As countries go, Romania often gets a bad rap. What associations come to mind when you think of Romania? Maybe it's roaming gypsies or hordes of stray dogs. Hardly makes you want to book a ticket on the next plane to Bucharest. What about its tourist highlights? It seems they often revolve around medieval sights and fortified churches. But I found a different Romania, one with bucolic valleys, scenic mountain villages, fine wines, verdant parks and chic boutique hotels.
Cafes & Crafts
Just off Bucharest's broad thoroughfare, Calia Victoriei, a shaded alley beckons. On the weekend, the Green Garden, an outdoor crafts market, is in full swing. Hand-painted cotton slippers, ceramic plates with images of bay windows, felted animals, collage ceramic pendants, glass jewelry, even an origami candleholder are all for sale. As I wander among the vendors, I gaze past the clutch of shoppers to the alley's terminus where Green Hours 22 Club Jazz Cafe is situated. Sitting under an old sycamore, I ordered one of their many freshly made lemonades (one with rose syrup) and a pizza topped with red onions, corn and tuna. One resident who lives down the street tells me this is his favorite spot where all the cool people hang out -- he's seen celebs that include Keifer Sutherland and Demi Moore. The place has such a low-key but hip vibe that it wouldn't be out of place in Manhattan. I return the next day for a glass of full-bodied wine from Romania's Prahova Valley.
Green Spaces
The middle of Bucharest is coated with an expansive green space that's the second oldest park in Bucharest. Cismigiu is populated by a diverse selection of 19th- and 20th-century trees, including weeping willows, oaks, red spruce and Japanese red pines. On Saturdays and Sundays, the whole city seems to gravitate here to row on the man-made lake, stroll the network of paths and picnic on the spacious lawns. Several cafes are positioned with scenic lake views. I wander to the many petite gardens, including a peaceful Asian-landscaped plot with trickling water. Nearby, a long pedestrian way is crowded with flea market vendors selling everything from herbal tinctures to fur coats.
Ski Resorts
Sinaia is dominated by the Carpathians, which form a dramatic backdrop in this charming ski town that's also popular in the summer for its hiking. Most of the buildings in town display a mountain chalet-type architecture that is more typical of Swiss villages. Located in the Prahova Valley, the town is rimmed by thick forests. Beyond, cable cars rise up the slopes of the Bucegi Mountains. I escape the summer heat in nearby Dimitrie Ghica Park, an oasis with conifers, spruce and chestnut trees. Snuggled in the park are two hotels from another era: the Caraiman Hotel dates to the late 19th century, and the Palace Hotel has been open since 1911.
Set at 3,000 feet above sea level, under the shadow of the massive Caraiman and Costila peaks, Busteni is a much more economical resort compared to Sinaia. Rugged heli skiing, rock climbing and extreme skiing are the prime activities here where the sawtooth mountains display their barren pinnacles. Visitors can stay in the town's few hotels and then take a quick train ride to Sinaia for more skiing options.
At an even higher altitude (3,400 feet), Predeal is at the border between Transylvania and Walachia provinces. The recently renovated Hotel Orizont presents a contemporary option to the typical Swiss-style architecture. In the expansive nature-themed reception-lounge space where I sipped a cappuccino, Y-shaped tree barks with gilded studs stand at attention while the floor is inset with glass portions covering river stones. Designed by architect Christian Boltres, the hotel, which retains some traditional elements, including homestyle Romanian offerings in their restaurants, boasts sun-filled suites, including my favorite: the executive apartment on the top floor. (One of its bedrooms is complete with a hot tub.) The mountain views are so captivating, particularly from the Sky Lounge, the bar that's open until 5 a.m., that I find it hard to pry myself away from the windows.
Wine
Azuga isn't just another ski town that beginner-intermediate skiers favor. It's also a center for sparkling wine production. The Rhein Wine Cellar-Rhein and Company has been in operation since the 19th century, even providing wines to the royal family -- their Brut Imperial was their preferred selection. (It's a blend of mostly Chardonnay and plus Feteasca grapes.) In their museum room, you can explore the array of vintage wine labels and wine making equipment. Their informal accommodations are named for grape varieties. But probably the most curious finding is the bear warning poster displayed prominently on the door to their restaurant. (Apparently, brown bears make occasional appearances looking for food -- not wine -- as they wander from the surrounding slopes.)
