Change is the only constant
When I first came to Romania as a tourist back in May of 2004, I felt very much the part of pioneer. It was a far away land of which I understood very little.
I had managed to learn a few basic words before arriving. I had read a few reference books on history and culture. I had a very dear friend who thoughtfully arranged some introductions with her old friends for me to meet in Braşov. And I had made a couple of friendly contacts chatting with some guys over the internet whom I could meet in other parts of the country.
I had been warned to watch out for beggars and thieves. Warned to avoid instant-friends who would attempt to take advantage of my relatively better economic status. Warned to absolutely not trust anything any romanca would say, because they’d lie through their teeth and sell their own mother just to get a visa.
That’s about the extent of my preparations. Armed with a camera and credit card, I stepped aboard the plane to travel halfway around the world alone. Yeehaw.
At the airport, my first contact was with Romanian taxi drivers whom I shook off until the rental car arrived. I climbed inside and left the terminal in search of the highway north out of the Bucureşti metroplex where I learned how to drive like a local.
Most everyone I met during that trip was extremely friendly and quite helpful. I bumped into one or two Romanians who try to leech off you because they think you’re rich and will pay for their everything, but fortunately I learned this stereotype of scamster is a very rare breed not at all representing Romania.
I’d even go so far as to argue the opposite is true. There are far fewer thieves in Romania than bogus rumors would have you believe because most people respect one another. While friendships can develop quickly because of mutual interest in cultural exchange, Romanians are incredibly hospitable and generous, not leeches. The ladies are unfairly maligned; most have more of a moral compass than many of their Western counterparts.
For anyone else having trepidation about coming to Romania because of things you may have heard, let me assure that I survived rather well on a policy of being open without being put into any compromising positions. Actually, I had a total blast and felt very good about the new friends I had made along the way.
So much so, in fact, that I came back for a second dose a few months later in October. Again, I found myself sucked into a series of adventures I’m not sure I’ll ever forget. By the time I was back home in the United States, I realized I was developing a crush on Romania.
I would have to go back a third time. But when?
It took a little longer than I had hoped because late 2004 found me overwhelmed with business commitments which precluded any return to my beloved Transylvania in early 2005. My plans had been dashed against the rocks of responsibilities of the time. But I kept a little candle lit for Dacia.
Then, in the summer of 2005, things began to change for me as those turbulent days came to a close. I underwent a complicated thinking process about where I was and what I wanted to be doing. Some might call it soul searching. Others might call it a mid-life crisis, although I’m not so sure I’m old enough to qualify for that one just yet.
After casting about, it hit me. I wanted to go to Romania.
This time I wouldn’t be a tourist like before, but I would actually move there. Sell almost everything I owned in America. Craigslist, eBay, Amazon. I dumped it all on a fire sale. It was a Romer!can Sales Event! Everything. Must. Go.
My friends were in a state of disbelief because they couldn’t comprehend making such a change, plus they weren’t too sure where Romania was anyway. I mean, it’s like -uh- over there somewhere, right? Aşa e.
I think my sisters, parents, and other family members were probably caught off guard by such a dramatic move, but they towed the party line of supporting the big change.
The main question: was when would I come back?
Gazing into the oblique crystal ball isn’t an easy task, even for a tarot-toting fortune teller.
My best guess was that I would be in Romania for two to three years. Beyond that, I couldn’t be sure as it was just too far away to know.
The plan was to come here, see more of Romania, get more into the culture both traditional and modern, make friends, have a life, and generally jump in with both feet. Sink or swim, I was going to uproot and replant here. And I did.
My intention — as one or two of you have alluded to — has been to write a book about Romania. Something that makes Romania more accessible to the West, because I think Romania is unjustifiably marginalized as being radically different when I feel it’s actually quite similar to the rest of Europe and even the United States.
You’re not freaks. Nothing to be scared of.
I want to see increase political ties. I want to see increased commerce. I want to see a major uptick in tourism from Americans, British, Australians, French, Germans, and others.
