Speeding through Austria and Hungary and already into Romania…

Day 2: Salzburg (Au) - Arad (Ro)

After a solid night’s sleep we crawled out of our rally cars at 06:00. Teeth brushed, coffee drunk and a croissant eaten. An hour later we set off from Salzburg, straight across Austria towards Vienna. Just before Vienna we received our positive PCR test result — meaning that the entire team tested “negative” :-). With this good news we carried on in a very relaxed mood.

In Nickelsdorf we crossed the border into Hungary without any trouble — after a few simple questions from the customs officers. We fulfilled the first wish-kilometre photos that had been purchased on our homepage and sent off the proof photos straight away. We then drove across Hungary via Budapest to the Romanian border at Arad.

Just after Budapest, Gloria was nearly blown away by the wind. The strong gusts had loosened the tarpaulin cover on the roof box and it was flapping in the slipstream. At the next rest stop we professionally re-secured the tarpaulin.

At the Romanian customs post, a small queue of cars delayed our swift passage through. After about 20 minutes we were at the front of the barrier. The customs officer’s first question was: “Rally?” We briefly explained and he wanted to see our red passports. His second question: “PCR test?” Our answer was simple: “Yes, of course, we have it — everyone tested negative…” And we’re vaccinated too — we added right away. The customs officer: “Everyone?” — “Yes, we’re all vaccinated.” We also told him that after dropping off our goods in Piatra Neamt we would continue on to Bulgaria. With that, everything was clear and fine for the customs officer, and we were allowed to enter Romania.

Just half an hour later we pulled into a truck stop (motorway service area) and sat comfortably at a table for a delicious Romanian dinner. The host invited us to park our rally cars overnight in a secure, fenced area.

We’ll certainly sleep wonderfully and safely here… :-)

Brief summary:

Today’s second day went like clockwork and our planned stage goal was more than met with the entry into Romania and the fine dinner.

A cold beer is already sitting on the bonnet, waiting to be opened. After that, safe sleep awaits.

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Your Judo goes Orient – Team