[Originally published in the 2016 edition of City Compass Romania: Bucharest & Beyond, a terrific guide for expats and tourists here in Romania.] One warm morning, I was walking down the middle of a street in Bucharest feeling overwhelmed by all the topics I could...
[Originally published in the Winter 2013-2014 issue of Esquire magazine.] Even if all your holiday shopping is over, let me do you a favor and give you some advice. The next time you buy a TV for the holidays, a computer for your office, an iPad for whatever,...
[Originally published February 24, 2014, in Capital.] If you want to see how some companies here seem blind to reality, take a look at the discounting business. There are plenty of examples. Indeed, it was just about two years ago when I was told by an industry...
[Originally published March 5, 2013, in Dilema Veche.] “I don’t know. But let me tell you.” I met my Romanian friend Remus for a drink the other night. When he invited me, he sounded very excited. “There you are! Hello, Remus." "Hello, my friend." "Hey, are you ok?”...
[Originally published Feb. 22, 2013, in Dilema Veche.] “They can’t do that to us!” My Romanian friend Remus called me the other day. He was upset. Very, very upset. “Have you seen what the British are saying about us?” “Yes, Remus, it’s not very nice.” “Not nice! Are...
[Originally published Aug. 23, 2012, in Dilema Veche.] Given the tone of political conversation in Romania these past several weeks, clearly there is no need anymore for subtlety, tact, or gentlemanly discourse – if there ever was. Probity and clarity, however, would...
[Originally published Aug. 12, 2012, in Capital.] I’m finally convinced that businesses here have wasted a perfectly good crisis. What a shame. I walked into a toy store recently. The lights were glaring. The colors were too bright. It looked like a warehouse. The one...
[Originally published in the Summer 2010 edition of Decat o Revista magazine.] From the moment I first heard the word “inainte” I knew it was not a real word. It could not be. It was merely a few consonants embedded into at least six mangled, intertwined,...
[Originally published in the May 2010 edition of Elle magazine.] There are two inevitable events when you move to Romania. One, you get lost. “Excuse me, where is this street? No, I can’t pronounce it.” Two, you’re asked what you think about your new country. “You...