general information part 3

Today even more interesting information about Romania. Check this out:

First of all, if you are a fan of camping and if you want to pitch a tent you can do this everywhere, except for the private area. There are no penalties for camping beyond the places designated for that purpose so people often prefer this kind of solution, above all near the mountains where you can admire a beautiful view in the morning.

Secondly, if you decide to visit some smaller towns you can find there an amazing thngs. In the traditonal zones of Romania you will see the omnipresent folklore. The traditional practices, people, outfits, their way of life and oral traditions like proverbs, tales or jokes. 

Next, in the cities probably you won't have a problem with communication in English but if you are planning to visit some smaller ones be sure to take phrase book. It will definitely help you to survive. 

After that, be careful and watch out for the stray dogs. There are a lot of them in Romania. 

Next, you can find a roadmaps and guidebooks almost at each gas station, bookstore or in some turist points in every city. 

general informaton part 2

This time I would like to present you more information for the drivers. Some time ago I have already written about travelling by car in Romania but this time I will tell you more about the roads and about the interesting facts related to this fact.

First of all, what you have to do before crossing the border by car is to buy a vignette. It is a sticker which has to be applied on the inside of the windshield. You can buy it in the special point near the border crossing points or at the gas station. 

Secondly, the road infrastructure is developing really fast so on some new roadmaps you won't find every road. On the other hand, this is a good news.

Next, you have to be prepared if you will see a herd of cows walking near the road or some horses because it is a normal view in the zones located far away from the urban centers. 

After that, in Romania you can't find as many gas stations as in Poland (but in general it isn't such a big difference, actually) so be sure to tank your car with the amount of fuel which you will need for the onward journey.

Finally, you can find some road signs with the inscrpition "Drum bun" or "Drum in lucru". The fisrt one wishes us a nice jourey but the second one informs us about the road under repair. Draw attention to them!

One more thing, sometimes near the road you can find some venders with the fresh fruits or vines. It is worth recommending.

general information

Today I will present some general information which can be useful if you are planning your trip to the land of Drakula. These tips would definitelly make your life easier during a stay in this country.

First of all, time in Poland is one hour behind so if we go to Romania we have to switch our time from 1 pm to 2pm. Secondly, if we want to cross the border, we will need only our passport or just our ID. Next, the prices in Romania are comparable to those in Poland so we don't need to worry about our budget. Then, despite the fact that a lot of people say that Romania is a dangerous country it isn't true. I can say that it is a safe place but it is better to ramain vigilant and be careful to not be robbed by pickpockets in the public places. After that, Orthodoxy is the dominant religion so you can find everywhere Orthodox churches. Finally, on the streets there is a lot of beggars, but in general there are not Romanian people but people of the gypsy origin.

Bucharest - The Little Paris

Bucharest which is located in the southern part of the country became the capital of Romania in 1862. It has about 2 million inhabitants. Over the centuries it has earned the unoffical name of  " The Little Paris"  because  of the amazing architecture which is a mix of the different architectural styles. Buildings were built in the period between two World Wars. You can find buildings at its characteristic style everywhere which make Bucharest very interesting city. Unfortunatelly, a lot of buildings were demaged during the war and sometimes even because of the earthquakes. The most powerful earthquake took place in 1977 and it had a magnitude of 7.2. Because of the last one, a great amount of buildings were demaged and about 33 large buildings collapsed. Down below you can see the pictures of "The Little Paris" and see why Bucharest gained this nickname.

travelling by car in Romania

Today I would like to give you some important informations about travelling by car in Romania. If you decide to travel by car instead of choosing train or bus you have to know what kind of traffic regulations exist in this country. First of all, the most important thing about travelling by car is the ban on drunk driving (this is the same regulation which exists in Poland so it should be logic for us). Secondly, you are obliged to use the passing beam during the day and obey right-hand traffic. Speed limit in the build-up area is 50 km per hour and inter-urban speed is 80 km per hour. Finally, children after the age of 12 can sit in the front seat.

Why you should go to Romania? - part 2

This time I would like to tell you a little bit more why Romania is worth visiting. In my previous post I gave you a lot of examples why Romania is a good place to visit for everyone like: the beautiful cities, amazing lanscapes and omnipresent tradition. This time I have even more examples. Let's start with the prices. In Romania the prices of the primary products are really low if we compare them with the other countries. I can tell that more or less the prices are similar to the prices in Poland so if we want to stay in Romania for a longer period of time we won't need as much money as for example in France or Italy where we have to pay in euro. For all I now the cheapest meal which you can order for your dinner costs about 8RON. It means that you can fill your stomach easily for about 8PLN. It is really a good news :)
Down below you can see an advertisement of the dish of the day. It says:
"we cook everyday for you. Fresh, healthy, delicious"

Why you should go to Romania?

