(Vama, 29.06.2012 - 02.07.2012) The Boardinghouse Aurora, my accomodation for three nights, is erected on the foundation walls of the former synagogue of Vama.
A few steps away, you'll find the Vama Jewish Cemetery situated on a hill. From the International Jewish Cemetery Project we learn as follows: "...Rarely, private Jewish or non-Jewish visitors stop. Care is occasionally clearing or cleaning by individuals. No structures. Uncontrolled access, weather erosion and vegetation are a moderate threat."
A side road leads from Vama to Moldovita, the starting point for the Mocăniţă. But what the hell is a Mocăniţă?
From Wikipedia we learn as follows: "A mocăniţă (Romanian pronunciation: [mokəˈnitsə]) is a narrow gauge railway in Romania, most notably in Transylvania and nearby regions. Archetypely, they are situated in mountainous areas and the locomotives operating on them (which themselves can also be referred to as mocăniţăs) are steam-powered. These railways were built for cargo and passenger services - some in the era of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, before 1920 - but fell into disrepair over the years. Some are now being rehabilitated for the purposes of tourism."
From a rail ride we learn as follows: It's slow, bumpy, smoky and wrecked, but it's extremely fun and an outstanding photo subject for overdressed Japanese ladies, but not only.
From four steel tyres back now to two-wheelers and the annual meeting of the North Gang Riders from Suceava. Of course, I was there and got the obligatory sew on patch!
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