BUCURESTI WHAT, WHERE, WHEN - SEPTEMBER 2009 by CRYSTAL PUBLISHING GROUP

C O N T E N T S S E P T E M B E R

editorial

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INTERVIEW Chatting with Elena Dumitrescu 10 COVER STORY You Need Air to Pantomime 13 TRAVEL A trip to Orastie 14 BUSINESS Costina Gândac, General Manager 10 of the Golden Tulip Times Hotel 04, 44 DEPARTMENTS • News, Events and Attractions • The Last Word

Sorana MAN •

City Life

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GLOBAL WARMING IS REAL! September is the last month when we will grab the pen and address letters to the public authorities under the program “Life After Waste Collection” in order to support the expansion of the recyclable collection system or implementing it near our homes. At the end of the campaign, the results will be included in a document entitled the Green Charter of the Environment Volunteers. It will include a list of all the participat-

ing volunteers, the signed petitions, the list of all the selected localities, as well as an official request to the Environmental Ministry, which is to be made public. To keep it short, all you have to do is get information on how the selective collection works in your neighborhood and then submit a letter to the Town Hall following the template available at www.viatadupacolectare.ro.

Bucuresti What Where When Magazine is printed on paper originated from sustainable managed forests.

Green Bucharest Will Be Just A Memory

I recently learned that a project is under way to build a residential development in Tineretului Park, the last green oasis amidst a concrete jungle. I have been fighting for some time now for environmental protection and have fought against this kind of abuse, both personally, as I sign petitions and participate in numerous rallies for the conservation of green areas and national heritage buildings, and professionally, as a journalist, since our magazine is leading the campaign to fight global warming. The news that Tineretului Park might soon be just a thing of the past saddened me more than any other similar piece of news, and there have been quite a few of them. I could even say it made me suffer. There’s something that ties me to this place and this bond goes a long way back, for more than 20 years, spanning over much of my childhood and adolescence. It was here that I would meet my colleagues after class to ride our bikes, to play badminton and other games, back then, when children still knew how to play, maybe because they were lucky enough to have a park to go to. It was here that boys would test their football skills, and girls would stroll along alleys brimming with flowers and bushes, amid a variety of trees, in other words in a green area, which definitely played a part in keeping us fit and enriched the imagination of some students who, apart from studying, also liked and knew how to dream. Later on, when I was in high school, it was still here, in the shade of the same trees which swore to keep our secrets or along the alleys by the lake, that we would have our first dates, with their unique charm. In a world where pragmatism is too often mistaken for morality, only the stubborn continue to indulge in dreams, but our right to health and a clean environment is guaranteed under the Constitution. The Law on the Environment creates a very clear framework for green spaces: their location cannot be changed and it is forbidden to construct buildings in dedicated green spaces. However, such buildings are source of tremendous profits, consequently today parks are commonly sacrificed for the benefit of real estate ‘sharks’. A few NGOs and environmental associations are fighting consistently against this tragedy, reminding us that in the last ten years over 1 million trees have been cut down in Bucharest, while in their place concrete buildings sprang up. There is an average of only 1 sqm of green space for each inhabitant of Bucharest and this already too limited area is shrinking day by day as a result of the insane projects which are drafted and, even worse, approved by irresponsible people, who are more interested in momentary gains than in their own wellbeing or the health of those around them. The ever present construction sites are also a considerable source of pollution, which is also generated by traffic, street repairs and industry. Although industrial activity, the main environmental problem, decreased dramatically in the last year, Bucharest is still a suffocating city and pollution is increasing rapidly. Dust particles in our air exceed the maximum legal level by 30%, causing lung and chronic cardiovascular diseases and making life expectancy here 5-6 times lower than the country average, as “Reporter special”, a broadcast on Antena 3 TV channel points out. The effects of global warming are dramatic: if 30 years ago a temperature of 30°C might mean a scorching heatwave, now temperatures can go as high as 45°C. Vehicular traffic is the main source of pollution in Bucharest: 600 000 tons of toxic substances are produced annually by the 1.5 million cars which release nitrogen and sulfur oxides into the air. Due to incomplete combustion and defective exhaust systems, cars produce dust, which is carcinogenic, every time they stop and start. The areas most affected by traffic are the city center, Drumul Taberei and Mihai Bravu Boulevard, while the Berceni and Titan neighborhoods are the most affected by industrial pollution. According to scientific research quoted by the same source, halving the quantity of dust particles in the air would save 3000 lives annually, since almost 100 000 tons of dust particles encumber the air in Bucharest each year, 10 times more than in some other European capitals! Another park favored by residents and many visitors, Parcul Circului (Circus Park), is also impaired by the new buildings erected in the area. Here the level of the lake, home of the second largest lotus reserve in Romania, started to fall, because of a nearby building, whose foundation blocked the way for the springs which usually fed the lake. A parking lot will be built in the place of the old menagerie of the circus, making things still worse.

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Bucuresti what, where, when

NEWS, EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS For most of us the holidays are already over, but September is still a good time to travel through the country or walk around the city, as the hot, burning days of July and August have now cooled down a bit, and the grim gray rains of fall are yet to come. As you take a walk through some of the romantic streets of the capital, notice the color of the leaves, most still on the tree branches, and pay special attention to the nuances of those which have fallen on the sidewalks. Their particular color and perfume blend with those of the autumn flowers of which you can catch a glimpse while passing by our gardens and which create a unique feeling of melancholy.

