Learning and Relishing

Last week was quite the experience! On Wednesday we had our Fulbright orientation with all the grantees and Fulbright-Romania employees. The Fulbright employees are some of the nicest people I ever met. They would go above and beyond to make sure we are all properly taken care of. It was good to know we have such a solid support system. Thank you, Fulbright-Romania team, for your great hospitality!

It was such a thrill to meet the rest of grantees. I felt honored to be among brilliant people of various ages, interests, academic accomplishments, etc. Several times throughout the day I had to pinch myself and ask, “am I really among all of these amazing people??” I enjoyed meeting them and getting to know them. A part of me wishes we could all be in the same city! Although I do admit, that would have made it too tempting to stay within my American comfort zone. I look forward to the Fulbright holiday party in Bucharest at the beginning of December. I can’t wait to see how everyone’s projects and semesters have unfolded. I can see great things come from my fellow colleagues!

Besides meeting all these awesome people, at the orientation we were briefed by embassy officials on what is happening in Romania today. That was very interesting! As I was listening, I had a few “oooh” and “ahhh” moments. I realized that although I might be Romanian by origin, I understand the world through “American lenses.” Those who were informing us were speaking from an American perspective and I appreciated that so much because for the first time I had a different, maybe you can even say better, understanding of the culture.

Afterwards we all attended the RAAS Conference in Constanta at Universitatea Ovidius. Professors from all over Romania, and places such as Bulgaria, Turkey, Canada, and the United States presented their research on dissent in America. The U.S. Ambassador to Romania, Mark Gitenstein, who, from what I understand is the first Romanian- American ambassador, gave a speech on the topic.

It was a wonderful opportunity to be able to interact with such a variety of people!

All of us Fulbright grantees and families at the orientation in Bucharest on Wednesday.

Thursday, at the RAAS Conference at Universitatea Ovidius with the U.S. Ambassador to Romania, Mark Gitenstein, Camille Ratcliffe, and Annie Pennel.

Here the U.S. Ambassador Mark Gitenstein is giving a speech.

Out at dinner Friday night with the Fulbrighters.

Soaking it all in- Literally and Figuratively!

Buna ziua!

It’s about time I updated from Romania, eh? J

It is Tuesday and I am now in Bucharest! So far, I have really been enjoying myself! You would think the traveling challenges of jet lag, getting accustomed to the cultural change, and not really knowing many people, would have been too much to handle in order to enjoy my time- but nope! J I've been having a blast!

In Constanta last week, I met up with an American friend and his fiance who took me around. It was so nice to be able to explore and figure out the city with them! I am the type that likes to have my directions down- so you can only imagine how relieved I was once I started learning the main bus routes and understanding the city! Next thing you know, I'll blend in like any other native!

Friday, I was able to go visit Pastor Mihai and his family in Galati. They invited me to a conference and I am so glad I accepted their offer! They were great hosts and made sure my time in Galati was pleasant. The conference was with youth from all around the southeast region of Romania. Through this conference I was able to meet friendly people from both Constanta and Galati. I am SO glad that I met these great people and I look forward to developing these friendships in the next few months!  Honestly, I could not think of a better way to have spent my first weekend in Romania! 

Today I visited as much as I could with Annie, a Fulbright ETA in Iasi. Unfortunately, the weather was not in our favor, so our time to discover the city was limited. Nonetheless, we made the most of it! First, we ate at an older (and famous, from what I hear) Romanian restaurant and then walked around the city. Although it was raining, cold, and our feet were soaking wet, we persevered enough to get to Casa Poporului. J Today increased my curiosity even more to learn more about the beauty Bucharest has to offer such as its architecture, history, museums, parks, and such. I can't wait to come back- I am hoping to make it before winter!

Tomorrow, I will be attending the Fulbright orientation here in Bucharest with the other Fulbright award recipients in Romania. Afterwards, we will all travel to Constanta where we will participate at the RAAS (Romanian Association for American Studies) conference at Universitatea Ovidius. I will be meeting the Fulbright staff I have been in contact with, representatives of the U.S. Embassy such as the ambassador, as well as professors from around Romania and the U.S. who will be presenting papers at the conference. To say I am excited is an understatement! :) 

Here is a picture of  me with the Dumitrascu family:

 I thought this was hilarious. This is a car used for student drivers and the sign translates to: "You! Pay attention! I am learning right now!"

Annie and I enjoying "papanas" (pronounced pah-pah-nash)- a delicious, Romanian dessert!

In front of the History Museum. LOVE the architecture!

In front of Casa Poporului. It is one of largest buildings in the world and it was built under Ceausescu.