Not necessarily budget-restricted backpackers on a hike or a sleazy businessman passing through overnight to blow 50€ on a half hour with an independent escort service. I mean regular tourists. Young couples. Older couples. Families, even. Groups seeking historical travel opportunities. People improving their tans on the Black Sea. Ecology buffs interested in the Danube Delta.
Of course, I cannot control all that. But my desire was to publish a book about Romania as I’ve come to see it, not the anachronistic way much of the West continues to pigeon-hole it. I’d like to share both the impressive and the idiosyncratic.
And I will. Wait and see. It won’t be too long before I can update you on this matter in the future. Keep your credit cards defrosted so when the checkered flag waves, you’ll know what to buy Bunica for Craciun.
This little blog has served as part of my preparations as a dry run and trial balloon. All the conversations you and I have had via this crude medium have meant a lot to me. Your hospitality and insight have been invaluable.
Now, about a month ago, I’d just reappeared after an unscheduled hiatus, the reasons for which I explained and apologized. Since then, I’ve been attempting to keep our various threads active. Yet, we still have much more to discuss from both 2007 and 2006. I can’t write as fast as it all happens!
There’s a catch, however.
I know you. My readers aren’t particularly stupid. I don’t attract that type. You’ve read this far and you could feel it coming. That little lump in your stomach. And your instincts served you well, my friend.
The news is that I’ll be leaving Romania.
The party who contacted me back in May have continued to keep an open dialog after I originally declined the unexpected and very interesting opportunity so that I would stay in Romania.
But the negotiations escalated to the point where I can no longer reasonably refuse what I find set before me. Honestly, it’s a strong enough offer I’d be a fool to say no.
As recently as early May, I would have bet the bank on my staying in Romania at least another year, if not longer. Yet, it would seem my original guesstimate was accidentally right. At least two years? When I leave soon, it will turn out to be almost exactly two years. I find it hard to believe.
I have already begun the process of getting my ducks in a row. I’m still not quite sure what to do with all the stuff I’ve accumulated here in Romania, but the hard decisions are in motion. In about one month, I will no longer live here.
Feel like giving me a piece of your mind? You may get the chance to do exactly that.
My rushed schedule is a bit “catch as catch can” but I’m committed to hosting a Texas-style barbecue for any readers who want to meet the guy behind the mask. That’s right; I’ll be personally grilling up some southern BBQ just for you. We’ll get ourself a big piece of beef, maybe some pork ribs. I’ll concoct some Romer!can barbeque sauce from scratch.
A regular hoe-down, y’all.
Where? That’s still up in the air. I’d very much prefer to have the party right here in the city of Bucuresti, but that depends on finding someone who feels comfortable opening up their home (okay, your porch is good enough) where we can have access to a grill, turn on some music, maybe a little wifi (if you’ve got internet, I can handle the rest), let people bring some beer (of course!), and generally turn your little place into the friendly darn homestead this side of the Rio Grande.
Any volunteers? Email me directly and let’s make a deal.
When? Unless there’s a darn good reason not to, I think we’d be looking at the afternoon and evening of Saturday, July 28th. I figure it’ll be safe to show up about 3 or 4pm so you can watch the master chef at work. We’d probably eat about 5 or so. Toss in a little time for chatting and drinking a beer. I figure most of you will head home by taxi around sundown. Of course, we could always take the party elsewhere if we’re still going strong…
Please post a comment and let me know how you feel about this plan. If it’s a bad idea, I need to know. If enough of you would come out, then I’d say let’s do it. If you would considering letting me BBQ at your place, definitely let me know.
As for the blog, we’re not done yet. Not by a long shot. I’ll be writing throughout the month, followed by a brief pause in early August as I get re-adjusted to Houston, then resume for as long as we’ve got a conversation about Romania. If you’re willing to stick around (even if it’s just to boo me), then I’ve got some more tales to tell and things to share with both my American readers and European audience.
Will I come back to Romania? O sa vedem noi.
