Has Germany Invaded Sibiu?

Had a sleep in this morning and missed my walking tour. Oh well. Went for a walk into the old town centre and yet another festival was thrown in my honour. Although this time I had to check the map to make sure I was in Romania - as it seemed the Germans had invaded. Plenty of people walking around in what I assume is traditional dress, but speaking German. 🤔

Walking into the main square it was full of beer hall seating under marques in front of a huge stage. Lots of applauding at whatever they were saying and lots of beers in hand. Apparently it was the Democratic Forum of Germans in Transylvania (DFDS) which represents the interests of Romanian citizens of German ethnicity living in Transylvania. Who knew that was a thing.

Someone important must have been on the stage doing what I can only presume was a welcome or awards, as lots of secret service style goons in suits with ear pieces in were around the stage. Oh yeah and police with machine guns and dogs.

Come from Germany to Romania and you feel like you’re still in Germany 😂. Had a wander through the crowd and checked out the old town while listening to various German traditional bands (mainly older men who played between sips of their beers). A different architecture here, but a nice old town although it’s so crowded it’s hard to appreciate what’s going on.

It started to rain so I ducked into a less busy cafe (was serving salad so probably why not full of Germans who appear to prefer a beer this morning). I order and the cashier explains to an older man next to me how the pager works. “This go jigger jigger, you come here”. I have a lovely salad and super fresh lemonade. Ah something without meat!

The rain is on and off but nothing too bad. I decided to grab some water and road trip snacks from the supermarket as I continue my wander. Inside the door is one of those cash for recycling machines. An enterprising couple has collected several bags of bottles collected from the tables at the festival and has blocked the entry with piles of bags filled with the Germans drinking spree. The supermarket staff are not impressed and I’m confused how all those bottles will fit in this tiny machine.

It’s now sunny but still drizzling and I think I’ve seen enough of the old town. I walk back to my hotel through a lovely park area and then get ready to leave Sibiu for Brasov. It’s a cute little town and where I originally had planned to fly into, but I hesitated and the flights were sold out. Given the German festival it makes sense that flights from Munich to here were sold out this weekend.Baca lagi