Dan, the world's best guide

Dan Marin, who with his wife Luminita (pictured with Dan) and son Bogdan are entirely responsible for my having a foothold in Transylania, has just won a hugely prestigious award which will shoot him into the super league of eco-guides around the world.

The Paul Morrison Guide Award 2007 was given to Dan at a fabulous evening at the Royal Geographical Society in London on 4th October.

Exodus, the tour operator which Dan does so much guiding for, ran this report on its site:

"Exodus guide Danut Marin has scooped the prestigious Wanderlust Paul Morrison Guide Award 2007 alongside fellow guide Selwyn Davidowitz. Danut was one of three guides from around the globe short listed by Wanderlust readers and was commended for his expertise on trips to his native Romania. Last night Danut and Selwyn were announced as the overall joint winners of the respected award by a panel of judges that included travel celebrities Bill Bryson, Michael Palin and members of the Wanderlust team.
The Wanderlust Paul Morrison Guide Award is regarded as the award for the often unsung heroes of travel and is highly regarded by the travel industry and consumers alike.
Danut Marin was nominated for his guiding of Exodus’ Romania: Carpathian Culture and Wildlife tour. Exodus clients voted for him because of the passion that he displays for his country and its wildlife and his ability to give a sensitive yet honest account of the somewhat tumultuous history of his native country. Voters also commented on his ability to recognise and take care of the needs of individuals on the trip.
Danut Marin comments: ‘I am extremely touched that so many Exodus clients chose to vote for me and got so much enjoyment from the trips. I hope that by jointly winning this award I can highlight the importance of less mainstream tour operators such as Exodus to the Romanian tourism industry and to the economy as a whole.’
The full results of The Paul Morrison Guide Award 2007 will appear in the November issue of Wanderlust on sale from 12 October."

Another of those who voted for Dan was none other than explorer Ranulph Fiennes – not a bad recommendation to the judges.

Equinox blues

It's been too long since I was in my mountain fastness. I was meant to be there now, but time and the in-tray have defeated me. Hallowe'en will happen without the customary batch of Dracula tat gathered up in armfuls from the gates of Bran Castle. It's the only time I show any interest in the toothsome Count and his doings – mugs, T-shirts, wine, trinkets and curios of reasonable quality (wine is actually terrific, even with the kitsch labels) and attractively priced, as the estate agent would say. Cheap, I'd say.

I stil have one packet of chemicals acquired in July and not yet given away. I will take it to darkest Wales next week as a naff contribution to the fabulous Samhain celebrations being planned by chums. The packet is called 'Lets dip Dracula' and is a vile concoction of unhealth* to be mixed in with sour cream for a pink pretence of something bloody, I presume.

*Ingredients: sugar, salt (16%), tomato juice, MSG, vegetable fat, chilli, seasoning, sweet pepper, onion, garlic, pepper, cumin, oregano, parsley, coriander. Oh, and 'amidon modificat' which translates as some kind of E number. There's lots of that - only slightly more than the vast amount of MSG. NB that the actual food (herbs, veg, spices) come at the bottom of the list, which means there are only trace elements of each.

It's disgusting - I tried a crispful of the stuff at someone else's party (my friends are so lucky) and it was sweet and salty with a light chemical tang. Ultra yum.