Ro in words and pics: Romania after 15 months- what stays with me

Guest writer Yvette Larsson recounts how she re-discovered Romania, and what were those things she took home with her. In September 2011, I came back to Romania for the first time since 1985. 26 years had passed. One so called Revolution had taken place. A whole new generation of people had grown up in that time. Romania is, in my eyes, like a teenager now. Trying to stand on its own values, often challenged by the input from the outside world, as distractions arrive on its way. And the distractions are many. Romania is, in my eyes, like a teenager trying to create an identity. So, Romania: what stays with me, from the past 15 months? What are my impressions? Many will ask, why does it matter? It matters because I often find that an inaccurate picture of Romania is painted abroad and that the country is seriously misunderstood. I want to show pictures that display the beauty and meaning of Romania. So, here's what stayed with me: The People. Romanians are giving and kind. They are life-embracing food-lovers. They have big hearts and are faithful friends. Tested in time and full of wisdom. Smart and intelligent. Beautiful. Men are men and women are women. The capital Bucharest. A funky, interesting town, where the architecture is as eclectic as the life lived. There are the old Communist blocks, orthodox churches, there's the Old Town, the French style boulevards, the French styled houses that all make this fantastic mix. I found many great places and I am still exploring. I found the Carturesti book shop, I found the avenue Calea Victoriei. I took the metro from Piata Romana several times, and I enjoyed running the Bucharest half marathon. I discovered three different kinds of melons in a fruit market in September and I gladly tasted the first spring onions from a friends’ garden in April. I played with a Ciobanesc Mioritic dog many times and I learned to order a ceai (tea) in Romanian. I fell in love with the traditional clothing and the handicraft, from going to several markets and I just had my Swedish glögg/glue wine from ceramic cups bought at the St Nicholas Market in Bucharest in December. I went to the Km 0 – downtown Bucharest, where the Romanian revolution took place and went back in time. I looked at the new generation outside the university and went ahead in time. Maybe they are the leaders of tomorrow? I started my blog, because I thought the world should know too, about this amazing city and country. What else? Let's not forget: Cultural heritage: When visiting Romanian museums, when learning about Romanian authors, musicians, poets and painters I’m left with a feeling that this is a cultural heritage that has been hidden from the world. The names are not known to us in the West. Not voluntarily of course. First, Romania was locked under Communism, now: the world outside Romania is so little interested in the Romania of today, because of bad attitudes towards the country. There is an abundance of beauty and art to be enjoyed in Romania. I’m on a huge learning curve myself and will come back when I have more to say. Forgive my ignorance.