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.
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