THE “GEORGE ENESCU” FESTIVAL The “George Enescu” International Music Festival and Competition is the most

important cultural event in Romania. It takes place every two years, with growing global fame from one edition to the next, increasingly regarded as a real rival of the renowned Salzburg Music Festival by the international public and media. Carried out under the High Patronage of the Romanian President and organized by the Government through the Ministry of Culture, Cults and National Patrimony, this year’s edition takes place between August 30th and September 26th and includes symphonic and chamber concerts, recitals, opera and ballet on Bucharest’s main stages - Sala Palatului, The Romanian Athenaeum, Sala Radio, The Romanian Opera House, The National Theater - and in some towns, which are historically connected to the composer’s life: Sibiu, Brasov, Iasi, Timisoara and Cluj. The Festival opened by presenting Oedipus, by George Enescu, a co-production of the Théâtre du Capitole de Toulouse and the National Opera of Bucharest. Over 280 musical compositions will be performed during this edition, including 24 Enescu operas, over 80 works of contemporary Romanian composers, 10 opera and ballet shows. 13 major European orchestras will participate, 33 chamber music ensembles from around the world, 6 choirs, 41 solo artists in concerts and 6 solo

Bucuresti what, where, when

artists in recital. The program of the festival can be found on http://www.festivalenescu.ro. Here and at http://www.eventim.ro, you can find information on ticket and subscription prices.

exhibiting companies, from 18 countries attended BIFE TIMB 2008. Due to its size and rich offer the event has become one of the most important international fairs in the field, in Central and Eastern Europe,.

BIFE TIMB

LEONARD COHEN IS RETURNING TO ROMANIA

The 18th edition of the International Furniture, interior decorations, and equipment for forest exploitation and wood processing Fair will be at Romexpo, between September 2nd and 6th. This is an occasion for the public to view quality furniture, the performance and inventiveness of the new furniture designers. The Fair is open to professionals as well as the general public. The exhibits will challenge you to choose between classic and contemporary, between the emotion of traditional interiors and the comfort of modern interiors with functional design. Innovation, color, functionality and not least the price-quality ratio have also become mandatory conditions for the Romanian buyer when purchasing furniture. The Romanian manufacturers and distributors will display an offer which will appeal to various buyer segments’ taste and financial possibilities. Over 30,000 visitors and 550

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At the concert by the famous singer in the Arcul de Triumf Stadium last fall, tickets sold out fast, leaving countless fans without

the possibility of being part of the event. The organizers are bringing the Canadian artist back fir the Bucharest audience, on September 4th, at Constitutiei Square. After a 15 year absence from the stage, Leonard Cohen’s international tour in 2008 attracted more than 700,000 fans on all continents, as he enjoyed the critics’ heartfelt applause. Last year, Leonard Cohen was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in New York, alongside Madonna, John Mellencamp, The Dave Clark Five and The Ventures. In March this year, Cohen released his “Live in London” album, featuring 25 songs from the show he held last year in the O2 Arena.

ART BOULEVARD You can participate in “The freest art festival” by talking a walk on the Franceza,

100% live, at the Roman Arenas on September 5, at 8 PM. A famous voice worldwide, an exciting and familiar repertoire, a mixture of pop songs and renowned opera arias. This is the recipe with which Alessandro irreversibly conquered in June 2008 the Palace Hall, from the first note until the last encore (and there were 5!), a frantic audience that wanted him back from the moment the curtain was dropped over a magical evening. The thought and voice of a sanguine character, however, many times melancholic, enchanted our ears with a classical touch, colored with music trends specific to the 20th century, known by everyone under the name of pop-opera. The Roman Arenas will turn into a romantic and refined scenery for Alessandro Safina and his fans, the perfect occasion to escape from daily life into a

warm late summer evening. More information at www.bluemusic.ro

TUBORG GREEN FEST "Tuborg Green Fest" will take place September 4th - 6th, at Izvor Park, with the participation of over 15 Romanian and international artists. The confirmed head of the bill is the famous rock band Guano Apes, which shall be joined on the Izvor Park stage by Chicane, The Crystal Method, The Herbaliser, Zdob si Zdub, Suie Paparude and AB 4. A number of concerts have been organized under the Green Fest umbrella, such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Linkin Park, Franz Ferdinand, Cypress Hill, David Guetta, Faithless, Kasabian or Whitesnake, attracting hundreds of thousands of viewers in Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia and the Ukraine.

Selari and St. Dumitru Streets, in the historical center of the City. Painting, photography, sculpture, street art exhibits, concerts, DJ, VJ, movie projections, advertising and street performance, juggling, competitions, literature, hand-made, unconventional art are only a few of the activities you can watch or even be part of every day, until September 20th. The organizers have also prepared various parties and surprises, based on the theme of this year’s event “550 years of urban Bucharest creativity and vitality”. The event was organized by the "Art Music & Film" cultural association, "Spotlight events", ArCub and supported by City Hall.

