Tips for Americans staying with Romanian host families

When we visited Romania with our church missions trips, we stayed with Romanian host families. A lot of things were strange to us back then, but now that we've been living here, we've isolated it down to a few things. Here are some tips for those of you who will stay with Romanian families.

Food

It will most likely be multiple courses. Expect this at dinner and at more formalized meals. Don't fill up on the soup and bread at the beginning.
Romanian hostesses are known for enthusiastically wanting you to "eat, eat, eat!". They consider this as being a good hostess. They just don't realize that we prefer to take what we want, or that traveling in a foreign country eating foreign foods can sometimes make you sick to your stomach. If you're not hungry, just don't eat.
Stay away from sausage. Really.
They will say "Pofta Bună" if they walk into a room and see you eating. It means "Bon Appetit", just say "Mulţumesc" (thanks)
They sometimes don't drink anything with the meal, so if you want something to drink, you might have to ask for it specifically.
Most Americans don't care for "apă minerală" (mineral/seltzer water). Not this guy, I love it. However, if you want just plain tap water, ask for "apă plată".

At the home

Depending on the type of town/village you're staying in, you may have been walking around in dung-filled streets all day. Remember this when entering a house. Many households prefer you to take off your shoes.
Even if it's summer and pretty hot in the room, don't expect them to open doors and windows to get some air moving. Many Romanians think that moving air is not healthy. Just ask/motion to someone that you'd like the window open. You're the guest. They'll probably oblige you even though you're bringing "wagonloads of sickness" upon yourself.
My experience is that people like looking at pictures. Bring as many pics as you want of your family and friends. Ask to see their picture collection. It's a nice way of getting to know them that's not too dependent on language.
Bringing gifts for the host family is a great idea. Though the first idea that pops into your head is that cutsie kitchen appliance "Something-O-Matic", don't bring it. They have everything they need for that realm of living. Here are some better ideas:
- Picture of your family
- Some piece of art, picture, or Bible verse to hang on the wall
- T-shirt or other article of clothing with English writing on it. This is popular with anyone.
- A photo/scenery book of your home region
Christian Activities

Romanian Christians (at least Protestants) greet each other with "pace" (peace)
Church services can and will be long. Sorry, no suggestions for this one.
For your first appearance in a church, it is customary to bring a greeting and/or Bible verse from your home church. They would also love to hear a song if you have one ready, especially in those small village churches.
If you are playing games in a church (ie. after hours), keep in mind that some churches/denominations are against playing cards of any sort. Beats me why, but if you want to avoid problems and rumors, it's best to leave the cards behind. It goes without saying that this definitely applies to alcohol and tobacco.

Other

Gypsies are everywhere. The kids especially will beg from you anytime, anywhere. I've taken the policy of not giving them money at all, but then, I live here. Expect the mournful eyes, the faked illness, the occasional tear, the whole guilt trip. They do this every day. I won't tell you not to give them anything, but know two things. 1) They are not going hungry and their next meal does not depend on you. 2) WHATEVER item of clothing you give them, they'll sell it.
Officials anywhere in the country will probably hassle you sometime (ie. at the border or airport). It'll probably be about something you're bringing in. If you want to be nice, bring a designated "gift" for them. If not, put up a hassle of your own. They might be seeing what they can get away with around you. Speak English loudly and boldly.
Church Missions Trip Teams: Important note! If you want to bring things with you to help a church or local pastor, don't! Instead, bring the money and buy it there. It'll be a lot cheaper and a lot less trouble - especially at the border/customs check. I'm speaking specifically about computers, audio/video equipment, musical instruments (esp. guitars), and anything else. Buy them there! Here are the things you can't buy here: peanut butter and marshmallows. Bring those with you, but buy everything else here. Besides, it'll contribute to Romania's economy. Every little bit helps.
If you do bring a guitar or other stringed instrument with you for your team, remember to loosen the strings before checking it into the belly of the plane. The colder temperature will make the strings contract and could damage the neck if you don't loosen them.

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