Is Your City Living Up to Its Full Potential?

           

     One of the major advantages of living in a capital city, or any major city, is that you keep discovering new things about it, even though you were actually born there. I have seen Bucharest going through a lot of positive transformations since the end of the communist regime to the present day. New buildings appearing in the landscape and old ones being restructured, modernization works, some of them even unnecessary, but that's another story. Would you believe that in 2007-2008 the historic center, nowadays so full of bars, caffees, restaurants and shops, and loved by tourists and locals spending their spare times, looked like World War II had just taken place? Well, I'm still astonished too.

                         

                            

            However, I recently discovered that what has been already done is far from enough. Bucharest has submitted its candidature as European Capital of Culture 2021. With this purpose, several cultural NGOs are regularly organizing pedestrian itineraries free of charge (or based only on donations from participants - you give if and as much as you want). These itineraries, which are very popular amongst the city's inhabitants, as tens or even hundreds of people attend every time, are meant to raise awareness to the undiscovered and/or forgotten parts of the city, hoping that the message would get to people in authority and something is done about them.

                   

             

      I also attended this type of events a couple of times. And it's been insightful and saddening at the same time. Apart from the mainstream venues and touristic objectives, there are also many buildings, or even entire neighbourhoods, true jewels of architecture, which seem to be abandoned, perhaps claimed by some (real or fake) owner from the post-communist era, and left to deteriorate. Or neighbourhoods full of stories and legends from times past, which are now only inhabited by poverty and social cases. Or, a huge inhabited land by a lake generated a proper natural reservation, which is almost competing with the Danube Delta. Or, an amphitheatre which had started being built during the communist days with the idea of becoming a summer theatre is now abandoned and useless (well, I know communism has done lots of injustice to the population, but a summer theatre would do us good, as we like to have a rich cultural life in all seasons).

                   

          Bucharest has grown, but it can grow even more. I don't know if these things happen in all cities. I don't even know if action will be taken, or at least anytime soon. And I'm not that rich to become a top-notch land developper, 'cause otherwise I would. :) But one thing is certain: we cannot afford to lose such beauties, which can make our city an even more charming place. 

               

'When You're in Rome, Do as the Romans Do': a Story about Hosts, Guests and ... Statues

   

                    

    During the past few days, we have all been mesmerized by a funny, yet cringe-worthy story which made the news headlines. The Italian Government decided to cover with panels all nude statues in Rome's Capitoline Museum, on the occasion of the official visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. The reason was the (excessive, I'd say) concern not to offend the Iranian politician's values.

      Right. Apart from being, as I said above, an exaggerated diplomatic move, I wonder if really the Iranian President had asked for it. Somehow, I doubt it. Plus, we can assume that the man is cultured enough to know about art, to know what to expect in a European country, as much as not to feel offended. Plus, it's not like they were real naked people! :P Most probably, this decision came from a place of over-eagerness to please someone with a higher power. 

        It made me think of the famous proverb 'When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do'. And this time, it must be taken in its literal meaning. In general, when you visit another country, the tendency is to adapt to the laws and customs of the local population. It is good, as a host, to make your guests feel welcome, but without exaggerating, and without ending up losing, or even disrespecting your own national identity. 

           Where do you think boundaries should lie? Even us, mere mortals, can analyze this issue. :) Most of us have been 'guests' in other countries. More often than not, we gladly immersed ourselves in their cultures, or at least we've been curious enough to discover it thoroughly. If the stay was short, the discovery was like a game to be fully played for the entire period of time. If the stay was longer, from several months to a lifetime, adaptability was key in order to live there legally, and also to be socially integrated. Moreover, if that world did not resonate with us, we were less likely to remain. 

        As an immigrant and a traveller, I definitely came accross aspects which were totally uncompatible with my values, and I'm sure you did too. But from here to feeling offended, or taking it personally, and expecting those people to change (on a national level, evenutally) just to please you, it's a long way. 

                As a host, we should definitely offer an environment which is friendly and non-threatening to the guest, do whatever lies in our power to make integration easy, but without chopping away our own values. Our country is like our home, and if we cannot be ourselves in our home, then where? 

            

          

Celebrating Unity, Learning Solidarity: How We Spent Romania's National Day

     

   

    Today Romania is celebrating. It is our National Day, also known as the Great Unity, the day when, 97 years ago, we became one big country. Live music, people gathering from all the corners of the city, Christmas lights and national flags colour and illuminate the scenery in several cities. In general, for us, this represents the opening of the winter festivities season.

        However, this year everything took place under a dark cloud, or at least many of us feel like this. Those who have been following the news know that exactly one month ago a major tragedy took place in Bucharest. A nightclub caught fire during a rock concert, causing a total of 60 deaths and hundreds of people injured. Apart from the tragedy of all these lives lost or harmed, it was discovered that the club was functionning illegally, without respecting some key safety laws. In other words, corruption had helped the club function, although, legally speaking, it should have not. 

