For most Romanians, the holiday is a pretext for endless and idle leisure. An Oradea-based non-governmental organisation suggests another way to spend spare time: extreme holidays.
Oradea-based Life foundation is planning to protect the numerous caves stretching along Crisul Repede canyon. Among these, there is Pestera Vantului (Wind Cave), the longest in Romania (34 kilometres), with underground lakes, waterfalls and pathways.
On the other hand, the foundation also intends to establish a centre for young people, offering them alternatives to spend their spare time.
For the same reason, the foundation last year launched a programme called "Information and Resources Centres for Youth and Organisations," providing information and resources to spend spare time, fellowships, Internet access and stationery items they need.
This NGO benefits from international support, including the Fund for Carpathian Euro-region Development and the Agency for promoting Co-operation on youth issues - Eurotin, through the EU programme called Youth.
The foundation also relies on own resources, as a part of its programmes are financed through charges levied for the tourism services it provides.
Bihor-based environmentalists hold two chalets. The first one, located in auncuius, has 15 accommodation places and is located near the Cris canyon entrance. The other chalet is located at the very heart of the Apuseni Mountains, having 25 accommodation places, with fully equipped kitchen and bathroom.
Catalin Dohan, co-ordinator of the Life programme for cave preservation, says that the organisation can transport tourist groups to these two chalets or to any other touristic destination.
The most popular tour so far is the visit to the wooden churches in the area, which were built between the 17th and the 18th centuries.
One accommodation day costs 50,000 lei at Garda and 35,000 lei at auncuius. The charge for renting a kayak is 30,000 for one hour, while visiting Ungurul Mare cave costs 15,000 lei.
Couples can rent equipment to explore caves or practice climbing, also benefiting from the services of a specialised instructor for 12 dollars/day. The guides also speak foreign languages.
For those wanting to experience adventure, the Bihor-based environmentalists organise tours and stages of initiation in extreme sports. Several authorised guides accompany the tourists on the most hidden mountain pathways or teach the brave ones to practice climbing, cave exploration, canyoning and rafting.
Pestera Ungurului has been recently cleaned through the Life programme and now it can be safely visited. Some life traces dating back to the Neolithic period were discovered here. Pottery pieces, stone blades and carving tools are on display inside the cave.
The co-ordinator of "Life" tourism programmes, Paul Iacobas, says that some camps for children may be organised here. "The children are completely safe here and our staff is authorised by the Romanian Cave Exploration Federation and Salvamont," Iacobas says.
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