WTF is that??
I remember mentioning to an American colleague that I’m from Romania and being met with a politely confused stare. This reaction is familiar, one I’ve encountered frequently during my over 20 years in the US. It’s usually not until I mention Transylvania – the Romanian region where I grew up – that a glint of recognition sparks, inevitably followed by the vampire question.
For the record: no, there are no vampires in Transylvania. And yes, I’m absolutely sure.
Now, I don’t fault anyone for not knowing much about Romania. If you asked me to quickly pinpoint Bolivia or Uganda on a map, I’d be scrambling for a globe. This isn’t a criticism of Americans or others; it’s more a reflection on Romania’s modest presence on the world stage.
Having lived and worked in the US for a long (loooong) time, I’ve embraced my identity as a Romanian-American. One of the aspects I adore about America is its ability to blend a diverse array of cultures in its melting pot while encouraging everyone to maintain their unique heritage. We are a nation of hyphenated identities: Irish-American, Lebanese-American, African-American, Romanian-American, and so on.
As a first-generation immigrant, my connection to Romania remains strong. Each visit back home unveils something fascinating that lingers in my mind long after I return. From the Ice Hotel nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, with its ice shot glasses and frosty cabins, to the innovative designs of ACT, creating ergonomic cutlery for arthritis patients. I’m constantly discovering marvels, like the serene luxury of a mountaintop cabin or the ingenuity of Lana Dumitru, a designer who created a mesmerizing 25,000 Swarovski crystal dress for Björk.
These cool, unexpected Romanian treasures deserve more than a 30-second elevator pitch. They need a platform to be showcased and appreciated. That’s why I’ve created this blog. So, stay tuned and come back soon for more stories about the weird, wonderful, and undeniably cool aspects of Romanian design. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow us on social media for the latest updates!