BUCHAREST - A SUMMER NEIGHBORHOOD At the end of this summer season, the Municipality of Bucharest City Hall, with the help of ArCuB - The Cultural Project Center and the specialized directorates is organizing the Bucharest - A Summer Neighborhood event in partnership with the Town Halls of Sectors 1, 2, 3 and 5. Until September 20th, weekends are reserved for the holiday atmosphere! Friday to Sunday, you are invited to take an evening walk filled with theater plays, urban culture manifestations, concerts, dancing and plenty of good time. The Bazilescu, National, Titanii and Sebastian parks are replacing cultural halls, until they are to be re-opened for the audience, at the beginning of October. Theater representations vary from children’s creations, street comedy and magic theater to classic performances. Actors from professional theaters in Bucharest, as well as independent groups, the National University of Theater and Cinema students and Art School of Bucharest students will also perform. The viewers will also enjoy: jazz with A.G. Weinberger, songs of the old-time Bucharest with Silviu Biris, opera parts with soprano Anca Parlog, medieval music with Truverii.

ALESSANDRO SAFINA – AN AMAZING VOICE Italian tenor Alessandro Safina is coming back to Bucharest for a special concert www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

THE CRAFTSMEN’S FAIR OF TRADITIONAL ICONS AND CROSSES September 11th - 13th On the Day of the Cross, the Museum of the Romanian Peasant invites us to several moments of devotion in the company of craftsmen of traditional icons and crosses. The fair hopes to recover and resuscitate the creation of cult items by traditional craftsmen. Traditional artists will bring icons on wood and glass, hearth icons, wooden and metal crosses, wooden seals for wafers, miniatures, chronicles, mosaics, objects and works of art inspired by history and tradition.

LACE AND EMBROIDERY AT MTR Until September 13th you can visit the “Lace and Embroidery” exhibit at the Irina

Nicolau Hall in the Romanian Peasant’s Museum. This is the second part of a visual experiment series capitalizing on the objects found among the museum assets, the private collection object, anonymous and humble, the small and plain thing from home which the owner beautifies with value and transforms into something worthy to be displayed in a museum (with emphasis on the autobiographical objects: see the houses in which the aunts, grandmothers, greatgrandmothers and cousins of all degrees used to keep, and some still do, their sewn, woven, embroidered histories, properly folded, trying to stop time by stuffing it in layers and layers in chests of all types. If they are seen as a mirror reflection, the endowment chests, the trunks, the guest rooms, are not only places in which you keep items, but also elements of a subjective archeology, becoming more and more rare. You will be welcomed by a fragile and delicate list of instruments in which embroidered signs sketch a complex and composite space which rebuilds the interesting dialogue of a world undergoing constant movement: the village and the city.

short films, including some which are presented in Gaelic. The projections shall take place at the Romanian Cultural Institute, starting with 6:30 p.m.

COSMETICS BEAUTY HAIR When it was launched in 1994, Cosmetics Beauty Hair represented a novelty among the similar fairs organized in Romania. Now, on its 15th edition, the fair contin-

THE IRISH FILM DAYS Between September 16th and 18th, the Romanian Cultural Institute, in partnership with the Irish Embassy in Bucharest and the Irish Film Institute, is organizing Irish Film Days. The event will include two feature films - "Kings" by Tom Collins and "Cre Na Cille" by Robert Quinn - the "Cinegael Paradiso" documentary by Robert Quinn and a set of

Bucuresti what, where, when

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ues to be one of a kind in the field, as it brings together some of the most important manufacturers and distributors of products and equipment for the cosmetics industry. This famous international exhibit of products and equipment for cosmetics, body care and hair style will take place between September 17th and 20th in Romexpo.

MODEXPO Having a more extended theme in comparison to the previous editions and as it meets the latest fashion trends, the Mod-

exceptional international artistic creations. Weather permitting all types of indoor and outdoor events will entertain you all night, or at least until you have exhausted your energy.

I KINODISEEA

expo international fabric, clothing, leather, fur, footwear, and accessory fair is inviting you to pay a visit between September 17th and 20th at the Romexpo complex. The Fair is mainly focused on facilitating business-tobusiness relations, and features meeting rooms as well as show rooms. It tries to facilitate the creation of relationships between companies and offers the opportunity direct presentation of the products as well as contracting potential business partners, in an environment that is favorable for development.

BUCHAREST WHITE NIGHT Bucharest became a member of Europe’s White Nights Club in 2007, along with Rome, Madrid, Paris, Brussels and Riga. The success of the Paris’ White Night event in 2002, has also drawn other European

The first International Movie Festival for children in Romania will be organized by the SCRIPT cultural association and Metropolis Films. It will be held between September 23rd - 27th at the Romanian Peasant’s Museum and at the Cinema Gloria. The competition prizes will be selected by a jury composed exclusively of children, based on the movies’ technical qualities, as well as the force of the images to captivate and stimulate the imagination. Aside from the screenings, the five festival days shall be filled with events such as children’s movie and book releases, concerts, a masquerade, meetings with guest actors and directors, as well as a day dedicated to Romanian film. The festival’s educational structure will be augmented by Kinodiseea workshops in which groups of 20 children will learn how a story is transposed into cinema language, through direction techniques, the actors’ interpretation and special effects. This event will be organized with the support of the National Cinema Center and the Town Hall of Sector 1.

