BLog
The road to Bucharest ... Through Pitesti ![]() After captured by guards, armed guides walked dad and Artur through the mountains of Transylvania for several days. They were finally taken to a castle and questioned more on their purpose. There was difficulty due to the language barrier and unfamiliarity with the Hungary-Romanian conflict. They finally signed a document and were taken to a cell filled with Hungarian soldiers, ![]() From a nearby town, about 150 prisoners were transported by cattle cars to a prison camp in Pitesti. Their train must have taken at least 12 hours, cause my train from Cluj to Bucharest took that long, I learned there was no food or beverages on the train, so this man welcomed me into his compartment with a gesture of a refreshment. We proceeded to share 2.5 liters of Romanian beer over the next few sticky hours. It was translated to me that he doesn't like to drink alone. He also insisted I take a cabbage roll. ![]() My dad estimated 50 prisoners in each of the 3 cattle cars. No windows with little ventilation along the top of each car. Dad and Artur were among just a handful of civilians. The rest Hungarian soldiers, a few German soldiers, and two unfortunate Serb university students who were drafted into the Hungarian army. Conversely, I was accompanied by quite friendly Romanian travelers who made the 12 hours fly by. I could NOT get Stephan to smile... Apparently he only smiles for the camera when holding a beer. When their train finally reached Pitesti, all prisoners were marched to a military base in the city where 3 crudely built barracks were constructed to house the prisoners. My dad describes them as 'just like Hogans Heroes.' While walking through the town, dad and Artur spoke excessively loud in Polish, explaining their quest, hoping to capture the attention of Polish expatriates. Fortunately, they would soon learn that a Polush community existed in the town.
3 Comments
Ian
7/8/2015 11:58:35 am
Hi, I see you made it safely to Bucharest and with interesting companions on your 12 hrs. on the train. Pictures of mountains bring back memories. Mam and I miss you and I thought it would be nice to arrange a telephone chat with you, maybe tomorrow (Thursday July 9) if you could let us know at what time you could be at your hostess Oana's residence, if it doesn't mess up your schedule. We have her number. Enjoy the town and Rumanian vino. Take care of yourself . Mam & Dad
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Lauren
7/8/2015 02:35:32 pm
Hey Dad! Your trip looks great, I love how you tell the story of grandpa through present day photos. I hope you continue to enjoy your journey.
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7/8/2015 03:23:03 pm
Hi Andrew,
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August 2022
Author - Andrew BajdaSince publication of my book in December of 2016, so many amazing things have happened on both a personal and professional level. As the journey continues to evolve, I'll update my travel adventures on this blog, and invite you to join me along the way. Categories |