New Years Eve Run Around

 

Not a rushed start to the day after a late night, but plans in place to get a bit done on New Years Eve.  Plans as ever not as firm as they could be, which does leave a bit of room for both manoeuvre and mishap when it comes to finding places to eat. A bit of a wander to grab a quick breakfast was a little uncertain, but in the end we were able to grab pastry and coffee and sit in one of these little outdoor pods that line the streets out here. They were still pumping Xmas music in to them too, a very festive pavement breakfast.

Quick turn around to the next point of interest,catching the Universitate Metro up to Herastrau Park, a beautifully appointed expanse of the rural amid the concrete.  The place to run I was told so did an obligatory 5K up and down the avenues and mini boulevards of the park. It was very close to the Bucharest Arc de Triumph and I had a photo with Charles de Gaulle at the end.  The inter war period apparently saw a lot of construction of Bucharest to align it with Paris, the ties between Romania and France seem very strong. It should be noted the rise of their rugby team seems to be heavily reliant on a French influence.

My sport today had no such influence but a nod to the running around a park that we do many Saturdays. Also a reminder to me at least how that is what it was at its heart, sustainable exercise in a location near to where you live or visit. I am moving to the view that the numbers and challenges have taken it into a rather silly place that do not all meet those initial values.  

The park so much bigger than what I saw on my run, we took a stroll down to the lake that adorns its southern edge, and walked along its perimeter, as I had heard about the largest beer hall in Europe in these parts. Saw some rather interesting ornaments and architecture en route and eventually made our way in to something akin to an airport hanger. Lots of people setting it out for the evening festivities, but they were happy for me to sample their ale whilst they got on with their work. A slightly surreal experience!

Walked back to the metro and took it back into the old town, in search of some further sustenance and scenery; Carys has been on a Romanian soup hunt for the last 24 hours. No success in that regard but we did enjoy some mulled cider, cheese platter, olives, and a local dessert Papansi. (no picture!)  Kept our spirits up as the year ticked towards its end.

We got changed for a Bucharest night out of sorts, an apperitif in the old square (outdoor living). Had booked a recommended Thai restaurant Tom Yum for 19.30 and a couple of hours there enjoying some tasty chicken satay, beef green curry, and local beer and cocktail.  The girls enjoyed some vegi stuff, enough options for them to feel that we had chosen well for our last meal of the year.  Nice homely service, and the happy new years began to be said.

Not over yet though, the local authorities had put on a big free show in a park just on the outskirts of town so we took a metro up there to take a look. Crowds like a music festival, and plenty of lights, bands and dancing.  My instincts as an attendee of large sports events encouraged us to get away well before midnight to ensure we had a speedy metro back into the Old Town.  Plus the main rock band was very lightweight, I had expected something heavier and darker in these parts.

With 20 minutes to midnight we found a bar called Big Ben. Felt an ideal way to see in the New Year but they wouldn't serve beer before midnight as everyone rushes out into the street. So we rushed out into the street, throngs everywhere across the old town, which was starting to feel like party central!  Absolute madness, somehow we found a slightly more sensible square to tick the final seconds away and see the massive firework display over the city. We got it done, and having not partied like it was 1999, we took a relaxing meander back to our hotel to sleep like it was 2025.  After our now annual tradition of watching some of the local post midnight celebratory TV ... it's all the same!