Cosmo & Wilfred visit the pool

The night had been warm, so as soon when we woke we headed straight to the shops to see if we could find anything to help with the heat. Cosmo found himself a lovely hat to keep the sun off and Wilfred found a banana boat to use in the pool.

After returning from the shops we headed to the leisure centre to cool down a bit and complete one of our minor projects. As expected Cosmo and Wilfred were the first in the pool splashing about and enjoying the banana boat Wilfred had got for them.

Once we had finally cooled down a bit we headed into the city to explore a bit more; we visited the many towers and churches Sighisoara has which gave us a new perspective on one of the most beautiful cities we have ever visited. While exploring the city we managed to find a local leather maker who was making traditional leather bracelets, sheaths and belts. This covered another one of our minor projects.

After a long day of exploring, we decided to head up to the Church on the hill to watch the sunset. After what felt like a thousand stairs, or what must feel like ten thousand for Cosmo and Wilfred, we were greeted by a busker playing Thunderstruck on the guitar at the top of Scholar’s Stairs. The sunset wasn’t quite as good as last nights but Cosmo and Wilfred enjoyed it non the less.

We have an early morning tomorrow heading off to Turda where we plan to visit the salt mine and explore the city.

Day 3: Choo Choo Train

It was an early start and a 45 minute walk through Braşov to get to the train station. But we were in high spirits.

Once we arrived at the train station and got on our train we were happy to find Tom, Liam, Ryan and James on it also. It was a long 3 hour train but we had our own booth so we were happy enough.

We arrived in Medias and waited for our next train to Daneş. When it eventually came it looked like a scene from a horror movie.

The atmosphere wasn’t helped by Stephen hanging his head out the window.

He protested he wasn’t the most stupid person on the train as “weans were hanging out the doors”.

Never the less we all arrived in Daneş safely. Next was a half an hour walk to our villa for the night. We arrived to a pleasant surprise.

It was a lovely welcoming place and the views around us were magnificent. We decided to let Stephen cook dinner as he keeps telling us he’s a chef. Let’s just say the spaghetti was like wallpaper paste so he will be cooking no more.

After dinner is was time to go out to the pool that was filled with water, not with dirt unlike our promised hot tub on day 1. We all played some water volleyball (Dillon won obviously) and had some well deserved rest.

Cosmo takes the train

We had an early start to the morning, after packing all our things we set off to the train station where we caught a train to Sighisoara. Unfortunately we forgot to get Cosmo and Wilfred tickets so they had to live in the bag whilst we boarded the train.

When we got on the train they were desperate to get out, they shared a seat showing how they had become best friends in only a few hours.

Cosmo & Wilfred sharing a seat

The train was sweltering, as soon as the conductor opened the window Cosmo rushed to stick his head out. The wind was refreshing instantly cooling the whole carriage down.

The train took 2 and a half hours, taking us over 130km from Brasov to Sighisoara. Carrying us far away from the thunderstorms of the previous day. As we arrived we were greeted by the beautiful city of Sighisoara, considered the most beautiful and well-preserved inhabited citadel in Europe.

After exploring Sigisoara we headed back to the campsite to have some dinner, continuing to enjoy the site of sighisoara.

Tomorrow we are looking forward to enjoying the city some more.

Team Troon’s Day 2

Our second day was an early start, with us heading to the shop for breakfast before heading to Libearty Bear Sanctuary.

We arrived earlier than we expected so sat under shade, thankfully, until our tour. The tour was very informative and we learned of the hard work that the volunteers to in order to give the bears a happier life. We also found out how horrendously animals were treated before going to the sanctuary.

During the tour however, we saw the clouds getting dark and the inevitable thunder opened up. Before long rain was pouring and lightning was striking. Hailstone the size of paintballs were falling but we were in cover at the time so everyone was safe.

This rain went on for some while but eventually let up in time for us to head for dinner in Bran. We met up with another team and went into the centre for a meal. Another adventurous day for the team and till next time, adios.

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Thunder Buddies

We started off the day by packing up the tents and getting ready to head off to catch the bus to Brasov. After our long day of walking yesterday we decided to let Cosmo carry some of the bags to the bus stop.

Cosmo finally doing some work

Minutes before arriving in Brasov the heavens decided to open showering us with rain, cracking the air with a monstrous roar of thunder and bright flashes of lightning. We sprinted off the bus getting to the hostel as quickly as our legs would carry us, though sadly not quick enough to save us from looking like we had swum to Brasov. The thunder and rain had shocked Cosmo, this had been the first time he had experienced anything other than the heat of the last couple of days.

No matter how hard we tried we could not convince Cosmo to join us in exploring the slightly flooded streets of Brasov. Instead he refused to leave his bed saying he would only leave once the thunder had stopped.

Cosmo refusing to leave his bed

Saddened by not having Cosmo to keep us company we set our self a quest of finding a way to make him feel better. We searched long and hard through the streets of Brasov, finding many interesting places on travels.

During our search we heard wind of a place where someone might be able to help. This place was the Black Church. Originally built it the late 14th century it was partially destroyed by a great fire set by invading Habsburg forces on April 21st 1689 leaving visible burn marks, hence the name the Black Church.

Black Church

Unfortunately we were not able to take photos inside the church, though we can say that the views inside are amazing it truly is a place worth a visit if you are ever near Brasov.

Inside the church we met Wilfred, a young elephant who had overheard us talking about the Cosmo situation and thought he could assist us.

Wilfred the Elephant

Wilfred explained that he had experienced many a thunder storm in Brasov, and so new exactly how to help poor Cosmo. After returning to the Hostel we saw an extreme improvement in Cosmo, he really had helped. Cosmo would not be afraid of a thunder storm ever again and Wilfred would have a friend to travel Romania with. Together they were Thunder Buddies.

Cosmo & Wilfred
Thunder Buddies