1.The buildings. Unless you belong to some musical band willing to shoot a video for a song about ghettos, do not venture outside downtown Bucharest.
The communist regime firmly believed in monotony and complete lack of originality, so it duly enforced this principle during its fifty years of ruling. All blocks of flats have the same look, following a pre-established pattern and different looks are not among their “sins.”
And in case you wonder, they have never been repaired so they look awful – like leprosy-stricken creatures, struggling hard to keep their balance. However, let’s not be unjust and mention the “decorative” elements – people hang their laundry out to dry on balconies and the lively-coloured sweaters, bed sheets and panties certainly make a point.
Ever heard about the House of Usher? Well, remove the stylish appearance, and you have the accurate picture.
2. The parks. Most of them are not taken care of and they slowly fall into decay as trees are cut and piles of flowers are picked by “nature-lovers.”
Most parks in the suburbs do not even deserve this name, as they have turned into some deserted lands, with a tree here and there. And the playgrounds for children are slowly becoming a myth.
3. The people. Bucharest inhabitants are nice, but they are also tired, over-worked, worried about ever increasing prices and ever lower purchase power.
That’s why they can sometimes be cranky and morose. Many foreigners say that Romanians always frown and that they seldom smile. Not to mention men picking on women, but I guess that happens everywhere.
4. The dogs. Yes, they are a blessing, but some of them become aggressive because of hunger. To be fair, I must say that many people like to tease them, so stray dogs have their reasons to “bite back.”
I think that stray dogs shouldn’t exist in the first place – many countries have special shelters, and that’s where they belong.
I know that packs of dogs barking all night and howling at the moon can be scary, but try to walk in their “shoes”: do you know what it’s like to have no one, no home, no certainty?
5. The cultural life. Theatres are great, displays are also great, but some musical groups are a real pain.
Every summer, one must endure the avalanche of awful songs dedicated to the seaside, where “girls can be free of their parents’ tyranny” and where “boys can find great looking chicks” that are ready, able and willing.
Girls with very doubtful tastes in clothing (to say the least) push their breasts in the TV cameras and boys are an exact replica of Johnny Bravo (minus the good looks and the sense of humour).
And the worst is yet to come – many clubs are invaded by this kind of music, obviously bowing to the audience’s tastes.
After all, isn’t it cool to drive a super car, while listening really loud to the never-ending story of the bad, bad father that won’t let his pre-adolescent daughters at the seaside?
However, try not to mind the negative aspects. If you are smart enough to keep away and avoid the perils I’ve just pointed out, you’ll have a nice stay in Bucharest.