TNI - GENERAL Real estate developers are emphasizing domestic marketing, advertising and sales activity during the fall period and, for them, TNI-GENERAL is coming with an addition which has already turned into a tradition. The fall Real Estate Fair will take place between September 24th and 27th, at the Parliament Palace, in the Unirea, Tache Ionescu and Bratianu Halls. The general audience, as well as real estate project specialists and financiers will find the entire range of real estate and financial offers, from apartments, holiday homes, land, villas and commercial spaces. Individual offers, as well as investment opportunities in integrated residential and office complexes will be presented. The exhibit will cover over 4000 square meters and will include over 180 companies which are directly involved in the real estate and financial fields. The properties which are for sale are located in the Bucharest area, as well as in the tourist areas such as Prahova Valley and the seaside. For a broader overall image, real estate offers from the country’s areas of main interest, such as Cluj, Brasov, Galati, Braila, Pitesti and Ploiesti will also be presented. A comparison of real estate offers in the Romania will be complemented by real estate offers in Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, Spain, Germany, Dubai and the USA.

TIMON capitals into organizing their own white night events, in which the general celebration takes place on the streets of the capital for one night. The third edition of Bucharest White Nights will take place on September 19th. Theaters and museums will be open and the Bucharest residents can enjoy some

tIMOn Invest is a full real estate fair approaching the residential segment, as well as three other industry segments which have not been promoted before by the fair and exhibit organizing industry: commercial spaces, land and office spaces. Through its structure, tIMOn Invest will reach out to in-

vestors, developers, contractors, but it shall also have an public segment for the consumer. The event will take place September 24th - 27th 2009 at Constitutiei Square and it will include the following authorities as exhibitors: the town halls of Romania’s large cities - which will present the respective area’s urban development possibilities, local or national administrations from abroad, which will make the event the major concentration of the real estate business, including residential, trade centers and office space developers, sale agents for Residential, Shopping Space and Office Space segments, land sale agents and private individuals who may want to purchase land.

ROMHOTEL The 17th edition of Romhotel, the international architecture, equipment, furniture exhibition for hotels and restaurants will take place at Romexpo, September 30th - October 3rd, simultaneously with the Cooking Exhibit. Website: http://www.romhotel.ro

PRINT & SIGN. September 30th - October 3rd, Romexpo Beginning this year, the PRINT SHOW, ADVERTISING SHOW and FLEXO SHOW fairs have been joined under a new concept, called PRINT & SIGN. It is a fair of the offset, digital (indoor/outdoor) and flexo print indus-

tries, as well as a sign fair – which also includes: lighting systems, advertising materials, graphics, commercials, advertising spots, accessories, etc. The target audience is equipment, consumables and print and sign industry manufacturers and suppliers; middle and top management, representatives of the following departments: sales, technical, production, IT, marketing, distribution, design, research-development, purchases, etc. The objective of the fair is to attract specialized visitors, to bring together manufacturers, suppliers, buyers and consumers in the industry; to create a favorable framework for concluding profitable partnerships; to unite all printing solutions, for the first time on the Romanian market: starting with prepress equipment through to finishing equipment.

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Bucuresti what, where, when

interview

Chatting with Elena Dumitrescu If managing a hotel is an extremely difficult business even in times of growth and prosperity, the job becomes even harder during periods of crisis, such as the one currently unfolding all over the world. Elena Dumitrescu, General Manager with NH Hoteles Romania, however, does not seem overwhelmed by the situation. She entered the industry when she was quite young and today, at 35, she can boast about ten-years of experience in top management positions. Answering our questions, she does not forget to highlight the humanitarian side of her activity: donations to help poor children and environmental protection.

Elena Dumitrescu, you are the General Manager of NH Bucharest and NH Timisoara. Could you tell us something about your career in the hotel industry, about the way in which you managed to get where you are today? I entered the hotel industry when I was 19, working in the reception, and studying. In 1997 I graduated from the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Faculty of Commerce - with specialization in tourism and services. Then I got the opportunity to become the youngest hotel manager in Romania, at the age of 23 (meanwhile, this age record has been broken). All these years I have been faithful to this business. In 2000 I took part in a hotel management course held at â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hotel Schoolâ&#x20AC;? in the Hague and in 2002-2003 I took a specialization course in Germany. In 2005 I was offered a new professional challenge by NH Hotels, the most important one so far. My evolution was based not only on simply following the stages of this process, but especially on accepting the challenges and by setting some clear professional and personal targets. Running large hotels like the NH Hotels requires solid professional knowledge, a lot of work and passion, as well as a good orientation towards inter-human relations.