It’s a crystal ball thing again, but I feel confident I’ll surely be back on vacation more than once in the nearish future. As to whether or not I’d move here, the future is uncertain at this time, but I feel favorably about the notion of finding myself a nice little bungalow (maybe on the seaside next time) where I could re-integrate myself with this second home I’ve come to love.
If you’d have me.
July 8th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
That’s very wierd… I was sitting here thinking about you an hour or so ago and wondering if I should email you and ask you the story behind your being in Romania.
I’ll really miss your take on things in a country I spent 5 years in and love dearly, but life moves on and your journey is your own.
I look forward to reading about the next chapter in your life! Good luck and I wish we could come to your BBQ but at that precise moment we’ll be flying to Canada for our summer vacation!
Cheers!
Kim
July 9th, 2007 at 12:54 am
i can’t believe this. sorry to see you go! well what do you know, i’ll be in ro for two weeks, the 28th being midway through my vacation.
if only you knew how much your words resonated… mostly because i might have a quarter-life crisis when i decided to stay just a little more with Uncle Sam. Even now i cannot say when i’ll be back and so on. I wish people (read family and friends in particular) stopped making me choose between here and there and demand a timeline to my return or decide if “ma stabilesc aici.” that’s as unreasonable as asking me to tell which company i will retire from.
cheers Romer!can. Hopefully i’ll see you in good old hot dusty Bucharest.
July 9th, 2007 at 1:04 am
Kim - I’m very sorry I will not be able to make the unannounced trip to Tirana which I had hoped to make in the immediate future. Alas, I am stuck with the secondary vision of coming your way some time in 2008. You’re someone I want to meet.
ruxi - It’s a tough call with outside influences. I was fortunate that my immediate family was supportive of my decision to move to Romania, even if they secretly hoped I’d be back soonish when, in fact, I made it quite clear that I had absolutely no definite plans to ever return to the US. Ma rog. Life comes as it does. You and I should head to Becker Brau when you’re here. Look for my email in a day or two. We’re gonna make something happen.
July 9th, 2007 at 1:15 am
So, you lived in Rumania for two years without being forced by your employer, without being a “third generation in search for roots” etc. ? That is a mighty high compliment :) and we should be grateful for it.
July 9th, 2007 at 3:17 am
I feel privileged and fortunate that I could hear this personally from you before I had to read it here, yet seeing it now written down returns the sadness to my heart.
Your words have been, and continue to be, a source of inspiration as well as a very pleasant exposure to a point of view very similar to my own, on life, on this country I live in, and on the importance of following one’s heart.
Similarly, I’m glad to have taken part, no matter how small, in your decision to go through with this barbecue, and you can bet on me being there if it pans out - a real-life, honest-to-goodness, authentic Texas-style barbecue? It might be the only chance I ever have to see one of those - I wouldn’t miss it for the world!
So, yeah, I really hope you find a place for the BBQ, and I’m also sad you have to leave, and… well, I’ll save the parting well-wishes for the farewell party.
Take care,
/Narc
July 9th, 2007 at 3:37 am
What an incredible announcement! My very best wishes to you and your literary future. Your site has given me so much, most arguably a glimpse into the daily life of a country in which I will be living two months from now! You must realize how valuable that is. Good luck, and don’t worry, I’ll gladly resume your “Texan in Romania” post when I arrive.
July 9th, 2007 at 5:19 am
Aw shucks, I don’t think I can book tickets in time to hit the BBQ! :)
July 9th, 2007 at 5:27 am
Emil - Without trying to be over the top, I can say with all humility that I feel quite honored to have met the people I have met (be they online or in person) who represent the very essence of this place. I await the chance to return, against all odds.
Narc - Dude, you’re a bigger stud than I could have possibly hoped to have found here in Rahova. If I didn’t love Brasov so much, I would regret not having moved here sooner. As it is, I can say it has been my pleasure to have met you and we ain’t done yet, homie.
