Pitesti: The Heartbeat of Southern Romania

• 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/SorryScuzați-mă
  [skoo-ZAHTS mah]
• How are you?Ce mai faci?
  [cheh my FAH-chee]
• Fine. And you?Bine. Și tu?
  [BEE-neh. shee too]
• Do you speak English?Vorbiți engleză?
  [vor-BEETZ en-GLEH-zah]
• I don't understandNu înțeleg
  [noo in-TSEH-leg]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș dori să văd meniul, vă rog
  [ash DOH-ree sah vuhd MEH-nyool, vuh rohg]
• I don't eat meatNu mănânc carne
  [noo muh-NAHNC KAR-neh]
• Cheers!Noroc!
  [NOH-rok]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog
  [ash DOH-ree sah PLAH-tesk, vuh rohg]

• Help!Ajutor!
  [ah-ZHOO-tor]
• Go away!Du-te!
  [doo-teh]
• Call the Police!Chemati Poliția!
  [ke-MAHTS po-LEET-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chemati un doctor!
  [ke-MAHTS 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 dori să cumpăr...
  [ash DOH-ree sah KOOM-puhr]
• I'm just lookingDoar mă uit
  [doh-AHR muh ooit]
• How much is it?Cât costă?
  [kaht KOS-tuh]
• That's too expensiveEste prea scump
  [ehs-teh prah skoomp]
• Can you lower the price?Puteți să scădeți prețul?
  [poo-TEHTS sah skuh-DEHTS prehtzool]

• What time is it?Cât e ceasul?
  [kaht eh CHEH-ah-sool]
• It's one o'clockEste ora unu
  [ehs-teh oh-rah OO-noo]
• Half past (10)Zece și jumătate
  [ZEH-cheh shee zhoo-MAH-tah-teh]
• MorningDimineața
  [dee-mee-NATS-ah]
• AfternoonDupă-amiază
  [doo-puh 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
  [cheench]
• 6Șase
  [shah-seh]
• 7Șapte
  [shahp-teh]
• 8Opt
  [opt]
• 9Nouă
  [noo-wuh]
• 10Zece
  [ZEH-cheh]

• Where's a/the...?Unde este unul/o...
  [OON-deh eh-STEH OON-ool/oh]
• What's the address?Care este adresa?
  [KAH-reh eh-STEH ah-DREH-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puteți să-mi arătați (pe hartă)?
  [poo-TEHTS shuh-MEE ah-RAH-taht (peh hahr-TAH)]
• When's the next (bus)?Când vine următorul (autobuz)?
  [kund VEE-neh oor-MAH-toh-rool (ow-TOH-booz)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (spre ....)
  [oon bee-LET (spreh)]

Pitesti, located in the Arges County of Romania, has roots that stretch back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited as early as the Neolithic period. The Geto-Dacians, an ancient people who lived in what is now Romania, were among the early settlers of this region.

In the medieval period, Pitesti began to take shape as a significant settlement. The first documented mention of Pitesti dates back to 1388, in a document issued by Mircea the Elder, ruler of Wallachia. During this time, Pitesti served as a market town and a strategic point on the trade routes between Transylvania and the Danube.

Pitesti continued to grow in importance during the 17th and 18th centuries. It became a notable center for trade and crafts. The town's strategic location made it a frequent target during various conflicts and invasions, including the Russo-Turkish Wars. Despite these challenges, Pitesti managed to thrive and maintain its economic relevance.

The 19th century brought significant changes and modernization to Pitesti. In 1857, the first railway in Romania was inaugurated, connecting Pitesti to Bucharest and further enhancing its role as a transportation hub. The town also saw improvements in infrastructure, including the establishment of schools, hospitals, and other public institutions.

During World War II, Pitesti experienced occupation and bombings, which caused significant damage to the town. In the post-war era, under communist rule, Pitesti underwent industrialization. The construction of factories and housing projects transformed the town, making it a key industrial center in Romania. This period also saw the infamous 'Pitesti Experiment,' a brutal re-education program carried out in the local prison between 1949 and 1952.

Following the Romanian Revolution of 1989, Pitesti, like much of Romania, transitioned to a market economy. The town has continued to grow and develop, with significant investments in infrastructure and urban planning. Today, Pitesti is known for its automotive industry, cultural events, and historical landmarks. The University of Pitesti and various cultural institutions contribute to the town's vibrant intellectual and cultural life.

Pitesti is located in the Argeș County of Romania, approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Bucharest. The nearest international airport is Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest. From the airport, you can take a direct bus or a train to Pitesti. The journey by bus takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, while the train ride is approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to Pitesti, which offers a scenic route through the Romanian countryside.

Pitesti has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and taxis. The local bus network covers most areas of the city, and tickets can be purchased at kiosks or directly from the driver. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. For a more flexible option, car rental services are available, allowing you to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. Biking is another popular mode of transport, especially for shorter distances within the city.

The official currency in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Pitesti. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or when visiting rural areas. ATMs are plentiful and can be found in most parts of the city. Currency exchange services are available at banks, exchange offices, and major hotels.

Pitesti is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night, and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places like markets and public transport. While violent crime is rare, petty theft such as pickpocketing can occur. Neighborhoods with higher crime rates targeting tourists include the train station area and some parts of the city center, so extra vigilance is advised in these areas.

In case of emergency in Pitesti, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services including police, fire department, and medical services. The main hospital in Pitesti is the Argeș County Emergency Hospital, which provides comprehensive medical care. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, cover your head and dress conservatively. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Bună ziua' (Good day) is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and drinks. Accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Pitesti like a local, visit the city's central market, Piața Vasile Milea, where you can buy fresh produce and local goods. Take a stroll through Trivale Park, a favorite spot for locals to relax and enjoy nature. Engage with locals in cafes and restaurants to learn more about Pitesti's history and culture. Don’t miss the Pitesti Prison Memorial, which offers a poignant look at Romania’s communist past. For a unique experience, attend a local football match at the Nicolae Dobrin Stadium, home to FC Argeș Pitesti.