Day 5/1: Moving Day

Weather: Sunny, High 19°C

Elevation: 74 Metres

A Sudden Wake-Up Call

Over the past few days, Bucharest has gone from chilly spring mornings of 4–10°C to full sun and warmth, peaking at 26°C. The city has opened up with the weather—terraces are full, parks are buzzing, and the buildings almost glow in the evening light.

Saturday, April 19, started long before sunrise. At 2:15 am, I gave up trying to sleep in the hostel dorm and crashed on the lounge couch. Ambient noise kept rest at bay, but I didn’t feel too wrecked despite the fragmented sleep. I wandered through the quiet early-morning streets until it was time to return to the hostel and grab my pack.

Racing the Train

The train was scheduled to leave at 6:30 pm. I gave myself plenty of time—about an hour—to make the 30–35 minute walk. Just as well. I arrived, bought my ticket, and found my way to Platform 5. The train rolled in well ahead of schedule and, unexpectedly, departed at 6:18 pm—12 minutes early. If I had been even five minutes later, I would’ve missed it. Lesson learned.

The two-hour journey didn’t go as planned—we arrived 40 minutes late. But I didn’t mind. I was just glad to be on board.

Crossing Borders

As we neared Sofia, it started raining on the city’s outskirts, though the centre was dry. I scoped out the bus terminal and settled in to wait. Many people were simply trying to stay warm overnight—some sleeping upright, others pacing quietly. At 11 pm, we were all ushered out as the station closed. It was tough to watch.

The overnight bus wasn’t any easier. Bumpy roads, potholes, and sharp jerks made sleep nearly impossible. The seats reclined fairly well, but the discomfort lingered. At the border crossing into Romania, delays stacked up due to passport issues for a couple of passengers. We rolled in well behind schedule.

A Complicated Arrival in Bucharest

The metro was just across the road from the train station, and with help from the staff, I reached Piața Unirii without hassle. After a coffee, I made my way to the hostel. Fortunately, someone was entering and shared the gate code with me. Security at The Hostel Sport is next-level—far beyond what I’ve seen elsewhere.

But first impressions? Underwhelming. No warm welcome, no tour of the facilities. Just vague directions—“down there is, up there is, over there is”—with no helpful local info, supermarket tips, or suggestions on what to see. You’re left to figure things out for yourself.

Roaming Bucharest

Still, despite the lacklustre hostel experience, Bucharest began to shine the moment I stepped outside. The architecture here is incredible. Grand, elegant, occasionally worn but full of soul. The buildings seem to pull you toward them, as if inviting you to imagine the stories they’ve seen.

Highlights of Bucharest: Sites I Explored

Palace of the Parliament

A concrete colossus and symbol of Ceaușescu's authoritarian rule, this is one of the largest buildings in the world. It took entire neighbourhoods being bulldozed to build it in the 1980s. Both impressive and chilling, it’s a must-see for its sheer scale and historical significance.

Old Town (Centrul Vechi)

The heart of historic Bucharest, Old Town, is a tangled web of cobbled lanes lined with cafés, bars, and boutique shops. It’s where medieval meets modern—each building whispering stories from another era.

Hanul lui Manuc

Built in 1808, this was once a bustling inn for traders and travellers. Today, it still serves food and hospitality, but its wooden balconies and cobbled courtyard preserve its 19th-century charm.

Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Român)

A beacon of neoclassical elegance, this concert hall is home to the George Enescu Philharmonic. Its interior is breathtaking, with a fresco-lined dome and exquisite acoustics. A temple to Romanian culture.

St. Anthony Church

The oldest religious building in the city dates back to the 16th century. Tucked into the Old Town, it’s survived fire and time, holding onto the quiet dignity of centuries of worship.

Piața Unirii Fountains

Stretching nearly a kilometre, these renovated fountains offer spectacular synchronised light and water shows. A modern marvel and a favourite evening hangout for locals and visitors alike.

Stavropoleos Monastery

This small, peaceful monastery, built in 1724, is an architectural gem. Its Brâncovenesc style blends Romanian and Byzantine design, and its tranquil courtyard offers a moment of serenity amid the city.

St. Nicholas Church (Russian Church)

Commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II in the early 1900s, this church’s gold onion domes are unmistakable. It brings a slice of Russian Orthodox tradition into Bucharest’s urban fabric.

Curtea Veche Church

Located in what was once Vlad the Impaler’s princely court, this 16th-century church is the oldest in Bucharest still standing on its original foundation. A haunting yet sacred place steeped in legend.

Looking Ahead

I’m staying an extra night to rest and consider my next steps. Moldova, Kyiv, and even Moscow are calling—but safety is a major concern right now. I had hoped for progress in negotiations, but the situation remains tense. I may have to reroute entirely.

The heat continues to build, and I’ve been slack with sun protection. My peeling nose is proof. Time to be smarter going forward.

Life After Arthritis: A Personal Mission

On a more personal note, I want to share that my journey is also driven by a deeper mission: to inspire and support people who live with severe arthritis pain. As someone who has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both hips, I know firsthand how debilitating and isolating this condition can be. That's why I'm travelling the world for the next five years – to show that life after arthritis is possible. It's not the end, but a new beginning.

If you're also an arthritis survivor, I invite you to come along for the ride, whether for a day, a week, or a month. Let's share an adventure and inspire each other to live life to the fullest, despite the challenges we face.