Biscuits & Jam
Recollections of a multi-family vacation in the mountains of Romania by
ALEXANDRA BADITA
“Put down the zipper!” my Mom chided, as my friends and I laughed and complied, sealing the raindrops out of our cozy tent. Our group of three families had arrived in Padina, in the Bucegi Mountains of Romania, just before a light summer rain. The adults had hurried to set up the tents and rushed all of the children, ages 9 to 12, inside, where we happily entertained ourselves with cards and games. Over the following days the warm July sunshine came back out to play … and so did we. One day, we braved the mysterious Ialomicioara Cave— home to the storied Hall of Bears and the Grotto of Zamolxis, an ancient figure some say is immortal! Another day, we hiked through the dense forest to play on the shores of Bolboci Lake. As our group walked amidst the fragrant spruce trees, I remember craving a snack. When we
People still think there are vampires in Romania. I haven’t seen one since 1645.
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ENSEMBLE ULTIMATE FAMILY VAC ATIONS I SUMMER 2022
(finally) stopped, I took from my little backpack some biscuits and a tiny jar of plum jam. The combination of flavors fueled me to walk for another hour without any complaints. One afternoon, we hiked up to Babele Peak, with an elevation of over 7,218 feet (2,200 meters), and got soaked by another summer shower. But we didn’t care! The days always ended with all of us laughing together over a campfire. After dark, we crouched around the dancing flames slurping instant soups without spoons. Tummies full and warm, the adults were soon ready to go to sleep. But, for the 10-yearolds, the party was just getting started. We competed to find the longest sticks and roasted marshmallows together with some fruits. The
