There are plenty of places where mass tourism didn’t take over, actually most of the country – this is what I like about Romania. I like the diversity and mix of cultures and languages spoken one can experience in Romania.
I met Joanna at a volunteering activity where she was talking about her wonderful home country, Poland, in Romanian. Soon, we started talking and I discovered a nice young woman full of knowledge, passion for travelling and self-growth, and … enthusiasm for Romania.
Let’s dive in and discover more about Joanna and her experience in Romania!
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For a start, please introduce yourself and say how long you have been in Romania. What do you do here?
My name is Joanna, I’m from Poland and it’s been 8 years now since I arrived in Romania for the first time, living and working in 3 different Romanian cities during this time.
At the moment I’m working for an international company, using my native Polish language at work.
What expectations did you have? What did you know about Romania?
I didn’t have strong, specific expectations before coming (something I didn’t expect was that I would stay here for several years). I was open to discover another part of Europe, to meet different people and to challenge myself gaining work experience.
It’s a bit blurry now what I knew about the country in the past and what I have learnt through the years instead. I knew some of the basic geographical and historical information, highlights from the tourist perspective. I knew Romania offers a lot for the nature lovers. From the list of facts, I remember knowing that Romania has a very fast Internet connection.
I didn’t know any words in Romanian language, except for hearing the popular song “Dragostea din tei”, produced by the Moldovan band, O-zone.
The misinformation about Roma people, originating from Romania, was (and still is) widely spread in my country.
The image of Dracula is one of the first that comes to mind when mentioning Romania.
What do you like about Romania? What do you dislike? What is better and what is worse than your expectations?
I like the richness of nature that Romania offers, activities available for anyone – from the possibility to hop on the kayak in the city, through mountain trekking, skiing, to the birds watching in the Danube Delta. And the seaside for those who like it. Small cities are beautiful too. There are plenty of places where mass tourism didn’t take over, actually most of the country – this is what I like about Romania. I like the diversity and mix of cultures and languages spoken one can experience in Romania.
What is good and I got used to is that movies are shown with subtitles and not dubbed (as it is in Poland).
One of the things I wish was different – that the trains were faster and better, it would make travelling easier (I know locals wish for it too).
Also, while sometimes lack of strict rules may be relaxing, I find it disturbing when poor customer service is offered in different situations here and when there is lack of accuracy (of course it’s not a rule but it happens quite a bit). Romania is developing and changing for better every year, but it’s a process that requires patience sometimes. I’m also awaiting the day fireworks won’t be allowed to be freely used any day of the week (it’s always a surprise).
Where have you been in Romania? What were your favourite places and why?
I visited most of the biggest cities (Bucharest, Timisoara, Cluj and other), smaller Transylvanian cities, hiked a bit in the mountains (central part of the country) – which is always a good idea for the weekend or one day escape. I travelled mostly from the west, through central, to southern and eastern part of the country. Northern part is still on my list.
Timisoara stays as my number one favourite place – it’s not too big, not too small, for sure not boring, it’s green in a sense that there are small parks in different parts of the city, including the surroundings of Bega canal. The city is rich in the cultural events, spaces (it was not only during 2023 when it held the title of the European Capital of Culture but also now has a lot to offer).
Visiting the Danube Delta was something unique. Brasov and Sighisoara are the cities I’d like to revisit.
What about the stereotype saying that Romanians are very hospitable and friendly?
I believe this stereotype is stronger among countries such as Spain or Italy but I have found it valid also here. Although I must say I find people here a bit reserved and stressed (so are we). Speaking local language, even a bit, helps in daily contacts. Personally, spending my free time on occasional volunteering shows me that there are plenty of friendly and kind people here.
What do you believe about Romanian drivers?
I’ve seen worse drivers and more chaotic situations on the road, but I’m happy I don’t have to drive here (also the behavior depends on the city – in Bucharest honking and making a noise is very common and I would say standard; also, the traffic is worse). I maintain limited trust when crossing the streets in Romanian cities, even on the lights (most of the times nothing bad happens but I’ve had a few risky situations as a pedestrian). I wish the passengers’ seats always had the seatbelts available (it’s not granted) and that taxi drivers didn’t have too many technical issues with card payment and taxi meter.
Please tell us three things you like about Romania.
Nature… food …many warm days…
Please tell us some things you dislike or some negative experiences you had.
In general, I dislike it when people provide bad service (over the phone, in person, at the hospitality industry) and don’t acknowledge it or, if they do, later exactly the same is repeated. But this is very individual and not too common to define my overall experience in Romania. I’m also quite patient but this feature is sometimes tested here.
What is your favourite Romanian food?
I find local food often similar to Polish (tasty sarmale or papanasi remind me of similar things we have in Poland and also are easily available). I like mamaliga and its different versions (this one is not popular in Poland). I like any sour soup here. I like the bread and pastries from small places, easily found on the streets.
Seasonal fruits and vegetables are good and easily available on the markets.
Would you recommend the country to your friends?
I definitely would and already have introduced it to my friends and family. I know they were positively surprised, some came over more than once.
What could Romania do to be more visitable?
For sure better infrastructure and public transportation (roads, trains). Fully joining Schengen would also help.
Can you summarize your experience in Timisoara and give some recommendations/tips?
I have been experiencing the city mainly by cultural events, by seeing places where different events happen, as well as walking and biking through the whole city and its green spaces.
I would recommend to prepare for a relaxing time here, with a head up not to miss architectural gems. Visiting just for a 2-3 days would surely mean strolling through the central squares, Bega canal surroundings, maybe a place related to the 1989 events (fall of communism), ending the days trying local food.
Staying longer offers possibility to discover various cultural spaces and events (art galleries, exhibitions – not only in the museums), Opera, multiple theatres and cinemas, music festivals (varying from folk to jazz), sport events, concerts, workshops, outdoor activities). Walking and using public transportation (including the boats) would allow to easily move around when visiting Timisoara.
Now after spending this time in Romania, what is the general and most powerful feeling that Romania gives to you?
I constantly feel like a traveller here, even while living and working. Romania still uncovers something new for me from time to time, even after all the years spent here.
I feel like it is a place to slow down and relax (maybe except for the capital).
What are some of the misconceptions you most often hear about Romania and how do you feel about them?
Romania, by those who didn’t have a chance to come and visit, may be considered as not well developed (i.e. in terms of infrastructure) and also as not too safe (not sure why).
I’d like people to learn more about Roma community worldwide and stop confusing them as the nation originating from Romania (as also not to ignore their own history and understand better their situation). I think any misconception could be challenged by experiencing a place or meeting different people.
What do you like about Romanian culture, history, customs? Please give us some examples.
I’m seeing the diversity of cultures, religions and languages here as something that makes people and nations unique and beautiful. And a proof that we can live next to each other while still preserving what is unique and different for each.
I find it interesting when most of the years Catholic and Orthodox Easter fall with some weeks apart of each other (for mixed families that celebrate both, it would means enjoying traditional food twice in few weeks apart). Past events related to the end of communism in Romania are something people here are proud of and I think it is important these are reminded yearly.
Thank you so much Joanna for you feedback! So glad you like Romania! You’re doing a terrific job!
