout - some 15 had come to paint and draw, and a bonus in the interest shown by a few of the staff. It would be great to share some pictures for you to better appreciate the environs, and see happy engaged patients, but the hospital have banned photos, so all we can do is write and share the "holiday snaps" from the other side of the gates.

Beef bourgignon and rice for lunch with the strangely appetisingly dry local bread, after which Laura, Nina and Istvan dolled out pop and biscuits in the hospital.

Mid-afternoon and with the sun starting to break through we set out to Bran. Strange how we have different standards. We've become so used to booster seats and their rationale that we brought blow up versions with us for the boys even though not obliged to. Istvan on the other hand will gladly carry four on the back seat of his Ford focus even if his daughter doesn't have a belt on. Back to Bran. It's home to a castle - aptly named Bran Castle, quite impressive hill top royal residence, with links to the infamous impaler Vlad, and later some other Brit by the name of Stoker. Predictably then there is a healthy  amount of tat for sale, but the place actually retains some charm. Anglo-Deutsche relations are obviously fit and well as a group of German bikers gave us two adult tickets (20lei each - about £4.50) surplus to their requirements, and they continued to smile as we battled our way round the castle with three kids!

On completing the castle, there kids had a go on a bouncy variety (slide variation) for ten minutes before we headed home to the flat. After tea we had a good walk round the village before story time all round, bed time stories for the boys and blogging for me.

The weather has improved immensely, and it feels like we are starting to settle - shame then that tomorrow is our last full day, but four days were always going to pass quickly.

SG

Day 1 proper (Wed 10 Aug)

Our hospital beds proved relatively comfortable, Laura & boys sharing the bedroom whilst I slept in the living area. We have use of a small flat above what used to be the hospital laundry, but that has been cleared out and now itself houses some 10 or so psychiatric patients - the lowest risk more dependable ones.

Out of date Frosties and uht milk for breakfast doesn't sound particularly appertising but was the culinary highlight thus far given the awfulness of my luncheon attempt - I doubt man has ever created a worse tuna, sweetcorn pasta bake.

We have been shopping for essentials - there is now a Lidl in the nearest town. Bought pop and biscuits to give to patients, and (I realise not strictly speaking essential), a bottle of beer - 2 litres at about 60p!

Chucking it down with rain which has hampered our activities somewhat. Istvan arrived soon after 10am with his 9 year old daughter, Karina. Istvan then went into the hospital with Laura to meet the head nurse who gave her blessing on us working with patients over the next few days. There are 145 patients at the moment with a spectrum of psychological problems. Nina is a great friend of the charity and lives in the village. She came to see us soon after 11, and has three times today helped Laura with the patients. Firstly they did some crafts with playdough Laura  made this morning. Since lunch they have also been and distributed pop and biscuits within the hospital - going into most wards, but 12 litres of drink and 2kg of biscuits didn't prove sufficient - must buy more for tomorrow. One of the wards had a dead patient in bed covered with a sheet. Some of the patients on the ward told Laura and Nina not to bother giving her anything - seemingly not at all perturbed by their deceased fellow.

We have been into Codlea to buy some footballs - not as good value as the beer, synthetic balls costing £5 each - but this has meant we can have a kick around in front of the hospital with some of the more able patients, all of us joining in for a spell.

Accepting an invitation to Istvan's flat in Brasov tonight, the six of us who have been together today having tea with his wife and younger daughter. Thus being in Brasov will give me a chance to post this and correct the many errors I found in yesterday's post.

In summary, all going well, shame about the weather, a positive first day, but oh, the smell......I'd forgotten that in the intervening 15 years!

d-minus 0, we've landed!

What a day. Up at 4:30 UK time, left home 5:20 (after I finished packing) at Luton, parked up, busses to departures and formed the queue at 7:15. You will note we didn't join the queue we formed it - check-in hadn't started, we were therefore given row 1 - which results in amongst the three finest words in the English language (if you're 6ft 4+) "EXTRA LEG ROOM"!

Kicked our heels, paid a ridiculous amount for some food - over £30 for one full b'fast one b,e&s cob and two lots of beans, egg on toast. Watched pictures of rioting as we ate.

