You might think you have to out up with a lot with the work clothing you have to wear in order to collect your monthly wage. Be it a uniform in a service industry or greasy overalls working on the factory floor. Well spare a thought for the shepherds of Romania and what they have to do and wear in order to survive in this modern world.

The shepherds of Romania hold a special place in its country’s history and culture, and their basic lifestyle has not changed in hundreds of years. For example on a dark dank Monday evening several weeks ago a shepherd left home with his sheep, nothing unusual about that I hear you say, but this wasn’t in a lorry, but on foot and accompanied by his hired help (angajati), some dogs and several donkeys loaded with gear. The shepherd had set off on his autumn transhumance, moving his flock north to the winter pastures, a journey which would take the best part of six weeks.

With its origins in the early Bronze Age, according to leading authorities (but some think even earlier), transhumance is a kind of semi nomadic existence. The look of the shepherd is like seeing someone step out of time machine from the past. They wear a long sheepskin cloak, called a cojoc or sarica, with the shaggy fleece on the outside. It has a dual purpose of being a cloak and at night becomes their bed, so it is no joking matter when they describe this garment as there house. When they get to sleep it is outside close to the flock and this is done in all weathers. The outfit is topped off by a rimless pot hat. The men they hire earn between 200 and 300 euros a month. They also get daily meals, clothing and a cigarette allowance.

Like every worker across the world they enjoy a good grumble and groan, but for them things have gotten worse over the last twenty years as the prices for there product has now fallen badly. Although there is still an international market for Romanian lamb, and the sheep’s cheese is seen as a delicacy and sells very well it isn’t enough to make up the shortfall, so that the shepherds still find it healthier , and cheaper, to walk their flocks to the winter pastures rather then keep then inside.

So next time you think you are hard done by with the work clothing you wear spare a thought for those who are in conditions you wouldn’t believe possible in the modern world.