An Interesting Visit
Flying into Bucharest we saw acres and
acres of green stripes ranging from lime green to a dark green. Obviously there
are large agricultural areas near the city. Once on the ground, we saw roses in
bloom everywhere, and soon learned that was to be the norm.
As typical in many parts of the world
drivers follow their own rules, often playing chicken. Here they didn’t drive
particularly fast. Lights were not frequent and it was lucky everyone had good
brakes and drivers fast reflexes! Pedestrians beware! However, Romanians do not drink and drive---even after only one drink.
In spite of centuries of invasions,
oppression and brutality, the Romanian people remain generous and welcoming.
The traditional welcome includes bread, salt and tuicia, a potent homemade plum brandy. A rich cultural heritage
remains and flourishes with little change since the Middle Ages. In rural areas
farmers still plow with horses and harvest their crops with handmade wooden
tools.
We were told that Romania is emerging
from decades of oppressive communist rule, 1945-1989, into a difficult and
painful transition to democracy and a free market economy. The endemic practice
of bribery and corruption is still prevalent. Everyone expects a handout and
very often palms have to be greased to obtain what one wants, such as an
appointment. Major crime is almost non-existent, but as always watch the
pickpockets!
Romania was a prosperous country between
WW I and WW II. The first oil well was producing in 1857. In 1856 Bucharest was the first city in the
world to be illuminated by oil lamps, and in 1884 Timisoara was the first
European city to have electric street lights.
We
heard many horror stories of ,life under communism and the
dictator, Ceausescu. I choose not to repeat them.
Bucharest, in southern Romania, is the
country’s largest city as well as its capital since 1862. Inhabited since 500
BC, the city today has a population of 2.6 million. The city is known for its
wide, tree-lined boulevards, well kept parks and glorious Belle Époque buildings.
The wide center road dividers are planted with flowers and small trees. The
city has a mix of architectural styles that include neoclassical, 19th
century structures and monumental 20th century edifices.
In the 15th century and originally built
with river stones, the thick fortress walls the Princely Court of Vlad Tepes, was established here and is easily seen. It is thought to have been the
inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. Huge cellars cover a large area and are
surrounded by restaurants attached to the complex through an underground maze.
WW II and decades of repressive communism
has worn the sheen off of the city, and Bucharest is still pretty dismal so at
times it is difficult to see its historical charm. The Intercontinental Hotel towers above everything and is a good
landmark for locating downtown.
The city claims many museums, art
galleries, exquisite Orthodox churches and unique architectural sites. New
glass facades can be seen alongside old buildings, sometimes mixing well,
sometimes not.
Victory Avenue (Calea Victoriei)
is Bucharest's oldest and arguably most charming street. Initially paved
with oak beams in 1692 it was a link between Old Princely Court to Mogosoaia
Palace. The street became Calea Victoriei
in 1878, after the Romanian War of Independence. Between the two world
wars, the street developed into one of the most fashionable in the city. Along this street stand some of the city’s
most stunning buildings including the Cantacuzino
Palace, the historic Revolution
Square, the Military Club,
the CEC Headquarters and the National History Museum. Revolution
Square and the Palace of the Republic, now housing the parliament, are
reminders of the last tyrannical communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu.
Older parts of the city display an eastern
influence with narrow streets and crowded bazaars. Late 19th century
influences tend to be French. Old box-window A/C units mar the façade of most
buildings. Wrought iron balcony rails were on many buildings. In the university
district particularly we noticed a lot of graffiti.
When I looked up I couldn’t believe the
massive coil of loose wires just hanging from the poles. I tried to get a
picture as it was pretty hard to describe. And there were lots of such poles.
The 1991 Constitution established Romania
as a republic with a multi-party system, market economy and individual rights
of free speech, religion and private ownership.
It was easy to spot the American flag
flying in front of the pink building which is the ambassador’s residence. The
embassy is located in a more secluded area.
The Old Court Church, 1558, is the oldest.
The brick church was restored after an 1847 fire and again in 1928-1938. The
entrance gates were added in the 18th century.
Romania
has some crazy thing about their money. To use a credit card to have to get some
sort of code or something on it and since
neither one of us did we ran into a bit of problem one day at lunch. In the end
we left ample US dollars to cover the bill.
Language—a couple of common expressions
Nu ma pot plange---I cannot complain
Fac---sounds
like our 4 letter word—means to make
Multumesc---thank you
Some Well Known Inventions:
The fountain pen
Insulin
discovered
Jet
engines for planes
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