You’re the inspiration behind the whole BBQ and you know it. Oh, sure, I bring the skills and all that, but if it weren’t for your constant nagging, berating and abjectly humiliating me, the BBQ idea would have probably never floated. And you know it.
Now, if only you could help us find a place to have it….
irish_pompano - Thank you for your kind wishes. I’m grateful to hear you managed to extract a little value here and there despite all the rift raft in the way. Can you tell us all where you’ll be? I’m probably not the only one who wants to know. ;]
And on that score, perhaps we should entertain the possibility of a few guest columns? I dunno; it’s just an idea.
RS - Baby, y’all were friggin awesome. What a night, eh? From lemons to lemonade; I loved it and I’m not the only one. All posts in good time. :]
July 9th, 2007 at 11:43 am
:(( This is bad…I would have killed to come. unfortunately, I have a wedding to attend on the 28th…Where will you be moving? Maybe I’ll see you there sometime. I imagine you will keep the blog running, under this name or another, so that we can keep in touch! Good luck with all your new plans, I am sure you’ll do great!
July 9th, 2007 at 11:46 am
Yeah, me blind :D Houston, right there :P Well, next time I visit the US, well, first time actually :D, I’ll see you there.
July 9th, 2007 at 11:57 am
Oh, just let me all over the place, once more: when, and how, and where is my antiperspirant, let’s not forget the DVDs, and let’s have a couple of parties before (duh!) you leave. And off topic, remember that Campionatul International de Bere, or whatever the name?… here you are a relevant link http://www.newz.ro/stiri/timisoreana-cea-mai-buna-blonda-din-lume_n40880.html
July 9th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Alina - Is it you who’s getting married? :D I can see how you might choose to attend that over a bbq. There’s possibly some wiggle room to go out for coffee or a beer before I go; I can drop you an email later this month as I get a better grip on my availability and we’ll see if there isn’t something that works for both of us.
As long as folks are still interesting in reading and conversing, I’ll keep this blog running with tales, photos, observations, and general Romania-centricness until we’ve exhausted my supply of materials, at which point I’ll bow out gracefully. I’ve got a few more whoppers left to drop like bombs, so I’m secretly hoping a couple of you stick around.
By all means, if you came over to Houston, I’d pretty much insist on showing you and your entourage around the city. Giddyap! And thanks for the kind wishes.
monsoux - The magic 8 ball says you’ll be slathered in creme by a handsome knight in shining armor. Yes, please, let’s not allow you to steal my DVDs and turn yourself in blog fodder. Depending on the whims of Force Majeure, it’s entirely possible we might find ourselves at a certain dance club in some kind of post-barbecue redemption.
Corect, domnule. You adroitly surmised I would be interested in such bountiful ballyhoo. I mean, puh-lease, these spin doctors at the Ursus Breweries would love for everyone to believe Timisoreana was the best blonde beer in the world.
What complicates things is when a giddy journalist with shallow adherence to what should be a craft not a punchclock willingly enables such prideful hyped schlock to replace any semblance of realism. Now, I can’t tell if Florin Cojocaru is a trembling intern unable to think for himself or just a plain talentless hack, but I don’t see much good journalism lurking within the articles bearing his name. Most of them look like regurgitated press releases written by John Q. Marketing. I’ll grade Florin at D+ because he does seem able to locate the spellchecker button.
Timisoreana was not proclaimed the best blonde beer in the world. That’s not what happened. It simply won an award. And yes there’s a difference. Granted, I still think that South African Breweries — the international giant who owns Ursus Brewery and, thus, Timisoreana — has something to be proud of. I mean, afterall, their brand did win a top award at a respectable international competition during one particular year.
“Timisoreana wins international beer competition” would have been an accurate and happy headline, if Cotidianul editors weren’t purposefully pandering to the nationalist crowd. To me, that’s the real story here. The only way they could have goofed it more would be to scream, “Romanian beer irrevocably proven to be best in the entire history of the world. Woo hoo. Go us.”