Medieval Towns Offering More Than History
Brasov is on the list of most who visit Romania. But I wander beyond the usual tourist haunts in this city that was first mentioned in the 13th century. Though located in the new part of town, the five-star Villa Prato makes for a luxe base to explore the old town that dates back to the 16th century. For those who'd rather stay at an enclave in the older part of the city, Hotel Bella Musica occupies a 400-year-old building that's dressed with vintage furnishings. (One apartment even retains part of the old fortress wall.) Veering off the Strada Republic, the main pedestrian street, I stop for dinner at Proto that specializes in homemade pasta, such as tagliatelle with porcini, shrimp and cherry tomatoes. I watch the foot traffic along this narrow walking street from an outside terrace. For dessert, I head to newly opened Deliciile Kronstdt, a quaint pastry shop where a flower motif is prominent. Ensconced at a wee table outside, I nibble on tiny Disney marzipan characters and a mascarpone cake with walnuts, peaches and white chocolate.
On the periphery of Sibiu, a village founded in the 12th century, the ASTRA National Museum in Dumbrava Park offers lessons in history in a nature-centered, open air venue. A network of walking trails wander through this museum that's snuggled in a 240-acre forest. Myriad ethnographic structures, from a pipe maker's homestead to a wooden watermill, dot the wooded landscape. I stroll the lanes, passing families and couples of all ages, to get up-close views of a paddle wheel ferry, a canoe hollowed out of a tree trunk and a windmill.
Because I have a medical background, whenever I have the opportunity, I drop into medical, surgical, dental or pharmaceutical museums. I find the Pharmacy Museum situated in a 16th-century building, to be little visited. In fact, asking my concierge for directions elicited bewilderment: He had never heard of it. More than 6,000 items spanning more than three centuries are packed into four rooms in this museum that's smack in the middle of the old quarter. Wooden jars with herbs, a bronze grinding mortar, elaborately-painted porcelain storage vessels, a pill-making press and a medicine cabinet, all from the 17th to 18th century, are just a few of the memorabilia on display.
Balea Lake
A narrow ribbon of a road curls up the densely wooded slopes on the way to Balea Lake, set at 6,700 feet. It's hard to not gape at the bucolic scenery dominated by deep valleys, tumbling waterfalls and ragged peaks. I count myself lucky to experience this road in September: It's usually only passable in July and August. (The rest of the year it's often coated with massive amounts of snow.) Near the base of the terminal of the cable car that soars up to the lake, vendors sell cheeses, sausages, pork and breads. Farther up the mountain, on one precipice, a family sets out a colorful blanket and picnic basket.
Beside the teal blue glacial lake, the Cabana Balea Lac, an accommodation and restaurant, is replete with taxidermy: Bear skin, wild boar and wolf skin rugs decorate the walls; antler chandeliers hang from the ceiling. I sit on the waterfront patio and order their specialty, trout cooked with olive oil, onion and garlic and baked in foil. While I wait for my lunch, I notice a lone hiker tackling one of the network of slim paths that course through the high peaks. Knowing it's almost five hours back to Bucharest, I forgo dessert and roll slowly down the sinuous mountain road that never fails to provide atmospheric views. A vendor sells sausage and cheese beside a small cascade where many visitors stop for photo ops, and a dense flock of sheep migrate into the road followed by the shepherd's two aggressive dogs that have no problem keeping them in line.
As countries go, Romania often gets a bad rap. What associations come to mind when you think of Romania? Maybe it's roaming gypsies or hordes of stray dogs. Hardly makes you want to book a ticket on t...
As countries go, Romania often gets a bad rap. What associations come to mind when you think of Romania? Maybe it's roaming gypsies or hordes of stray dogs. Hardly makes you want to book a ticket on t...
