primavara in Timișoara

Today marks one month since I arrived in Timişoara, and time has flown by. I’ve been occupied with getting settled and establishing new routines. My class schedule has finally become more consistent, giving me a clearer overview of my daily life. I’ve been busy adding social events, travel plans, and volunteer opportunities to my calendar. I’m committed to making the most of my time here and embracing every opportunity that comes my way but I also want to ensure that I truly enjoy my experience without feeling the need to prove anything or burning myself out.

My inaugural volunteering experience turned out to be quite an adventure, especially considering the challenges posed by the language barrier. Despite the advances in modern technology, miscommunication can still occur, as I unfortunately discovered firsthand. I had intended to volunteer for the Timişoara 21k even before my arrival in Romania. The volunteer coordinator was exceptionally organized, and we utilized WhatsApp for seamless communication for the more than 130 volunteers involved in the event.

A few days before the race there was a volunteer meeting conveniently held at my school, West University of Timişoara, and I must have looked like I knew where I was going (spoiler alert: I didn’t.) because I was asked for directions (in Romanian) by a woman who was also looking for the meeting room. We wandered the halls together until someone kindly guided us to our destination. The meeting was conducted in Romanian, and I relied on Google Translate to follow along. However, the app proved unpredictable; it only functions well if someone speaks loudly, which meant I was only able to grasp about 75% of the discussion. I was volunteering with a group called Flutuarşi, which roughly translates to “flyers.” My role involved walking with a team, divided into zones, to distribute flyers informing people they wouldn’t be able to move their cars during the race. Though it seemed like a straightforward task, I was confident that speaking to people wouldn’t present any language barrier issues.

However, I missed critical updates during the meeting regarding our meeting point for that evening. When I went outside to join the group, it turned out they had stayed behind to pick up flyers and had already left. Thankfully, the volunteer coordinator emerged to fill me in on what had transpired. Unfortunately, I missed my chance to volunteer that evening since the group was gone. Nevertheless, I stayed behind and chatted with the coordinator for about 45 minutes, discussing various topics—from how I ended up in Timişoara to running, races, and politics. As it turns out, he coordinates other events in the city and invited me to volunteer at more of them. Despite the evening not going as planned, it was a wonderful experience to meet someone new and share our passion for running. The next two evenings of volunteering went smoothly, allowing me to meet more people and contribute to a fantastic event. You can read more about my race experience here.

Every day brings fresh discoveries but I am also enjoying the mundane. My usual running route leads me to uncharted corners of Timişoara, where hidden gems await—though they may not be the most picturesque, they hold a special charm for me. Recently, as the weather turned cold and rainy, I snuggled up in bed, reading a book and drinking tea. I can hardly recall the last time I granted myself the luxury of a day like this, simply relaxing and indulging in comfort. Despite its simplicity, that day will always stand out in my memory for the beauty and joy found in those quiet moments.

Another favorite pastime has been going out and trying a new traditional restaurant or Romanian dish every week. This past Saturday we went to Restaurant Bulevard Traditional and we definitely needed a comforting meal with the rainy weather. I ordered a chicken stew with mămăliga. The chicken was in a tomato sauce with red pepper and onions and it was so hearty and delicious. We split papanaşi because the serving was VERY generous! It’s becoming my new favorite dessert. The restaurant also had papanaşi with a chocolate sauce and I must go back there and try that too. Bulevard features classic Romanian decor and showcases the traditional attire from several different villages. While they also offer traditional music and dance, we arrived too early, but we will be planning on going back a little later in the evening and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Many people have praised the stunning beauty of Timişoara during the springtime, and I am happy to be here to experience it. The vibrant blooms, mild weather, and lively atmosphere of the city make this season truly special. For the next few weeks, I plan to immerse myself in the local culture and explore the various attractions that Timişoara has to offer. This local experience will not only allow me to appreciate the city’s charm more deeply, but it will also serve as a perfect way to build excitement for all of my upcoming travels in April. As I savor the sights and sounds of Timişoara, I look forward to gathering new memories before embarking on my next adventure.