Happy Hump Day, Lovelies! How is this week treating you so far?
I’m feeling…goodish. Yesterday was the release day for my newest book, Dirty Sexy Grumpy so I’m waiting to see how that goes! Keep your fingers crossed for me and maybe pick up a copy HERE.
So last week I was kind of absent, mostly because I was busy getting everything ready for Millie & Rex’s story and I had a few deadlines that needed to be prioritized. But I’m back now and I have a fun post to share with you today.
Last week we were in need of a mid-week adventure so we headed to Sarata Monteoru with the hopes of dipping into the volcanic springs (hot springs) that the area is so famous for, but alas it was jam packed with people so we had to be flexible.
And Lo and Behold we came up on it, an adventure park, Escapada – Parc de aventura.
Now last time I came face-to-face with one in Cheile Grădiștei I chickened out. I’d done the alpine coaster and ziplining but I think there was just some reason I wasn’t ready. Fear. There, I said it. I looked at that course and I was 95% sure that I wasn’t ready. But on this day, for some reason, I was ready. I just knew it.
And so…I did it.
And it was AMAZING!!! I felt so fit and athletic and most of all, capable. It was a real display of the hard work I’ve put in over the past few years to not just lose weight but improve my overall fitness level. The entire course is suspended above the ground, but I had a harness because I ain’t that crazy, but it’s mostly ropes and ladder ropes, ziplines and other insane obstacles I’m sure were created by the same folks who brought us America Ninja Warrior.
But…I did it. I didn’t fall once and yeah okay, I did go slow…really slow some of the time but I made it!
It was exhilarating and I’m so happy I did it. Enjoy the photos & videos!
And now…The Food
As you are well aware, I’m sure, it’s not always easy to find a place with good vegan options in Romania but my husband knew of a place because he and his motorcycle-riding friends have gone here a few times when they ride in the area so he recommended it.
And the options were just as you might expect. Hit and miss. Restaurant Magura had nice ambience though. The front entrance for the hotel is right on the main street but the restaurant terrace is on the side and facing a fire pit with a wooded area beyond, which meant a cool breeze and a shield from the sun.
It was nice. So nice I had a beer.
I’ve cut back on my drinking because empty calories and cancer, but once in a while I still enjoy a cold one.
Anyway, the food! There was Tocăniță de ciuperci, which is mushroom stew with mamaliga (polenta) and it was very good. Well seasoned and we didn’t need to add anything to jazz it up. The Hubs ordered this because there was no way I’d order a stew in this weather but in the end I’m glad he did because it was delicious!
Beyond that we had your off the menu vegan staples: salad, grilled vegetables and fries, but we also ended up getting stuffed mushrooms and grilled peppers. They were all…meh. They could’ve all used more salt & pepper and maybe another herb or spice. And they were greasy, which made me extra thankful for the beer.
It was enough to satisfy the hunger that gnawed in my belly after adventure parking all day but it definitely annoyed me that not even vegetables can be cooked properly! I mean, serious, wtf?!?!?!
The adventure, despite the anxiety, was much better than the food. But the ride was also pretty sweet and beautifully scenic. So, in the words of Meatloaf, 2 outta 3 ain’t bad.
And that’s it for me. What have you been up to lately?
The Spicy Spatula 
Whatcha think?