Yep Romania is a great place, the people are wonderful, and i like their traditions/food/culture, will be there again this year, my third visit, The bad press they get are through ignorance, and the media picks isolated events to blanket everyone the same. Can't wait to return..
Young_Billy: Yep Romania is a great place, the people are wonderful,
Lovely article Jeanine :) and I must say your article pretty much echoes my sentiments about this lovely beautiful country. I am an Indian living here in Bucharest, Romania for the past 7 years and I am enjoying every bit of it. I invite each one of the Huffington Post readers to come and explore this country not only for pleasure but also to live and maybe set up their businesses in this wonderful country.
Happy New Year everyone or La Multi Ani as they say here in Romantic Romania.
Vijay
bucharesttutor: Lovely article Jeanine :) and I must say your article
Really nice post, Romania is indeed an interesting country for tourism. Did you know it has some of the last remaining primary/virgin forests in Europe ? An incredible tresor of biodiversity that we managed to preserve until today but that is under threat. If this subject interests you, just google "Vita Sylvae Conservation", a foundation that is fighting to preserve this forests.
smfnunes: Really nice post, Romania is indeed an interestinÂg country for
Hi smfnunes, Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, I did know that Romania is blanked with virgin forests. As a tree hugger, I was thrilled to find out that they hadn't destroyed these woodlands to make way for condo developments! Thanks so much for pointing that out to everyone here.
hp_blogger_Jeanine Barone: Hi smfnunes, Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, I did know
Dear Janine, thank you so much for the wonderful article about my country. It rarely happens that Western media writes positively about Romania, therefore, I really don't understand why my fellow countrymen felt so attacked by your headline with gypsies and dogs, the truth is, this is the only way we are depicted in the West! (plus prostitutes and corruption). I've been raised in both Germany and Romania and suffer every single time when I get confronted with prejudice and arrogance. Your article shows that Romania is far beyond the dangerous third-world country people say it to be. I recently even read a comment in a German newspaper called Spiegel (which is almost respectable) where someone said that Germans who are unhappy with their economic situation should travel to Somalia or Romania for a change. How can they dare comparison??? We are a European, old and respectable country full of opportunities for everyone, and I thoroughly thank you that you have shared this with your readers.
Have a wonderful 2012!
Kind regards, Sma
SmarandaDE: Dear Janine, thank you so much for the wonderful article
Hi SmarandaDE, Really appreciate your comments. Very surprising about that article in Das Spiegel. But, so many fall for stereotypes. And I'm hoping that my article will help put Romania in a new light for those travelers who were misinformed about the country.
hp_blogger_Jeanine Barone: Hi SmarandaDE, Really appreciate your comments. Very surprising about that
3rd post
Next day point to Maramuresh county a NW region which is a must-see for its old unspoiled tradition (definitively give an afternoon for the famous Merry Cemetery in Sapintza). On the next day have too a journey with the old narrow railway train from Valea Vaserului (Wassertal). It's gorgeous. Then pass to Bucovina and see the treasure of all monasteries Romania possesses. As others already suggested here, have a stop in Iasi, the former capital of Moldavia. Last but not least, point towards Danube's Delta, a unique place. Take from Sulina daily tours into the Delta, I was last summer and it's lovely. Fly back to NY from Bucharest. How about such a tour ? :)
QuestWnd: 3rd post Next day point to Maramuresh county a NW
2nd post
Then, the city has the oldest brewery in Romania (1718). Nearby the brewery you'll find a huge over 6000lb, 20ft tall beer pint, that deserves entering into the Guinness Book of World Records. Not to mention that the city is the 1st one on the continental Europe that had its public streets lighted with electric bulbs, the 1st electric tram, the 1st public library in Romania (1815), the 1st ambulance service in Romania and Hungary started here. The 1st soccer play in Romania happened here (1899). I'll be honored to guide you through the city.
