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Cluj-Napoca - Culture |
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Cluj is the historic capital of Transylvania. That spacious region in north-central Romania bears legacies of Turkish and Hungarian occupation, but was ceded back to Romania after World War II. Of course, Transylvania is also famous for the real and mythic Count Dracula, although his castle is down by the city of Brazov. In the mid-1970's, Cluj merged with neighbouring Napoca, becoming Romania's second largest city with a population of around 335,000. The production of chemicals, consumer goods ranging from refrigerators to cigarettes, leather, and metallurgy are major local industries. Agriculture employs about 30 percent of Cluj County folk. Babes-Bolyai University, the Ion Andrescu Institute of Fine Arts, and other schools engage over 28,000 students in the city. Cluj-Napoca also features cultural institutions like the National Romanian Theater and the Banffi Palace art museum. Local tourist attractions include the Gothic church of St. Mihail, and what is considered to be Romania's finest Botanical Garden. Lovers of the great outdoors may also want to visit this city, as Cluj-Napoca makes a fine gateway to the Western Carpathian Mountains. FOOD & DRINK: Although there are some regional differences between the provinces, there is a definite national culinary tradition. Dishes include ciorba de perisoare (soup with meatballs), ciorba tanancasca (meat with vegetables), lamb bors, giblet soup and a variety of fish soups. The Romanians excel in full-bodied soups, some of the best being cream of mushroom, chicken, 'ping pong' (or meatball soup with cream), beef vegetable and bean soup. Sour cream or eggs are often added to soups. Mamaliga (a staple of mashed cornmeal) is served in many ways. Other national specialities include tocana (pork, beef or mutton stew seasoned with onions and served with mamaliga), ghiveci (over 20 vegetables cooked in oil and served cold), Moldavian parjoale (flat meat patties, highly spiced and served with garnishes), sarmale (pork balls in cabbage leaves), mititei (a variety of highly-seasoned charcoal-grilled meat) and patricieni (charcoal-grilled sausages similar to Frankfurters). Fish dishes include nisetru la gratar (grilled Black Sea sturgeon), raci (crayfish) and scrumbii la gratar (grilled herring). Desserts include placinte cu poale in briu (rolled cheese pies), Moldavian cozonac (brioche) and pasca (a sweet cheesecake). Pancakes, served with jam, and donuts, topped with sour cream or jam, are also popular desserts. Breakfasts almost always include eggs, either soft-boiled, hard-boiled, fried or scrambled. Omelettes, filled with either cheese, ham or mushrooms, are also frequently served. Vegetarians may have difficulties, as most local specialities are meat-based. Although there are inexpensive self-service snack bars, table service is the norm. Drink: A traditional drink with entrées is tzuica (plum brandy) which varies in strength, dryness and smell according to locality. Tzuica de Bihor is the strongest and generally known as palinca. Romanian wines have won international prizes and include pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay from the Murfatlar vineyards. Grasa and feteasa from Moldavia's Cotnari vineyards are also recommended. Many Romanian wines are taken with soda water and hot wine is also popular. Romanian beers are excellent. Romanian sparkling wines, or methode champagnoise, are very good and superb value. Gluhwein (mulled wine) is another popular Romanian drink. There are no licensing hours, but the legal age for drinking in a bar is 18. SOCIAL CONVENTIONS: Romanians are very Latin in their behaviour. Handshaking is the most common form of greeting, but it is customary for men to kiss a woman's hand when being introduced. Visitors should follow normal European courtesies on social occasions. Dress tends to be rather conservative but casual wear is suitable. Beachwear should not be worn away from the beach or poolside. Smoking is prohibited on public transport, in cinemas and theatres. Many Romanians are smokers and gifts of Western cigarettes are greatly appreciated. Other well-appreciated gifts include toiletries and Western clothing. |
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