Reception Booklet
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents …………………………………………………………………………. About Brasov ……………………………………………………………………………... Surroundings of Brașov: ………………………………………………………………….. Poiana Brasov ………………………………………………………………………. Râșnov Fortress …………………………………………………………………….. Bran Castle …………………………………………………………………………. Peles Castle …………………………………………………………………………. Fast facts about Romania …………………………………………………………………. 10 Reasons to come to Brașov ……………………………………………………………. How to arrive to AIESEC Brașov ………………………………………………………… Arriving by car ……………………………………………………………………... Arriving by train ……………………………………………………………………. Arriving by plane …………………………………………………………………… Public transport in Brasov ………………………………………………………………… Other important information ……………………………………………………………… Special service numbers …………………………………………………................. Post Office / Mobile phones ……………………………………………………....... Currency ……………………………………………………………………………. Eastern European Time Zone ………………………………………………………. Electricity ………………………………………………………………………....... Check list (Don’t forget to bring …) ……………………………………………………... Romanian Vocabulary …………………………………………………………………….. Price list …………………………………………………………………………………... About the LC ……………………………………………………………………………… Contact details …………………………………………………………………………….. Impressions of other trainees ……………………………………………………………...
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About Brasov Braşov (pronounced Bra-shov), known as Kronstadt in German or Brassó in Hungarian has a population of 283,901 and is the 7th largest city in Romania. It is located almost in the centre of the country and surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. The city provides a mix of wonderful mountain scenery in the nearby Poiana Braşov and medieval history with German influences in the old town. The city is 176 km from Bucharest. Brasov is home to what is said to be the narrowest street in Europe. The Rope Street (Strada Sforii) is approximately four feet wide and links Cerbului Street with Poarta Schei Street. The street was initially used as an access route by fire-fighters. Braşov is up there with Sinaia and the surrounding mountain resorts as the most visited city in Transylvania, Romania, and this is something that's not in vain. Braşov boasts everything from dynamic modern city life to old world charm and fascinating scenery. As some people say, "Why bother coming to Romania if you're not going to see Braşov?" Braşov has relatively old and wet weather, especially at night. This region of Romania enjoys four seasons (i.e. spring and autumn as well as winter and summer). The average temperature is 7.6°C only, even though in summer temperatures may reach up to 35°C. Due to fairly large minority populations, Hungarian and German are also spoken in addition to Romanian. Many locals also speak English.
Brasov for tourists: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUmIzpYZuIc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4gV0KWdFwE&feature =related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRKqPt97KRk&feature=r elated http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUPeDISfimY&feature=r elated 3
Touristic destinations Brasov Castle Where: Is situated in the midle of Brasov in the top of a hill called Straja. The first documentary informations about Brasov Castle, dates from 1529, when the castle was preparing to stop a millitary atack. In the midle of 16th century, the castle became the most important defenceve point, of the city. Betweeen the years 1553-1554 are build new artilery towers, sand waves and defence moat. In 18th century the fortress was surrounded by sand waves and a defence moat, but new construction extending was made after 1773 and the sand waves and defece moat were replaced with the castle’s walls. In the next century’s, the castle was funtioned like prison, between 1955 and 1975 was warehouse for Ntional Archive and after 1981 became a medieval touristic complex.
Black Church Where: Johannes Honterus Yard, No. 2, Brasov. Access: From Sfatului Square On the N-W side of the Sfatului Square is the imposing Black Church. Since 1385, when construction began, to the fire from 1689, the Church was called Saint Mary. After the fire, because the walls were black, the Church was called Black Church, being a well know symbol of the Gothic Art from Transylvania. There you can see 5 portals, executed in the second half of the 15th century, whit rich decors, specific for the last fazes of the Gothic Art from Central and Eastern Europe. In church is presented a important and valuable collection of oriental carpets (over 100). And also in church can see the organ whit 4000 tubes, installed in 1839.
