It’s amazing how different life can be in a different country. Life is so different but people are so much the same. People here love each other, but are always trying to get ahead just like people back home. But because of limited resources and ingrained traditions, things are just so different.
– Driving can happen on any side of the road and at any speed.
– For girls, sitting on cold concrete is believed to make you infertile.
– Cross breezes are supposed to kill you and by bringing bad spirits.
– Playing in the street is totally normal, but so is zooming down that same street at top speed – every time a car comes by the kids start screaming “Machina! Machina!”
– A “shower” consists of having a friend dump ice cold well water over your head.
– It’s totally normal to drive for 10 minutes without turning your car on – you just put it in neutral and coast.
– A bike pump is how you put air in bus tires.
– It’s rude to not eat everything on your plate (here comes the fluff!)
– Washing machines are non-existent – There are clotheslines on the side of the road.
– You take off you shoes before you go into everywhere.
– The only store here sells candy, alcohol, and healthcare products. And that’s it.
– Toilet paper doesn’t go down the toilet, it goes in the trash can.
– Multiple families live in homes together.
– There are no restaurants.
– It’s not christian to play cards – they’re to much associated with magic.
– No cable.
– Doctors carry grocery bags and not suitcases.
– It’s rude to enter a room without knocking.
– No internet – we have one “internet stick” and we each get 20 minutes of internet a week.
– Everyone does their shopping on Wednesdays and Sundays. The market takes over the main street in town and people just come out of the woodwork.
– Horse and buggy is an acceptable form or transportation
Here’s some useful Romanian Phrases that we’ve been learning
Hello – Salut
Good Morning – Buna Dimineata
Good Afternoon – Buna Ziua
Good Night – Buna Seara
Thank you – Mutumese
Goodbye – Paka
Yes – Da
No – Nu
Jesus Loves You – Isus te iubeste
Good – Buna
and my favorite. . .
Shut up, I don’t care – Tatsh, Nun pasa.
The kids here are so much fun! We live in a flat with two families, including five kids. Luda, Samuel, Augustina, Urina, and Larry. We have free days on Mondays, and Luda, Samuel and I had some fun with Photobooth – I’m pretty sure the only time they see a laptop is when World Race teams are here. I’m so excited to be able to post this today – I miss talking to everyone from home. I love you Mom and Dad!!