In a recent edition of our magazine we presented the opinions of some other top general managers on the importance of a training course abroad, of the contact with hotel education facilities in the countries with a lot of experience in this field, as well as on the need to develop tourism schools in Romania. What can you tell us in this respect, considering your own experience? NH Hoteles chain operates the NH University, a department specialized in training and improving the knowledge of all categories of employees, using state-of-the-art approaches and equipment which are recognized worldwide. The classroom training sessions have been supplemented this year by the innovative system, e-Learning Lounge, which allows all the 18,000 employees of the hotel chain to benefit from on-line training, with a friendly graphical design, facilitating access to information of all employees, irrespective of the Business Unit they are a part of. This synchronization of the behaviour of all the NH employees generates and increases the loyalty of the NH clients across the world. What is the difference between the NH Hoteles and its competitors on the

local market? Why should a client, whether Romanian or foreign, choose a NH hotel and not another one in the same category? NH Hoteles is the third largest hotel group, by size, in the category of business hotels in Europe, with 349 hotels and a total number of 52,793 rooms in 22 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. As many as 55 new NH projects are currently being developed, totalling an additional 8,000 rooms. In the two NH hotels in our country, the group brought a lot of innovations which supplement the familiar atmosphere with the addition of Spanish cultural characteristics and group standards valued worldwide. For instance, NH Hoteles has created an innovative instrument, the NH Trade Page, dedicated to the segment represented by the travel agencies and tour operators, which helps them manage reservations promptly and efficiently, in real time, with direct access from website http://www.nh-hotels.com to all the details negotiated with the hotel chain. NH Hoteles is also renowned for its attention to detail, reflected in its facilities, restaurants and technology applications. The NH Hoteles locations provide state-of-the-art technology, which supports clients in their requirements for communication, work facilities or entertainment. What did you change and what did you keep at NH Hoteles since you have been managing them? We cannot speak about keeping or changing something at the NH hotels in Romania, but appreciate our contribution to the big family of NH Hoteles through the culture,

Bucuresti what, where, when

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skills, talent and generosity of the Romanian employees. For instance, on their own initiative, our employees donated many things (food, clothing, toys) for the children from the Children’s Home Valenii de Munte during the winter holidays. This Christian gesture and sign of social responsibility did not only raise the cohesion among the NH Bucharest team, but it also had a direct impact on the professional results. How have the NH hotels in Romania responded to the current difficult economic situation? It is indeed a very difficult economic situation, which we, however, look at as a business opportunity. It is a chance to show our creativity and practical sense by designing package deals adjusted to the current needs of our clients. Such deals are based on market studies and the extensive experience of our hotel chain. Did you adopt a strategy, specific measures, in order to deal with this crisis? There is a crisis strategy for the Romanian hotels that includes a series of cost reduction measures such as renegotiation of contracts with suppliers, streamlining personnel activity etc. As regards relations with the existing clients, we maintain good communication through all communication channels (e-mail, by post and telephone), dialogue enhancement, promotion campaigns, organization of fam trips etc. Our Group launched a program aimed at raising environmental awareness internally over 2008 - 2012, targeting a 20-percent saving in electric power, water, CO2 emissions and domestic waste. Innovative systems for recycling of used water have been installed in NH hotels, and methods have been implemented aimed at using rainwater for some requirements. Moreover, indications like „Please do not require the daily change of towels and bath robes” have already made possible the saving of some 47 million liters of water a year throughout the entire hotel chain.

Does your hotel advertising campaign also include the promotion of Romania as travel destination? The advertising campaign relating to our two hotels in Romania naturally refers to Romania as travel destination. For instance, we will launch a package deal the “Bucharest Nightlife Experience” in September, which will combine the NH hotel services with various cultural and entertainment events. Furthermore, our hotels facilitate the organization of trips to various attraction points countrywide. How do you see the future of Romania’s hotel industry and, particularly, of NH Hoteles? Will there be any post-crisis re-launch or we can only think about survival at the moment? The chain’s development plans include the addition of 8,000 new rooms on a short and medium term, through the 55 ongoing projects. The Central and Eastern European

markets – including Romania – continue to be an area of interest for the expansion of the NH Hoteles chain. Once the effects of the crisis ease off, we will see a readjustment of the Romanian hotel market, as the main players will consolidate their positions on the market. Consumers will benefit from high quality tourist services, diversified and integrated. Travel operators will adopt new bases for tariffs and will carefully calculate the applied margins. Interview by Sorana Man www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

cover story

YOU NEED AIR TO PANT People visiting our country who do not understand Romanian but want to see how we manage in the theater can see “Rencontres”, “All 5”, “Made in Romania”, “The Costumes”, “Two out of one” and soon a new play “Us”. I succeeded in exclusively “stealing” a few impressions about the future play of the Passepartout theater company from Axel Moustache, one of the main characters of the film “The Beheaded Rooster” directed by Radu Gabrea

Adriana RADUCU •

“You need air to pantomime, because pantomime needs air, everything you need is in the air, from your imagination and the spectator’s imagination, because pantomime is all about the imagination of the one you want to convert, because with a simple gesture you can create a whole world and he follows your path. You take an object from the air and you transform it under his nose and therefore he comes along with you. And you suddenly discover it, and you transform it into a women's magazine, or you can transform it into a newspaper with which you chase a fly.” This is how actor Dragos Huluba defines this theater form. In my opinion this is the answer we all need to redefine the concept of pantomime. Pantomime means air. And to know how to play with air you need a lot of exercise, sensibility, tactile senses. To realize how hard it is to convey something using only air, try making a wall using only your body and the surrounding air. Actors Dragos Huluba and Violeta Totir, members of the Passepartout theatrical troupe, begun by Master Dan Puric, succeed filling the theaters and clubs thanks to their renowned pantomime shows, such as the play “Rencontres”. The fact that, as they say, “they live in Romania” gives them the opportunity to create “hilarious situations inspired by everyday life’. Things outside our country are “so well managed, calculated, parts of strong civilizations” and in the end here is where they draw their inspiration from, Romania! “if we didn't live in Romania we would make nice, calophile shows." Their show has received favorable reviews in the foreign press as well, after they appeared at the International Performance Art Fair in the Czech Republic. "Such a show rarely appears in the present theatrical world, a subtle comment on love with a refined humor, the clear mark of an intelligent talent", Dan Puric describes his students’ show.