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Saint Nicholas Church Where: Unirii Square, No.2-3, Brasov.
The Saint Nicholas Church was documentary attested in 1292 and after 1495 was reconstructed from stone, whit help from prince Petru Cercel and Mihai Vitezu, being added another 3 buildings. The monument has Gothic and Baroque influences, being synthesized with the Byzantine Art. Here is burry Nicolae Titulescu, ex External Relationship Minister of Romania.
Graft Tower Where: Dupa ziduri Alley, Brasov. Access: From Muresenilor Street The Graft Tower was build in 15th century, was a connection for White Tower and in 16th century was build in the nearby area a defensive wall with 8 towers. Also then was dig the Graft Canal, which should collect the water from the Warthe Hill and in 1809, the base of the wall was wicked, so was constructed some arches to hold the wall.
Black and White Tower Where: Dupa ziduri Alley, Brasov.
The Black Tower was buld in 14th century and in 1559 was hit by a lighting and begun to burn, remaining with the name of Black Tower. Inside the Black Tower can visit a collection of white and fire weapons.
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Ecaterina’s Gate Where: Beethoven Alley, Brasov
Ecaterina’s Gate is the most well preserved access gate in the city. Was build in 1559, being the principal access gate from Schei and being also defence tower.
Schei Gate Where: Schei Gate Street
Was build between the years 18271828, for a better circulation between Brasov Fortress and Up Suburb with financial contribution from Romanian merchandisers. The construction is in neoclassic style, with a central opening, for vehicles, with 2 lateral opening for pedestrians. Schei Gate was restored after the earthquake in 4 march 1977 and repaired many times, last time in 2004.
Rope Street Where: Schei Gate Street
The Rope Street has a various width between 111 and 135 cm and first time was find in documents in 17th century. The street was rehabilitated in 2003.
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History Museum Where: Sfatului Square
In Central Square of the old Fortress, in 1420 was constructed the City Hall. The first floor still has original elements from Gothic style. From 1950 the building is hosting the History Museum. The permanent exposition is: “Brasov – history, culture, civilisation”, organised in 17 rooms with 3334 pieces. The exposition is structured on 3 sectors: archaeology on basement, medieval history on first floor and modern history at the second floor.
Romanian First School’s Museum Where:Unirii Square, No. 2-3
Romanian First School was constructed in 1495 and between the years 1760-1761 were made some modifications. Between 1557-1583, Coresi Deacon typed here 17 volumes in Romanian and Slavon, on paper made in factory in Brasov. Nearby is, recently restarted, the museum complex inside the Saint Nicholas exposed in 30 rooms. Thematic are organized expositions like “Brasov’s Junii”, “Ex libris Museum”, “Museum Nicolae Titulescu” or “Museum Ion Colan”.
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Art Museum Where: Eroilor Boulevard, No.21 The building was constructed in1902 and in the rooms from the first floor are hosting a National Gallery of the most important Romanian artists. The expositions are various and represent the evolution of art in Romania, from the Transylvania’s anonyms to contemporaneous artists. At Art Museum is hosting and the second largest collection of paintings created by Nicolae Grigorescu in the country. At museum’s basement is a exposition of Oriental and European of Decorative Art, with pieces of glass and porcelain made in well know workshops like Meissen, Delft, Sevres, Capo di Monte, Murano and in important workshops from Romania.
“Muresenilor House” Museum Where: Sfatului Square, No. 25 “Muresenilor House” was founded in 1968, being a donation made by the descendants of Muresenilor family. They offered the necessary space for a museum, a very valuable collection of furniture, paintings, sculptures and over 25.000 books and documents. Muresenilor Archive is one of the most rich and important family archives. Museum “Mureenilor House” became a complex of memorial houses dedicated to memory of great personalities from Brasov.
