Constanta: The Jewel of the Romanian Coast

• HelloSalut
  [saˈlut]
• GoodbyeLa revedere
  [la re.veˈde.re]
• YesDa
  [da]
• NoNu
  [nu]
• Please/You're welcomeTe rog
  [te rog]
• Thank youMulțumesc
  [mul.ˈt͡su.mesk]
• Excuse me/SorryScuzați-mă
  [sku.zaʦi.mə]
• How are you?Ce faci?
  [ke ˈfaʧʲ]
• Fine. And you?Bine. Și tu?
  [ˈbi.ne ʃʲ ˈtu]
• Do you speak English?Vorbiți engleză?
  [vorˈbit͡s‿enˈgle.zə]
• I don't understandNu înțeleg
  [nu ɨn.ˈt͡se.leɡ]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș dori să văd meniul, vă rog
  [aʃ do.ˈri sə vad meˈni.ul və rog]
• I don't eat meatNu mănânc carne
  [nu ˈmɨ.nɨŋk ˈkar.ne]
• Cheers!Noroc!
  [ˈno.rok]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog
  [aʃ do.ˈri sə pləˈtesk və rog]

• Help!Ajutor!
  [a.ʒuˈtor]
• Go away!Du-te!
  [du.te]
• Call the Police!Sunați poliția!
  [su.ˈnat͡s poˈlit͡si.a]
• Call a doctor!Sunați un doctor!
  [su.ˈnat͡s un dokˈtor]
• I'm lostM-am pierdut
  [mam ˈpjer.dut]
• I'm illSunt bolnav
  [sunt bolˈnav]

• I'd like to buy...Aș dori să cumpăr...
  [aʃ do.ˈri sə kumˈpər]
• I'm just lookingDoar mă uit
  [do.ar mə uit]
• How much is it?Cât costă?
  [kɨt kosˈtə]
• That's too expensiveEste prea scump
  [ˈes.te pre.a skump]
• Can you lower the price?Puteți să scădeți prețul?
  [puˈteʦ sə ˈskə.deʦi pret͡sul]

• What time is it?Cât este ora?
  [kɨt ˈes.te o.ra]
• It's one o'clockEste ora unu
  [ˈes.te o.ra unu]
• Half past (10)Jumătate (la zece)
  [ʒu.məˈta.te la ˈze.ʧe]
• MorningDimineața
  [di.miˈne̯at͡sa]
• AfternoonDupă-amiază
  [du.pə‿a.mjat͡sə]
• EveningSeara
  [se.ˈa.ra]
• YesterdayIeri
  [ˈjerʲ]
• TodayAstăzi
  [as.təz]
• TomorrowMâine
  [mɨˈne]
• 1Unu
  [ˈun.u]
• 2Doi
  [doj]
• 3Trei
  [trej]
• 4Patru
  [ˈpa.tru]
• 5Cinci
  [ˈʧinʧʲ]
• 6Șase
  [ʃaʃe]
• 7Șapte
  [ʃap.te]
• 8Opt
  [opt]
• 9Nouă
  [no.wə]
• 10Zece
  [ˈze.ʧe]

• Where's a/the...?Unde este unul/o...
  [un.de es.te u.nul/o]
• What's the address?Care este adresa?
  [ka.re es.te aˈdresə]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puteți să-mi arătați (pe hartă)?
  [puˈteʦ sə mi aˈrə.taʦi pe harˈtə]
• When's the next (bus)?Când este următorul (autobuz)?
  [kɨnd es.te urˈmə.to.rul (au.to.buz)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (spre ....)
  [un biˈlet spre]

Constanta, originally known as Tomis, was founded around 600 BC by Greek colonists from Miletus. The city quickly became a significant trading hub due to its strategic location on the Black Sea, facilitating the exchange of goods between Greek and local Thracian populations. Tomis is also historically notable for being the place of exile for the Roman poet Ovid, who wrote some of his most famous works, including 'Tristia' and 'Epistulae ex Ponto,' while in banishment here.

In 29 BC, Tomis was conquered by the Roman Empire and integrated into the province of Moesia. Under Roman rule, the city flourished, receiving numerous public buildings, baths, and an amphitheater. Early Christianity made its mark on the city during this time, with archaeological evidence showing the presence of early Christian communities and churches.

Following the decline of the Roman Empire, Tomis came under Byzantine rule and was renamed Constantiana in honor of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. During the medieval period, the city endured numerous invasions and occupations by various groups, including the Huns, Avars, and Bulgarians. Despite these challenges, Constanta remained a vital port and trading center in the Black Sea region.

In the 15th century, Constanta fell to the Ottoman Empire and became known as Köstence. Under Ottoman rule, the city experienced a period of relative stability and economic growth. The Ottomans introduced new architectural styles and cultural influences, which can still be seen in some of the city's historic buildings and landmarks.

Constanta was incorporated into the Kingdom of Romania in 1878 following the Russo-Turkish War. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the city underwent significant modernization, including the construction of the iconic Constanta Casino, the expansion of the port, and the establishment of institutions such as the Natural Sciences Museum Complex and the Romanian Navy Museum.

The 20th century brought both hardship and progress to Constanta. During World War II, the city was heavily bombed, and many of its historic buildings were damaged or destroyed. However, the post-war period saw extensive reconstruction and development. Constanta became a key industrial and commercial center, with significant investments in infrastructure, tourism, and cultural preservation.

Constanta's rich cultural heritage is a testament to its diverse history. The city is home to numerous ethnic communities, including Romanians, Turks, Tatars, Greeks, and Armenians. This multiculturalism is reflected in the city's cuisine, festivals, religious sites, and everyday life, making Constanta a vibrant and dynamic place to visit.

Constanta is accessible by several means of transportation. The nearest international airport is Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport, located about 25 kilometers north of the city. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a shuttle bus, or rent a car to reach the city center. Alternatively, Constanta is well-connected by train and bus services from major cities in Romania, including Bucharest, which is about 225 kilometers away. The train journey from Bucharest to Constanta takes approximately 2-3 hours.

Constanta has a reliable public transportation system that includes buses and minibuses (maxi-taxi). Tickets can be purchased from kiosks or directly from the driver. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available and are relatively inexpensive. For those preferring to explore at their own pace, renting a car is a viable option. Biking is another popular way to get around, especially during the warmer months.

The official currency in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout Constanta, and you can exchange foreign currency at banks and exchange offices.

Constanta is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is important to stay vigilant. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places like markets and public transportation. Areas such as the old town and the seafront are generally safe, but it is wise to avoid poorly lit areas at night. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance from police, medical services, or fire brigade. Constanta has several hospitals and clinics where you can receive medical attention. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are common and offer a range of over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Casual wear is acceptable in most places, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; when visiting churches, dress conservatively and keep noise to a minimum. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers and avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. A friendly 'Bună ziua' (Good day) is well-received. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and specialties. Romanian hospitality is warm, and refusing food or drink can be considered impolite.

To experience Constanta like a local, visit the local markets such as the Obor Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Romanian goods. Spend time at the beautiful beaches along the Black Sea coast and join locals for an evening stroll on the promenade. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the historic old town and the iconic Constanta Casino. Engaging with locals can provide unique insights into the city's rich history and culture.