How long would you travel for a simple party with friends? Missing friends that live on the other side of the country I decided to attend a going away party in Onesti. It took me two buses for a grand total of ten hours! In other words I went across the state of Oregon simply to hang out with friends for two nights. For all of you who enjoy random facts I’m sure this one will impress you: the cost to improve roads here is 28.7 billion Euros! Imagine what the road construction season would be like should the gov’t suddenly try to fix all of the roads. Streets into main cities are usually in decent condition but expect a bumpy ride on country roads and traveling on dirt when inside a village. Not only that but it is uncommon to actually drive in a straight/efficient manner. On my way to Brasov en route to Onesti I got a lovely village tour since the bus basically traveled or rather bumped along in some weird loop formation.

I was looking forward to the drama camp my org. sponsors for a reason most wouldn’t expect: bugs. It seems that my “PC roughing experience” will be with these damn bugs. For the past six-seven months I have had numerous battles with mosquitoes, fleas, spiders, bed bugs, and who knows what else. (For the record, my apt. is cleaned every few weeks so it’s not dirt that brings them in.)  To give you an idea of just how bad it has been I’ve surrendered to them by sleeping on the floor in my other room! On top of that my legs look like they suffered from chronic chicken pox. Prior to going to the drama camp I assumed being gone for a week would take care of them… but no, they’re back as I found out last night. What began as a loud scream/jump due to being surprised ended in me going on another rampage trying to get rid of these unwanted guests.

I have tried to no avail using Raid and since exterminators are quite rare I’m not sure what I will  do. If my last efforts of spraying Raid all over, re-washing everything in site, in addition to leaving my flat for the next two weeks for vacation I’m considering tossing my couch out the window and permanently sleeping on the floor.

I never realized how strict, borderline militant Am. Summer camps were until I went to one put on by my org. A schedule of when we eat, where go, moving from place to place, and bed checks are not unusual at camps in America.  Here not so much! People view them more as vacations. Apparently my scheduling of a three hour lunch and two hours of free time at night were not enough. The camp facility (basically a dormitory) was across from a zoo so every morning I got to hear the lion in a zoo (which is supposed to be shut down) roar… On the bright side I introduced the water balloon fight to the kids! I’m glad to say they thoroughly enjoyed it!

I got a cultural lesson in organization and one in a few embraced beliefs. Since workshops were done in hallways I simply sat down on the ground but kids put blankets down before sitting. Why, you ask??? “Your ovaries will freeze, and perhaps your back,” is the response I got. Seriously, I am not kidding many kids refused to sit down on the ground—especially if it is cement or a tad cold.  Another time I joined teachers at the table but since there was little room I pulled up a chair at the corner. Promptly one told me to be careful because apparently sitting at the corner of a table is considered bad luck and one will probably not get married. Great not only will I never have kids but I will also miss out on marriage at some point in the future! If I am not married nor able to have children in ten years I will return to Romania and embrace the curent with full force including wearing cotton in my ears.

 
Asta e, Asta este viţa in Româniă! (Oh well, this is life in Romania)

ps. I have some funny pictures from the camp I'll try to post today.