There was no “bere blonda” category to win. Many folks in Romania (and other countries) don’t seem to get the idea that there are varieties of beer similar to how there are types of wine (which somehow people remember). Anywho, Timisoareana was a competitor in the European-style Lager category, a rather bland group if the ever was one. Not bad, but nothing to write home about.
What did impress me was to see that there were 31 competitors in the contest. That’s not too bad of a sampling, considering you can’t drink everything around the globe at once. I was a little surprised to see good beers like Spaten, Hofbrau, Weihenstephan, Stella Artois, Holsten somehow managed to be judged inferior to Timisoreana which seems rather unconscionable, but then I had to take heart in learning that half the judges were from a single brewery (Lion Nathan) which actually produced Simpsons-inspired Duff beer. Meh.
Don’t you worry, I’ll pick up Campionatul Mondial de Bere and dust it off. When I finally get the time to post the results of my unprecedented excursion into the Romanian beer scene, then we’ll all truly know what the best Romanian beer is. Cu siguranta.
July 9th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Sure, please let me know when you could make some room for a beer. Well, I’ll have juice, doctor’s orders, but still, the actual drink is just a means, not a purpose:P
July 9th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
“America……F*ck yeah! Here to save the motherf*ck’n day yeah!”
-Team America
But seriously, heading back to the states huh? I can’t blame you though, if I was given a good job offer I would take it as well. If you are ever in Michigan hit me up and we’ll do a shot or two. Good luck with the journey.
July 9th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
You have a couple of fans in Louisiana and we’ll be missing your insightful posts on Romania but, hey, Houston is not too far, is it? Enjoy the remainder of your stay and good luck with the book - it sounds really promising.
We’ll only be visiting Ro. in October, boo :(
July 9th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
Timisoreana was the only romanian beer I didn’t try when I was there…I lost hope after awhile. Humorous.
July 9th, 2007 at 9:50 pm
This sucks.
And I’m afraid that I shan’t be available on the 28th, as I am leaving to the seaside that day.
But don’t mind me, parties are not my thing, you know me. I shall be very happy if I see you until then. I am coming back to Romania tomorrow and hopefully we can meet soon, maybe even this weekend if you are available and I am not overworking to forget about the holiday stress…
July 9th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
Alina - Where can we find the best socata in town? I’m afraid I am really going to miss that.
xamox - I think you probably know my preference is most definitely to stay in Romania, all other things being equal. Yet, I think this is a gift horse I’d regret if I looked it in the mouth.
(BTW, there’s no way you’ll get me into a Kalamazoo basement alone with you, even with all your Italian stallion sweet talk and those ripped abs. Judo chop!)
Raluca - Loseyanna! Well, hell, woman, that’s just a-right nextdoor now, y’he’ah? I suspect I’ll have my fair share of weekend roadtrips around the region (national & state parks in Texas and definitely into LA [not to be confused with L.A.]). I mean, Mardi Gras, anyone? Heh.
Coming in October? It would have been fun to meet you hear because it’s your home town and I generally learn cool new things when I’m out with locals proud of their town who can show me things/perspectives I hadn’t seen. On the other hand, you may have a better visit here without me dragging you down…
RS - Let me see if I cannot nab you a bottle. If so, I could drop one to you UPS. It’s a nice clean beer without any strong characteristics.
stingo - Seaside, eh? I’ve been trying to sort out my schedule to accommodate a trip to the sandy beaches of Romania. Who knows, maybe I could ruin your trip by showing up for a little while to bask in your reclusive glory.
I’ll drop you a line later this week about your hectic workaholism, mistor kittens. Friday seems a distinct possibility, but I’m not entirely confident about the rest of the weekend. Vedem, vedem.
July 10th, 2007 at 7:01 am
Well, if we could come back for one last barbecue, it would certainly be worth it! You know, before we took our trip to Romania this year, we read 3 travel books and many blogs. All of the scare-tactics and warnings never came to pass. We found Romania to be a delightful country and have several Romanian acquaintances here in the U.S. whose company we enjoy. Will make an effort to see you in Texas or in our parts, for sure. Hate to see you give up the Romanian culture, yet must wish you a welcome return!
