I have arrived

Just like pulling off a plaster, it's best to get it over and done with!
Sitting round in my empty flat in France, just waiting to be able to get on that plane and jet off to....er....Buzau, was doing my head in a bit.
So, not location numero uno for your hols, but now I'm finally here I have to say it is pretty fab!
As yet I have no photos to upload (the slight lack of a camera being the main handicap in this affair) but when I do I will not only be able to regale people with my interesting stories, but also illustrate them.
So, until I have suitable material for your eyes, here are some snippets to whet your appetites;
1. I see horses and carts on my street on a daily basis
2. When we moved into the house there was no electricity
3. I have already been bitten by a stray dog and approached for money by children
4. In my first two weeks here I have successfully negotiated getting home insurance, transferred money and bought stamps (the last being the most difficult) in Romanian
5. I had my first Romanian clubbing experience, complete with gypsy music. It was fantastic!

And for all you sceptics, five things that buck the stereotypical view of Romania;
1. Most things in the supermarkets are just as expensive as in Western Europe
2. There are two brand new shopping malls within walking distance, selling the same goods as back home.
3. My internet connection is faster here than it was in France.
4. All my neighbours are very friendly and surprisingly generous
5. It's not that cold - been above 0°C eveyday since I've been here

Craciun plăcut din România (even though I'm off to France and then UK for the holidays as of tomorrow)