ROMANIANS AT MONGOL RALLY Vama Veche, a stopover in the world's largest charity rally

Nearly 300 small-capacity cars and their teams of various nationalities competing in the Mongol Rally, the world's largest charity rally, on Friday evening parked around the Ancora terrace of Vama Veche, at the second Romanian checkpoint of the whacky rally.

Paul Budan, one of the organisers of the event, briefly explained the rules of the competition.

'The only rule of the Mongol Rally is to have a very small car able to drive you to Mongolia. All-terrain cars are not accepted. The teams establish their own route and are responsible for getting the necessary visas, while making donations of at least 1,000 euros for charity purposes. Donations in excess of 5 million British pounds have so far been collected and this year's main charity cause is saving rain forests,' said Budan, adding that each team can collect funds for pet projects individually supported.

The three members of Team Dracula Khan had prepared for this adventure for more than a year and decided that for two months they should leave their worries and troubles behind and participate in the world's largest charity rally.

Radu Manea, one of the team members describes their adventure in one sentence.

'Bucharest — the Czech Republic — Ulan Bator and back, two teams, six friends, 28,000 km, 55 days and very many countries... We want to travel, the discover, to feel good and to donate,' said Manea.

Ovidiu Niculica, another member of Team Dracula Khan, explains that this year's rule of the return trail by car led to the emergence of an alternate team. 'We are currently three on board, but in fact our team has six members. Three of us have left for Mongolia, and three others will take over the car for the return way. The idea for the rally is...