Bucuresti what, where, when

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OMIME People visiting our country who do not understand Romanian but want to see how we manage in the theater can see “Rencontres”, “All 5”, “Made in Romania”, “The Costumes”, “Two out of one” and a new play “Us”. I succeeded in exclusively “stealing” a few impressions about the future play of the Passepartout theater company, from Axel Moustache, one of the main characters of the film “The Beheaded Rooster” directed by Radu Gabrea. «Us is a show about us, the young generation of Romanian actors, about aspirations, needs, happenings ». The play is interpreted by actors from Dan Puric’s company, 23 people who thought numbers, created moments, refined them with the purpose of making a play that presents the new generation of actors in a compact group. «All was created under the form of a laboratory» says Axel Moustache. All the plays are performed at the Rapsodia Hall, in the old historic center of Bucharest. The famous play, which was very successful in China as well, was “Don Quijote”, directed by Dan Puric, followed by the one man show “the Dream”. In “Don Quijote” as well as in the other plays, the action is suggested with movements and a musical background. Pantomime is mostly based on symbols and suggestion, because no lines are spoken, only movements suggesting certain desires, sensations and ideas. Pantomime is not a solution for amateur actors that want to pleasantly affirm what has become a difficult art to externalize. As a new code of theatrical communication, nonverbal language implies special attention towards the actor's body. In the "traditional" theater, we speak in terms of a compromise solution between spontaneity and absolute control, between the natural body and the body manipulated by the director or by the specificity of the interpreted role. Contemporary shows use either a combination of ges-

ture and word, or appeal to the exclusivity of movement (dance-theater), restore the freedom of expression, the body “talking” with its own methods. Beyond the desire for innovation and liberation, body language conveys a new grammar, essentialized and essentializing. The body participates in the revelation of a discourse seeking to render more, in a more direct, more natural way. It is not a simple substitution of verbal language; it is a new semantics of communication, using a different language. This new grammar was developed in Romania by Dan Puric, the man who has thought of the best way to promote Romanian theater, through simple movements of the body in the play «The Dream». To better understand the suffering experienced over time by the Romanian people, go and see this play. Another masterpiece, re-adapted to our people and perhaps the greatest non-verbal play is «Don Quijote», which was even performed in China. In “Don Quijote” we find elements from tap dancing, martial arts and Romanian popular dance, the creator not being a simple form-smasher. Dan Puric tries to bring to the stage a new theatrical form which has its own poetry and which tries to

re-integrate the individual in cosmos through the freedom of expression (and) through the primitiveness of body language. Making the show a meeting point of the society's external life with the individual's inner life, contemporary theater proclaims the poetry of existence, as the existentialists have established it, using similar methods. Negating the importance of intrigue as revealing the dramatic message, both forms have brought in the forefront „the physical nature of the theater, our intimate connections with dancing, tap dancing and magical and physical actions of the ritual". It is not therefore a matter of applying an externaltheater language, but of reactivating a forgotten potential. This awakening of physical valences is made in a moment when the theater (and with it, the entire humanity) needs to find its balance, in a world that appears to have definitively lost it. Through movement, as an elementary form of expression, non-verbal theater wants to annul the rupture between subject and object, between individual and other people, looking for an anthropological recovery. Rendered to the domain of subjectivity, the body allows the re-integration in a holistic vision where the individual, says David Le Breton, „is impossible to see”, and „the body is not the object of any rupture”. In such a situation, man is no longer separated by the community or by the cosmos, and his identity becomes one with the universe it is part of, in a harmonious manner. The return to gesture, movement, dance transforms the body in a language which is free and simultaneously transmitted. Hybrid shows (which combine gesture and word), similar to theater-dance, invest in the unifying power of movement the confidence into a form of theatrical communication that guarantees the return to sacred forms of the show from which the theater was born. For this form of theater to be better understood, you must experience the shows at the Rapsodia Hall, the former Revista Theater, on Lipscani Street, as well as at the National Theater. After seeing at least one show, it is hard to believe that a person, even a child, would not understand what is happening on stage. Therefore, go to the theater!

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fashion

Real Women vs. Extraterrestrial Women In real life, women are far from the “extraterrestrial standards” of catwalk models. Real women eat! In a healthy or in a less healthy manner, but they don’t only live on plain water and lemon juice. Some have had babies and their bodies have undergone significant changes. “Real women” have hips and thighs and breasts and maybe not the thinnest legs nor the firmest buttocks. They don’t meet impossible standards, but they always try to look their best, considering their body shape to be a support which, with a little education, they can enhance! The minimum information on proportions and harmony, style’s most important elements, will help you balance your outfit. However, you first have to determine your outlining silhouette, in other words, to find out your body’s shape.

