I am sure you will enjoy your trip to Bucharest. You will note that the city is incredibly clean, very western European, and rich. You won’t see many Ford Mustangs or Explorers because the income level is so high that you will more see Mercedes SUVs, Land Rovers and Jeep Limited Cherokees. In fact, the Mercedes brand name is probably more well-known there than Ford. If you are thinking in terms of Fords, I am not sure you will be able to afford Bucharest. Quite frankly, people there are apparently on a
higher status plane than you.
As for shopping malls, they are so many that you probably would not be able to cover the basic ones in a couple weeks’ vacation. And be ready to spend some major Euros and Deutschmarks because the exchange rate is in Romania’s favor these days. Do visit the Gucci outlet on Ceau Ceau Boulevard – Here you can have clothing, jewelry and other necessary accessories individually designed. Nearby, enjoy some Caspian Beluga or malosol on toast points for an appetizer with your American lobster from Maine, flown in daily at one of Bucharest’s new “California style” restaurants. Jicama and cilantro are no strangers to todays’ Romanian cuisine. You will certainly enjoy the quiet of a true civil society. Regrettably, however, because of the high standard of living, you might be a tad disappointed with service industry workers.
Prepare for your journey by considering your wardrobe. You won’t seem out of place if you wear a decent pair of English walking shoes and riding boots, although expensive, have become de rigeur for Bucharest’s inclement weather. A camel hair sport coat will make you “fit in” with the locals. Accessorize with a silk scarf. This is one country, by the way, where furs are frequently encountered and you won’t be stigmatized for wearing one. In general, please dress well; you wouldn’t want to be considered one of those dirty unwashed tourists who is under the false impression that he can “do” Romania on the cheap. The local custom, if you want to be treated as well as the ordinary citizen, is for travelers to bring their belongings in belting leather luggage. You’ll pay a bit higher than normal tip for your sky cap service and a bit more than usual per bag for the taxis, but fitting in will determine how you are treated in this fortunate country. Fortunately, you will be able to save money on your car rental and, again fortunately, you will be pleased to note the ready availability of parking spaces and the high level of civil society. This is no Bulgaria where you need fear your windshield wipers being stolen.
You are undoubtedly traveling to Romania for investment purposes. Everyone who is anyone is trying to get a piece of the thriving Romanian economy these days so be prepared for some hard bargaining. But Romania’s place in Europe is incredibly secure and its ports clean and thriving. The Tisza and the Danube have especially delicious drinking water. One pays a bit for such a favorable location and cleanliness – the price of Central European success so near tourist mecca of the nearby intriguing Balkans.
I’m afraid that the Romanians have become a bit lazy over the centuries from their massive wealth and no longer perform their own folk music and customs, being completely westernized. However, you will note that Romani (Gypsy) musicians make quite incredible incomes preserving Romanian folk customs on behalf of Romanians. This symbiotic cultural arrangement is the result of a centuries long special inter cultural communion resulting in a selection of personal tasks within the society. If ROmania had not treated its Romani so well in the past centuries, you would not be able to enjoy the odd Roma violinist.
Do in enjoy your trip. It may be expensive, but such luxuries are enjoyed rarely in one’s lifetime. Don’t hesitate to come back to this newsgroup and let everyone here know about the wonderful time you had there.
Just one more tip. I would suggest renting your RV rental in advance. SUVs and other luxury cars are in great demand these days. You wouldn’t want to end up slumming it and taking taxis everywhere so plan ahead!