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Sica Alexandrescu Theatre Where: Theatre Square, No. 1 The theatre was founded in 1946 and it was called “State Theatre”. After that in 1968, the director Sica Alexandrescu, the manager of the institution, changed the name in “Dramatic Theatre”. The theatre has 2 rooms: the big room with 750 seats and a smaller room called “Studio ‘82”, with a capacity of 60 seats.
Brasov’s Opera Where: Bisericii Romane Street, No. 51 Brasov’s Opera was founded in 1953 and named “The Musical Theatre”. After few great shows and some national and international successes, transformed The Musical Theatre in Brasov’s Opera.
Reduta Cultural Center Where: Apollonia Hircher Street, No.8 The Redutas’s Cultural Center old building, was build in 18 century and was used for theatre, concerts hall and proms hall. The building was demolished in1892 and reconstructed beetwin the years 1893-1894 with money from a German Bank from Brasov. Was called Reduta, after the name of a famous hall from Wien and used for theatre, cinema, prom’s hall and concert hall. Now the build is part of Brasov’s Historical Center, wearing the name of Architectural Reservation. Also now is use for cultural activities, Philharmonic’s concerts, expositions, modern music concerts and theatre. th
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Cinema Go Multiplex Cinema Where: Eliana Mall, 1 floor, Cristianului
Restaurants For Sale Pub Where: 15th November Boulevard, No.24 Tudor House Where: Avram Iancu Street, No. 58 Romanian cuisine and fish specialiti. Ceasu’ Rau Where: Iuliu Maniu Street, No. 56 Traditional cuisine. Belagio Where: Michel Weiss Street, No.18 Mediterranean cuisine. Forest ranger’s House Where: Tiberiu Brediceanu Alley, No.2 Wild animals meat and traditional food. Romanian House Where: Unirii Square, No. 15 Romanian cuisine specifically from Brasov’s area. Deane’s Irish Pub & Grill Where: Republicii Street, No.19 Swing, Live Jazz, Karaoke, Irish music. Faberge Where: Enescu Square, No. 13 French cuisine. Sergiana Restaurant Where: Muresenilor Street, No. 27 Transylvanian cuisine. 10
Trattoria del Chianti Where: Branduselor Street, No. 100 Italian cuisine.
Clubs Tequila Bowling Where: Avram Iancu Street, No. 32 Kasho Where: Train Station’s Boulevard, No. 7 Sofa Where: Grivitei Boulevard, No. 65 Oya Where: 15 November Street, No. 78 Social Pub Where: Mihail Kogalniceanu Street, No. 23 Times Where: Eroilor Boulevard, No. 17
Surroundings of Brașov: Poiana Brasov Where: 5 miles north of Brasov Access: Bus #20 leaves every half-hour from Livada Postei bus station. A 15-minute drive or 30-minute bus ride from Brasov leads to Poiana Brasov (3,300 feet), a mountaintop ski and summer resort. During winter months, Poiana Brasov offers some of the best skiing in Romania. In the summer, it is a great place for hikers to launch treks into the Southern Carpathian Mountains. For a panoramic view of Brasov and the more distant Bucegi Mountains, take the cable car to the summit of Postavarul Mountain (5,756 feet). 11
Râșnov Fortress Location: Transylvania – Central Romania Nearby large towns: Brasov (9 miles northeast) Nearest train station: Brasov Admission charge. Bran Castle Location: Transylvania – Central Romania Nearby large town: Brasov (16 miles northeast) Nearest train station: Brasov Surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend and perched high atop a 200-foot-high rock, Bran Castle owes its fame to its imposing towers and turrets as well as to the myth created around Bram Stocker’s Dracula.
Peles Castle Location: Sinai – Southern Romania Nearby large towns: Brasov (40 miles north) and București (80 miles south) nearest train station: Sinaia Nestled at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains in the picturesque town of Sinaia, Peleș Castle is a masterpiece of German newRenaissance architecture, considered by many one of the most stunning castles in Europe.