July 10th, 2007 at 7:19 am
Glad that you had such awesome experiences in Romania, I only wish I could’ve come to see it for myself!!! Thank you for sharing and being a beautiful writer!!…..One thing is that at least you can take what you have seen, learned, and discovered with you….it is a bittersweet change, HOWEVER….. I am mighty grateful that you are returning to the states and cannot wait to see you (both).
July 10th, 2007 at 7:20 am
Oh Yeah….BRING ME SOME PALINCA!!!!!!!!! (spelling)
July 10th, 2007 at 11:25 am
mon ami - Judging by the feedback, it doesn’t look like there’s any interest in a barbecue, so I’ll probably just shelve that idea unless things change quickly.
Lacking in hard stats by which to compare, I don’t really understand all the fear surrounding Romania. Granted, in Bucuresti, you might have to be a bit more wary of pickpockets but no more so than any other European capital, in my experience. From an anecdotal point of view, I think Romania fairs just as well as New York or Los Angeles (okay, that’s a fib because I bet RO beats N.Y. and L.A.).
Glad you had a good time visiting The Real Europe(tm). Now you shock those Romanian-American friends of yours with tales from the road that prove you actually braved the wilds of Eastern Europe’s bad boy of the Balkans. Or some such.
It’ll be nice to see y’all in your native environs.
AmFri - It’s never too late to come to Romania. Maybe you’ll come with me in a future trip. Or, if you visit Transylvania without me, I can always arrange for you to meet the kind of quality people who will ensure you’re kidnapped by roving bands of gypsies who will sell you to a harim in Dubai.*
Yes, it’s definitely bittersweet. More on the bitter side, from an emotional point of view. I suppose the sweetness will make itself felt in due time. Anyway, it will be nice to see you again. It feels like forever, doesn’t it?
“Palinca? You don’t need no stinking palinca! Bwahahahaha.” Oh, yeah, well, I’ll bring it but only if there’s a scheduled atmosphere conducive to intoxication. Frankly, I’m not so certain I should allow you to taste it. I’m pretty darn sure that you will get plenty stoned from just the fumes.
(* Ethnic and racial stereotypes used as comedy in full understanding of possible negative reaction. Laugh, it’s funny.)
July 10th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
what if I dropped you on the sandy beaches sometime early next week? Just an idea, don’t hit me!
July 10th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
I have absolutely no idea…because I don’t really like socata :P But we could try lemonade. I know where you can have some with sugar, brown sugar or with honey :P I can also rate places selling it by price and/or quantity sold :)
July 10th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
It seems you made this decision with your head and not your heart as your post seems to be drowned in regret. Anyways, you have to do what you have to do… and yes, money talks… and yes, everything is bigger in Texas…
My best to you Romerican! If you’re ever in Seattle….
July 10th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
I remember May 2004… you on the phone with me while “lost” at the gas station with no cash and a credit card. Can’t belive its been so long…
Best of luck and take care…
July 11th, 2007 at 12:53 am
I want to say that I really enjoy reading your blog about Romania. It won’t be the same when your in Texas, but I look forward to reading what you have to say about the state that gave us our current president, I have no further comment about that. Good luck and have a safe trip :)
July 11th, 2007 at 7:03 am
I just read this and it made me sad… leaving is always sad. But now that you’re coming back to the US, you really have to come visit us in ATL. We have a porch perfect for late night beer drinking, good Atlanta bbq, and a corner bar within walking distance where the waitresses are sassy. Did I convince you? If not, I’ll just mention the best Bangladeshi food you’ll ever eat at Panahar Restaurant (http://www.panahar.com/home.aspx).
July 11th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
monsoux - As long as you don’t buy me under the sand like Shaki would.