Boarded plane on time, only for boys and Laura to be told they couldn't sit on row 1 due to it's emergency status - blow me the boys must have shrunk since check in!

Landed Bucharest to 34deg heat. Friendly face of Istvan (long standing helper, translator and general good-egg for the charity) to greet us a happy sight - it's 15 years since we saw one another - neither of us changed a bit (I hope we can agree to lie)!

Three hour road trip saw torrential rain en-route and only the single stop to drink from the spring before Sinaia but we finally arrived in Brasov @ 19:30 and are now fed up literally in the Ceasul Rau (translation the clock which is not working) - fine hostel even though going 10 hours between meals reduces my pickyness!

Now off to the village, 21:00 local time, but signing off whilst WiFi available.

Day nought a good one, we're here (almost).

SG

d-minus 1 (Mon 8 Aug)

Early(ish) start this morning to attend a meeting with a marketing company in Barford, Warwickshire. Really interesting and encouraging that all is in hand an on track. A colleague was delayed after her sat nav sent her up the M40 in error, and sods law, it was one of those long stretches between junctions!

In my technological preparation for the trip, I tried to download a sat nav map of Romania last night, only to find that forking out £40 for the Eastern Europe file would only give me around 13% of Romanian roads. What are the chances of us getting lost on the other 87%? Looks like back to basics and a good old fashioned road map (with a printed route plan for comfort!)

The boys are climbing the walls with excitement now we are less than 24 hours from departure (or one sleep if you are under 8), their first time in an aeroplane and on foreign soil (unless Wales counts?). So my tech prep has concentrated on downloading music files, putting them on an SD card for their DS. Sounds simple - in fairness it was once I discovered what to convert them to (*.m4a seems to have done the trick if you are interested!). Hopefully having the ability to plug them in and make them listen to what passes for music with pre-teens will be of benefit over the coming week - I might even put a bit of Roy Bailey on there and educate them!

So, I can't put off packing my suitcase any longer. T-shirts, shorts, underwear, 3, 2, 1 of in that order ought to do it! If this is the last post until we return then we have either failed to get connected or something has gone terribly wrong, but here's hoping it won't.

People I have met recently through work and socially have seemed generally interested in what we are doing, and it makes a difference to us going that we have a fair amount of good will behind us. I guess if you are reading this, that includes you, so thanks for that!

La revedere.

d-minus 2 (Sun 7 Aug)

North West Leicestershire about 18 deg C

Back to training today as Cropston under-8's return to prepare for the new season after having August off. Good weather and a good turnout for u-8, u-9, adults and even a small nursery group of younger siblings unable to play for a team for another year or so, but with varying degrees of concentration, willing to train for a while. As is customary practice ended with a short match during which one or two tempers flared which is a shame - even at this age they seldom buy into it being the taking part that matters - but actually, they are having exercise, wanting to win and showing Passion, so good for them - if the alternative involves a games console then I'd take this every day.

Post football, a really tender slow roasted beef joint with home grown veg, mash, puds etc.. (I mention this as from memory, cuisine is not particularly polished in Romania.)

After lunch, more football - back garden code this time, and after racing into a 7-2 lead we (Chesterfield) were pegged back and ended up with an honourable 9-all draw against Spanish giants Barcelona.

Since then we have been inside sheltering from quite heavy rain. The garden needs it and the grass will benefit from us being away for a week.

d-minus 3 (Sat 6 Aug)

North West Leicestershire c.20degC (fair, with two sharp very heavy showers)

Had a great time this afternoon taking the boys to "Romans at the Palace" in Ibstock - result on a few fronts:-

1) all free, bouncy castle, merry-go-round-thingy and massive sand pit

2) friends (and their kids) there to catch up and play with respectively

3) me being out for a few hours gave Laura time to pack bags for her and the boys. Truly grateful that every holiday she does this, the only way I guess, I mean where would I even start - mine will wait a while.

Also took the boys to the library to complete stage 2 of the summer project they are running for kids. One of the great underused resources the library.