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Romanian Food
Country beef soup
Guts soup
Fish soup
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Meatballs soup
Roll cabbage
Green pepper with meet
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Mici
Lamb drob
Mamaliga with chesse
Eggplant salad
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Zacusca
Donuts
Fried dumplings
Apple pie
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Sweet bread
Pancakes
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Fast facts about Romania Average annual temperatures in Romania: 11°C in the south and 8°C in the north. Population: 21 680 974 in March 2003 according to National Statistics Institute. Ethnic structure: 89.5% Romanian, 6.6% Hungarian, 2.5% Roma, 0.3% Serbian, 0.3% Ukrainian, 0.3% German, 0.2% Russian, 0.2% Turkish, 0.4% other. Language: Romanian, a Romance language, has features of Latin with Slavic, German, Greek, Hungarian and Turkish influences. Other languages spoken are Hungarian and German. Religion: 86.7% - Eastern Orthodox, 4.7% - Roman-Catholic, .2% - Protestant, 0.9% - GreekCatholic, 0.1% - Evangelical, 0.3% - Unitarian, 0.4% - other religions.
10 Reasons to come to Brașov 1. People are friendly and nice 2. You will experience a cool winter 3. Brașov has a very long history 4. Great surroundings (landscapes and landmarks) 5. Pubs, clubs and other ways to enjoy nightlife 6. You will come to the most beautiful city in Romania 7. In the centre of the country 8. Get in touch with other 30,000 students 9. Cultural life 10. Parks and walking promenades
How to arrive to AIESEC Brașov Arriving by car Speed limits are 50kph in built-up areas and up to 90kph on main roads. If you come by car to Romania, bring your driving licence, car papers and green card. Romania applies the international regulations of Convention for the Customs. 18
Facilities for Tourist Traffic Highly valuable good will and foreign currency (over the value of $ 1,000 per person) must be declared when entering the country. All roads are marked in accordance with the international regulations. Driving is on the right side of the road and overtaking on the left. Driving under the influence of alcohol is forbidden. Arriving by train If you are coming by train, all the international trains which cross Brașov will surely stop in the train station of the city. If your train is not coming through Brașov, you will probably go through the ”București Nord” railway station, which is the train station of the capital city of Romania. Trains are coming from the Bucharest train station to Brașov regularly, about each hour between 6am and 8pm. The train schedules for the internal trains you get at: http://www.infofer.ro
or for international trains at
http://www.bahn.de . Arriving by plane Romania has three international airports: 1. Airport Otopeni (Bucharest): The biggest international airport in Romania. Henri Coandă Airport is connected to the public transport company RATB system. The 780 route provides express bus service to Gara de Nord railway station in Bucharest and the 783 route provides express bus service to the city center. 2. Airport Băneasa (Bukarest) The airport is situated 8 km north of Bucharest city center and is accessible by RATB buses 131, 335 and Airport Express 783, RATB tramway 5 and taxi. An extension of Line M4 of the Bucharest Metro to Aurel Vlaicu International, which will link it to the Main Train Station “Gara de Nord”. 3. International Airport Sibiu From Sibiu you have regular buses coming to Brașov. For schedules check http://www.autogari.ro. 19
Public transport in Brasov Romania has an efficient public transport system, which operates from 5.30 a.m. till midnight. Tickets can be bought at RAT BV kiosks but they close at 5:00pm. If you are caught without a ticket you will be fined and expected to pay on the spot. To your dorms you can arrive with busses 5, 14, 15,15B and 28. The central bus station of the city Livada Poștei is about 10-15 min walk away, and the city centre just at the same distance. Bus Station
Bus Number
Train station Livada Postei
51 42 4 29 35 1 2 4 6 12 14 14B 15 15B 16 17 20 28 34 36 37 41 50B 50 20
Poiana Brasov
A bus number followed by the “B” letter stands for the number crossed by a line, as you can see it on the bus.
