Language & People
Romanians are famous for their hospitality and friendliness, regardless of the nationality of their visitors. Many residents speak English and French, and a few are able to converse in German, Italian and Spanish.
Romania is considered to be a Latin country and as such has a lively and warm people. The people have a perspective that is openly hospitable and a refreshing tendency to befriend the stranger. Young Romanians are progressive and open-minded, with attitudes that are both pragmatic and optimistic. Family and religious values are highly regarded and women are considered in a progressive, respectful way.
Romania is a safe country when compared to other European nations. Late night journeys, whether on foot in the cities or by car in the country, are not dangerous. Police patrols are evident, reassuring and can be particularly vigilant especially when it comes to road safety.
There is a distinctive mixture of nationalities depending on where you are in the country, with Romanian, Hungarian, German, Gypsy and Jewish traditions as well as languages. The capital, Bucharest is a lively and cosmopolitan city as are the attractive cities, Timisoara, Cluj and Brasov that combine traditional aspects with modern European standards. Many cities are set in a land of mountains and forests, folklore and tradition, hospitality and mystery. The Transylvanian region, although associated with the popular tales of Dracula, remains Europe’s best-kept secret.
No description about Romanian people would be complete without some comment about Dracula who is arguably the best known Romanian export. The Fifteenth century Wallachian prince Vlad Tepes is credited with being Dracula, the vampire-count featured in the classic horror story Dracula of 1897 written by novelist Bram Stroker. Romanians make no association between the vampire and the historical figure of prince Vlad III, known in his homeland as Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler), prince of Wallachia three times, in 1448, 1456-1462 and 1475. Vlad achieved notoriety beyond Wallachia’s borders as a successful fighter against the Turks and a ruthless ruler. Notorious for his brutal punishment methods, he gained the name Tepes (impaler) after his favorite form of punishing his enemies – impaling on a wooden stake!