Focsani: The Heart of Vrancea County

• HelloSalut
  [saˈlut]
• GoodbyeLa revedere
  [la re.veˈde.re]
• YesDa
  [da]
• NoNu
  [nu]
• Please/You're welcomeTe rog/Cu plăcere
  [te rog/ku ˈplə.t͡ʃe.re]
• Thank youMulțumesc
  [mul.t͡suˈmesk]
• Excuse me/SorryScuzați-mă/Îmi pare rău
  [skuˈza.tsɨ mə/imʲ ˈpare rəw]
• How are you?Ce faci?
  [t͡ʃe fak]
• Fine. And you?Bine. Și tu?
  [biˈne ʃi tu]
• Do you speak English?Vorbiți engleză?
  [vorˈbit͡sʲ enˈglezə]
• I don't understandNu înțeleg
  [nu ɨnt͡seˈleɡ]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș dori să văd meniul, vă rog
  [aʃ doˈri sə vad meˈni.ul və rog]
• I don't eat meatNu mănânc carne
  [nu mɨˈnɨŋk karˈne]
• Cheers!Noroc!
  [noˈrok]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog
  [aʃ doˈri sə pləˈtesk və rog]

• Help!Ajutor!
  [aˈʒu.tor]
• Go away!Du-te!
  [du.te]
• Call the Police!Sună la Poliție!
  [su.nə la po.lit͡si.e]
• Call a doctor!Sună un doctor!
  [su.nə un docˈtor]
• I'm lostM-am rătăcit
  [mam rətəˈt͡ʃit]
• I'm illSunt bolnav
  [sunt bolˈnav]

• I'd like to buy...Aș dori să cumpăr...
  [aʃ doˈri sə kumˈpar]
• I'm just lookingDoar mă uit
  [do̯ar 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?
  [puˈteɨt͡s sə ˈskəd͡ʒet͡s pretsul]

• What time is it?Cât este ora?
  [kɨt ˈes.te oˈra]
• It's one o'clockEste ora unu
  [ˈeste oˈra unu]
• Half past (10)Jumătate (la zece)
  [ʒu.məˈta.te (la ˈze.ʧe)]
• MorningDimineața
  [di.miˈne̯at͡sa]
• AfternoonDupă-amiază
  [duˈpə a.mjaˈzə]
• EveningSeara
  [ˈse̯a.ra]
• YesterdayIeri
  [ˈjerʲ]
• TodayAstăzi
  [asˈtəzʲ]
• TomorrowMâine
  [mɨˈi.ne]
• 1Unu
  [uˈnu]
• 2Doi
  [doj]
• 3Trei
  [trej]
• 4Patru
  [ˈpatru]
• 5Cinci
  [ˈʧint͡ʃʲ]
• 6Șase
  [ʃa.se]
• 7Șapte
  [ˈʃapte]
• 8Opt
  [opt]
• 9Nouă
  [no.uə]
• 10Zece
  [ˈze.ʧe]

• Where's a/the...?Unde este unul/o...
  [ˈun.de es.te uˈnul/o]
• What's the address?Care este adresa?
  [ka.re es.te aˈdresə]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Poți să-mi arăți (pe hartă)?
  [po.tsɨ səmʲ aˈrətsʲ (pe harˈtə)]
• When's the next (bus)?Când este următorul (autobuz)?
  [kɨnd es.te urˈmətorul (ˌaw.toˈbuz)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (spre ...)
  [un biˈlet spre]

Focsani, located in the historical region of Moldavia, dates back to the medieval period. It is first mentioned in documents from the 15th century, during the reign of Stephen the Great. The town developed as a significant market center due to its strategic location on the trade routes between Moldova and Wallachia.

Focsani played a crucial role in the unification of the Romanian Principalities. On January 24, 1859, the Union of Moldavia and Wallachia was proclaimed, and Focsani, being on the border of the two regions, became the meeting point for political discussions and celebrations. The city symbolizes the unity and birth of modern Romania.

During the Russo-Turkish War of 1787–1792, the Treaty of Focsani was signed on September 19, 1791, between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire. This treaty marked an important step towards the end of hostilities and the reshaping of the political landscape in Eastern Europe.

Focsani witnessed significant military activity during World War I, especially during the Romanian Campaign of 1916-1917. The city was a key logistical base for the Romanian Army. The Battle of Mărășești, which took place nearby, was one of the most important battles fought by Romania in World War I, securing a defensive victory against the Central Powers.

Focsani boasts a rich cultural heritage, with several notable landmarks. The Old Town Hall, built in the 19th century, is a fine example of neo-classical architecture. The city's numerous churches, including the St. John the Baptist Church, reflect its deep religious roots. Focsani is also known for its vineyards, part of the famous Vrancea wine region, contributing to the local economy and culture.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Focsani developed into a modern urban center. Post-World War II industrialization brought significant changes, with industries such as textiles, food processing, and machinery becoming prominent. The city has continued to grow and modernize, while still preserving its historical and cultural identity.

Focsani is located in the Vrancea County of Romania. The nearest international airport is Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest, approximately 180 kilometers away. From Bucharest, you can take a direct train to Focsani, which takes around 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively, buses and rental cars are also available, offering a convenient way to travel to Focsani.

Focsani is a compact city, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances within the city, taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses operate regularly and connect various parts of the city. Renting a car can be a good option for exploring the surrounding areas and nearby attractions at your own pace.

The official currency in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or rural areas. ATMs are available throughout Focsani, making it easy to withdraw cash as needed.

Focsani is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any city, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Focsani does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Focsani. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase 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. 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 friendly smile and 'Bună ziua' (Good day) are appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Focsani 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 city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the local wineries, as Vrancea County is renowned for its vineyards and wine production. For a unique experience, attend one of the local festivals, which often feature traditional music and dance.