The Real World: Cluj-Napoca

One growing metropolis. A student heavy population of 700,000 (about 1/3 students). An abundance of bars and clubs. A 1 to 3 USD: LEU conversion rate. 27 American students living in 1 hostel with plenty of free time………Welcome to Cluj-Napoca, and believe me MTV is missing out

Cluj is a lively college city with a rich history dating as far back to the ancient Roman Empire, but no one knows about it. This probably explains why the locals stare us down wherever we go. But in their defense they probably don’t witness a pack of American college students daily and we’re a rowdy group.

Our daily scheduled itinerary is as followed: wake up, lecture, lunch, lecture, free time. In reality it’s more like wake up, lecture, drink, be tipsy for second lecture, booze all night long, maybe grab one or two hours of sleep, and wake up still drunk for the next day. This has been our daily routine for the past 12 days. On some of the days we hop on a coach bus and take a 3-4 hour trip to another historic Romanian location. We love these days because we catch up on sleep in the bus. So far we’ve traveled to Sibli and Sighisoara. Both locations were interesting to experience. I intend to get a more detailed description posted soon with some pictures.

The night life in Cluj-Napoca is lively and exciting. The big hits are the underground bars set in the foundation of the city’s establishments. They are enormous, some stretching as far as two and half football fields in length, and thanks to the strong conversation rate a standard beer in a bar costs about 4-5 Leu, equal to about $1.35-$1.60 for a bottled 50cl (one pint). Needless to say, we take full advantage of our currency’s strength by ordering in large quantities, daily.

I have plenty of pictures and daily journal entries to accompany my adventures thus far in Romania and intend to post them in the near future.

Flaming Samboka

The other night a bunch of us went to this basement that was made into a club. The joint was hoppin' with top American hits from the 90's and jammed packed with youthful Romanians wall to wall. As I worked my way to the bar I saw the bartender light someone's mouth on fire. WHOA! Being intrigued on way one would ever do such I thing I ask the bartender what that was. He responded with "flaming samboka."

The following steps are how to take a Flamming Samboka shot:

1. Take a shot of samboka and DO NOT swallow

2. Lean backwards over the bar

3. Have the bartender light the shot on fire in your mouth

4. Let the fire burn as the bartender sprinkles powdered cinnamon into your mouth

5. Close your mouth, stand up, and swallow the concoction whole

Be warned, they're addicting...

Win!!!!

Our hostel is located close to the center of Cluj and is a short walk from the student district. On top of that, I was told by our guide said there are SEVEN bars on our street. It's like I never left Onenota!!!

Just when you think it could get any better, this country is dirt cheap. I bought a single becks brewski to create change at a convenience store for 2.90ROM. An single American dollar exchanges to 3 Romanian ROM. So my 50cl can of Becks costs about $0.97! I'm going to live like a king for the next few weeks.

Flying is always an experience

I just spent the last 16 hours flying across 4 destinations and let me tell you, it takes it's toll on the body. The longest flight was 7 1/2 hours from JFK to Munich. Luckily the on board movies and free alcohol kept me sane.

There was a small situation in Munich. At the gate the German gate manager started screaming at us for not boarding the plane after he supposedly called us. So in retaliation Hard-nosed, republican, multiple gun owner Professor Sears gave the man an aggressive "SSSSHHHHH, shout your mouth. We beat you guys once and we'll do it again, and I'm not talking about the Olympics!" Makes me feel safe with him in charge.

The Adventure Begins....

Many emotions are going through my head right now. I can't tell if I'm more anxious or excited. I'm embarking on what many have advised as "an experience of a lifetime" to an unknown land by myself.

Most of you may know that my first stop is spent in Cluj-Napoca, Romania as a member of my College's affiliated program. The "class" goals are to meet entrepreneurs who took advantage of the soviet union downfall in 1989 and made millions in their profession. At the same time we'll explore the culture and history of the country. Then in late January, I depart for Rome, Italy for the entire spring semester. I will be in Europe for 4 1/2 months.....the longest I've ever been away from home.

I am amped for such an opportunity! But right now, the anxiety will not cease. I'm leaving a comforting setting to one completely foreign to me. I'm also leaving behind family, many friends, my home,d Good Ole American Meals, bacon cheese burgers with fries. I'm also giving up a spring semester at Hartwick which has been my fond home for the past 2 1/2 years. Dorm life in a suite with double the occupancy, days spent playing just sand volleyball, Kings night Wednesdays, bro-day Thursdays, underage bars, even Moyer frickin Pool (yeah, believe it) are all things I love doing at Hartwick and will surely miss them. It's alot for 4 1/2 months.

On the other hand, I get to live in a lively city, filled with a rich history of once being the capital of the world. I will be able to explore my heritage and fully immerse myself in the land of my ancestors. I will be forced to grasp a new native tongue and will hopefully be able to achieve the respected title of being bi-lingual. I will also have the chance to travel Europe, a land where every state contains a different culture. This journey will test me too the bone.................................

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......................BRING IT!! LEEEEEEERRRRRRRROOOOOY JEEEENNNNIKKKKKKIIIIIINS!!!!!!

Welcome

I wish to welcome all viewers to my brand new blog! My plan is to constantly update this page for my family and friends so they can be with me vicariously during my time abroad in Europe. I'm not sure how often I'll be able to do this, but I'll try my best to add a few new posts weekly.