First Lessons in Romania

I made it to Romania! 

The view from my bedroom at sunset. 

My first couple of hours here has been almost perfect, especially because I have a beautiful view of the city from my bedroom. I have a balcony on the top floor that looks down over old mansions and adorable cafés. The weather has been kind to me so I can sit outside and feel the warm sun on my feet and the cool breeze through my hair. And a cup of espresso is necessary everyday. But as I said, it’s almost perfect. Let me explain… 

First cup of Espresso (ever!). No cream and no sugar needed.

During the last leg of my trip to Bucharest, I had a layover in Frankfurt, Germany and met up with my mom’s friend and 4-year old daughter before boarding a crowded plane. I sat in a row with a young couple. They were definitely in love, but I couldn’t understand a word they said, (I think they were talking in Romanian) and I’m glad for it. Their “puppy love” was disgustingly sweet but I was surprised that I was so tired from the trip that I managed to sleep while they yammered on.

Once we landed in Romania, I walked with my mom’s friend and her daughter to the baggage claim. We hired a porter and he didn’t understand English, but he was very eager to help none-the-less. We grabbed our bags and then met my mom and dad. My mom’s friend parted ways when we hailed our taxis but promised to meet up again.

In the taxi my dad was eager to get me accustomed to everything in Bucharest. The first lesson: communicating with people. Just like the porter, the taxi driver didn’t speak English so we had to communicate in broken English and the bit of Romanian that my parents knew. Although Romanians learn English in school it doesn’t mean that they have a chance to use it. Since I only know English, I am already labeled and possibly targeted for trouble if I am not careful. (I’ll explain more about that later.)

The taxi ride to my parent’s apartment was a great, eye-opening experience about life here in Romania. The taxi driver wove his way through fairly heavy traffic. His brakes were well used and in great working-condition I must say! One second we’re flying through the streets, another second we’re stopped because a car in front of us is trying to park or turn a corner. I’m not at all worried about the type of driving because I took taxis in Beijing and Singapore, where everything is cramped and it’s normal to get within centimeters close to the car next to you. But one thing my father did warn me about is if the taxi does get into a fender-bender be ready for the driver to get into a physical fight.

We make it to my parent’s building, (which they say it’s in the center of the center of Bucharest), the taxi driver drove up onto the sidewalk and parked the car. This is beyond normal; it’s practically a courtesy to park your car on the sidewalks probably because the roads are so narrow. However, as a pedestrian it can be quite a nuisance. My dad explained that Romanians are still very new to the idea of personal ownership of cars. Before the Romanian Revolution in 1989, only communist leaders were able to own cars and banned everyone else from having their own car. {Still looking for a reference so don't quote me on that...} Now that that ban is lifted practically everyone owns a car and there isn’t a whole lot of parking available. So people get inventive with their parking. Somehow it still manages to work out.

Street parking close to the building that holds opera concerts

Street parking in front of La Mama (the first restaurant I ate at in Romania)

I have been here for a couple of days now and I’ve enjoyed the food, the hospitality, and the beautiful weather. I love the journey so far, but I heard about the corruption and crime that bubbles up in the city from time to time. So I’ll be a sponge and observe. The worst thing one can do when traveling is be naïve. I’ll let you know what I’ll find out about Bucharest, Romania.