Since you've already visited the Capital and Transylvania, my suggestion is you should assign Timisoara as the start point for your next journey to Romania. You may reach the city by plane, from NYC just one stop (Munich, Rome, or Vienna at your choice). Come in April, since the city blossoms of roses, dark-violet trees, white-flowers cherry-alike ornamental trees, etc. The Bega river channel rivieras become in this period a true boulevard for pedestrians. Have a 2 hrs car drive to Baile Herculane (Herculane Baths) an ancient 2000 years old Roman baths, where legend says that Hercules cured the wounds inflicted by the Hydra by bathing in the mineral springs of this area. Take time to relax in the hot spring near the well-preserved 19th century town. (to be cont'd)
QuestWnd: 2nd post Then, the city has the oldest brewery in
Happy New Year Jeanine !
I join to all those who are gratefull to you for this fair article about Romania :)
What I would emphasize is that for your next trip to Romania you should definitely plan too a day or two in Timisoara. "Michelin Travel Guide" honored just a couple of Romanian locations with 2 stars, Timisoara being one of them, along to Bucharest, Brasov and Sighisoara.
Timisoara is known for its consistent baroque and secession architecture, having the largest legacy in this domain (over 14000 historic buildings !!) across Romania. Piata Unirii (Union Square) is one of the most famous baroque places the city may offer to its visitors. Actually Wiki Loves Monuments awarded this square with the 1st place for Romania. In many respects, it is the abundance of Secessionist architecture that has provided Timisoara with its rather appropriate moniker, "Little Vienna." Then, you will benefit from a closer look to the city where Romanian anti-Communist revolution began in December 1989. Then, it's the birth city of Ioan Holender, Vienna's Staats Oper general manager for the last 10 years !! Opera in Timisoara was appreciated as far back as the end of the 18th century. Joseph Strauss started out as Musical Director in Timisoara, where he composed and presented the world premiere of Faust's Life and Deeds. Franz Liszt also performed in Timisoara in 1846. Johnny Weissmuller, Hollywood's original Tarzan, was born in Timisoara. (to be cont'd)
QuestWnd: Happy New Year Jeanine ! I join to all those
Thank you for sharing Romania that I did not know.
They have one most nice looking shepherd dog as well - the Mioritic, from Carpathian Mountains. When I visit Romania, I will start my story from right here - the Mioritic :-)
SaulZ: Thank you for sharing Romania that I did not know.
What??? What passport do you think they carry if not Romanian? Since when is citizenship based on ethnicity? Does being descended from people who arrived in the territory during Roman times (or, for that matter, earlier), prior to the arrival of the Romani make those people more Romanian? In order for you to get the point that you seem to have misunderstood in my previous comment, imagine if a Romanian travel writer wrote the following about NYC:
"As cities go, New York often gets a bad rap. What associations come to mind when you think of New York? Maybe it's roaming Blacks or hordes of sewer rats. Hardly makes you want to book a ticket on the next plane to New York."
Now do you understand how incredibly hurtful your opening line would be to anyone who happens to be a Romanian "Gypsy" and has suffered centuries of oppression and at least one attempt at genocide?
Of course, a Romanian writer would never write such a thing, as one of their recommended NYC neighborhoods to visit would be Harlem, for the extraordinary opportunity to see how the African-American community lives today and to learn more about its history, vital as it is to an overall understanding of American history and culture. The exact same thing can be said about the Romani in Romania. Wouldn't you agree?
Guyserpraha: What??? What passport do you think they carry if not
Jeanine, I only hope that next time when you go to Romania if ever, your hosts will take you to really off-beaten tracks. Snobs go to Sinaia and Predeal because they don't know any better. It's comfy not to go too far from Bucharest where "roaming gypsies or hordes of stray dogs" fill the streets. Isn't that right? How about I write an article about New York that starts something like that: "As cities go, New York often gets a bad rap from I see in the movies. What associations come to mind when you think of New York? Maybe it's roaming drug dealers or hordes of cheap prostitutes down the streets of south Bronx? Hardly makes you want to book a ticket on the next plane to New York."
After reading this, I hope you better understand my point about the journalistic contrast you try to make in your article.
If you really want to write articles about off beaten tracks in Romania, please do some research first, eventually befriend some Romanians. The essence of this country lies in its traditions and history. The whitewash of modernity makes you feel like in a bad movie set. Go to traditional villages, spend some time there, climb the mountains, eat the local food, do what the Romans do (pun intended). Then write a true article to your value about places worth discovering in this part of Europe.