            Last month's tragedy was a (new) last straw in a world where corruption had been reigning for many years, and this time corruption had been at the foundation of a tragedy of proportions. What followed for the entire country was a mix of grief and anger, between flowers and candles for the victims of the club Colectiv fire, and street protests against a flawed governing class. The protests were peaceful, and fortunately no episodes of violence were registered. In the end, as you might also know, it culminated with the resignation of the entire government, which made most of the country rejoice, but also hope for better times ahead for our country.

           How did it feel to be among the protesters? From my own experience, it was a feeling of togetherness. I didn't know those people, but we were all there for each other and for the future of our country, regardless of age or social status. 

        What did we learn from this experience? That we CAN stick together and be united, if we want, and results will show, although for some people it was too late. That Romanians are not as individualist as I often accused them to be. That a country that is (geographically) big, deserves also to be great. These days, one month later, I often feel that people are much more open towards each other, but also to believe in ourselves as a nation, and turn towards our real values, and to those of us who can make Romania a better world. Some friends of mine who are (still) a bit cynical will accuse me of being (still) idealistic, but I love them anyway! ;)

            What I wish Romania for her birthday (gee, she's one old lady ;) )? To keep improving in this respect, to keep learning solidarity and respect for the others, to value safety and justice above material interests, to learn to trust and also help in times of need. And of course, a lot of strenght for the fire victims' families and also for the survivors. 

              Happy birthday, wonderful country of (actually and potentially) great people! La mulți ani, România!

              

               

        

Paris Terrorist Attacks: Who Is to Blame?

     

  

   We all know what happened last night in Paris, and we are all under shock. Less than a year later, what happened at the Charlie Hebdo headquarters proved itself to be just an introduction to a violent episode of a much larger scale, with a much bigger number of victims. I couldn't help but remember episodes such as September 11th 2001 in New York, the train bombings of Madrid in 2004, or the underground bombings in London in 2005. And it makes me wonder... why are some countries more exposed, or more targetted than others? 

     Amongst several comments, I read somewhere something along the lines of: "So, you wanted integration of immigrants? There you go, now have it!" Which, taken as a concept in itself, I deem totally unfair. We live in a globalized world, whether we like it or not. People move to different countries from their country of birth on a daily basis and in all directions. Multicultural environments are becoming more and more the norm, rather than exceptions. Heck, I've been an immigrant myself, and I met many other very peaceful immigrants. 

     Are certain religions causing more evil than others? Well, given the fact that many mass murders took place on non-religious bases, I wouldn't bet all my money on it.  However, it is religious fanatism that is harmful. Yes, muslims stand out more than other religions, especially because of the past episodes of terrorism which I mentioned before, be they claimed by Al-Qaeda or ISIS. However, I also have many muslim friends and aquaintances whose moral quality cannot be denied. 

      What should be done, in your opinion? A more strict control of immigrant inflows, possibly over an extended time frame? Undercover control of immigrant communities? How should we separate the good from the evil, in order to protect our own countries, but also to make sure nobody gets unfairly labelled or discriminated? 

       One of those posts which has more questions than answers. But I do need your opinions. May the victims of this attack rest in peace, as well as the victims of other similar episodes of violence around the world, and let's just take some time to reflect on what could be done in order for these things not to happen again. 

     

Books and Bookstores: a Charm that Technology Can't Beat

                   

     How much do we read these days? Or should we say: do we still read? Maybe not as much as we would like, due to our busy lifestyles, a small amount of spare time that we would often spend otherwise, and, of course, because of the internet, which provides us with all the information we need, including literary works in full. 

         

    But... it's not the same. It's not the same as the relaxing atmosphere of a bookstore, the colours, the smell of paper, or the feeling you have when you touch the book. Today I ended up in a bookstore which has a very special vibe to it (if you visit Romania, and especially Bucharest, check out the Carturesti bookstores chain ;) ). It is located in a 19th century house in the city center, not very big, but just enough, and most surely not "mainstream". It gives that feeling of grandparents' house full of books. But also CDs, DVDs and the good old vinyl discs, toys and board games, numerous kinds of tea and tea serving accesories. All things simple, pretty, colourful and of high sentimental value to everyone.

             

         It makes you want to relax and it makes you want to read. And somehow, you never go home empty-handed. Can a laptop or a tablet compete? It's surely easier to use, and cheaper, as you only pay your internet provider bill. But do you reallt see yourself tucked in your bed on a snowy winter evening, with a laptop? Not very picturesque, is it? Yes, we understand modernity, but can't we just step back at least for a little while every day? Grab a book, relax and start reading. It's not even as harmful for the eyes (yes, lately I've been getting sore eyes for spending too much time writing and reading on my PC). 

            

           Let's make a deal: 

           1. Let's spend at least half an hour reading every day, it's not a lot of time. 

         2. If we are working and earn our own money, let's buy at least one book a month. Together with travel, books are the other thing you buy which make you richer.  

         3. If you are a parent, try reading to your little ones as much as you can.  It did benefit us in our childhood, so let's give them that joy too! 

         

Should I Stay or Should I Go? When it Comes to Living Abroad, what Would Make You Want to Remain?

