In Romania . . .

∞ dogs say “Hum! Hum!” not “Arf! Arf!”

∞ The automated voice on any given answering machine is named Robot

∞ eating popsicles will give you a cold

∞ a pimple may be caused by lack of calcium

∞ a young child will get sick if he or she is out in the sun without a hat on

∞ a draft from a window or a breeze from a fan will cause an ear infection

∞ “going running” as we know it may merit a standing ovation

∞ sidewalks can be anywhere from 8” to 5’ wide, but regardless of the width, telephone poles will inevitably be right in the middle of them

∞ grazing your horse in the median is perfectly acceptable

∞ fishing in the median (if you can find water) is also a normal activity

∞ regardless of the temperature, gypsy women always wear several skirts

∞ “I accept your attitude and I wish nothing for you.” (a closing line on a letter we received from someone who’s still learning English)