Hufffan4: Jeanine, I only hope that next time when you go
Hi Huffian4, Thanks for your comments. Misconceptions abound with regard to many countries. Israel, for example, is often thought of only in connection with the conflict or religious sights. I've mentioned that in many of my travel articles and pointed out that the Israel I most love has fabulous wine bars, mountain biking in the desert, design shops and an exuberant club scene. There are abundant misconceptions associated with New York City, my home town, including that it's the dirtiest city in the U.S., the subways are so dangerous that you don't dare ride them late at night, and forget about venturing into Central Park after dark -- all untrue. Whenever I write an article about New York City, I attempt, like I did here with my piece on Romania, to dispel myths and point out sights that tourists might not gravitate to. So, rather than mentioning the Empire State Building, or the Statue of Liberty, I write about kayaking in the Hudson River or jogging through Hudson River Park. Back to Romania: I didn't have hosts. The itinerary I set for this trip was determined by my interests. And, this article is a mere snippet of everything I did during brief time in the country. I did venture from Bucharest, visiting many small, traditional villages and hamlets, such as Viscri, Fiser, Bunesti, Zabola and numerous others. In each destination, I ate in local restaurants and sampled traditional foods, such as pananasi, saramale, mamaliga, zucusca, suberek and sarmale.
hp_blogger_Jeanine Barone: Hi Huffian4, Thanks for your comments. Misconceptions abound with regard
Ah, I was wondering how long before someone showed up on a high horse to pontificate about the REEAL off-beaten tracks which he/she, of course knows oh so well. There's nothing wrong with Sinaia or Predeal and there are plenty of places off the beaten track there, too.
Suntio: Ah, I was wondering how long before someone showed up
Hi Suntio, thanks for your comments. One can find off-the-beaten-track locales even in the most highly tourist-laden areas of the world. Sinaia, Predeal and all of the towns, villages and cities I visited in Romania offered plenty in the way of authenticity.
hp_blogger_Jeanine Barone: Hi Suntio, thanks for your comments. One can find off-the-beaten-track
I would like to respond to Razvan’s comment on the ethnic and historical parts that make up Romania. As a Romanian I entirely disagree that Romania is a Latin country. Romania’s history is poorly understood both by Romanian laymen and historians in Romania. My own opinion and research shows that the native population of Romania were in fact the “Goths” who were most definitely the ancient “Getae” and did not migrate from Scandinavia in the 3rd C. AD as a good deal of mis-informed Scandinavians claim. This population of Goths led by Alareik from Tulcea, Romania eventually sacked the city of Rome itself. Latinization is a difficult topic and was more likely than not an ongoing process to our modern times. What is known is that Atawulf in Spain decided to Romanize the Goths and we can speculate that in the eastern parts of the Roman Empire where the Goths were at the periphery the process also took place although, at a much slower pace. The truth of the matter is that Romania encompasses many different ethnic groups in our modern form. We can not rule out the effect of the many Asiatic steppe people that migrated into the region. What we can say with certainty is that modern “Romanians” agreed in modern times to name the country so due to the fact that assimilation of many different people would be easier to accomplish in a Roman format than in a purely ethnic one.
Getwulf: Helloâ¦! I would like to respond to Razvanâs comment on
In a sense Romania is a lot like America… Main ethnic groups in ancient times would have been… Dacians, Getae/“Goths”, Roman colonists (later evacuated and in some cases outright killed), Huns, Gepids (also a Gothic people) After the 6th C. AD these people would give way to Avars, Slavs, Cumans and eventually Vlachs (aka Armanji) who would later make modern Romania after the 13th C. AD…
Regards,
Getwulf
Getwulf: ...cont'd In a sense Romania is a lot like Americaâ¦
this is really absurd! where do you come up with these kind of ideas. just one remark about Vlachs? olahs, valon, vlasi, voloch, vloch, welsh, is one and the same thing, Romance speaking population, meaing Romanians Italians etc, it's an exonim> meaning you cannot mix romanians with vlachs< they are the same thing...in a sense pseudo-science is a lot like science
Mihai_Iustin_Tara: this is really absurd! where do you come up with
Thank you Jeanine for the article,the country does look better from the outside than inside!I live in Bucharest and i believe we still have a long way to go;i know that there is a very large number of romanians living outside the country and i believe they can and should do more,in every aspect,for the country they were born in!
