It's a snow day today!! So, I have some unexpected time to update what's been going on in Bucharest. Romania has actually been in the news the last week and a half. You can read about it here, but basically people in Romania are protesting against the president and the austerity measures that the government is imposing on them. It started a week ago on Saturday night. I actually walked past about thirty people with posters that afternoon, but I didn't think anything of it. However as the evening progressed, apparently things escalated to this.
Things turned a little violent that night and the next, meaning tear gas and rocks were involved. Somehow I didn't hear anything at all, even though a group of protesters marched in the street past my house. (I didn't take these pictures.)
The following is a notice from the US Embassy posted on Thursday.
Continuing Demonstrations in Bucharest
Expect demonstrations to continue in Piata Universitatii and Unirii Square throughout the weekend.
Clashes between demonstrators and security personnel are possible; this could pose considerable incidental risks to those in the vicinity. You should avoid the demonstrations if at all possible and remain alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Normal pedestrian and vehicular traffic are affected. Please consider alternate routes and plan schedules accordingly.
Note: Soccer fans (supporting various teams such as Steaua, Dinamo, Rapid and Petrolul) have announced that they intend to join the demonstrations this weekend. Yesterday alone, nearly 100 individuals were arrested for violent behavior during the demonstrations
Note: Even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable and you should avoid them if at all possible and remain alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
They are continuing to protest, but I haven't really been affected by it at all. Other cities around Romania are also protesting, and at one point I heard that about ten percent of the entire population of Romania was protesting against the president. I haven't felt the need to go out and protest myself, especially with all the snow we are getting dumped on today. Instead I am going to go sledding!
They are continuing to protest, but I haven't really been affected by it at all. Other cities around Romania are also protesting, and at one point I heard that about ten percent of the entire population of Romania was protesting against the president. I haven't felt the need to go out and protest myself, especially with all the snow we are getting dumped on today. Instead I am going to go sledding!
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