The Enchanting Dobrogea Plateau: Romania's Hidden Gem

• HelloSalut
  [sah-LOOT]
• GoodbyeLa revedere
  [lah reh-veh-DEH-reh]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNu
  [noo]
• Please/You're welcomeTe rog
  [teh rohg]
• Thank youMulțumesc
  [mool-tsoo-MESK]
• Excuse me/SorryScuzați-mă
  [skoo-ZAHTS mah]
• How are you?Ce mai faci?
  [cheh my fahch?]
• Fine. And you?Bine. Și tu?
  [bee-neh. shee too?]
• Do you speak English?Vorbiți engleză?
  [vohr-BEETZ een-gleh-zah?]
• I don't understandNu înțeleg
  [noo uhn-tseh-leg]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș vrea să văd meniul, vă rog
  [ahsh vreh sah vuhd meh-nyool, vuh rohg]
• I don't eat meatNu mănânc carne
  [noo muh-NAHNC kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Noroc!
  [noh-ROHK]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog
  [ahsh doh-ree sah pluh-TEHSK, vuh rohg]

• Help!Ajutor!
  [ah-ZHOO-tohr]
• Go away!Du-te!
  [doo-teh]
• Call the Police!Sunați poliția!
  [soo-NAHTS poh-LEE-tseeah]
• Call a doctor!Sunați un doctor!
  [soo-NAHTS oon dohk-TOHR]
• I'm lostM-am rătăcit
  [mahm ruh-tuh-CHEET]
• I'm illSunt bolnav
  [soont bohl-NAHV]

• I'd like to buy...Aș vrea să cumpăr...
  [ahsh vreh sah koom-PUR...]
• 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 preh skoomp]
• Can you lower the price?Puteți să scădeți prețul?
  [poo-TEHTS sah 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)O jumătate (10)
  [oh joo-muh-TAH-teh (doh-ZECE)]
• MorningDimineața
  [dee-mee-neh-TSAH]
• AfternoonDupă-amiază
  [doo-PAH ah-mee-ah-ZAH]
• EveningSeara
  [seh-AH-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayAstăzi
  [ahs-TUHZ]
• TomorrowMâine
  [muh-YNEH]
• 1Unu
  [OO-noo]
• 2Doi
  [doy]
• 3Trei
  [tray]
• 4Patru
  [PAH-troo]
• 5Cinci
  [CHEEN-chee]
• 6Șase
  [shah-seh]
• 7Șapte
  [shahp-teh]
• 8Opt
  [opt]
• 9Nouă
  [noo-uh]
• 10Zece
  [zeh-cheh]

• Where's a/the...?Unde este unul/una...?
  [OON-deh yehs-teh OO-noo/OO-nah...?]
• 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-TAHTS (peh HAHR-tuh)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Când este următorul (autobuz)?
  [kahnd yehs-teh oor-MAH-toh-rool (ow-TOH-booz)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (spre ....)
  [oon bee-LET (spreh ....)]

Around the 7th century BCE, Greek colonies were established along the Black Sea coast of Dobrogea, most notably Histria, Tomis (modern-day Constanța), and Callatis (Mangalia). These colonies became important trade hubs and facilitated cultural exchange between the Greeks and the indigenous Getae tribes.

In the 1st century BCE, the Romans conquered Dobrogea, integrating it into the province of Moesia. The region experienced significant development under Roman rule, with the establishment of cities, roads, and fortifications. Notable sites from this era include the ancient city of Tropaeum Traiani, built to commemorate Emperor Trajan's victory over the Dacians.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Dobrogea remained under the control of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. The Byzantines fortified the region to defend against invasions and continued to influence the local culture and religion. The ruins of early Christian basilicas in places like Niculițel stand testament to this period.

In the late 7th century, the First Bulgarian Empire extended its influence over Dobrogea. The region became a battleground between the Bulgarians and the Byzantine Empire, with control frequently shifting between the two powers. The Bulgarian presence introduced Slavic culture and Orthodox Christianity to the area.

Dobrogea fell under Ottoman control in the late 15th century and remained part of the Ottoman Empire for over four centuries. The Ottomans left a lasting impact on the region's architecture, cuisine, and cultural practices. Mosques, such as the Esmahan Sultan Mosque in Mangalia, are remnants of this era.

Following the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, Dobrogea was ceded to Romania as part of the Treaty of Berlin. This period marked significant modernization and integration into the Romanian state. The construction of the Cernavodă Bridge over the Danube River in 1895 was a major milestone in connecting Dobrogea with the rest of Romania.

During World War II, Dobrogea was a strategic region due to its proximity to the Black Sea. After the war, it fell under Soviet influence as part of Romania's inclusion in the Eastern Bloc. The region saw industrial development and collectivization during the communist era, which greatly altered its socio-economic landscape.

Since the fall of communism in 1989, Dobrogea has undergone significant transformation. The region has developed as a major tourist destination, leveraging its rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty. Efforts to preserve historical sites and promote cultural heritage have become central to local development strategies.

Dobrogea Plateau is located in the southeastern part of Romania. The nearest major city with an international airport is Constanța, served by Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport. From Constanța, you can rent a car or take a bus to explore the plateau. Alternatively, you can fly into Bucharest and take a train or bus to Constanța, and then proceed to Dobrogea Plateau.

While exploring Dobrogea Plateau, renting a car is the most convenient option as it allows flexibility in visiting remote areas. Public buses and minibuses (maxi-taxis) connect major towns, but schedules can be irregular. Bicycles can also be rented in some areas for a more eco-friendly way to explore. Taxis are available but may be harder to find in rural areas.

The official currency of Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, hotels, and larger restaurants. However, it is advisable to carry cash, especially when traveling to rural parts of the plateau. ATMs are available in larger towns, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading into more remote areas.

Dobrogea Plateau is generally safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While crime rates targeting tourists are low, always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European emergency number. The local police stations and medical facilities are available in larger towns like Constanța and Tulcea. Make sure to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in most towns for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Dobrogea Plateau like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Romanian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the ancient ruins of Histria and the Enisala Fortress for a glimpse into the region's rich history. For nature lovers, the Danube Delta offers unique wildlife and stunning landscapes.