FAQ's
  Q: What is the currency in Romania?
A: RON is the official country currency. About 3.2 RON = $1 and about 4.25 RON = 1 euro.
Q: What is the weather like?
A: Romania has four seasons, but with the mountains surrounding Brasov the elements can be a bit more extreme. In the summer we enjoy both the hot days and the cool nights.
Q: What kind of food is there?
A: With Romania being in central Transylvania there is always enough schnitzel to go around! For those who would rather not, there is a McDonalds and great pizza places just around the corner from Better than a Hostel.
Q: How expensive is food?
A: Food has become more expensive over the years, so food prices average the same as in the Western world.
 Q: What should I bring?
A: Depending on the time of year you come, pack accordingly as summers can be very warm and winters are very cold.
Good walking shoes are important.
Personal hygiene products, as some brands you are used to may not be available here.
A comfort item from home is always helpful!
If you plan on traveling or sightseeing, it’s a good idea to bring a good carrying pack/ bag… there are pick pockets to be aware of.
Q: What kinds of sports are most popular in Romania?
There are many ways to be active here in Romania. Sports such as football, rugby, tennis, cycling, handball, gliding, ski, skating, mountain climbing, paintball, bowling, swimming, target shooting, basketball, martial arts, equitation, volleyball or gymnastics. Annually, at "Olympia" sports ground, the "Brasov Challenge Cup" tennis competition is held. 
Q: Am I safe in Brasov?
A: The crime rate in Brasov is very low, but it is always best to remain cautious and not travel alone at night. The greatest crime any volunteer has been victim of is pick pocketing. Always be aware of your surroundings, and even if you’re lost walk confidently as with a purpose.
Q: Are there any tourist attractions around Brasov?
A. Brasov is a beautiful city built by the Germans hundreds of years ago and the Old Center of Brasov has become one of Romania’s finest tourist attractions. Also, just outside of Brasov is Bran, home of “Dracula’s Castle,” Sinaia with Peles castle, and many other cities with great sites to see.
Q: How is the language barrier?
A: Most of the younger people speak English and/or German. The older generations are not as proficient, but you will always find somebody to help translate.
Romanian is a Latin based language, close to Italian, French and Spanish.
PROJECT QUESTIONS
Q: is there any medication that would be good to bring with me?
A: Yes, please be prepared that you will most likely come in contact with germs your body may not be used to. It is possible you could catch a cold or flu so please bring any medication you feel you may need under these circumstances.
Q: How many babies are in the hospital? 
A: We mainly work on 2 floors in the hospital, which combined could have as many as 35 babies and as little as 4. It’s good to be prepared for anything; flexibility is a must while in Romania!
Q: Are all the babies abandoned?
A: Not all the babies in the hospital are fully abandoned; many of the babies left do have families, but for many different reasons they are not able to provide care for the child at that time. Although they may have parents, these babies are extremely neglected and sometimes left for months at a time in the hospital. There are also babies who are in placement homes or are awaiting placement.
More about Brasov and the history of Romania go to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bra%C5%9Fov |
