Why the Romans Stayed

June 6,

We’ve been in country now for almost weeks. The sights and sounds and smells and tastes are all still new to us. Gradually, though, we are becoming adjusted to a different life style. Small things mean a lot. Our Gazda, which means host family, went out and bought a shower curtain. Now we can wash standing up. There is hot water and nearly all the comforts of home. Betty, our Gazda Mom is always reading with food.

And such food! I can’t remember all the names, but the stuff is good and there’s plenty of it. Last night we had a treat – home made French fries. They were excellent, along with the traditional Romanian dish of Mammaluga and Samatana – sort of a cornbread with sour cream. Our vocabulary is still limited but includes lots of words for the foods.

Rasnov is a medium size city on the outskirts of the larger Brasov. While it may have 20,000 people it doesn’t have much a city center. Our home is in the older section of the city. In Romania the older sections of towns are much better than the newer Communist constructed sections. We’ve got a private room but we share a bathroom with the rest of the family. That hasn’t been a problem, and now we have the aforementioned shower curtain.

Should anyone have reason to send us snail mail – mail only, no packages yet – the address is

Tim & Nancy Hulings
Peace Corps Romania
16 STR. Negustora, Sector 2
Burcharest, Romania

The history and language of Romania traces back to the Roman era. Rome occupied this portion of the world in the time before Christ. All around Romania the nations speak either Slavic, Germanic or Hungarian languages which are most difficult to learn, but Romania has a Latin based language that has many similarities to French. It’s still not easy to learn, but at least Nancy and I have a basis from our High School French classes over 40 years ago.

The reason that Romania has the tie to Latin is this. When the Roman soldiers were ordered to return home at the end of their service they chose to stay. The Dacian women – the natives – had their particular charms. It’s easy to see why. I have been here nearly two weeks and have seen exactly three ladies under the age of 35 who have been overweight. The women are neat and trim and stylishly dressed. The style can seem a little strange to me, baring a good deal of skin on some ladies, but overall the impression is of a swank female population.

Now let me try and add a picture or two.