          

     Many of us, myself included, experienced what it means to live in a different country than the one of origin, for an extended amount of time (let's say, from six months onwards). Sometimes we leave with the intention to remain, but our plans are changed when we face the reality of that environment. Sometimes, we only plan to stay for a few months, but eventually we love it so much, that we end up remaining there all our lives. Or simply we go there for a fixed amount of time, for the sake of the experience, knowing exactly what we'll be doing there, and then return home (or move somewhere else), considering our experience an independent chapter in our life with a definite closure. Or, like myself, you end up not really "leaving" any of your two (or more) home countries, and regardless of where you reside, you stay emotionally, technologically and occasionally physically present in your "other world". 

          But when you stay, what makes you WANT to stay? 

1. A stable work situation:

     Maybe the least poetic or fascinating factor, but finding an interesting and fullfilling activity after your studies and being able to support yourself is a big deal. Without this, when you are abroad you find yourself at a big risk, without support from the state and / or a consistent financial reserve. With that sorted out, we can move to other factors. 

2. Friends:

      Assuming that you are a social creature, and that you are doing your best to have an active social life, finding good friends to share your best moments with is crucial. If you and your friends share the same values in life, attribute the same meaning to having fun, and support each other in times of need, in spite of the different backgrounds, then consider yourself lucky, because loneliness away from home will not be an issue for you. And besides, maybe from these friendships and social activities, another important part of your life would develop. You know what I mean... ;)

3. Cultural similarities:

    It is said that if you end up in an environment that shares roughly the same cultural values you grew up with, you would feel more "at home", and therefore more likely to remain. What is deemed right and what is deemed wrong in your country of adoption? Do you agree? Is it also your way of making sense of the world? Did you suffer major cultural shocks, that left you appalled? Consider these questions before making a lifetime decision.

4. Cultural differences:

     By the same token, we come to the opposite end of the spectrum. If you thrive on differences more than similarities, then these differences will attract you. It would be a life full of discovery and learning, you would totally transform your views of the world, but still, on the condition that you don't encounter major problems, and that you still apply points 1 and 2. Alas, I'm so curious if my European friends who currently live in places like India or China would actually remain there indefinitely! ;)

5. Cultural mosaics:

       There are those cosmopolitan envrionments, especially in the western world, where you can encounter all nationalities and cultures. Hence, if this is the case, everyone can fit in. The native population may or may not be your ideal company, there are also other expat communities and national minorities which you would resonate better with. For example, this is why people of numerous nationalities are drawn to cities like London, Paris, or New York. 

6. An immigrant-friendly attitude:

         I would say that point 5 is a consequence of this one, but not necessarily. It is also a big deal to feel accepted, and to enjoy a high degree of freedom in your country of destination, without suffering from limitations in the workplace, or without being marginalized in social circles. However, who you are as a person, and the respect you show to both yourself and the receiving population also plays a major part. Being liked and respected is not about nationality, and if for some people it is, then they are the unworthy ones. 

      That's the long and short of it, of what I learned from my own experiences and those of my friends and aquaintances. If you were in such situation, what were the determining factors in your case? 

The Truth about Life in Romania: the Romanian Social Butterfly

       

     

    I promised I would tell you small bits and pieces about life in Romania, and here comes the first installment, which, I should mention, applies more to life in Bucharest and major cities. Being in the first part of autumn, good weather is slowly starting to leave us. But during spring, summer and the first part of autumn, Bucharest vibrates with social life and events of all kinds, especially in the open air. Concerts, theatre festivals in the streets, international manifestations, exhibitions, organized city exploration, and so-so much more. During the warmer time of year, it is impossible not to find something to do, or some event to attend, by day or by night. And all these events generate huge crowds, because most of them tend to be free of charge. 

                             

       And here comes the first Romanian specimen we'll talk about, and which I admit I often identify with: the social butterfly. If free time is not a problem, or at least during weekends, Romanians like to put their gladrags on, take their friends, significant other or family members, and go out. People of all ages: from families with kids and even pets, to groups of youngsters, to senior citizens. For us, it's a method to relax, learn new things, and spend some time in the open with our dear ones. We don't have to spend a fortune if we don't want. It's simply about going outside and enjoying the city. Sometimes I feel there is a deep desire for beauty, in the middle of a pretty stressful everyday life. Like a small oasis of joy. After all, why shouldn't we break away from the TV and the gloomy news we are being given every day? ;) 

                             

     But mind you: we usually tend to go out accompanied by our own circles of close people. Therefore, it happens very rarely to go out by yourself with the purpose of making new friends. See the difference? We shall talk at a later date about Romanians and friendship. But for the time being, keep in mind that if you want to visit Romania, and especially Bucharest, there is plenty to be seen, apart from the traditional touristic attraction. In fact, the pictures I have chosen are from three events that I recently attended:  an exploration itinerary in the old city with its architecture, an artisanal artefacts fair, and last autumn's 555th anniversary of Bucharest, which included lots of fairs and artistic performances.      Sometimes, you won't know what to choose between the various cultural manifestations. You will never get bored!