Diary projects 2003 Romania

Nine weeks Sibiu, Romania. March / April 2003.

My two months stay in Romania has been one of the most exciting things in my life. This is what became clear to me at the end of my trip. Romania is a country which differs a lot from Western European countries. Nothing is the same: different language, different customs, different laws, different mentality, different lifestyle. When you visit this country for the first time, I can imagine you feel this country is totally corrupted. But if you come here more often you will get another, more profound view of the country. That's why I wanted to stay here for a longer period than the usual week or so: what is it like to live and work here? After nine weeks I can tell you: you will be surprised everyday.

It seems to me everybody is trying to dodge the law. It's just a way to survive and it's been done for very many years now. The biggest challenge this nation has to face is trying to change this kind of attitude. On the other hand, the social structure is much tighter than in western countries. If someone's got a problem, there is always someone else to help out. Usually it is not even a family member! I think this "system" is a relic of many years of communism. People had to help each other out just to get by. Unfortunately, some habits are not so pleasant to encounter. You can read all about it in my diary.

Foreigners are very much welcome over here. Everybody is very hospitable and considerate. Food and drinks are offered immediately. We could learn a lot from this. Everybody knows the people who live in the same neighborhood. Social cohesion is a fundamental part of Romanian society and people take care of each other.

But as a foreigner you're also very vulnerable: you're considered to be a wealthy person so you get exploited with bills etc. Sometimes you have to pay double. There are policemen who try to take advantage of you by pulling you over for some traffic offence you didn't commit. I've experienced that the best way to deal with this kind of situation is to keep calm and to keep talking. Nevertheless, my stay in Romania didn't give me a bad feeling about this country. A lot of positive developments have been set into motion and we can help them with our expertise and money. A lot of people are convinced changes have to be made. Together we can make this work and we will all benefit from it.

It's impossible for me to give a detailed report in just a page or two. What's most important is that mutual trust has been expanded. Social relations have become clear to me: I know who to trust now. I kept a diary which is kept on the site. If you're interested, please read it. It paints a good picture of my daily work (and struggles!) in Romania. I've had so many good times and a couple of hard times. Once I was ready to pack my bags and leave...!!! Fortunately, I didn't. My stay certainly brought the Board and the Urgenta Foundation closer together, this will prove important in the future. During the last meeting the Executive Director (Dr. Cortarla) praised my commitment and way of work. He said it was an example of how it should be done. He made me realize that Romanians are just not used to the way we work in western countries. I hope a small step has been taken and I know a lot of steps have to be made to change this country.

I hope you will enjoy reading my diary....

Arnold van Rijn