Cismigiu: Bucharest's Serene Urban Oasis

• HelloSalut
  [saˈlut]
• GoodbyeLa revedere
  [la re.veˈde.re]
• YesDa
  [da]
• NoNu
  [nu]
• Please/You're welcomeTe rog
  [te roɡ]
• Thank youMulțumesc
  [mul.tuˈmesk]
• Excuse me/SorryScuzați-mă
  [sku.zaˈtsi mə]
• How are you?Ce mai faci?
  [t͡ʃe maɪ ˈfat͡ʃʲ]
• Fine. And you?Bine. Și tu?
  [biːne ʃi tu]
• Do you speak English?Vorbiți engleză?
  [vorˈbit͡si enˈɡle.zə]
• I don't understandNu înțeleg
  [nu ɨnˈt͡se.leɡ]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș dori să văd meniul, vă rog
  [əʃ do.ˈri sə vəd ˈmeni.ul və roɡ]
• I don't eat meatNu mănânc carne
  [nu mɨˈnɨŋk ˈkar.ne]
• Cheers!Noroc!
  [ˈnorok]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog
  [əʃ do.ˈri sə ˈplə.tesk və roɡ]

• Help!Ajutor!
  [aˈʒu.tor]
• Go away!Du-te!
  [du.te]
• Call the Police!Sunați Poliția!
  [suˈnat͡sʲ poˈlit͡si.a]
• Call a doctor!Sunați un doctor!
  [suˈnat͡sʲ un dokˈtor]
• I'm lostM-am rătăcit
  [mam rətəˈt͡ʃit]
• I'm illSunt bolnav
  [sunt bolˈnav]

• I'd like to buy...Aș dori să cumpăr...
  [əʃ do.ˈri sə kum.ˈpar]
• I'm just lookingDoar mă uit
  [do.ar mə uit]
• How much is it?Cât costă?
  [kɨt kosˈtə]
• That's too expensiveEste prea scump
  [ˈeste pre̯a skump]
• Can you lower the price?Puteți să scădeți prețul?
  [puˈteɨt͡si sə ˈskə.det͡si pre̯et͡sul]

• What time is it?Cât este ora?
  [kɨt ˈeste o.ra]
• It's one o'clockEste ora unu
  [ˈeste o.ra unu]
• Half past (10)Jumătate (la zece)
  [ʒu.məˈtate (la ˈze.ʧe)]
• MorningDimineața
  [di.mi.ne̯a.t͡sa]
• AfternoonDupă-amiază
  [du.pə a.mjazə]
• EveningSeara
  [ˈse̯a.ra]
• YesterdayIeri
  [ˈjerʲ]
• TodayAstăzi
  [asˈtəzʲ]
• TomorrowMâine
  [mɨˈjne]
• 1Unu
  [un.u]
• 2Doi
  [doj]
• 3Trei
  [trej]
• 4Patru
  [ˈpatru]
• 5Cinci
  [ˈt͡ʃint͡ʃʲ]
• 6Șase
  [ʃaʃe]
• 7Șapte
  [ʃapte]
• 8Opt
  [opt]
• 9Nouă
  [no.uə]
• 10Zece
  [ˈze.ʧe]

• Where's a/the...?Unde este unul/una/...
  [un.de ˈeste u.nul u.na]
• What's the address?Care este adresa?
  [kaˈre ˈeste aˈdresə]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puteți să-mi arătați (pe hartă)?
  [puˈteɨt͡si səˈmi aˈrətəts (pe harˈtə)]
• When's the next (bus)?Când vine următorul (autobuz)?
  [kɨnd ˈvine urməˈtorul (awˈto.buz)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (spre ....)
  [un biˈlet spre]

Cismigiu Park, the oldest public park in Bucharest, was established in the mid-19th century, designed by the German landscape architect Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Meyer. Originally part of a larger estate, the park was opened to the public in 1854 and quickly became a cultural hub, reflecting the romantic style of the era. The park's name derives from the nearby cisterns, which provided water to the city.

During the 19th century, Cismigiu became a gathering place for intellectuals, artists, and politicians. The park and its surroundings hosted numerous events and gatherings, contributing to the cultural and political life of Bucharest. The influence of the national revival movement was palpable here, as many notable figures of Romanian literature and art frequented the park.

At the turn of the 20th century, the Cismigiu Theatre was established, becoming a key venue for performances and cultural events. This theatre played a vital role in promoting Romanian drama and opera, and it was a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. Although the original structure was demolished in the 1950s, its legacy continues to be felt in the cultural fabric of Bucharest.

Cismigiu experienced significant changes during World War II, with the park serving as a refuge for many during air raids. Post-war, the area saw further development as the communist regime sought to reshape Bucharest. The park remained a vital recreational area for residents, symbolizing resilience and continuity amid the tumultuous changes of the era.

In recent decades, efforts have been made to preserve the historical and cultural significance of Cismigiu. Restoration projects have aimed to maintain the park's original design while integrating modern amenities. Today, Cismigiu serves as a vibrant urban oasis in Bucharest, where history, culture, and nature intertwine, reflecting the city's dynamic evolution.

Cismigiu is centrally located in Bucharest, making it easily accessible from various neighbourhoods. You can take the Metro to either Izvor (Line M1) or Piata Romana (Line M2) stations and then walk to Cismigiu Park. Buses and trams also serve the area well, with several lines running nearby, including tram lines 1 and 46. If you're coming from the airport, a taxi or rideshare service is the most convenient option, taking approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.

Cismigiu is a pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood, ideal for exploring on foot. Public transport options include buses and trams, with stops located conveniently around the park. Bicycles can be rented from local bike-sharing services, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely ride through the park and surrounding areas. Be mindful of traffic rules when cycling, as Bucharest can be busy.

Cismigiu is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places. While the neighbourhood is not known for high crime rates, it is advisable to stay vigilant in areas such as Drumul Taberei and Ferentari, which have higher incidents of petty crime targeting tourists.

In the case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. There are hospitals and clinics in and around Cismigiu, with the nearest being the Bagdasar-Arseni Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in the area for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking, especially in the park. Avoid overly casual attire if dining in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly. Don't eat or drink while on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bună' (Hello). Don't be overly formal; a smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes at nearby restaurants and cafes. Don't waste food or be overly critical of local cuisine.

To experience Cismigiu like a local, visit the park early in the morning when it is less crowded, and locals engage in jogging or leisurely walks. Grab a coffee from one of the nearby cafes and enjoy it in the park. Attend local events or festivals that may be happening in Cismigiu, as they offer a glimpse into the culture. Don't hesitate to join a game of chess at one of the outdoor tables; it's a popular pastime among locals.

When interacting with locals, it is appreciated if you make an effort to speak a few basic Romanian phrases, such as 'Mulțumesc' (Thank you) and 'Te rog' (Please). Showing respect for local traditions and history is important, especially when discussing topics related to the country's past. It's also advisable to avoid political discussions unless you are familiar with the context.