Some Romanian ..."facts"

Before I begin this post, let me just say I am really not trying to sound naggy although there are some things I'd like to mention in case any of you ever decide to take a trip to Romania. And despite the fact that this blog contains a lot of "negative" things, Romania is indeed a beautiful country, a land of natural beauty,medieval monuments and modern treasures. The sad reality though is that a lot of people, despite the hard working lifestyle, are unable to really afford to see their own country. People like my own parents that have worked soo hard their whole entire life, are often times not able to afford even a weekend trip. That being said, here are just a few facts about our trip so far.

FACT: I have been sharing a room with my sister and my 2 girls for the past few weeks...a room that is smaller than even my kitchen at home.

FACT: It might not get hotter here than Arizona but it is REALLY HUMID.

FACT: Somebody please tell my mother that me putting my kids in timeout isn't gonna "hurt" them and her making silly faces at them during this time is pretty darn childish.

FACT: Somebody also please tell my mother that giving ice cream or cold drinks to my kids isn't gonna give them tonsillitis or a ear infection...despite Maile having gotten the first ear infection since her tubes. Oh yeah, and having a fan on is also not the cause for a ear infection...although I have even heard that from some of the doctors around here. Have I mentioned recently how incredibly grateful I am to not live here anymore? Please..don't get me wrong, I am not by any means ashamed of where I come from or my roots. I have had a good upbringing and parents who gave me their all and they worked darn hard for it. But I am grateful to have seen a better side of this world.

FACT: Due to my mother's love for me, I haven't cooked more then twice in the last 3 weeks and haven't washed a single dish since I left home. She has her mind set that she wants me to relax and enjoy my vacation here...Now if only, my kids would actually allow somebody other than me to help them in any way shape or form...be that with changing their clothes, feeding them lunch or even take them to to potty...perhaps I would start "relaxing" a bit more. But I guess that's the price I am paying for making the decision to move across the world and raising my kids so far away. I don't exactly blame them..this is a process for them, these people who adore them beyond words are somewhat strangers in so many ways. I am happy to say that Maile in particular though has become quite attached to my dad and her face just lights up when she sees him come home from work every day.

FACT:Prepare yourself to not only pay for your grocery bags but bag your own groceries if you decide to go shopping around here...ok..I am not talking about the grocery stores in bigger cities but at least around where my parents live.

FACT:Being greeted in a "clothes store" isn't something most people expect..as a matter of fact the sales person, more often than not will carry on a conversation that has nothing to do with work and completely ignore you...until you decide to approach them with a question...again, not exactly a general rule for Romania but at least the places around my parents.

FACT: The first day that I arrived in Bucharest, I decided to take my kids to McDonalds for a quick lunch since it was the only decent place around the train station. I had to order a number 3 meal in the form of : "I'd like a number 3 menu"...didn't realize how ridiculous and funny that sounds until I met Eric 8 years ago and took him to KFC at one of the malls in Bucharest. Oh, and their kids small drinks are really about as small as a "tea cup"...literally...so if you do decide to order a "menu" at one of the few fast food places around here...you might wanna get the extra large drink to go with it. Needless to say, it won't come with ice...why?? Because there's no ice in Europe?? I dunno why...People just don't have ice with their drinks..So weird for me, after having lived in the states for so many years.

FACT:Prepare yourself for a pretty crazy ride if you're gonna jump in a cab...there are no seat belts around here or air conditioning in cars ( or at least they don't turn them on). And did I mention the buses? They are even HOTTER and STINKIER if that's even possible.

FACT: The other day, the city had shut off the water around here leaving us with no running water for almost 24 hours. Lucky for us, there's water you can bring in the house (using large buckets) just down a flight of stairs...Not so lucky for us...or for me I should say, my 3 year old decided to poop her undies...Ok...enough said about that.

FACT: My girls are LOVED and TREASURED and maybe even a little spoiled. Whatever my girls want, my parents give. They are enjoying the attention for sure.

FACT: I love this time with my family soo much but I do miss my husband every minute of every day. We haven't been apart like this since the very first months of our marriage, when we were still working on getting my visa. At that time, Eric had to be in the States to initiate the paperwork, while I was still here.

FACT: On July 4th of this year, Eric and I will have known each other for 8 years...8 wonderful, amazing, precious years..Can't wait to be with you again, sweetheart!!!