Welcome to Timişoara

After months of anticipation, I finally embarked on my long-awaited journey. When I arrived, it all felt surreal; the buildup to this moment had been intense. It didn’t hit me until my parents dropped me off at Newark Airport and I boarded the plane that it was really happening. As I stood in the airport, I found myself questioning all my life choices. Leaving behind the stability of my family and career to travel across the world for several months felt incredibly risky and overwhelming. However, now that I’ve arrived and gradually settling in, that initial fear is starting to fade.

After landing in Timişoara, you walk right onto the tarmac. The airport is very small and easy to navigate. I was worried about immigration and making sure I had all the required documents, but I flew in from Munich and did the necessary formalities there – so there was no need for me to go through passport control again. This is because of the Schengen Area which is a group of European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that people can travel freely between these countries without needing to show their passport at each border. The area promotes easier travel, tourism, and business within Europe. Currently, there are 29 countries in the Schengen Area, including popular travel destinations like France, Germany, and Italy. On January 1, 2025, Romania and Bulgaria became full members of the Schengen Area.

To simplify my travel arrangements, I booked a taxi through Booking.com, using some accumulated rewards. When I arrived at the airport, the driver was waiting for me. The fare for the ride was just $4, and I made sure to generously tip him for helping with my heavy bags. I initially assumed that Euros were accepted, given Romania’s membership in the European Union, but I later learned that the local currency is the leu. Fortunately, my driver was happy with my Euro tip, although this is always at their discretion.

I was dropped off at the Del Corso Hotel and was happy to finally have made it after 18+ hours of travel. Originally, I was planning on going right into student housing, but felt that after such a long journey, I wanted space to wind-down and acclimate. I chose the hotel due to the proximity to my student housing and access to the historic centre. I got a second-wind after changing and freshening up, so I decided to take a walk – stumbling upon Piața Libertății (Liberty Square) and Piața Unirii (Union Square) both significant historical landmarks in Timişoara.

Together, these squares not only highlight Timișoara’s architectural beauty but also its historical and cultural vitality, making them essential stops. Piața Libertății has a captivating blend of architectural styles, including Baroque and Neoclassical. Surrounded by impressive structures, the square is not only an aesthetic gem but also a vital part of the city’s social fabric. It has been the site of many important events, demonstrations, and celebrations over the years, solidifying its role as a central hub for the community. Piața Unirii is also renowned for its stunning baroque architecture and vibrant atmosphere. This square is home to several notable buildings, including the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral and Brück House, which reflect Timișoara’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

After my short walkabout, I stopped in a local favorite, Jack’s Bistro, for a celebratory spritz and dinner. It’s a little intimidating at first, being on your own and wondering how far my basic Romanian will get me. While I’ve picked up some customary greetings and polite expressions, my knowledge of the language is limited despite a 70-day streak on Duolingo. Nevertheless, I managed to get by just fine. Leaving dinner, I walked through Timişoara’s third square, Piața Victoriei (Victory Square) which played a significant role during the 1989 Romanian Revolution, serving as a site for protests and as a symbol of the fight against communism. More on that later.

In the days following my arrival, I busily transitioned from the comfort of my hotel into student housing and met my two roommates, both from the Ukraine. After the initial nerves of it all, I’m finally starting to feel settled and can see the possibility of establishing a routine. Moving back into a dorm at this stage in my life wasn’t something I envisioned, but I’m choosing to embrace it as an opportunity to build community rather than retreat into isolation. My first night in the dorm transported me back to my undergrad days; this time, however, my alarm clock was a rooster.

Now that I’ve finally arrived in Timişoara, I can start to conceptualize what my time here will be like. For the first time in a while, I feel a sense of hope about what I can achieve, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. Timişoara, I already like you.