Romania, Day 9

Our day began with a visit to Sfantul Vasile cel Mare - a social missionary centre that has 5 programs serving different populations. We were served traditional coffee and tea upon arrival. The facility was very welcoming and clean - it was also quite obvious that it was a Christian/orthodox agency. I worry that some of what was discussed was lost in translation, as only one of the four staff spoke English. From my impressions of most agencies we have visited, any services provided are typically to a voluntary client. I have yet to hear about the Roman equivalent to mandated services.

Artwork by some of the clients of Sfantul Vasile cel Mare

I feel that we don't often consider that a family may be living below OUR standard of living. The family may be perfectly content in their lifestyle and who are we to decide that their standard of living needs to change. I get very angry whenever this topic is discussed. We have no right to change the traditions and lifestyles of a minority population, or at least not without hands-on experience to better understand the culture. Why can't services be brought to them so that their lifestyle is preserved and not on the road to extinction? Think about Australia and the aboriginal children - we thought we knew what was best and it was not what was in the best interest of the aboriginal children.

Here are some random pictures I took on the walk from Stantul  Vasile cel Mare to Little People:

After conquering a very large hill, Little People Association presented an information session on their work, "Little people" doing "little things" that make a big difference! Little People facilitate a volunteer network who work with young adults and children during their stay on oncology wards. They also organize a support group for cancer survivors. Little People also run an advocacy and awareness campaign for cancer. It was not what I expected. I thought that it was more of a day program for children. Volunteers visit clients on site, they do not come to the centre - it is only for staff.

Mallory and I decided that it was time to do our laundry. We decided to handwash our clothes as the washers available take about two hours - just washing, it does not include drying. We set up an assembly line in our bathroom. Mallory completed the wash cycle and then passed them to me in the shower for the rinse and spin cycle. It took us about an hour to wash all our clothes and we got water all over the bathroom and I was completely soaked. The next challenge was where to hang everything. There are now clothes hanging over the towel racks, shower rod, door handles, from hangers, in the kitchen on cabinet handles and over stools. I miss my Whirlpool washer and dryer very much! I miss my laundry rack in my utility closet. Being creative about where to hang our clothes has been the biggest challenge in regards to the Romanian laundry process.

In the evening, our graduate assistant Mihai, took us all out for a night of drinking and clubbing. After coordinating three taxis for 12 people to Piata Unirii, we sat outside on the patio at enigma. I ordered an absinthe, but it was not served in the traditional way like at Cafe Umbra de Noapte. In fact, I set the table on fire in the process of melting my sugar!!! Drinks are very strange here. For example, I had to buy a shot of rum and a bottle of pepsi light and mix it myself at the table to have a rum and diet pepsi. They did have many preset cocktails that could be ordered as is off the menu. We got quite noisy and I don't think the Romanians appreciated our exuberant antics.

One thing I have continually noticed is that Romanians are very serious and even when in large groups are quite sedate and quiet. I haven't even heard any drunk craziness. That's surprising to me - especially in a big university town.

Club Seven reminded me of any club in any city. The DJ was excellent for the most part. He only had a few bad transitions. The club, like in the US, didn't get too lively until after midnight, but it did get packed. There was dancing on the tables, bar, chairs, lounge areas, and on the dance floor. Dance moves were similar but again, Romanians seem to hold themselves back, even under the influence of alcohol. I'm still somewhat surprised at how cheap drinks are. A shot of absinthe and two rum and pepsis cost $10. Club Seven drink prices are more expensive but still cheaper than in America.