THE HUMAN PROPORTION’S GOLDEN RULE

Starting with classic Greek sculpture and especially Polykleitos’s “Doryphoros” and "Diadumenos”, considered prototypes of the body’s harmony, art has undertaken the “Canon” developed by Polykleitos as a guide for the human forms’ perfection: the head must be one seventh part of the body’s height. Subsequently, Lysippos rethought the “Canon” and he established new proportions: for a more harmonious and elongated body, the body’s height must be eight times the height of the head: the latter is still the basis of the appreciation we currently have for the body’s harmony. This is why the GOLDEN RULE in choosing the right outfit refers to maintaining the proportion balance. (Lysippos’s Proportion) I am sure we all crave for the perfection of Venus’s forms! However, before we get there, let’s get back down to earth and see where we are by outlining the silhouette in our everyday life! Below, you have some of the most common Real Silhouettes and the Golden Rule governing them. THE HOURGLASS FIGURE - it is a feminine figure, with a marked waist line, average sized hips and breasts, a round posterior, delicate shoulders and thin and long arms. The thighs are firm and their girth decreases beautifully towards the knees. This is a harmonious and well proportioned body that is very easy to dress. RULE: since this is a naturally proportional and harmonious body, there are no restrictions on the cut, length or shape, thus, any type of clothing can easily be adopted; it is also the only body shape that can - stylistically speaking - afford get away with extravagances… It can wear very short or very tight fitting clothes (not all at once, though!), it can use volumes even in the body’s lower part and the most diverse details available.

Bucuresti what, where, when

THE PEAR-SHAPED FIGURE - this is one of the most commonly encountered silhouettes on women over 45 where “gravity” has added an excess of form in the waist, hip, thigh area, as well as on the posterior. The shoulders are narrow, the breasts are small, the arms are delicate. RULE: Attract attention to the face, the cleavage, the bust and hide your prominent forms under feminine, curved cuts; don’t wear light colors on the body’s inferior side, choose the right size of clothes in order to create a fluid sensation (forget about tight tops, short skirts, low waist cut pants). Wear printed jackets, with firm cuts, highlighted shoulders and details on the collar, medium waist jeans with a boot-cut (a slightly emphasized cut). Find the right materials and length in skirts which give the illusion of grace. Dye your hair in light, bold colors. THE V SHAPED FIGURE – it has well developed shoulders, athletic arms, a wide back, generally average or large breasts, the waist is slightly emphasized, the hips are narrow, the posterior is flat and the legs are thin. RULE: Balance out your proportions: accentuate your waist and create volume in the body’s lower half. Attract attention to your waist, wear light colors on your body’s inferior side, large floral prints, pants with ample cuts. Don’t wear tight fitting skirts and don’t “overload” your cleavage, shoulders and arms with strong, bright colors, decorated cleavages or accentuated shoulders. “Minimize” your body’s superior side by wearing dark colors, vertical stripes, fluid tops, delicate prints. THE COLUMN FIGURE - it is an androgynous woman’s silhouette, with masculine shapes, with no breasts, hips and with a flat posterior. She has well built shoulders and athletic arms, her shoulder width is maintained down to her waist and hips. RULE: Make your appearances more feminine! Wear curved clothes, with a cinched waist, belts and bands, A-line feminine skirts or skirts that are crimpled at the waist, tops with straps that create volume in the breast area and feminine details (bows, flowers, ornaments on the cleavage, ruffles etc.). Wear long hair and create loose curls any time you can do so THE SHORT TORSO FIGURE - They are the happy owners of long legs. However, they have a short torso and the waist needs to be “repositioned” through jackets and low waist pants, which shorten the legs a bit. RULE: Reposition your waist, do not shorten your legs! You can wear belts that rest on your hips, basque skirts (the high waistband model). You can combine contrasting clothes

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Cristina Turnagiu-Dragna •

Image Consultant Guest Editor

which meet in the hip area. Be careful when choosing the length of short skirts in order not to disproportion the body even more and choose jackets that are slightly longer. THE LONG TORSO FIGURE - the posterior is lowered and the legs are short. The other forms are within “normal limits”. RULE: In order to hide a waist that is too low, choose baby doll dresses, over the knee length skirts (which create the illusion of longer legs) or, if your legs “allow it”, very short skirts with fluid materials. Choose short jackets with a higher waist and with a slightly more bell-like shape and combine them with straight pants with an average waist! Forget about lower waist and short tops over long tops. THE ROUND FIGURE - has its prominent parts situated in the waist, hip and thigh area, the shoulders are narrow and the arm is large and full; the breasts stand out, they are droopy because of their weight. RULE: Distract attention from the waist and keep/attract attention to the face, the cleavage and the legs. Choose clothing elements (from the clothes’ play of proportion, from fabrics, lines, prints, details and accessories) which elongate you and make you thinner. Wear monochrome sets and choose a length dropping over your knee (it makes you look taller and thinner). Try to select a haircut that keeps your neck free. THE DELICATE PETITE FIGURE RULE: Petites work best with small print clothes, fluid and sheer materials, delicate accessories, fine details and curved jackets with straight pants. Stop selecting large and long clothes which make you “get lost” in them. Large floral prints and massive jewelry are wrong for you. Wear your hair short, as this makes you look taller. THE FULL PETITE FIGURE - RULE: create the illusion of delicacy and height by borrowing “tips” from the Round figure and adapt them to your size. Don’t forget that prints, accessories, details and jewelry are selected according to the following rule: small for small and LARGE for LARGE. If you are short and full figured, don’t select large jewelry, but average sized ones. Try to select skirts whose length exceeds their width. I have encountered various combinations of these figures quite often, so, if you do not fit in any clear category, take all your measurements (height, bust, waist and hip girth, leg length and back width) and compose your own figure on paper and use (adapt) the tips you have read below for yourself!

