I just checked on a 1998 calendar. Today I have lived in Romania 18 years. The first two crawled past because every day was so strange. The last 16 flew. I am very grateful to live here, in this country that still enchants me, but wish the years would slow down.
Why am I happy to have spent so many years here? I wrote this article called 25 reasons why I love living in Romania, in no particular order which has received 107,000 clicks so far.
110,000 now.
This is a picture by Octav Dragan of the street in the old town where I live.

I don't think this was taken recently, as it's now full of huge potholes three years after the asphalt was resurfaced at great public expense. Thank God it's not too gentrified, though a club and a restaurant have appeared and, worst of all, at one point a Souvenir Shop. Dread words (I am becoming Wallace Arnold, I know.) Still gypsies still wander around the street in dressing gowns.
108001.. Indeed, very touching post. And in hindsight, you were and are, so right!
ReplyDelete18 years wow. Well, I lived in Bucharest on and off for 6 years and I have been through your "first two years: experience three times and never been able to enjoy the later period of "years flying" ... pity
ReplyDeleteI was baptized and married in Romania and had a total of five visits. I don't think I could live with the corruption and graft I see every time! Ulysses Taylor
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I enjoyed reading it and the "25 reasons" a lot. Thanks
ReplyDeleteA very good choice :).
ReplyDeleteI think we did a swap. In July of this year I celebrated 18 years living in England.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoyed your 18 years in my country as much as I loved living in your country. I spent my summer holiday in England and it is wonderful.
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