You can learn a lot about a society by the way people drive. The problem is I’m just not sure what that is. I always found driving in New York City relatively easy. You...
Stop! Maybe. Well, Maybe Not.
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Life in Romania
How I Know I’m Not in New York (Part 12)
"The March" “Remus, hello! Over here!" "Hi." "How are you?” “Oh, my friend, it’s been a terrible few days. Just terrible.” “Yes, I know. It’s unbelievably sad. You were...
Moby-Dick? Sure. Look In Our Fishing Section
In business and in life, it’s the small things we take for granted that generally cause our mistakes. After all, you might wonder, what’s so hard about putting a book...
A Woman I’m Happy Got a Plaque
Several months ago, I came across something in Bucharest that was so unexpected and so much fun that I was thinking to write a blog post about it. Until, that is, after...
Not-So-Small Small Change
The young woman looked at me like I was crazy. I had just handed her 21 lei to pay for groceries that cost 20.91 lei. She finished helping me bag the items, handed me...
How I Know I’m Not in New York (Part 11)
"A Tall Blonde" It's been a very busy spring, but after an urgent phone call from my Romanian friend Remus, we had a chance to catch up. “Hey Remus. Over here!!”...
An unfortunate, yet strangely welcome, accident
I was walking home this evening and waiting for a green walk signal at the most dangerous intersection I encounter every day, where Calea Dorobantilor crosses...
How I Know I’m Not in New York (Part 10)
"The Remus Vote" It’s been quite a while, but my Romanian friend, Remus, and I finally found time to sit down for a beer to talk about the election. “Remus! Remus! Over...
How I Know I’m Not in New York (Part 9)
"Black Friday-and-a-half" I apologize for the delay, but I've been out shopping and didn't have time until now to jot down the recent conversation with my Romanian...
How I Know I’m Not in New York (Part 8)
“To Fan or Not To Fan” My Romanian friend Remus came to my office the other day. “Hi, Remus. Have a seat.” “Thanks.” “How are you?” “I’ve been better.” “What’s the...
How I Know I’m Not in New York (Part 7)
“My car's stuck in traffic.” I was sitting in a café after work waiting for my Romanian friend Remus. He was almost an hour late – so I called him. “Remus, where are...
How I Know I’m Not in New York (Part 6)
"Remus Unchained" [Even more than my other conversations with Remus, this is essentially verbatim. So you politically correct Americans out there, don’t send me any...
How I Know I’m Not in New York (Part 5)
“Remus Bank & Trust” I met with my Romanian friend Remus the other day. As you might know, he has been searching for a career that fits his, well, let’s say, his...
How I Know I’m Not in New York (Part 4)
[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...
How I Know I’m Not in New York (Part 3)
[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....
How I Know I’m Not in New York (Part 2)
"We're going to make millions." I was at the office of my Romanian friend Remus the other day. “Hey, look at this,” he said. “I have a great business idea I’ve been...
How I Know I’m Not in New York (Part 1)
“Yes, the food is cold.” Like a power-saving bulb that takes a while to light up, I have only recently realized the similarities of countless conversations I have had...
A Few Recent Days In Bucharest
While walking down the street in Bucharest recently, I got into an argument about politics with a man I had seen on TV. He began to poke me in the chest as he got more...
Christmas Farewell
[Originally broadcast on Dec. 18, 2009, on The Frank Show, here.] As I - as we - close out this year, I feel blessed to be part of this community, this Bucharest, this...
New York
[Originally broadcast on Dec. 4, 2009, on The Frank Show, here.] I want to provide you with a service. Free of charge. Consider it a Saint Nicholas Day present. Now, if...