This time I'd like to tell you why Romania is worth visiting. For me this question is really simple - because everyone will find in Romania something for themselves!
If you are a fan of the cities - here you are. Romania has a lot of beautiful cities like: Bucharest, Brasov or Cluj-Napoka. Would you like to spend your free time on the beach, swim in the sea and sunbathe? You have at your disposal about 225 km of sea coast of the Black Sea with the city of Constanta which is the capital of this part of Romania. If you like walking tours and you like admire the landscapes and moutains you will feel like in heaven because in Romania you can find the Carpathian Mountains. What is more, if you would like to see a traditional zone of Romania you have to go to the north part of this country. In Bukovina or Maramures you will find well-preserved culture. In conclusion, Romania is a land of remarkable diversity in which everybody will feel good.

Leon Volovici

Today I would like to write about the book that I have ordered one week ago. It is a book written by Leon Volovici who is a romanian writer whose grandparents were Jewish. The book I want to write about is called "De la Iași la Ierusalim și înapoi" which we can translate like "From Iași to Jerusalem". 

This book is a long interview with Leon Volovici who has left Romania with his wife (who was polish) and with his two children in 1984 and has settled down in Jerusalem. In this city he wrote books about history and culture of the romanian Jews. His autobiography is an another book of him which is focused on this problem. He writes about the history of Jewish minority in Romania during the World War II and during the Communist time. What is more, interview with Leon Volovici is supported by a lot of essays and articles whch help us understand better the sad history of Romania, Poland and Israel.

The measles outbreak in Romania

The measles outbreak in Romania, which took important proportions in the first period of the year is really dangerous problem recently. Since the beginning of the year fell ill a huge amount of the people which is 935 cases. Because of an epidemic 6 people have died already. One of the victim was the 27 year-old woman and the one year-old girl.

 

The most affected area is located in the west of Romania near the border with Hungary in the city of Arad but the measles outbreak is visible in the whole country. There also a lot of cities in which this dangerous problem spreads really fast. The Ministry of Health announced that the cause may be really simple. Many children are now not vaccinated and that's why they aren't protected  against common life-threatening diseases.

The picture below presents the situation of the measles outbreak in the first eight months of the last year in Romania. Most of the cases appeared in the west side of the coutry and in the north  of Romania.

Mărțișor - Romanian Spring Festival

Very soon we will be celebrating arrival of the spring but today I would like to present how this thing looks like in Romania.
Mărțișor is one of the most important events in Romania in the whole year which take place on 1 March. It is a very special day when Romanians celebrate arrival of spring. Before the day comes, people prepare at home some decorations made from wool. This decoration has a red and white colour and it is a symbol of this day. You can also buy this kind of decoration in Romania during this special time and it is a good option for people who are lacking of abilities to make this by theirselves or for people who easily get nervous. Below you can see a traditional romanian decoration in the basic form but there are also the other option to do more complicated decorations from wool.

This day everybody wishes the best and they give each other the decorations. It is a proof of our friendship and love. Interesting is that the word  Mărțișor is the diminutive form of the name of the month - March. One thing which is really surprising is that supersticious traditions hold that if you carry this decoration you will live a healthy life for the next twelve months. After this time you have to attach your decoration to the fruit tree.

Mircea Eliade "Maytreyi"

Today I would like to write about the first romanian book that I have ever read. This book is called  "Maytreyi"and it is written by Mircea Eliade.
Mircea Eliade was born on March 10, 1907 and he died on April 22, 1987 in Chicago. He was a historian of religion, indologist, diplomat and professor at the University of Chicago.
In 1928–1932 he lived in India and he studied at the University of Calcutta. Eliade knew several languages and was fluent in Romanian, French, German, Italian, and English but also he could read in Hebrew, Persian, and Sanskrit. In 1933 he did the doctorate with the thesis "The comparative history of yoga techniques". He was known for its support for the Iron Guard which is also known as the Legion of the Archangel Michael. ( It was a ultra-nationalist and antisemitic movement in Romania)

 The main characters of this book are Maitreyi Devi who is daughter of the indian philosopher and Allan who is a foreigner who works in India. The action takes place in 1933 in Calcutta and tells the story about the love of these two persons. This book introduces readers into the mysterious world of India and the oriental customs and traditions.
The novel was translated into English as  "Bengal Nights" in 1993. It is considered as an autobiografic book because it contains many plots of the author's life.

