On day one in Romania, I mapped out the places I wanted to photograph. Markets always top the list—there’s no better way to experience local culture and connect with people. Piata Obor, also known as Obor Market, is the oldest and largest commercial area in Bucharest, and in all of Romania. You can buy everything from vegetables, fruit, fish, and meat to tools and clothing.

I walked a few miles to get there, and it was well worth the hike—except for the no photography policy. I managed to get two photos. The first was taken before I saw the sign, drawn in by a good-looking dog. The second came much later, in the farmers market section, after being approached by security twice and politely told I couldn’t use my camera. No reason ever given.

I looked up how to ask: “Pot face o poză?” (pronounced Poht fah-cheh oh poh-zuh?) — “Can I take a photo?” I tried it a few times, but no one said yes.

Until I met the corn guy.

He gave me the nod. I got this photo. And that was it.

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Jump to today—back home—I kicked off a new segment on Raydio, Ray Auger’s online radio station supporting our local area with music, entertainment, and community stories. Ray and I have been talking about a regular segment, and today we made it happen—a still-unnamed show where we talk about where I’ve been, where I’m headed, local projects, travel, and whatever else comes up.

We kicked it off talking about the upcoming Middle Ground trip set for next year. The corn guy. Romania. And some thoughts on finding stories—here or thousands of miles away. You can listen to the segment here if you like. Starting next Monday at 8am, this will be a weekly conversation. You should be tuning into Raydio anyway, but you can also find the station here and access segments on demand if you miss them live. Join him on Facebook and see it all.

tr/trp

Bonus info: A review I found on TripAdvisor from 2019 on this location.