Here in Romania, Gypsies (or Rroma) are stereotyped as being thieves. Most Romanians, including those of Hungarian origin, tend to look down at the Gypsies, and treat them as an inferior race. Although violent incidents have since died down (there were quite a few in the lawless vacuum immediately after 1989,) a pervasive racism remains.

This said, an interesting thing happened while I was having lunch today. I was at a little hole in the wall place, a relic of the Communist period. There is no service at this resturant, instead you order and pick up your food at a counter. It’s quick and cheap, and the food is high quality and filling. I go there often, and almost every time I’m there, there is at least one group of Gypsies eating. Today there were quite a few as I sat down and waited for my food.

In walks an old Romanian man, dressed in the typical garb of old folks, drab overcoat and a furry hat. He walks up to a table with three Gypsy women and a young child and quietly asks for a little money for food. To my surprise, the women reached into their skirt pockets (Gypsy women wear bright long flowing skirts,) and pulled out some change for the man. He thanked them and continued further into the restaurant, stopping next at a older Gypsy man who was eating on his own. I got a bit nervous at this point, but the man just kind of waved him away.

Then the old Romanian man turned toward the display case and counted his money to see what he could afford. The Gypsy man then obviously had a change of heart (note, most older Gypsy men are quite large and jolly,) stood up and tapped the old Romanian on the shoulder. He pulled out a wad of small bills and gave the old man one, then another, then another. When he tried to offer the fourth, the old man demurred, thanking his Gypsy benefactor quietly.

The old man then stepped up to the counter, ordered a bowl of soup and some bread, and while the cashier’s back was turned, swiped a few hot peppers from a bowl on the counter. How’s that for inversion?