Exploring the Enchanting Surroundings of Iasi, Romania

• HelloSalut
  [sah-loot]
• GoodbyeLa revedere
  [lah reh-veh-deh-reh]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNu
  [noo]
• Please/You're welcomeCu plăcere
  [koo pluh-cheh-reh]
• Thank youMulțumesc
  [mool-tsoo-mesk]
• Excuse me/SorryScuzați-mă
  [skoo-zah-tzuh-muh]
• How are you?Ce faci?
  [cheh fahch]
• Fine. And you?Bine. Și tu?
  [bee-neh. shee too]
• Do you speak English?Vorbiți engleză?
  [vor-beets eng-leh-zuh]
• I don't understandNu înțeleg
  [noo uhn-tseh-lehg]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș dori să văd meniul, vă rog
  [ush doh-ree suh vad meh-nyool, vuh rohg]
• I don't eat meatEu nu mănânc carne
  [yoo noo muh-nuhnk kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Noroc!
  [noh-rok]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog
  [ush doh-ree suh pluh-tesk, vuh rohg]

• Help!Ajutor!
  [ah-yoo-tor]
• Go away!Du-te!
  [doo-teh]
• Call the Police!Sună la poliție!
  [soo-nuh lah poh-leet-zee-eh]
• Call a doctor!Sună un doctor!
  [soo-nuh oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostM-am pierdut
  [mahm pyehr-dooht]
• I'm illSunt bolnav
  [soont bohl-nahv]

• I'd like to buy...Aș dori să cumpăr...
  [ush doh-ree suh koom-puhr]
• I'm just lookingMă uit doar
  [muh ooyt doh-ar]
• How much is it?Cât costă?
  [kaht kohs-tuh]
• That's too expensiveEste prea scump
  [yeh-steh preh-ah skoomp]
• Can you lower the price?Puteți reduce prețul?
  [poo-tehtz reh-oo-cheh preh-tzool]

• What time is it?Cât este ceasul?
  [kaht yeh-steh chah-sool]
• It's one o'clockEste ora unu
  [yeh-steh oh-rah ooh-noo]
• Half past (10)La jumătate (10)
  [lah joo-muh-ta-teh (doh-zehshteh)]
• MorningDimineața
  [dee-mee-neh-tsa]
• AfternoonDupă-amiază
  [doo-puh ahm-yah-zuh]
• EveningSeara
  [seh-ah-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayAstăzi
  [ah-stuhz]
• TomorrowMâine
  [muh-yeh-neh]
• 1Unu
  [oo-noo]
• 2Doi
  [doy]
• 3Trei
  [treh-ee]
• 4Patru
  [paht-roo]
• 5Cinci
  [cheen-chee]
• 6Șase
  [shah-seh]
• 7Șapte
  [shahp-teh]
• 8Opt
  [ohpt]
• 9Nouă
  [noo-uh]
• 10Zece
  [zeh-cheh]

• Where's a/the...?Unde este unul/o...
  [oon-deh yeh-steh oon-ool/oh]
• What's the address?Care este adresa?
  [kah-reh yeh-steh ah-dreh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puteți să-mi arătați (pe hartă)?
  [poo-tehtz suh-mee ah-rah-tsuhts (peh hahr-tuh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Când este următorul (autobuz)?
  [kahnd yeh-steh oor-muh-toh-rool (ow-toh-booz)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (spre ...)
  [oon bee-let (spreh)]

Iași, one of the oldest cities in Romania, was first mentioned in a document in 1408, during the reign of Alexandru cel Bun. It served as the capital of the Principality of Moldavia and has a rich history that intertwines with the cultural and political development of the region.

The 15th century marked the Golden Age of Moldavia under the rule of Stephen the Great (Ștefan cel Mare). During his reign, Iași flourished as a cultural and religious center, with the construction of many churches and monasteries, including the famous Church of the Three Hierarchs.

From the early 18th century until the mid-19th century, Iași was under the rule of Phanariot princes appointed by the Ottoman Empire. This period brought both challenges and advancements, with significant contributions to the cultural and educational landscape, including the establishment of the first Romanian language schools and printing presses.

In 1859, the historic Union of Moldavia and Wallachia took place, forming the basis of modern Romania. Iași played a pivotal role in this union, with Alexandru Ioan Cuza being elected as the Prince of both principalities, leading to the eventual unification of the Romanian territories.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a cultural renaissance in Iași, with the city becoming a hub for Romanian literature, arts, and education. Eminent figures like Mihai Eminescu and Ion Creangă were associated with Iași, contributing to its reputation as the 'Cultural Capital of Romania.'

During World War II, Iași experienced significant turmoil, including the tragic Iași Pogrom of 1941. Post-war, the city and its surroundings came under Soviet influence, leading to industrialization and modernization efforts, which left a lasting impact on the region's socio-economic fabric.

Today, Iași is a vibrant city known for its universities, cultural institutions, and historical landmarks. The surrounding areas boast picturesque landscapes, traditional villages, and a blend of historical and contemporary attractions that continue to draw visitors from around the world.

Iasi is located in northeastern Romania. The closest international airport is Iași International Airport (IAS), which is approximately 8 kilometers from the city center. You can reach Iasi by direct flights from major European cities. Additionally, Iasi is well-connected by train and bus services from other Romanian cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Brasov. Driving is another option, with well-maintained roads leading into the region.

Iasi and its surroundings offer various transportation options. The local public transport system includes buses and trams, which are both affordable and efficient. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. For a more flexible option, consider renting a car to explore the countryside at your own pace. Biking is also popular, especially for shorter distances and scenic routes.

The official currency in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are plentiful in Iasi, and currency exchange services are available at banks and exchange offices.

Iasi is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any other city, it is important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and beware of pickpockets in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, always be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Hospitals and clinics in Iasi offer good medical care, and pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications.

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

To experience Iasi like a local, visit the local markets such as Piața Nicolina, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Romanian goods. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region’s history and culture. Don’t miss the Palace of Culture, a significant landmark, and Copou Park for a relaxing stroll. For a unique experience, visit the wine cellars in the Cotnari area, renowned for producing some of Romania’s best wines.