Remember: It ain't over 'till it's over!

(story to be published in tomorrow’s issue, March 9)

Romanians have often been billed as too pessimistic, or it’s been said that they submit much too easily, giving in to fate without even putting up a fight. Most foreigners coming to Romania complain about the sad look on people’s faces, about them never smiling, about a certain lack of interest which is visible in every aspect of Romanian life, from looks to business. Essentially, they say, Romania is a grey country, inhabited by very sad people, who have lost all hope for a better life. Every time someone enters Romania it’s like they see an inscription at the customs checkpoint, reading: ”Lasciati ogni speranza, voi ch’entrati.” Of course, the comparison to Dante’s famous verses is far-fetched, but nonetheless true to a certain extent. Romanians are a sad nation, because the future no longer holds high expectations for most of us. Even love has become a luxury, because people can’t afford the time and money for that. They say love goes through the stomach – and it’s true. Who can be in the mood for love these days, when the main concern is about earning the daily bread and butter? Love won’t pay the bills, love won’t buy food and, no matter what they say, even the most passionate lovers DO eat. I guess Romanians are sad and even depressed because they have just discovered that the famous saying “Money doesn’t bring happiness” is completely false. It’s hard being happy when you can’t buy a nice pair of shoes that are the equivalent of the average salary in Romanian economy. It’s difficult to see pink when even a modest holiday at the seaside becomes a distant and unattainable dream. Most women no longer feel the need to dress up and look good, as it takes a lot of money to be attractive. Most men no longer bother being romantic and they quit trying to spice up their lives. Nothing is surprising anymore and life can become a burden, or merely boring routine. Maybe this is why Romania posts an ever-increasing divorce and abortion rate, risking to become a “wasteland,” a country haunted only by old people, ageing before their time. On a larger scale, it’s just like the old villages, left by young people that choose to go elsewhere, in search of their fortune. The general feeling is “anywhere but here.” On the other hand, perhaps, it is time to go back to the simple things, and find joy in the small aspects of every day life. A sunny day, a cute dog and a little romance can brighten up our lives. After all, we have no one else to rely on but ourselves and happiness is to be found inside our mind and soul. And hope is indeed a great thing – mankind is driven by the last inhabitant of Pandora’s box, and this is what makes us wake up every day and go on with our lives.