It has been an exciting week here in Romania. Firstly, school has come to a close. Yes, one year down and I have survived! I am very proud of myself, and looking back on this past year, it has been quite an experience.
The tradition here in Transylvania is for the graduating seniors and all teachers who worked with them to have a big party. We’re not talking about soda and cookies in a classroom here, rather a full-blown promesque experience. (Thankfully, this time around it was a better experience….) Since I currently work at two schools, I was invited to two different parties, on two consecutive nights. So as you can imagine, it was a fun week.
The first party was held by the Hungarian school and took place in a large restaurant. I was floored when I entered the building, because this place was opulent, wedding quality. The hall was huge (I’ve learned that it is a renovated canteen from a now defunct nearby factory complex,) and lavishly decorated. Students and teachers sat at large round tables, and we were treated to a three course meal and dancing. What I enjoyed particularly about this first party was a tradition where all the teachers stood in a giant semi-circle with a cup of champagne. The students, with their own cups, filed by, clinking and saying “cheers” with each and every one of us. Then, after all the students had gone by (30 minutes later,) the teachers at one end of the semi-circle started following the path of the students, and we began clinking with one another. I found it to be a most collegial exercise. That party went on till 5 AM, so I hear, but I was out by 2.
The following night was the Romanian school’s party. This one took place in the restaurant/banquet facilities of a large hotel in the city center. Although upon first glance the setting was far less opulent, this party turned out to be even better. The main difference was that the teachers had their own room. I had to laugh a little when I noticed that the tables were set up in a U pattern. This is worth noting because this style seems to be popular in many official Romanian settings (including our teacher’s room at the school.) The most important people sit at the head of the U and the rest of us further out to the edges. Therefore, being at an end of the U usually guarantees one a better time.
Things got off to a quick start as the waiter came through the room with a fine selection of alcohol. About an hour into the evening, after our first course, the special guests arrived. Two musicians, a violinist and an accordionist, began, to much fanfare, playing traditional Romanian festivity music. And I must say, what fun it was. Everyone was singing along, smiling, and having a good time – traits rare in the day to day running of the school. In addition to the wild entertainment, I had some great conversations with other teachers, both familiar ones and a few with whom I had been wanting speak but had yet to find a proper platform. A few other teachers also approached me, being less inhibited (and more inclined to try their English,) after a few drinks. It was a fantastic evening.
Other positives are that the weather has warmed up and the fruits are out in full force. Currently starring at the local piatas are cherries and strawberries. All are locally grown, and thus quite inexpensive. A kilogram of strawberries costs about one dollar. So, I am finding myself with more time to spend reading on my balcony with a bowl of fresh fruit by my side. Of course there is lots more on tap for the summer, but I’ll save that for the next update.
