I take my dad to Muzeul Satului because several Romanian friends have encouraged me to go since I arrived here. It’s in the Herăstrău Park in the north of Bucharest, and I still didn’t see it yet. It’s a hot May day, lovely for a park outing.
The lady at the ticket booth doesn’t speak much English but is absolutely lovely with us. We’re off to a great start. The museum reminds me, of course, of the Râmnicu Vâlcea Village Museum since it’s the same kind of idea with old houses from different parts of Romania that were moved and reconstructed here.
The first thing we notice are a few houses that look like they had just a bunch of fresh straw heaped on top of them as if in a stable. It looks like an unkempt thatched roof and rather comical, but we do wonder how it works, as in, how does it prevent water from penetrating into the house. The sign explains that a combination of straw and earth is used, so it has a layer of stamped earth on battens covered by the thatching. Interesting.
Of course, there is a wood church, and a few chapels as well. The setting is lovely at the lake and with flower gardens. We see a number of cats that look well cared for. Artist and artisan stands are scattered throughout the “village,” selling Romanian arts and crafts, liquors, honey, sheepskins, fox furs etc.
I like the windmill; a young girl in traditional dress is posing for her mother at the same time as I take my photo. Also, there is a wine press, an oil and must press, and an earth oven for baking bread. An amusement wheel, similar to the one in Râmnicu Vâlcea, is also there—looks like this was a typical structure in Romanian villages.
We stroll through the entire village, sit on benches for breaks here and there, and at the end try to get something to drink at the restaurant, where we are categorically ignored by the staff. That’s fine, it wasn’t that important, so I don’t make sure we get noticed and are served, and instead we just leave again after a nice break in the shade. We go to a street café back in the centre instead. An enjoyable outing.
Oooh now this is my kind of place! I love a good recreation village.Very nice!
C
……you forgot my funny hat 😉. Glad to had it. A
Looks like a nice day! An amusement wheel? I wonder about it. 🙂