Max Blecher "Scarred Hearts"

Today I would like to write about the book that I have started reading last week. This book is called "Scarred Hearts" and it's written by Max Blecher.
Max Blecher (1909-1938) is a romanian writer, jewish nationality. Shortly after he came to Paris to study medical science he was diagnosed with Pott disease (spinal tuberculosis). He spent the last ten years in his bed. He wrote three novels, one volume of poetry, diary and correspondence with Breton  and Heidegger. Max Blecher wrote "Scarred Hearts" in 1937 and the story is based on his own experiences. In 1938 he died after a long-term ilness.

 

 "Scarred Hearts" tells the story about Emanuel's life. He is a young romanian man which is studying in Paris. One day he finds out that he suffers from spinal tuberculosis. He goes to a sanatorium located by the sea where he must wear a plaster which makes him unable to move. During a few months in a special wheelchair he makes friends with other patients, he is a witness of their death and finally he falls in love with a girl from sanatorium. 

A story presented in this book is very simple. Describes a real life of a man which suffers from incurable disease. For a moment we can see how looks like life with the eyes of the main character.

Connect-R

Connect-R is a musician well known in Romania, who was born June 9, 1982, in Bucharest. His real name is Ștefan Relu Mihalache and he has a gypsy origin. Ștefan began his career at the age of 8. Then he was a danser and a member of the dance group Primăvara which in romanian means spring. When he was 15 years old he bacame interested in hip-hop and for the first time he entered the recording studio to record his first song "Observ". In 1999 he released a new song named "Operație pe suflet deschis" which means "Open-soul surgery". In 2000 he colaborated, for the first time, with the band R.A.C.L.A. which was a big star in romanian show business. In 2006 he bacame the first rapper which took part in the Eurovision Song Contest as a representative of Moldova. He performed a song named "Loca" with Arsenie Todera who is well known from the fact that he was a part of a trio "O-Zone" which in 2004 released the most famous song of the summer "Dragostea din tei". This event opened the door to his further career and in 2007 Connect-R recorded his first album Dacă dragostea dispare (in english If the love dissapear). Three years later he founded his own record company named Rappin’ On Production. In 2012 he recorded a new album "From Nothing to Something''.

Today Connect-R is one of the most popular artist in Romania and his songs gain more and more attention not only in his country but also in Europe. Thanks to a fact that he records his songs not only in romanian but also in english he can be listened in different parts of the world. His latest song "Se poarta vara" ("It's wearing summer") was recorded with Nicole Cherry - the new young romanian artist. The song describes the warmest time of the year.

"Vara nu dorm" (I don't sleep in the summer time) is one of my favorite songs because this song I have heard when I have visited Romania for the first time. I participated in the summer course of the romanian language and one day our teacher gave us a piece of paper with the lyrics of the songs about summer. One of the songs was "vara nu dorm" performed by Connect-R. Since then I have started listening to his songs because all of them give me a possitive energy.

3 interesting facts about Romania

Romania is a wonderful country but it is still little known among the turists. Today I have prepared 3 interesting facts which can help you learn more about this misterious country.

1. The smallest banknote of the world

The smallest banknote of the world was released in 1917 by the Ministry of Finance of Romania. It setted a world record as the smallest paper money. It is 2.75 cm long and 3.8 cm in height. The main colour is orange and green. On the obverse is presented a bust of Ferdinand I (King of Romania), and on the reverse the coat of arms of Romania (the golden eagle with a cross in its beak).

 2. Bears

Romania has the largest population of brown bears in Europe. In the Carpathians mountains live about 6.5 thousand of these kind of animals. It is the only country in Europe that didn't banned hunting.

 3.Vama Veche

Vama Veche is a small town located on the Black Sea, a few kilometers from the border with Bulgaria. It is considered as the place where there still are the last hippies beaches in Europe. It is to some extent a wild place where people organize the campfire and pitch a tents. There is also a lot of beaches where people do not need bathing suits :)

The most beautiful route in the world

The Transfăgărășan is a route located in Romania and it is considered as the most beautiful route in the world. It is the second highest road in Romania which whole length is about 151 kilometers.

