Romania At a Glance
Why should you go to Romania? The straight answer is because it is one of the most beautiful countries of Southeast Europe. If you don?t have months to spare, do not want to travel too far, Romania is the place for you. From projects for 2 weeks to 2 months, you could volunteer here either for your gap year or summer break. It has remnants of rustic Europe charm. Even in cities where you will find cars racing down the streets, you will almost anywhere find horse drawn buggies, green mountains, cone shaped haystacks and herds of sheep that bounce along.
From grand Gothic buildings to spectacular Castles and Palaces as well as numerous Churches and Monasteries a lover of architecture would be spoilt for choice.
Temperatures can greatly vary in Romania. Winters are quite cold and summers can get very hot. There is much variation in its climate: the average annual temperature in the south is 11°C, 7°C in the north and only 2°C in the mountains. In recent summer months, temperatures have risen to 35 degrees Celsius and winter chills going about to 35 degrees celsius.
Although the public transport systems are in no way as developed as their western counterparts, the trains, although infrequent, always show up on time. To reach Harghita county where the majority of projects are based, foreign travelers have the option of flying into Budapest and then catching the train to Miercurea-Ciuc. Although this is definitely the longer option, flights to Budapest are usually more in frequency and cheaper. The other option would be to fly to a Romanian airport. The nearest is Targu Mures where volunteers could be picked up from by the local country representative or there is Cluj Napoca, a 5 hour train journey away from Miercurea-Ciuc.
Buses are another form of transport open to volunteers although their reliability varies usually depending on how far it has had to travel. So, don?t set your watches by those traveling from Moldavia but the local networks usually arrive on time.
History
Romania's history has not been as idyllically peaceful as its geography. Over the centuries, various migrating people invaded Romania. Romania's historical provinces allachia and Moldova offered furious resistance to the invading Ottoman Turks. Transylvania for a very long time was under the rule of the Hapsburg (Austro-Hungarian) empire although it remained an autonomous province.
It is because of this history that many Transylvanians still classify themselves as Hungarians and speak the Hungarian language although since being defeated in World War I, this region was officially handed over to Romania. In the city of Miercurea-Ciuc approx 80% of its inhabitants have Hungarian as their mother tongue.
In the 1940?s, with the soviet troops on its territory, Romania entered the sphere of influence of Soviet Union. After Stalin?s death, Romania distanced itself from Moscow. Romania's post World War II history as a communist-block nation is more widely known, primarily due to the excesses of the former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Many locals have vivid memories of their time under communism which they are more than happy to share with anyone that shows an interest. In December 1989 a national uprising led to his overthrow. The 1991 Constitution established Romania as a republic with a multiparty system, market economy and individual rights of free speech, religion and private ownership.
Things to see and do
Medieval towns, fortified churches, painted monasteries, wooden masterpieces and ancient Dacian ruins are just some of the attractions that make up Romania?s exceptional cultural heritage. 25 of its beautifully preserved architectural gems have been included by UNESCO in the World Cultural Heritage in acknowledgement of their natural, scenic and monumental appeal. A tour of these sites is a good way to discover Romania?s history, artistic wealth and popular traditions. Each and every stop on this route will reveal a unique and stunning location.
The western half of Walachia (Southern Romania) and Transylvania, where the majority of the projects are based are endowed with spectacular monasteries, thermal-spring spas, and charming villages set at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Continue your trip along the Olt River Valley and discover Transylvania?s forest-covered slopes, unspoiled landscapes, quaint villages, and fortified churches. In northeastern Romania, make time for Bucovina?s painted monasteries, with their magnificent 15th-century frescoes, which are unique in the world. Cross the Prislop Pass into Maramures, famous for its hand-hewn wooden architecture and its unique tall-spire churches with double roofs.
Romania?s UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Monastery of Horezu
- Medieval fortified churches of Transylvania
- Historic centre of Sighisoara
- Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
- Wooden Churches of Maramures
- Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains
Among the most picturesque treasures of Romania are the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina (in northeastern Romania). Their painted exterior walls are decorated with elaborate 15th and 16th century frescoes featuring portraits of saints and prophets, scenes from the life of Jesus, images of angels and demons, and heaven and hell.
Whether you are interested in religion, history, art or architecture, you will be intrigued by the construction and decor ? exterior and interior ? of these edifices.
Romania is home to more than one third of Europe's mineral and thermal springs. Today Romania's 70 natural spas provide relief for many medical disorders and illnesses.
Romania?s national and natural parks, displaying a unique variety of landscapes, vegetation and wildlife, protect some of the largest remaining areas of pristine forest in Europe. Grasslands, gorges, subterranean caves, volcanic lakes, and extensive river network add to the richness of the park system that also includes the Danube Delta, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Europe?s largest wetland.
Central Romania encompasses what is popularly known as Transylvania ? a place that immediately brings to mind the legend of Count Dracula. While the legend is certainly intriguing and a genuine tourist attraction, the region has much more to offer. Some of Europe?s best-preserved medieval towns, most notably Sighisoara, Brasov and Sibiu, are located here.
Culture and Customs
Romania's culture is the product of its geographical position and of its distinct historical evolution. It is fundamentally defined as the meeting point of three regions: Central Europe, Eastern Europe and the Balkans, but cannot be truly included in any of them.
The Romanian people are extremely friendly and hospitable. Although they can sometimes be quite suspicious of foreigners at first, once you have gained their trust they can?t do enough for you. The people are very traditional and are very proud of their unique culture and customs. Due to the rural character of Romanian communities, string folk traditions have survived. Traditional folk arts include wood carving, ceramics, weaving and embroidery of costumes, household decorations, dance, and richly varied folk music.
The music of Tanzania stretches from traditional African music to the string-based taarab to a distinctive hip hop known as bongo flava. Tanzania also has its own distinct African rumba music.
Music and dance represent a lively part of the Romanian folklore and there are a great variety of musical genres and dances. Party music is very lively and shows both Balkan and Hungarian influences. Sentimental music, however, is the most valued, and Romanians consider their doina (a sad song either about one's home or about love, composed like an epic ballad) unique in the world.
Romanians have had, from time immemorial, a myriad of customs, tales and poems about love, faith, kings, princesses, and witches.
Romanians love to eat. A large part of their diet is potatoes, potatoes and more potatoes. But also, anything that can be harvested forms a stable part of their diet. So Cabbage, carrots, peppers, aubergines, onions, radish, corn and tomatoes are a common sight at the colourful local markets. Pork is the main meat used in Roman cuisine. Wine is the major drink and Romania is the ninth largest producer of wine in the world.
An extremely religious country (Christian Orthodox/Catholic) where almost every family goes to church at least once a week with there being the opportunity to go 3 times on a Sunday if once isn?t enough!