Alina - Heresy! How could you not like socata? Unbelievable. Or is it? I mean, I guess I never see any Romanians drink it. It seems to be some relic from the past. But I find it just great, especially mixed with a bit of lemon/lemonade. Okay, I’ll just drop you a note between right now and Friday. We’ll sort it out and maybe you’ll show me more pictures :D
Lumi - Da, frate. Nu e uşor. While I always expected to enjoy being in Romania, I did not expect this level of attachment. You’re correct; this is a choice made with the head and definitely not the heart. Texas is a whole other country. I know for a fact that I will be in Seattle, for 100% sure. When that time approaches, I’ll be sure to spam your inbox.
mfa - And they didn’t know what an ATM was whereas I’d never heard of a bancomat, let alone a gas station that didn’t take credit cards. Ah, but then you were always there to rescue me at least three different times from three different problems in three different countries from what I remember. Go raibh maith ‘ad, cara.
Micky - Welcome to the show! Glad to see your name pop up. I’ll continue writing about Romania for a spell, until the well runs dry. I don’t want to be artificial about it. But when the day arrives, I think I will probably (no promises) set down my pen and take a long (if not permanent) break from blogging. At the moment, I don’t foresee any interest in writing about Texas. Nu stiu exact. Vedem noi.
Ionuka - Thanks for writing. I wonder what life could do to really keep me away forever. I can only speculate so far in advance, but there’s something about Romania that speaks to me. So, you’re just over yonder in Hotlanta, eh? I think that should be easy enough to arrange. I likes me some sassy waitress. Boy howdy. And, Bangladeshi? I don’t know where your spies get their secret information from, but, yes, that just hooked me and secured the deal.
July 11th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Tá fáilte romhat.
I’d do it again, just shout out.
July 11th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
Bataboom - Twentyone shots to honour
BREAKING HEARTS IN THE HEART OF DARKNESS
ELINA IN CHINA
THE COPYDUDE
ROMERICAN
All gone. We could have shaken the Nyt, boys and gals. But things went different. There is always an enviuos God round the corner.
July 11th, 2007 at 11:06 pm
Ah, Lumi stole my thought about your mind over heart decision.
So sorry to even imagine a day when your blog will end, but my cc is ready for your book - I’m really looking forward to that and I truly hope that you don’t give up on the idea once you get home.
And if you’re ever in NYC… :) If you miss romanian food we have some pretty good stuff here, even socata.
So, from Seattle to NYC to Atlanta, Baton Rouge and all the places in between, I guess you’ll still have some romanian friends…
Good luck and your blog will stay in my reader forever (what if you’ll return to Romania and resuscitate it? :) )
July 12th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
so sad! i’ve enjoyed reading your adventures and your take on life in romania. it’s been so nice to hear from someone who isn’t whinging about all and sundry there.
i’ll be in town on the weekend of the 27th/28th. got a wedding to go to on saturday so i might have to miss the official unmasking. maybe ruxi (i introduced her to your site) and i could get you out for a beer on that friday night.
in everything you do going forward - drum bun si succes!
(and if you find yrself headed to istanbul, give me a shout!)
July 12th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
sounds like a plan. beer it is, all home-made, well brewery-made. and as you know, after you cross the pond, i’ll be in the nation’s capital (you can’t beat that) so feel free to drop by and don’t forget to take your fellow texan president back with you on your way out. lol! that’s not required. I actually know a bunch of mini breweries here that are so very worth trying.
July 12th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
This is the end….my only friend, the end. (this song was in my head as I was reading your post hehe)
Well I’m also sad to see you go, sometimes I feel your life is a bit like mine but in the future, I’m thinking of perhaps moving to Brasov sometime in the future if my Romanian improves, or at least setting up a base there. If anything, you showed me that I could (just) survive.
