Lost and Found in Translation > -- Românã

As you might remember, back in October I posted an article named “Lost in Translation” which got published in ten languages. Naturally, I also made the Romanian version myself, available here.

In the follow up post, Lost and Found in Translation I said how I’m going to ask some friends more things about their country and their language. And since I couldn’t ask myself to do that (although I could have), I decided to ask my best friend (and biggest fan), Andrei (yes, it’s a fairly common name in Romania) to share his thoughts. So without further ado, get a taste of Romania straight up from himself! Enjoy!

Tell me something about your country or your language that people always get wrong

Well, people often think Romania are just gypsies, vampires, Dracula’s castle, and a place stuck in the past — kind of like we’re all living in spooky castles and riding horse-drawn carts to work. Not quite! I’ve been living here for 374 years and i haven’t seen a vampire yet.🧛🏻‍♀️🦇😈. HaHa!

The truth is, Romanian society is remarkably diverse — a real cultural mosaic. This is where the misconception about all Romanian being Gypsies comes from. We’ve got influences from Latin roots, Slavic neighbors, Hungarian traditions, Turkish cuisine, Gypsy music, German architecture… and that’s just scratching the surface. Walk through a Romanian city or village and you’ll hear more than one language, see different styles of clothing, taste dishes that feel like a mix of East and West, and maybe even stumble into a traditional festival that has absolutely nothing to do with Dracula.

We’re not a one-size-fits-all culture. Romania is messy, colorful, full of contrasts — and that’s what makes interesting. So next time you hear about us in a movie or a headline, maybe take it with a grain of garlic! (or some -papanași- for dessert)

If you ever visit Romania, one thing you absolutely shouldn’t miss is the Transfăgărășan Highway. It’s one of the most breathtaking roads you’ll ever drive — winding through the Carpathian Mountains with views that literally make you forget to breathe (don’t worry, it comes back).

Besides that, I’d definitely recommend exploring the region of Maramureș or Transylvania in general. These areas are full of charm of old Europe, with traditional wooden houses, ancient churches, and people who still live in tune with the seasons. It’s like stepping into a different rhythm of life — peaceful, authentic, and deeply rooted in culture.

If you’re into off-the-beaten-path experiences, visit the village of Viscri where even King Charles owns a house. It’s a quiet, beautifully preserved village where you can really feel how people used to live: traditional, eco-friendly, and in harmony with nature. It honestly feels like a gentle trip back in time.

Now… if you’re really into the whole Dracula thing, sure, you can visit Bran Castle. It’s probably the most famous landmark in Romania thanks to the legend, but just a heads-up: it’s usually packed with tourists, and it feels a bit more like Disneyland meets tourist trap than a deep historical experience. Cool place, but not my top pick.

I’d recommend “Doamna în Negru” by IRIS & Uriah Heep — it’s the Romanian version of “Lady in Black”. It’s a collaboration between one of Romania’s most iconic rock bands and the original British legends, which makes it pretty special.

The lyrics are in Romanian, but the spirit of the song — that raw, emotional power of classic rock — totally comes through even if you don’t understand the words. It’s nostalgic, powerful, and has this unexpected East-meets-West vibe that really works.

Plus, it’s a cool example of how music crosses borders — and how Romania can rock, literally.

PS. If you’re not into rock music, you’ll probably enjoy O-Zone’s ‘Numa Numa’ song (Dragostea din tei) instead. 😂

It’s honestly hard to pick just one, so I’ll cheat a little and recommend three Romanian films that I think really deserve international attention — each for a different reason.

First, “La drum cu tata” (That Trip We Took with Dad) #. It’s a road movie set in the 1960s, following two brothers traveling from Romania to East Germany with their ailing father — and getting caught in the middle of political chaos. It’s touching, ironic, and gives a very human glimpse into life behind the Iron Curtain without ever becoming heavy-handed. Plus, it’s partly in German and partly in Romanian, which adds to its cross-cultural feel.

Second, “California Dreamin’ (Nesfârșit)” #. This one is a tragicomic masterpiece. It follows a NATO train carrying military equipment that gets stuck in a tiny Romanian village due to a stubborn station chief. It’s based on a real incident during the Kosovo War and paints a brilliant picture of bureaucracy, absurdity, and post-communist disillusionment — with humor and heart. It’s the kind of film that starts off funny and ends up making you think for days.

And finally, “Anul nou care n-a fost” (The New Year That Never Came) #. This one might not be as internationally famous, but it’s incredibly important if you want to understand what life was like in Romania before the fall of the Iron Curtain. It captures the atmosphere, fears, small joys, and quiet resistance of ordinary people living under an oppressive regime. It’s not just about history — it’s about identity, resilience, and where we come from as a country.

So… if you’re curious about Romanian culture, politics, and people — these films are a great place to start.

One book I’d definitely recommend — even though I haven’t read it yet, but it’s high on my shortlist — is “Animalul inimii” (The Land of Green Plums / Herztier) by Herta Müller. She’s the only Romanian-born writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, and her work has received international acclaim.

The book is set in communist Romania and follows a group of young people trying to survive in a world full of fear, oppression, and constant surveillance. It’s about friendship, betrayal, identity — and how the human spirit tries to resist when everything around it feels designed to crush it.

Even without having read it cover to cover yet, I know it’s the kind of novel that stays with you — not just because of its story, but because of how it captures an entire era and its psychological weight.

I’d recommend https://www.bitdefender.com. It’s the home of Bitdefender — Romania’s proud contribution to global cybersecurity. Think of it as our way of saying: “We may not win Eurovision, but we will keep your computer safe.”

It’s a top-rated antivirus used worldwide, and even the free version does a great job of keeping viruses and other digital gremlins out of your system. So, if you need protection and you’re on a budget (or just like things that work), give it a try. It’s efficient, low-drama, and — bonus — made in Romania.

What’s your current phone or computer wallpaper? Does it have a particular meaning?

My current wallpaper is a photo I took with my old phone. Nothing too deep or symbolic, really. I just took it near where I live, and I liked how peaceful and balanced it looked. It’s the kind of image that makes you take a breath and slow down a bit.

Send me a representative photo for your country or language

Here you go — a classic: Bran Castle, also (incorrectly but famously) known as Dracula’s Castle.
Is it spooky? Hmm.. not really.
Is it historically connected to Dracula? Maybe, only barely.
Is it majestic and Instagrammable? Absolutely.

It’s one of the most iconic places in Romania — and while we don’t all sleep in coffins or turn into bats at night (I promise!), we do love a good gothic legend now and then.