Hi Suzie,
Sorry I didn't write sooner. I've been trying to coordinate several things here and time flies! It's great that you are going to Romania, especially during the Christmas season. There's no better way to spend Christmas than to give of yourselves and take part in the celebrations of another culture.
I had a wonderful time in Romania. The team leaders were great. They were organized, supportive, and attentive. They care deeply about the kids at the clinic and are devoted to the program at Global volunteers. And don't underestimate your work there; I saw firsthand how the clinic needs the volunteers to help with the children.
I went on a Saturday and saw for myself how the kids were not taken out of the cribs. The aides just don't have enough time. I sat in a room with 12 babies and toddlers surrounding me that day. I felt badly that I had to leave the others in their cribs. Amazingly, none of the kids in my room cried that day. It must have been the peaceful music I had on at the time!!
If you forget any toiletry supplies or misc items there's a Plus store across the street from the hotel. It's similar to an Aldi's if you are familiar with that store. I frequently bought bananas and yogurt for the kids there.
I don't know if you've read any guidebooks about Romania, but I can tell you that what they say about the dogs is true. There are about 100,000 stray dogs roaming around Romania, and they do bark at night. Barlad has several and some may even become familiar to you. Our team (106) had a bunch of animal lovers so they took turns feeding some of the strays. My second team (107) was not quite so fond of the dogs. Just be careful. None of the dogs have had vaccines. The clinic has a couple strays too, but these dogs are terrific. They are great with the kids.
One impression I will never forget is the lasting impact communism has had on Romania. I sensed it in the buildings, the colors, or lack of, the clothing, and the older generation. I saw a renewed energy in the younger generation. Although people don't smile like the Americans do, they are warmhearted, caring, and polite. I never felt in any danger at all in Barlad, and I strolled around by myself for one week during the time I was there. (The rest of my team had departed.) I never went out at night by myself, of course, unless it was to the Plus store.
Just so you know, there are three internet cafes we frequented in Barlad. One you will pass on the way back to the hotel and the other two are about 15 minutes from the hotel in town. Cafe, by the way, has nothing to do with coffee or drinks. It's just a building with computers and it costs 50 Romanian cents for 1/2 hour and 1.50 lei for an hour. Because I didn't own a laptop, I was a regular customer.
If you have any specific questions don't hesitate to ask. I will return the reply quickly, I promise! I don't know if Greg told you, but when I mentioned being part of two teams, it's because I chose to stay a month instead of the regular one, two or three weeks. I'm really glad I did.
Have a wonderful trip and let me know how it goes!
Wendy
