Traditional ROMANIA
Airing Date: Nov 18th, 2002
Sibiel is about four hours drive from the Romanian capital of Bucharest.
Its 450 residents still live exactly the same way they have for centuries. There are many traditional farms scattered throughout the area and some, including the Luca family, welcome guests to their farms to give an insight into the local way of life.
An extended family of six live on the Lucas five hectare farm. Like all working properties, everyone gets involved in the chores.
Mornings start in the barn, where the cows are milked, followed by a session of cheese making. The Luca family make their own cheese from a traditional recipe including a touch of vinegar and a few secret ingredients.
There is no machinery on the farm to assist in the daily chores, but at meal times all the hard work pays off. All the ingredients for the home made vegetable soup, cheese, beef and cabbage rolls come directly off the property and are fresh and pure.
Across the road from the Luca farm is the Icon Museum, which houses over 600 paintings done by local artists. Most of the paintings are centred around a religious theme. The museum is a great source of entertainment in the tiny town and its open every day.
Religion is a big part of family life in Romania. Every Sunday morning the Luca family travels 20 minutes to Gura Raului to worship at the Romania Orthodox Church. Visitors are welcome to join the services, which start at 10am and last for two and a half hours.
Sunday is traditionally a rest day on the farm, which means there is absolutely no work. After church is finished, the day is devoted to singing, dancing, having fun and making new friends.
The facts
Jetset offers packages flying Qantas to London with connecting British Airways flights to Bucharest. Return prices during low season (January to February) start from $2379 ex Sydney. Includes taxes and conditions apply.
Jetset
Tel: 13 63 83
Eastern Euro tours offer farm stays at the Luca Pension from $65 per room per night, including daily breakfast. The Icon Museum is open every day from 8am to 8pm. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for kids.
Eastern Eurotours
Tel: 1800 242 353