Let's make it a New Year Resolution!
Happy New Year!
kimonloghi: Thank you Jeanine for the article,the country does look better
Hi Guyserpraha, So sorry you feel that way. What's great about the Huffington Post is that we can all voice our views and opinions. Wishing you a great 2012.
hp_blogger_Jeanine Barone: Hi Guyserpraha, So sorry you feel that way. What's great
Thanks for a well written article which presents Romania in a positive light. It brings also some fond memories to me: I spent my childhood literally in the Cismigiu garden (our 3rd floor balkony was next to one of the century-old trees in the park and I spent contless hours in the playgrounds and on the lake). I did a lot of skiing, hiking and rock climbing in the Bucegi mountains, being a regular passenger every weekend on the train from Bucharest to Sinaia, Busteni or Predeal. In the 1980s I did several trips on bicycle to Balea Lac on the Transfagaras highway and I used to finish my skiing season there in the middle of the summer. I don't know too much about the restaurants and cafes in Bucharest, most of these places opened (or reopened) after I left Romania in 1988. I remember one place in particular - "Carul cu Bere" ("the Beer Wagon"), where I used to go with my classamates when I was a student at the Polytechnical University in Bucharest.
Nick S, New Jersey
Nichita_Sandru: Thanks for a well written article which presents Romania in
Hi Nichita, Really appreciate your comments. How wonderful that you were able to spend so much time in Cismigiu --I love that park -- and also have the opportunity to ski with views of those awe-inspiring mountains.
hp_blogger_Jeanine Barone: Hi Nichita, Really appreciate your comments. How wonderful that you
Happy New Year everyone or La Multi Ani as they say here in Romantic Romania.
Vijay
Have a wonderful 2012!
Kind regards, Sma
Next day point to Maramuresh county a NW region which is a must-see for its old unspoiled tradition (definitively give an afternoon for the famous Merry Cemetery in Sapintza). On the next day have too a journey with the old narrow railway train from Valea Vaserului (Wassertal). It's gorgeous. Then pass to Bucovina and see the treasure of all monasteries Romania possesses. As others already suggested here, have a stop in Iasi, the former capital of Moldavia. Last but not least, point towards Danube's Delta, a unique place. Take from Sulina daily tours into the Delta, I was last summer and it's lovely. Fly back to NY from Bucharest. How about such a tour ? :)
Then, the city has the oldest brewery in Romania (1718). Nearby the brewery you'll find a huge over 6000lb, 20ft tall beer pint, that deserves entering into the Guinness Book of World Records. Not to mention that the city is the 1st one on the continental Europe that had its public streets lighted with electric bulbs, the 1st electric tram, the 1st public library in Romania (1815), the 1st ambulance service in Romania and Hungary started here. The 1st soccer play in Romania happened here (1899). I'll be honored to guide you through the city.
Since you've already visited the Capital and Transylvania, my suggestion is you should assign Timisoara as the start point for your next journey to Romania. You may reach the city by plane, from NYC just one stop (Munich, Rome, or Vienna at your choice). Come in April, since the city blossoms of roses, dark-violet trees, white-flowers cherry-alike ornamental trees, etc. The Bega river channel rivieras become in this period a true boulevard for pedestrians. Have a 2 hrs car drive to Baile Herculane (Herculane Baths) an ancient 2000 years old Roman baths, where legend says that Hercules cured the wounds inflicted by the Hydra by bathing in the mineral springs of this area. Take time to relax in the hot spring near the well-preserved 19th century town. (to be cont'd)
I join to all those who are gratefull to you for this fair article about Romania :)
What I would emphasize is that for your next trip to Romania you should definitely plan too a day or two in Timisoara. "Michelin Travel Guide" honored just a couple of Romanian locations with 2 stars, Timisoara being one of them, along to Bucharest, Brasov and Sighisoara.