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Cab numbers Taxi TodFax Martax: Rey Taxi Ro Taxi:
+40-268-321111, +40-268-313040, +40-268-944 +40-268-411111 +40-268-319999 ,
State and private taxis are equipped with metres. As with many things in Romania prices are more than reasonable but you should not ever get in a cab which doesn't have the name of the company on the top of the car; they will cheat you. And you should ask the driver to start the metre. The prices per km are always written on the doors of the cabs.
Other important information Special service numbers 112 – police, ambulance, fire Post Office / Mobile phones Post offices are located all around the city. At the every post office you can buy stamps, post cards, use fax machines and make international calls. Post card to the world costs less than $ 1.00. Romanian numbers start from +40 (city or operator code) for Brașov (XXX-XXXXXX), for example +40268-718133 is a land phone in Brașov. Major mobile operators are: Vodafone Orange Cosmote All the operators have different special offers also for prepaid cards and you can get a lot of minutes inside your network and some national minutes for prices between 3-5€. Currency The national currency is the LEU (plural LEI), in the international system called RON. 1 EURO: 4.2685 LEI 1 USD: 3.0368 LEI Coins come with denominations of 1, 10, and 50 Bani. denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 200 lei. Major credit and charge cards Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted only in few hotels and restaurants. To buy something in a shop asks first if they accept credit cards. In generally Visa, Visa Electron, 21
(1 Leu=100 Bani) Notes in
MasterCard and Maestro cards are usable in almost any place where you can pay with your credit card. The currency system has changed since 1th of July 2005, when 10.000 lei became 1 Leu (ROL=the old Lei, RON=the new Lei). So if you see the price written in RON and not Lei, you should know that they are the same. Foreign currency can only be exchanged at banks and authorized exchange Offices. As rates can vary from one place to another it is wise to shop around. Do not exchange currency from dealers in the street. No matter how good the rate they offer is, they will find a way to cheat you. For exchanging money you most often need an identity card or passport. Eastern European Time Zone GMT +2 hours When noon in Romania(12.00) it is 11.00 in Paris and Berlin, 10.00 in London, 05.00 in New York, 19.00 in Sydney and 13.00 in Moscow. Summertime: GMT +3 hours, from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. Electricity 220 volts and 50 Hz. 2 prong plug. Romania is considered a safe country in European terms, but we wouldn't advise you to take walks at nights in parks or peripheral areas. Always keep your bags and purse in front of you, especially when in buses and be careful when you are surrounded by many persons. The pocket thieves are agile. In case of emergency call the Police.
Check list (Don’t forget to bring….) There are few things that you should not forget to include into your luggage when coming. We are going to give you some hints here: -
some typical sweets or dishes your national flag and traditional cloths if you take any sort of medicine, bring the prescription with you if you wear glasses and contact lenses, also bring the prescription with you your dictionary, from your language into English some recipes of your traditional dishes warm clothes if you’re coming during the winter time( we have sometimes temperatures around -20 - 25ºC ) 22
Romanian Vocabulary Yes No Hello Good bye! Take care! Please Thanks Good morning Good afternoon Good evening Good night How are you? I am fine. Leave me alone. What’s your name? My name is… How old are you? Where are you from? I am from…. Pleased to meet you! How much? How many? Expensive Cheap Small Big Credit card Beer Wine Breakfast Lunch Dinner Pub Hospital Drug Store Department store Airport Train station Bus station Yesterday Today Tomorrow Day Week Month Year Man Woman Beautiful
