Herastrau: A Serene Oasis in the Heart of Bucharest

• HelloSalut
  [sah-LOOT]
• GoodbyeLa revedere
  [lah reh-veh-DEH-reh]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNu
  [noo]
• Please/You're welcomeTe rog
  [teh rohg]
• Thank youMultumesc
  [mool-too-MESK]
• Excuse me/SorryScuza-ma
  [SKOO-zah mah]
• How are you?Ce faci?
  [cheh FAH-chee]
• Fine. And you?Bine. Si tu?
  [BEE-neh. she too]
• Do you speak English?Vorbesti engleza?
  [vor-BES-tee ehn-GLEH-zah]
• I don't understandNu inteleg
  [noo een-teh-LEG]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAs dori meniul, va rog
  [ahss doh-REE meh-NYOOHL vah rohg]
• I don't eat meatNu mananc carne
  [noo mah-NAHNC kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Noroc!
  [noh-ROHK]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAs dori sa platesc, va rog
  [ahss doh-REE sah PLAH-tesk vah rohg]

• Help!Ajutor!
  [ah-ZHOO-tor]
• Go away!Du-te!
  [doo-teh]
• Call the Police!Chemati politia!
  [keh-MAH-tee poh-lee-TSEE-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chemati un doctor!
  [keh-MAH-tee oon DOHK-tor]
• I'm lostM-am pierdut
  [mahm pyehr-DOOT]
• I'm illSunt bolnav
  [soont bohl-NAHV]

• I'd like to buy...As dori sa cumpar...
  [ahss doh-REE sah KOOM-pahr]
• I'm just lookingDoar ma uit
  [doh-ahr mah ooit]
• How much is it?Cat costa?
  [kaht KOHS-tah]
• That's too expensiveEste prea scump
  [ehs-teh preh-ah skoomp]
• Can you lower the price?Puteti sa scadeti pretul?
  [poo-TEH-tee sah SKAH-deh-tee PREH-tool]

• What time is it?Cate este ora?
  [KAH-teh ehs-teh OH-rah]
• It's one o'clockEste ora unu
  [ehs-teh OH-rah OON-oo]
• Half past (10)Zece si jumatate
  [ZEH-chee see zha-mah-TAH-teh]
• MorningDimineata
  [dee-mee-NEAH-tah]
• AfternoonDupa-amiaza
  [DOO-pah ah-MEE-ah-zah]
• EveningSeara
  [seh-AH-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [YEH-ree]
• TodayAstazi
  [ah-stahz]
• TomorrowMaine
  [MY-neh]
• 1Unu
  [oo-NOO]
• 2Doi
  [doy]
• 3Trei
  [tray]
• 4Patru
  [PAH-troo]
• 5Cinci
  [cheench]
• 6Sase
  [SAH-seh]
• 7Sapte
  [SAHP-teh]
• 8Opt
  [opt]
• 9Noua
  [NOH-wah]
• 10Zece
  [ZEH-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Unde este...?
  [OON-deh ehs-teh]
• What's the address?Care este adresa?
  [KAH-reh ehs-teh ah-DREH-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ma puteti arata (pe harta)?
  [mah poo-TEH-tee ah-RAH-tah peh HAHR-tah]
• When's the next (bus)?Cand vine urmatorul (autobuz)?
  [kahnd VEE-neh oor-mah-TOHR-ool ow-TOH-booz]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (spre....)
  [oon bee-LET spre]

Herastrau, originally known for its lake, has a history that dates back to the 19th century when it served as a popular leisure area for Bucharest's elite. The lake was formed in the 1930s, and the surrounding park was designed to provide a natural retreat from the urban environment, reflecting the Romantic style of landscape design prevalent at the time.

During the interwar period, Herastrau became a cultural and social hub. The area saw the development of numerous villas and recreational facilities, attracting artists, intellectuals, and affluent families. The construction of the Romanian Peasant Museum in 1906 and the Village Museum in 1936 highlighted the region's emphasis on preserving Romanian folk culture and traditions.

The impact of World War II was felt in Herastrau, as the area experienced changes in social dynamics and urban landscape. After the war, under communist rule, many of the villas were repurposed or fell into disrepair, and the park was transformed into a more utilitarian space. Despite these changes, Herastrau retained its status as a vital recreational area for the citizens of Bucharest.

With the fall of communism in 1989, Herastrau underwent a renaissance as Bucharest sought to reclaim its historical and cultural identity. Restoration of parks and public spaces, alongside the revitalization of local businesses, contributed to Herastrau’s transformation into a vibrant neighborhood, attracting both locals and tourists. The annual events and festivals held in the park further enrich the cultural landscape of this area.

In recent years, Herastrau has continued to evolve, becoming a focal point for cultural events such as the Bucharest International Film Festival and various art exhibitions. The integration of modern amenities alongside historical preservation efforts has made Herastrau a unique blend of Bucharest's past and present, showcasing the city’s commitment to cultural heritage and community engagement.

Herastrau is easily accessible from various parts of Bucharest. From the city center, you can take Metro Line M1 to Aviatorilor Station, which is a short walk from the park. Alternatively, several bus lines, including 131 and 205, also serve the area. Taxis and rideshares like Uber are widely available, providing a convenient option for direct access.

Herastrau Park is best explored on foot or by bicycle. Several bike rental stations are available throughout the area. There are also electric scooters for rent, which can be a fun way to navigate the park's pathways. Public transport options include buses, though the park's layout encourages walking to fully enjoy its scenic beauty.

Herastrau is generally a safe neighbourhood for tourists. However, like any urban area, it's important to stay cautious, especially at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and be mindful of your belongings in crowded spaces. Areas like nearby Crângași and parts of Ferentari have higher crime rates, so it’s advisable to avoid these unless necessary.

For emergencies, dial 112 for police, fire, and medical assistance in Romania. The nearest hospital is the Floreasca Emergency Hospital, located a short taxi ride away from Herastrau. Always carry a copy of your passport and any important travel documents. It’s also recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking in the park. Don't wear overly revealing outfits, as modesty is appreciated in public spaces. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially if visiting the nearby churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers. Don't engage in loud conversations on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bună' (Hello). Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy local cuisine at nearby restaurants. Don’t eat or drink in public transport, as this is frowned upon.

To experience Herastrau like a local, consider visiting the open-air market at the park for fresh produce and local snacks. Engage with locals, who are often welcoming and eager to share their culture. Take a stroll along the lake for stunning views, especially at sunset. Renting a rowboat or paddleboat can provide a unique perspective of the park from the water.