As the project continues, it was time for another TPM thus the partners gathered in person in Romania for some discussion at the office and visiting some rural tourism and agritourism resources and facilities in the Bucharest region.
This time ASE was our host. We started heading the Buzau County for a field visit on September 15th. The Tisau Cultural Centre, located in Valea Salciilor Village, was our first stop. There we got delighted by all the samples of Romanian handcrafts, heritage, tradition, and culture they kindly showed us, together with a gift you never can skip when you visit this country.
A secret and a nice surprise were waiting for us in our second stop. Melinis, at Mierea Village, is something we had never seen (and tasted) before, for sure, and it is really worthy. Delicious!
Then we went to Casa cu Tei Guesthouse, in Sarata Monteoru, for a huge traditional Romanian lunch with local products (including some award-winning sausages and burgers) and a quick guided tour by the facilities. We all were taught about the geological history of the place and surroundings for a better understanding of the context.
Time for the last visit of the day: SCDVV Pietroasa, in the Dealu Mare region, where we learnt a few things about the property and its changes along time, how the university is managing it, and their success on wine production. Of course, a visit to the facilities and a wine tasting were included. What a day!
On September 16th the project staff gathered at ASE’s headquarters, an ancient building recognised as historical heritage located in the city centre. It was our pleasure to be host of a warm welcome by ASE’s rector and a quick guided tour before the working meeting started. Time for discussion on the project progress and next steps. The market research on agritourism in our countries, the summary report, the micro-credentials to be developed, the summer course, the congresses attendance, the papers drafting, the communication and dissemination activities, the blog… We did not miss a single thing! Everything is on track so far, and you will be updated in this blog.
The three-day work programme ended on September 17th with a field visit to the Ilfov County. In the land of Vlade Tapes, we visited the monastery and the lake of Snagov before heading our last destination: Casa Vlasia Inn. We were delighted with a short guided tour by the facilities, a really interesting and catching explanation on wine production followed by an amazing Lord of the Swords demonstration and a wine tasting of some delicious wines of their own production, and finally a lunch based in regional recipes and products. The cherry on top was a round table with one of the owners, who shared with us a few insights on agritourism and how to boost it in the area.
Unfortunately, the TPM came to an end. Time to wrap up. But it was an inspiring meeting where we could catch up with some colleagues and finally meet other ASE’s staff in person. And we will be back next year in Romania for the summer course, thus it is all good.
We cannot finish this entry without a special recognition to Prof. PhD Georgiana-Raluca Ladaru for her warm welcome and gratitude. We really appreciate. The meal was delicious and the venues were lovely! Welcome on board, International Conference on Economics-Challenges and Opportunities as a sister project! 😊.
Italy takes the torch for organising our next project TPM. Umbria is a lovely territory with a lot of wonders to discover but will our hosts rise the bar of our previous meetings? The challenge is there 😊. Don’t miss this blog to find out how it goes.
