 Bucharesti Arefu (area) Brasov (area) Sighisoara Maramures Romania is a country with a history of turmoil. This semi-presidential unitary state has been occupied and influenced by the Dacians, Romans, Hungarians, Germans, Indians, Russians and Turks. This amalgamates into quite diverse culture of architecture, language, dress and arts. Communism had a harsh impact on the country. Never have I been to a country which has little or no sense of pride in their heritage. When I asked why, it was explained to me that Nicolae Ceausescu (President, 1974-89) forced the people to perform cultural events and arts during his communist reign, thus rural customs became associated with communism and pride in heritage became lost. People always told me not to photograph the old "ugly" parts of Romania, and to shoot the new Westernized parts. I told them it is beautiful to me, which only made them think I was crazy (though it did get the elderly women to blush and let me photograph them!). The shock in their faces to learn I was traveling alone and as a female was priceless as peasant women do not drive cars or go anywhere after dark, and certainly never travel solo. This lone American was quite a spectacle to the entire country. My adventures include hunting for a traditional hat, being kicked out of a pensiune for fear I had swine flu, personal space grossly invaded by Hungarian gypsies, dancing around a campfire, unforgettable mountain hikes and polishing my boxing on a man when I had it up to my ears with being thought a prostitute merely for walking. There is something very raw and mysterious about Romania and the wildness is alluring to no end. I spent 18 days here and will likely need close to three years to fully understand the heart of this most fascinating country. Needless to say, I will be back. |
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