The Berkeley Guides:
Berkeley Guide to Europe:
Romania:
Background Information for
Romania
By Lauren Herz
Visitors to Romania rarely arrive with any real understanding of this country; those who stay long enough to form an impression are either appalled or deeply moved. Since the 1989 revolt that marked the end of Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu's reign, Romania has had one of the lowest standards of living in Europe. The unemployment rate is 40%, and prices seem to rise on a monthly basis. But what makes the country unique is the way the people accept daily difficulties nearly incomprehensible to Western travelers. After all, this is the gruff bunch that weathered 25 years of Ceausescu's cruel tyranny. Lessons in perseverance are etched in the face of every old woman who takes your change at the restroom door.
Locked away from the Western world for so long, many Romanians have never met a Western tourist. You'll notice that you're the center of attention. "Where are you going?" people will ask. "Are you American? I have cousins in Chicago--do you know them?" The country's tourist facilities show signs of neglect, but if you take the time to meet Romanians, you'll find they take their obligation as hosts very seriously. You're likely to be invited for a meticulously prepared meal, and they'll make up for their nation's decayed infrastructure by personally taking you to see the sights.
To enjoy your time in Romania, you should be prepared to get away from the industrial cities. The beautiful Carpathian Mountains and Moldavia's agricultural areas are well worth a look, but it's difficult to travel here unless you have a car or lots of time to kill. Fortunately, there are several beautiful towns on major rail lines in Transylvania where you can explore Dracula's old haunts and soak up some of the country's medieval Saxon history.
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