As you remember from previous posts of mine, in Romania all inhabited places are divided into cities (orase), towns (comune) and villages (sate). Although most Romanian “cities” are extremely small, they all usually have a significant geographic feature, a series of internal divisions, each one called a cartier (car-tea-AIR) or a “neighborhood”. All Romanians who live in a city will know exactly where these neighborhoods … Continue reading The Cartier
After writing my recent post about vacations in Romania, I came across this Salon article talking about how Germans are more productive yet work less and have more time off than Americans do. Quite illuminating and I recommend reading the entire thing, especially the fact that statistically Americans work nine full weeks more per year than Germans do and have six weeks (!) mandatory vacation … Continue reading Germans, the New Deal and Overwork
Following a recent conversation on Twitter, I had to laugh as I recalled this superb video (esp the introduction) from Guta entitled Vrea gagica mea la mare with the second line of the chorus being zice ca s-a saturat sa faca plaja in sat. Roughly translated, this means “My woman wants to go to the seaside” (lit: Wants chick mine to the sea) and “She … Continue reading Romanians and the Right to a Vacation
Yes folks, the rumors ARE true. I, the King of Romania, was in the unbelievably gorgeous town of Sighisoara (siggy-shwarah) a few weeks ago for the annual medieval festival. And it is also true that I took part in the events as a very…. hmm, unique performer. More on that in a second ;) I’ve always told visitors to this country (and even some Romanians) … Continue reading Sighisoara, the Medieval Festival and I
Ah yes, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, winter is over and so begins one of Romania’s great holidays – First May. Everywhere around the world, except in the United States (anymore – a long time ago it was), the first day of May is known as International Workers’ Day, kind of a day where everybody gets off of work and sometimes holds … Continue reading First (of) May
All Things Romania 