This year in july I decided to check if the road is as wonderful as everyone says. During my trip in Romania the Transfăgărășan was the most important place to see. I got up early in the morning and after eating breakfast I started a journey with others companions of this trip. We have been driving for a long time when finally we got to the place. The view of the landscape was breathtaking! We spent a lot of our time on taking a photos and walking around just enjoying the view. The lake Vidaru located in the middle of this road is one of the atractions which we can find travelling this road. We can also admire an old castle Poienari which is considered as a castle in which lived Vlad the Impaler.
Here are some photos that I took during a summer day in that wonderful place.

I have even met a friendly dog which was living there. I have fed him with a traditional delicacy called covrig. I think the dog liked it :)

After taking photos and spending some time there we have drunk a white wine produced in this region and we have eat some traditional food. All this time we could admire the magnificence of this place. At the end of the tour I found out that this road was chosen the most wonderfull route by the famous british television series Top Gear.

Palace of the Parliament

Today we are moving from the north of Romania to the south, right to the Bucharest -  the capital of this beautiful country. As we can see on the map Bucharest is situated on the south near bulgarian border.

This year during my trip to Romania in july I visited all of the most interesting cities in Romania and definitely Bucharest is one of them. At first I went to see Calea Victoriei  "Victory Avenue" the main avenue in the city and I walked around the market where I bought some souvenirs for my family and friends. On the way to the main atraction of this city I saw a lot of monuments and interesting buildings like The Palace of Justice or the Triumphal Arch. Despite the fact that in Bucharest is still a lot of the buildings created in communist period, there are also well developed zones.

From the beggining I couldn't wait to visit the second largest administrative building in the world  - the Palace of the Parliament. Only the Pentagon in United States is bigger so the Palace in Romania really makes a big impression.

 

When I finally entered I saw a big queue of turists and I have to wait about one hour to start visiting. During this time I bought a book which describes the history of the palace and contains a lot of photos taken in various rooms like the room of human rights or union room. I bought it because taking photos is not allowed for the tourists and if somebody wants to take a few photos he has to pay a large amount of money. I also bought a souvenir for myself. A bag with the image of famous Drakula "Vlad the Impaler" and his castle. During this trip I also saw the president of Romania - Klaus Iohannis.

Below one of the amazing rooms in the Palace of the Parliment

At night the Palace is even more impressive than during the day

Merry Cemetery - the most famous cemetery in Europe

Cimitirul Vesel is the cemetery located in northern Romania in the village called  Săpânța in the region Maramureș. This county is famous for carved wooden gates and wooden churches. The culture and tradition have been preserved in this region of Romania. We can find here old villages and houses which still have a vibe of the past.  The map presented below shows the location of Maramureș on the map of  Romania.

 

This cemetery is located in the first place of the funerals monuments in Europe and on the second place in the world. It is not just an usual cemetery because we won’t feel the sad atmosphere as in the others places like this. Here we will find something completely different. The Merry Cemetery is well known for its colorful decorations on the tombstones. The colors and the originality are visible everywhere. Here the death it’s not a sad event but it is converted into a fun event. Below we can see typical gravestones in the Merry Cemetery.

 

The Merry Cemetery was created by Stan Ioan Pătraş – sculptor, painter and poet. The beginnings of this place is estimated circa half of the 30s. The creativity of the artist has become the art. For 50 years Stan Ioan Pătraş has created almost one hundred crosses of wood in his characteristic style. After his dead in 1977 the art was continued by his student - Dumitru Pop Tincu.
Below the grave of the founder of the Merry Cemetery

 

What is more on the crosses there is always a short life story of the dead person. Usually they have a form of the poem written in a humorous way.  Below we can read the example of the inscription on the one of the grave located in cemetery. It describes a short history written by son in law about his mother in law:  

Romanian
Sub această cruce grea
Zace biata soacră-mea
Trei zile de mai trăia
Zăceam eu și cetea ea.
Voi care treceți pă aici
Incercați să n-o treziți
Că acasă dacă vine
Iarăi cu gura pă mine
Da așa eu m-oi purta
Că-napoi n-a înturna

Stai aicea dragă soacră-mea

English
Under this heavy cross
Lies my poor mother in-law
Three more days should she have lived
I would lie, and she would read (this cross).
You, who here are passing by
Not to wake her up please try
Cause' if she comes back home
She'll criticise me more.
But I will surely behave
So she'll not return from grave.
Stay here, my dear mother in-law!

 *the inscription taken from wikipedia.org