In doing some research for my time in Romania, I learned that the country is said to be the next hot tourist destination in Europe and I do not doubt it at all. Granted the country is not super accessible to other major cities by anything but airplane, but it would not be hard to spend a week or two (or three!) exploring the entire country because it has so much to offer. It has an interesting history, friendly people, lovely architecture and is affordable due to the favorable exchange rate (hey, that is important).
In fact, I think that the U.S. could learn a thing or two about how Romanians do life. Today was my last day in Romania and now I am on to Hungary. Since I did a top 8 during my time in Thailand and Romania is equally as awesome, here is my list of the top 8 things America should import from Romania.
8. Flying the EU flag with pride
I understand that the U.S. is not part of the EU, but I don’t think that is a good enough reason to not support the group of European countries making up the EU. The U.S. would probably be a better place if we were to fly that lovely dark blue and yellow flag all around the country.
7. Heavy perfume usage
This entire country smells incredible because everyone wears amazing perfume. Sometimes it is a little too strong, but I like the idea of having a population smelling good. I am instating this idea into my life, so effective immediately, you should be able to smell me if you are within 10 feet of me. If not, please let me know and I will fix the problem immediately. J
6. The sale of fresh juice at stands
Most parks sell freshly squeezed juice (usually grapefruit, orange and maybe a couple other kinds), so it was absolutely lovely to be able to buy an orange juice during a nice walk around the park.
5. Men playing chess in every park
My facts might be a little off, but I am 95% sure that the onset of the global recession was caused by a lack of older men playing chess in the parks of the United States. I just think it is so great that almost every park had covered chess playing areas that were always being used. Especially at night, they became very crowded with (what I assume) were large tournaments.
4. More chivalry
Romanian men are pretty chivalrous and I appreciate that. I am not sure what possessed the girl in the picture below to wear stilettos to visit Dracula’s Castle, but her boyfriend did not seem to pass any sort of judgment on her decision. He was willing to evaluate the situation and do what he needed to do so she could look as fabulous as possible: carry her handbag and provide an arm for her to grip onto for dear life as she teetered down the cobblestone hill.
3. Selling anything you might want on walking streets
In Romania, you can find just about anything for sale on the street and there are lots of streets closed off to cars and only for pedestrians. Remote controls? Car chargers for cell phones? Rolls of toilet paper? Bras? Used books (this one made me especially happy)? Walnuts? Puppies sold out of backpacks? First born children? All of these things can be found on a walking street! Okay, they do not sell children on the streets….at least not from what I saw, but yes, I saw a guy selling puppies out of a backpack. Next time I want a remote control, I do not want to make a trip to Best Buy or have to order it from Amazon. I want to be able to find it on a street in Seattle.
2. Smoking/park walking breaks
Everyone in Romania smokes. Lots. Since most places don't allow smoking indoors, people go outside for smoking breaks thoughout the day. I am not going to start smoking tomorrow, but like the idea of taking some time out of each day for yourself to stop and think, talk with others or take a walk around the park. I was trying to think if there are any parks in Seattle that ever have half as many people on a random day as the ones I saw in Romania and I do not think they exist. The rain is probably a factor that limits park use, but still. Sometimes I feel like the pace of the American life is too fast, and I think requiring a smoking/park walking break would help slow things down sometimes.
1. Excessive hand holding
In Romania, you do not ever have to wonder about someone’s relationship status because if someone is in a relationship, they are holding hands with their partner at all times (or maybe sometimes even if they are not…it was hard to tell). It doesn’t matter whether you are young or old. Everyone is doing it. And if you are not in a relationship, then you are holding hands with your friends or your mom or dad.
I had a conversation with a Romanian about this who told me that many people still live with their parents, so they don’t get any privacy at home and have to show affection in public. Apparently, old people hand holding is a fairly new trend (within the last three years or so). Yes, even he noticed that Romanians hold hands more than people living in other places.
Watch out friends! I will be holding your hand next time we are together because I am going to do what I can to bring this trend to America.
I had a conversation with a Romanian about this who told me that many people still live with their parents, so they don’t get any privacy at home and have to show affection in public. Apparently, old people hand holding is a fairly new trend (within the last three years or so). Yes, even he noticed that Romanians hold hands more than people living in other places.
Watch out friends! I will be holding your hand next time we are together because I am going to do what I can to bring this trend to America.