Speaking of trying to improve Romania’s image I had some business ideas that I can share with you, I think more westerners should visit Romania if only for the experience before it becomes just another integrated EU state. All it needs is the right angle =)
July 12th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
Duh. I just remembered that Friday is the Tori concert and I have a date in the afternoon, so… Hm. Weekend? :D
July 12th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
Oh and I’d be delighted to see you in Constanta/Mamaia between 28 July - 5 August, if not before then.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:37 am
Say it ain’t so! I’ve been reading your blog for almost a year now, every since i came back from romania and discovered i was infatuated with the place.. i’ll be looking forward to your book and hopefully more blogging.. would love to make the bbq.. but well.. i’m in the states w/ no chance of travel :(
July 13th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
strudel - I fear we’ll all have to survive in time. But, for the moment, the heart still beats at Romer!can. (Inspiration: “I’m not dead yet. I’m getting better…”)
Lola - I’ll try to prop up ye old blog with quality content, though the occasional fluff will no doubt find its’ way in. I suspect there’s enough things to mine for some time. I just want to shut ‘er down when that ends, because I like this place as a Romania-specific and as experiential.
Call now! Representatives are standing by… Heh. I’ll be sure to update. ;]
Socata in NYC? Wow, that’s like reason number 7 to visit the Old World. Funny, little things keep adding up. Maybe I should take a trip there seriously. If I do, I’ll spam you in advance.
mamaligagirl - Still with us! I thought you were a goner for sure. Y’know one of my favorite songs is now DJ Vasile? It just rocks. I’ve yet to post about ZsZ but will do so. Thanks for the introduction.
Another wedding attendee? Well, I should probably decide today or tomorrow, but I think the BBQ will probably be cancelled. Instead I’ll just announce my availability (as far as I know it) and whomever can come out on this night or that day, we’ll just catch as catch can.
Istanbul is absolutely on the list. In fact, I tried to squeeze it before I go, but it will have to be another trip. I won’t forget to spam you.
ruxi - You know of more microbreweries?! Where are they all hiding?! I’ve completely wasted my months in Bucuresti. How embarrassing! Believe you me, I should have liked to have tried each and every single last one of them. More than kebabs. (Shh! I didn’t say that.)
Alex - Thanks for writing. I would absolutely encourage you to move to Brasov. I feel quite unabashed to declare it The Best City In Romania. Definitely aim to live in Poarta Schei, you’ll thank me later once you’re intimately familiar with the parts of town in sordid detail.
Tell you whut, I’ll zap you an email soonish and maybe I can give you some no-holds barred feedback on your ideas. Take ‘em or leave ‘em, but maybe it’ll be helpful one way or the other as you form your plans.
stingo - Email.
jonathan - Welcome to the show (belatedly)! Did you get to see a decent slice of the country? I take it you spent a little time getting to know the land. It’s interesting how the swirling mists of Romania can sweep you off your feet into a world where so many new things are possible and yet entirely familiar. Many days I felt asleep awake.
July 13th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
the micro breweries i know are in DC. other than the german beer house place we’ll hit soon for a meter of beer, i only know the factories in Bucharest. see, side effects of communism - forget micro-breweries, it’s all mass production baby!
July 13th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
I was so happy to discover this site…and sad it is at it’s end…I too am in Romania (Cluj-Napoca). You are the only other American i have seen/read/laughed with(great stories btw). I understand and agree with everything…I too love it here(but i am half romanian, so why wouldn’t i?)
I am just begining my adventure, and after reading you stories, feel the same way… My wife is from Romania: Baia Mare…I love it here as well, and the people are Tops with me…I wish you blue Skies and calm waters the rest of your days…Noroc!!
July 14th, 2007 at 9:23 am
You mean you’ve never been to NYC? :))
I’m on stand by, baby.
July 14th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Jeffrey - Glad to hear from you; I appreciate it. Now, you’ve got me curious as to what you’re up to in these neck of the woods (other than pilfering the local supply of brides, that is). I suppose as this blog goes along a little further, I may get the chance to pick up a clue or two from you along the way. Multumesc si tu la fel, frate.
Lola - The short answer (which no one can believe) is that I’d never ever been even remotely interested in visiting NYC before. Maybe that’s starting to change.
July 17th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Those words, uh, those fealings, the passion, the pain, all the thing you go through knowing you’ll leave Romania … For me, you are a true Romanian!
peace Y, homie!