Romania seen through the eyes of a 4 years old Canadian

Last summer my son and I travelled to Eastern Europe and spent a few good weeks in Romania. The questions below are only a few of the concerns expressed by my son during our stay. I thought of sharing with you these dashes of wisdom of my four years old.

The Good & Funny

Why all kids speak English in here?
Why do they ask me to speak English when I try to speak Romanian?
Why everyone insists on feeding me?
Why do they have so many yummy deserts?
Why people like the sour taste so much?
Why they sell the best pancakes ever only in Vama Veche?
Why the Black Sea doesn’t have crushing waves like the ocean?
Why is the a huge ship at each one of the entrances of Constanta City?
Why is the Black Sea called black? Its water has a green colour!
Why everyone wants to take my hat?
Why only old people take the bus?
Why pharmacies sell cough lollipops?
Why bars and terraces are always full? Nobody has to go to work?
Why people drink so many coffees per day?
Why doctors are so friendly and they ask for my help when they consult mom?
Why women are always dressed up so elegant? Is there a party each day?
Why most of the ladies wear high heels all day long?
Why some beaches have more shells than others?
Why all drivers complain about pot holes? We have bigger ones in Quebec!

The Bad & Sad

Why so many beautiful buildings are left in ruin like the Casino?
Why aren’t I allowed to play with toys inside of the shops?
Why kids play in the middle of the road wit their scooters?
Why do drivers speed so much between two stop lights?
Why do schools look like jails? Why do they have metal bars on the windows and on the school yard fence?
Why all the water fountains are empty? Is there a draught warning on?
Why are there so many churches everywhere?
Why did they built two churches in the middle of a small park? Where do children play now?
Why kids are allowed to travel without a carseat?
Why there are no safely belts in most of the rides in the amusement park?
Why aren’t too many outdoor playgrounds with slides and climbing structures?
Why they have a board in the park saying: “Don’t walk on the grass!”?
Why older people always carry a heavy bag? Don’t they use a car to go groceries shopping?
Why they don’t allow me to seat in a bus/metro? I am a child! Back home, kids get a seat!
Why isn’t there a cycling path on the side of the road and cyclists have to bike in the park? Where do kids run then?
Why do you have to pay for using some public washrooms?
Why are there so many stray dogs?

The Ugly Truth

Why do people smoke next to the children? Don’t they know that the smoke can harm them?
Why do drivers park the cars on the sidewalks and there is no room left for pedestrians? Where are they supposed to walk, on the road?
Why most of the playgrounds are dirty and have old rusty play structures?Don’t they know rust is dangerous?
Why some people throw garbage on the street?
Why no one pick us garbage from the ground and puts in the bin?
Why people don’t recycle? They throw so much plastic!
Why dog owners do not pick up the poop of their dogs?
Why no one cleans the water in the lake/ lagoon?
Why aren’t there no garbage bags in the trash bins on the beach?
Why everyone looks down at gypsies? Aren’t they people just like us?