Romania
Lauren Landgraf, April 27, Period 6
Political Map of Romania
Romanian Flag
Physical Map of Romania
Climate and Weather
Romania has a temperate continental climate, meaning hot summers, cold winters and 4 distinct seasons. Snowfall is abundant all throughout Romania from December to March, even more so in mountainous areas. Rainfall is also common.
The best time to visit Romania would have to be in the spring or the early summer, when the most pleasant weather happens.
Culture
Official Language: Romanian (89%)
Other Languages: Hungarian (7%, mainly in Transylvania) and German (1.5%)
Though Romania is a secular state, meaning there is no state religion, Romanian Orthodox is an overwhelming majority (81%) the rest being Roman Catholic or Protestant.
There are many different holidays and festivals in Romania, all celebrated differently.
A few examples:
Bucharest of Old- Celebration of the city as it was 150 years ago, at varying times during July. Parades with people dressed in 1800's clothing, horse-drawn carriages, traditional food, music and special performances.
The Maidens' Fair (Targul de Fete)- A traditional matchmaking festival occurring sometime in July where villagers in traditional clothing hike up to Gaina Mountain for dancing, feasting and choosing a husband or wife.
Halloween in Transylvania - Tours, shows and celebrations that happen in October following the footsteps of Count Dracula, the novel character created by Bram Stoker.
Food
(Blueberry Cheesecake)
- one cup blueberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- one cup mascarpone
- 6 tablespoons cream
- 2-4 tablespoons sugar (to taste)
- Add half of the blueberries, 1 tablespoon of sugar and vanilla sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Set the pan aside and let the mixture cool.
- Crush the graham crackers to fine crumbs by hand or by food processor if not already crushed. Melt the butter and mix this with the graham cracker crumbs.
- Beat the mascarpone, cream and icing sugar until fluffy and creamy.
- Add biscuits, mascarpone, blueberries and blueberry sauce layered into serving glass.
- Keep the cheese cakes in the fridge if not served immediately, but take out the cakes for an hour before serving so that the cream cheese is soft again.
Current Information
Conversion in US Dollars: 1 Leu is equal to 25 cents
Government: semi-presidential democracy
Current Leader: Klaus Werner Iohannis (President) elected Nov. 16, 2014
Economy: transitioned to a free market economy in 1991
Top 3 Exports: Cars, Vehicle Parts, Insulated Wire
Transportation and Lodging
Round trip flight - $1,036
Hotel - $450 total
Day 1 - Leave Chicago at 9:20 pm, and fly for 19 hours and get to your hotel
Day 2 - Relax at the hotel
Day 3 - Go visit the Arch of Triumph in Bucharest (free)
Day 4 - Go visit Revolution Square where the Romanian people protested the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu for the first time (also free)
Day 5 - Go shopping at the largest mall in Romania - AFI Palace Mega Mall (might want to bring some money)
Day 6 - Pack up and head back to the airport
Day 7 - Return home
Total spent: $1,486, not including shopping or food
Europa Royale in Bucharest
Room in the Royale
Restaurant inside the building
Arch of Triumph in Bucharest
Revolutionist Square
AFI Palace Mega Mall
Citations
Romania. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2015. <http://romaniatourism.com/
festivals-events.html>.
"Romanian Economy." Heritage.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2015.
<http://www.heritage.org/index/country/romania>.
<http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/romania/>.