Schei: The Historical Heart of Brasov

• HelloSalut
  [sah-LOOT]
• GoodbyeLa revedere
  [lah reh-veh-DEH-reh]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNu
  [noo]
• Please/You're welcomeTe rog
  [teh rohg]
• Thank youMulțumesc
  [mool-tzoo-MESK]
• Excuse me/SorryScuzați-mă
  [skoo-ZAHTZ mee]
• How are you?Ce mai faci?
  [cheh my FUTCH]
• Fine. And you?Bine. Și tu?
  [BEE-neh. shee too]
• Do you speak English?Vorbiți engleză?
  [vor-BEETZ eng-leh-ZAH]
• I don't understandNu înțeleg
  [noo uhn-tseh-LEG]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș dori să văd meniul, vă rog
  [ush DOH-ree suh vuhd MEH-nyool, vuh rohg]
• I don't eat meatNu mănânc carne
  [noo muh-NAHNC KAR-neh]
• Cheers!Noroc!
  [noh-ROHK]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog
  [ush DOH-ree suh PLAH-tesk, vuh rohg]

• Help!Ajutor!
  [ah-ZHOO-tor]
• Go away!Duceți-vă!
  [DOO-chets-vuh]
• Call the Police!Sunați Poliția!
  [soo-NAHTS Poh-LEE-tsee-ah]
• Call a doctor!Sunați un doctor!
  [soo-NAHTS oon DOHK-tor]
• I'm lostM-am rătăcit
  [mahm ruh-tsuh-CHEET]
• I'm illSunt bolnav
  [soont bohl-NAHV]

• I'd like to buy...Aș dori să cumpăr...
  [ush DOH-ree suh KOOM-puhr]
• I'm just lookingDoar mă uit
  [doh-ahr muh ooit]
• How much is it?Cât costă?
  [kaht kohs-TAH]
• That's too expensiveEste prea scump
  [ehs-teh pryah skoomp]
• Can you lower the price?Puteți să scădeți prețul?
  [poo-TEHTS suh skuh-DEHTS preh-TSOOL]

• What time is it?Cât este ora?
  [kaht YEHS-teh OH-rah]
• It's one o'clockEste ora unu
  [ehs-teh OH-rah OO-noo]
• Half past (10)Jumătate după (10)
  [zhoo-MAH-tah-teh doo-PAH (doh-YE-sheh)]
• MorningDimineața
  [dee-mee-NYAHT-sah]
• AfternoonDupă-amiază
  [doo-PAH ah-myah-ZAH]
• EveningSeara
  [seh-AH-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [YEH-ree]
• TodayAstăzi
  [ahs-TUHZ]
• TomorrowMâine
  [muh-YEH-neh]
• 1Unu
  [OO-noo]
• 2Doi
  [doy]
• 3Trei
  [tray]
• 4Patru
  [PAHT-roo]
• 5Cinci
  [cheench]
• 6Șase
  [shah-seh]
• 7Șapte
  [shahp-teh]
• 8Opt
  [opt]
• 9Nouă
  [noo-wah]
• 10Zece
  [zeh-cheh]

• Where's a/the...?Unde este unul/o...
  [OON-deh YEHS-teh OO-noo/oh...]
• What's the address?Care este adresa?
  [KA-reh YEHS-teh ah-DREH-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puteți să-mi arătați (pe hartă)?
  [poo-TEHTS suh-MEE ah-RAH-tahtz (peh HAR-tuh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Când este următorul (autobuz)?
  [kund YEHS-teh oor-MAH-toh-rool (ow-toh-BOOZ)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (spre ....)
  [oon bee-LET (spreh)]

Schei, located just outside the fortified walls of Brasov, was historically inhabited by the Romanians who were excluded from the Saxon town's privileges. The neighborhood's name derives from the Romanian word 'șchei', meaning 'to wander' or 'to roam', reflecting the community's roots as a settlement for rural Romanians from the surrounding areas. This separation fostered a unique cultural and social identity, distinct from that of the Saxons.

In the 18th century, Schei became a significant center for the Orthodox Christian community in Transylvania. The establishment of the Church of St. Nicholas in 1495 marked the neighborhood as a spiritual hub. The church is not only an architectural gem but also a symbol of the resilience of the Romanian culture amidst the dominance of the Saxon and Hungarian populations in the region.

Schei was home to the first Romanian school in Brasov, established in 1583. This institution played a crucial role in promoting the Romanian language and culture during a time when education was primarily conducted in Latin or German. The school fostered a sense of national identity and pride among the local population, contributing to the broader cultural awakening of the Romanian people in Transylvania.

During the revolutionary wave of 1848, Schei emerged as a center of national consciousness. The residents actively participated in the movement for national rights and reforms. The neighborhood became a meeting point for activists advocating for the unification of the Romanian principalities, showcasing the community's commitment to social and political change.

Schei boasts a wealth of historical architecture, with many houses reflecting traditional Romanian styles. The area is characterized by narrow, winding streets and well-preserved wooden houses. The cultural significance of Schei has led to ongoing efforts to preserve its heritage, making it a focal point for both local and international visitors interested in the history of Brasov and Romania.

Schei is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Brasov. If you're starting from the city center, you can reach Schei by walking, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, local buses (routes 1, 4, and 20) connect the city center to Schei, with buses running frequently throughout the day. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available for a more direct route.

Schei is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot. Many attractions are within walking distance. For those looking to venture further, local buses can take you to other parts of Brasov. Bicycles can be rented from various shops in the area, and there are designated bike paths for safe cycling. Taxis are also available for quick transport.

Schei is generally safe for tourists; however, standard precautions should always be taken. It is advisable to avoid poorly lit streets at night and keep your belongings secure. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, petty theft can occur in crowded areas, so remain vigilant.

In the event of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is located in the city center. It is advisable to have travel insurance covering medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in Schei for minor health issues, and many offer over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting churches. Don't wear revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, and cover your head when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a handshake or a nod. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings. Don't refuse hospitality, as it's considered impolite.

To experience Schei like a local, visit the small markets where fresh produce and traditional Romanian goods are sold. Engage with locals, as they are often welcoming and willing to share their stories. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the nearby Tampa Mountain for a panoramic view of Brasov; it's a local favorite for hiking. Additionally, consider trying out local cafes that serve traditional Romanian pastries and coffee.