Da Nu Bună!/Salut! La revedere! Ai grijă! Te rog Mulțumesc Bună dimineața! Bună ziua! Bună seara! Noapte bună! Ce mai faci? Sunt bine. Lasa-mă în pace. Cum te numești? Numele meu este… Câți ani ai? De unde ești? Sunt din…. Încântat de cunoștiința. Cât costă? Cât de multe? Scump Ieftin Mic Mare Carte de credit Bere Vin Mic dejun Prânz Cină Pub/Bar Spital Farmacie Magazin Aeroport Gară Stație de autobuz / Autogară Ieri Azi Mâine Zi Săptămână Lună An Bărbat Femeie Frumos
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I love you ! Entrance Exit Open Closed First aid Excuse me. Sorry! Help! Stop! Call the Police! I am a foreigner. I don’t understand. I am looking for…. Please speak more slowly. Please write it down. How do you say…… in Romanian? What time is it? Early Late Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Happy Easter! Happy Birthday! 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 20 30 40
Te iubesc. Intrare Ieșire Deschis Închis Primul ajutor Scuză-mă Îmi cer scuze. Ajutor! Stop! Sună Poliția. Sunt strain. Nu ințeleg. Caut…. Vorbește mai rar, te rog. Scrie, te rog. Cum spui….in română? Cât e ceasul? Devreme Târziu Luni Marți Miercuri Joi Vineri Sâmbătă Duminică Crăciun fericit! An nou fericit! Paște fericit! La mulți ani! Unu Doi Trei Patru Cinci Sașe Șapte Opt Nouă Zece Douăzeci Treizeci Patruzeci
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50 60 70 80 90 100
Cincizeci Șaizeci Șaptezeci Optzeci Nouăzeci O sută
Price list Product Sliced bread 750g Still mineral water2L Coca- Cola 2L Chocolate 100g Ice cream 1kg Nuttela 400g Fast food sandwich Hamburger McDonald’s Cigarettes Beer in a pub 500ml Beer 2L Bus ticket (Brașov) One month pass busses (one line) One month pass busses (all lines) Pasta (in restaurants)
Lei 2.5 3,39 6 3 15 9.5 6.5 3.5 12 6 6 1.5 35 80 12
Euro 0.58 0,79 1.4 0.7 3.5 2.23 1.5 0.82 2.81 1.4 1.4 0.35 8.21 18.77 2.81
Dollar 0.83 1.13 2 1 5 3.16 2.16 1.16 4 2 2 0.5 11.66 26.66 4
About our LC AIESEC Brașov is one of the 13 local committees in Romania. In recent year it had a big growth on Exchange, and several trainees who returned from their internship in Brașov have taken Leadership positions in their home country. If you would like to have a CEED opportunity you can check also our website: http://aiesecbv.ro/new/ and we recommend you to tell this wish of yours before your arrival to the TN Manager and then at the beginning of your internship you will agree together with our VP HR about your decision. Andreea Tincu AIESEC Brașov President tincu.andreea90@gmail.com +40749 372 268
Nicoleta Moldovan Adriana Ababei Social Development VP Human Resources VP andreea.nicomoldovan@gmail.com adriana.ababei@gmail.com +40754 955 566 +40743 318 474 25
Impressions of other trainees Kamen Tabakov : “Spending time in the city and the outskirts is great, but not what I came for. I came for the experience of enriching, even a little a bit, the knowledge and view of the world of the pupils in the local highschools. Working with the pupils is a challenging and fulfilling experience. The kids are very smart, open-minded and full of energy. It is as they say – the kids are like a blank paper and on it can be written any scenario and it is our responsibility to help them make it as good and as positive as possible. In the same time I started my CEED as well, enabling me to work in a team with AIESECers from another country yet again. The feeling of people with different background, from different cultures and countries working together and walking in the same direction for no money at all makes me happy again. Natalie Monica Kartikasari: “My experience so far has taught me how to adapt to new environment, culture and live beyond my comfort zone. A number of Brasov AIESECers who I met here make an effort to make us feel comfortable and happy. My job in the kindergarten is really wonderful because of the nature of the job, my love for children and my wonderful colleagues and boss. I really love the company of the other 4 trainees too and they make my stay enjoyable. For other impressions: http://aiesecbv.ro/exchange/?page_id=17
You can check also our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/AIESECBV and our Incoming Exchange page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/InComing-eXchange-in-Brasov/110219515721339
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We can’t wait to see you in Brașov!!!
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