Timisoara is known for its consistent baroque and secession architecture, having the largest legacy in this domain (over 14000 historic buildings !!) across Romania. Piata Unirii (Union Square) is one of the most famous baroque places the city may offer to its visitors. Actually Wiki Loves Monuments awarded this square with the 1st place for Romania. In many respects, it is the abundance of Secessionist architecture that has provided Timisoara with its rather appropriate moniker, "Little Vienna." Then, you will benefit from a closer look to the city where Romanian anti-Communist revolution began in December 1989. Then, it's the birth city of Ioan Holender, Vienna's Staats Oper general manager for the last 10 years !! Opera in Timisoara was appreciated as far back as the end of the 18th century. Joseph Strauss started out as Musical Director in Timisoara, where he composed and presented the world premiere of Faust's Life and Deeds. Franz Liszt also performed in Timisoara in 1846. Johnny Weissmuller, Hollywood's original Tarzan, was born in Timisoara. (to be cont'd)
They have one most nice looking shepherd dog as well - the Mioritic, from Carpathian Mountains. When I visit Romania, I will start my story from right here - the Mioritic :-)
"As cities go, New York often gets a bad rap. What associations come to mind when you think of New York? Maybe it's roaming Blacks or hordes of sewer rats. Hardly makes you want to book a ticket on the next plane to New York."
Now do you understand how incredibly hurtful your opening line would be to anyone who happens to be a Romanian "Gypsy" and has suffered centuries of oppression and at least one attempt at genocide?
Of course, a Romanian writer would never write such a thing, as one of their recommended NYC neighborhoods to visit would be Harlem, for the extraordinary opportunity to see how the African-American community lives today and to learn more about its history, vital as it is to an overall understanding of American history and culture. The exact same thing can be said about the Romani in Romania. Wouldn't you agree?
After reading this, I hope you better understand my point about the journalistic contrast you try to make in your article.
If you really want to write articles about off beaten tracks in Romania, please do some research first, eventually befriend some Romanians. The essence of this country lies in its traditions and history. The whitewash of modernity makes you feel like in a bad movie set. Go to traditional villages, spend some time there, climb the mountains, eat the local food, do what the Romans do (pun intended). Then write a true article to your value about places worth discovering in this part of Europe.
Btw, if I had written a piece about NYC, i would have strated from one of my student days, when I prevented a mugging unintentionally LOL.
I would like to respond to Razvan’s comment on the ethnic and historical parts that make up Romania. As a Romanian I entirely disagree that Romania is a Latin country. Romania’s history is poorly understood both by Romanian laymen and historians in Romania. My own opinion and research shows that the native population of Romania were in fact the “Goths” who were most definitely the ancient “Getae” and did not migrate from Scandinavia in the 3rd C. AD as a good deal of mis-informed Scandinavians claim. This population of Goths led by Alareik from Tulcea, Romania eventually sacked the city of Rome itself. Latinization is a difficult topic and was more likely than not an ongoing process to our modern times. What is known is that Atawulf in Spain decided to Romanize the Goths and we can speculate that in the eastern parts of the Roman Empire where the Goths were at the periphery the process also took place although, at a much slower pace. The truth of the matter is that Romania encompasses many different ethnic groups in our modern form. We can not rule out the effect of the many Asiatic steppe people that migrated into the region. What we can say with certainty is that modern “Romanians” agreed in modern times to name the country so due to the fact that assimilation of many different people would be easier to accomplish in a Roman format than in a purely ethnic one.
In a sense Romania is a lot like America… Main ethnic groups in ancient times would have been… Dacians, Getae/“Goths”, Roman colonists (later evacuated and in some cases outright killed), Huns, Gepids (also a Gothic people) After the 6th C. AD these people would give way to Avars, Slavs, Cumans and eventually Vlachs (aka Armanji) who would later make modern Romania after the 13th C. AD…
Regards,
Getwulf
Let's make it a New Year Resolution!
Happy New Year!
Nick S, New Jersey