I wonder - would your recollection of this experience be any different if you had no pre-existing conceptions about London (e.g. “it is a modern city with a comprehensive transportation system”), or if this had happened in a country such as Romania/Morocco? Surely the experience alone is an intriguing tale, but would it have the same effect if you had not assumed that things will run smoothly once you’re in England?

It’s just something I noticed from my travels - our expectations and ideas we form before “going in” play a huge role in how we view the events and what we take out of the trip. Somehow being strapped for accommodation in Vietnam plays out differently in our heads from being strapped for accommodation in New York, and it’s not purely a financial difference ;)

Oh, but, ultimately, isn’t it precisely that?

Hahaha…. Ron, you’re a riot, dude! Thanks for the laugh.

I wish a happier and smoother new year. Hai noroc!

Anyway I’m glad the story had a happy ending, I always like to play “see how long it is before you hear a Romanian” in the different countries I visit hehe.

hope life treats you even better in 08!

Alex - Oh, you better believe most things are operating in the US (even if in a diminished capacity) regardless of any holiday. We sure as heck don’t leave people completely stranded, in any event. Still, you can guess I’ll know better next time.

I hear ya. It seems you’ll find them most anywhere, if you keep your eyes and ears open. Reminds me of the two Bula’s on the London underground tube. They were yakking about everything under the sun because they assumed no one could understand. The look on their face was priceless as I exited my station with a steely look into their eyes, “Craciun fericit!”

John - I’m happy to see you hanging in there, bud. You were missed around here.

ruxi - Where in the world are you these days? It’s still tragic my tight schedule in Bucuresti didn’t pan out, but you know I did visit that beer hall (Becker Brau!?) which you suggested and while I couldn’t get a seat (story forthcoming) it did look quite the party spot.

SIXT Belgium, through its representative at Zaventem Airport, has the policy of not renting cars to Romanian citizens. The local representative has offered the following explanation for this fact: “Romanians steal cars”.

Of course, finding out about this policy when you get to the airport holding a valid three week old reservation that clearly states you are Romanian is at least a bit frustrating considering you had plans to use the car to drive 600+ kilometers and no other rental company has available cars.

But it’s only when the SIXT representative calls the police because you refuse to leave his desk that you feel truly special and European in the capital of the European Union.

Might be interesting for an enterprising journalist to duplicate your experience as part of a “hidden cam” expose (for broadcast domestically or elsewhere in the EU).

I am planning to go to Romania around Easter but it’s not pinned down. Otherwise I am around Uncle Sam’s land. Any chance to meet for a beer?

Btw, also try Carul cu Bere if you haven’t tried it already.

I found this place in Bucharest that had margaritas, but I can’t remember its name.

Congrats for the Esquire article!

This is something similar I was willing to ask you for some time but always something came up: I am managing the community portal ExpatRomania and we intend to add a new article section of Expat Focus (or Expat Stories) where will be presented profiles of expatriates living in Romania and doing interesting activity (something more than being married to a Romanian). I think most foreigners will be interested to hear about such stories.

Would you be interested to post on the site a short story about your ‘adventures’ and achievements in Romania?

Keep up the good writing,
Radu.

In Glasgow I have seen taxi’s operating on Christmas Day, but generally everyone is off work with their families enjoying the break.