American male, 32

Age: 32
Sex: Male
Nationality: American/USA
Education: What do you mean? University. Philosophy.
Occupation: Entreprenuer.


What did you think about Romania and Romanians before your first contacts with this country or its inhabitants?
I perceived Romania as an exotically normal place. By that, I mean to acknowledge that most Americans have little direct understanding of what Romania is like and therefore it seems a distant, fuzzy, romanticly exotic locale. However, I was quite sure that Romania would turn out to be rather normal, on the whole, given that the culture is essentially European and the people are educated.
I did hear a lot of opinion saying Romania was economically destitute and the people untrustworthy (thieves, scams).

Did this image change after getting to know a Romanian or after visiting the country? How?
No. Romania is exactly the exotically normal place I imagined. It is much different than American culture on many levels and yet somehow familiar in a pan-European sense. There is life, business, entertainment, internet, and much more all in recognizable, accessible formats. People here are fairly well educated, compared to the much of the world. Particularly young people.
Yes! I don't see any economic depression here. Quite the opposite, I see nothing but emerging opportunities and an exciting economic future for strong growth. I would say that the overwhelming majority of people are quite trustworthy. That being said, there should be a 'public campaign' to remind the tourist industry (hotels, taxis, restaurants, bars, whatever) that Romania does NOT need to cheat tourists out of extra money... and that simply doing a good job with a smile will bring Romania a great reputation. (The kind of attitude which assumes "hey, that American won't even notice an extra 5 RON missing" is precisely what brings Romania an international perception of scams. A "public awareness" campaign could reduce that significantly by simply reminding Romanians to be honest and proud of their nation, just like 99.9% ALREADY ARE. Peer pressure, you see.)


Describe in a few words your best encounter with a Romanian.
A bit risque, don't you think?


Describe in a few words your worst encounter with a Romanian.
Taxi drivers who try to cheat you, restaurant staff who ignore customers, and any "service employee" with such bad attitudes about doing their job, which is still quite common throughout all of Romania.

Which words come to your mind when you think about Romanians in general?
Strong history. Adaptive culture. Quick thinkers. Polite hospitality.
Politically lost/philosophically uneducated. Blind to current opportunities.

Which words come to your mind when you think about Romanian women?
Kind, capable, smart, and fun. But that merely reflects the Romanian women who impress/interest me. There is a substantial portion of Romanian women who do not fit this vague description... and in varying directions. (If you were expecting answers about beauty or sex, you were mistaken.)

Which words come to your mind when you think about Romanian men?
Bravado. Cynicism. Smart! Eager to learn from/work with Americans (in a constructive manner).

What is the age you associate Romania with?
What? (That makes no sense.)

What is the drink you associate Romania with?
Palinca. NOROC!

What are the brands you associate Romania with?
Mmm... mostly foreign brands, very few local.
Dacia (which is Renault), Carrefour, Tuborg, Santal, LUK Oil. But also Petrom, CFR, and Blue Viking (of course!).

Name 3 prominent Romanians
Stefan cel Mare
Mihai Eminescu
Traian Basescu

What time of the day you associate Romania with?
Huh? (That makes no sense.)

Name the country you associate Romania with?
Uh... Romania. (That makes no sense.)

What is the main difference between Romania and your country?
In the past, I would have said "a strong political philosophy" but America is losing it's compass. Perhaps, Romania is just finding hers. So... I would say, business savvy. Romania needs to learn. Fast.