travel

A Trip to Orastie Marcela GRATIANU •

Week-ends in the fall are a great time to explore beyond Bucharest. The weather is cooler, the scenery is still green, though the leaves may have begun to turn, adding the excitement of colors to your journey. The small town of Orastie is one possible destination. A short distance from Sibiu, a bit further from Timisoara and a solid half a day drive from Bucharest, you find yourself in the very heart of the ancient Dacian kingdom, in the vicinity of the Dacian fortifications in the Orastiei mountains. The history of the area dates back to the days of the battles between Decebal and the Roman Legions of Traian. The fortress of Orastie – the complex of sanctuaries called Sarmisegetusa Regia, survived the Mongol invasion, the Turkish attacks, the plague of 1738 and numerous local battles for territorial control. It lies on an artificially terraced plateau at a height of 1200 m above the town, where it was intended to help decipher astral mechanisms and cosmic cycles – with a large circular sanctuary, whose design resembles the one of Stonehenge and the ‘Andesite Sun’, which resembles the famous Mayan calendar. Ulpia Traiana Augusta Sarmisegetusa, the capital of the Roman province of Dacia, built immediately after Dacia’s conquest by Traian, with the imperial road stretching from the Danube, connecting it with the furthest north of the province, passes through here. There is the Porolissum (Moigrad) and the mysterious Densus Church; the Huniazi Castle (or the Corvinesti Castle), one of the most interesting monuments from the Middle Ages; the Orastiei Fortress, the circular chapel and other churches; the Geoagiu Bai health resort and Baile Calan, famous for the healing properties of the thermal waters and the Hateg bison reserve. Many of these deserve more of our, and the authorities’ attention. I have in mind here Sarmisegetusa Regia – the complex is not taken care of (the moss, grass and lizards rule the place), it is unguarded, there are no guides, the road is difficult and unmarked. Still, unencumbered by gates and regulations, they are surely worth a visit. Orastie city was always known as a city of craftsmen and craftsmanship. The notable Neolithic culture at Turdas (4 miles from Orastie) affirms a strong evolution of the crafts in this area. 13 centuries ago, the Orastie region was the birthplace of "CARUL DE BRONZ DE LA ORASTIE", the clay pot with a distinct artistic refinement by the 7th century craftsmen. By 1376 there were more

Ulpia Traiana Augusta Sarmisegetusa, the capital of the Roman province of Dacia, built immediately after Dacia’s conquest by Traian, with the imperial road stretching from the Danube, connecting it with the furthest north of the province, passes through here.

than 25 craftsmen associations in Orastie organized in 19 distinct craft trades: furriers, butchers, glove makers, bakers, wool workers, potters, knife makers, tailors etc. In 1897 the first Romanian craftsman union was inaugurated here. You can find examples of their work in the marketplace. When the Gold Museum in Brad reopens after current renovations, you will find over 2000 exhibits from all over the world, a collection made from native gold, extracted from the mines in the Metalliferous Mountains, ancient tools and objects used to extract and process gold ore as well as minerals identified for the first time in deposits in Romania. But wait! There is more. You do all this exploration while based in a unique, 4 star

resort, Arsenal Park. The history of this resort is a great example of business imagination, courage and hard work of modern businessmen of the Romania of today. In 1938, King Carol II ordered the creation of a military training installation on these grounds. After World War II, the communist regime determined it to be a safe location for a munitions and arms factory. After the fall of Communism in 1989, the factory was abandoned and deteriorated over time, until the entire 80 hectare property was taken over by the Bega Grup, owners of the Timisoara Hotel in Timisoara and a major holding company in the region. After a major investment of capital and imagination, the resort complex opened this summer, as a unique combination of luxury and primitive adventure land. If you choose to visit as a 4 star guest, you can benefit from luxurious accommodations (including converted military vehicles), fine food, and many resort facilities, including a mini-golf course, horseback riding, swimming and more. But, you can also participate in a basic military style regimen, dormitory style living and army style exercises, including paintball battles and more. In addition to individual guest facilities, the resort can also accommodate corporate meetings and seminars, with the possibility of team building and bonding activities. Whether you have enjoyed your own army service, and want to re-live it under freer circumstances, or have never served and want a taste of army life, but at your comfort level, a few days spent here will surely be rewarding

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Bucuresti what, where, when

business Costina Gândac:

“If you do things differently, it means you have resources others don’t” She has been the General Manager of the Golden Tulip Times hotel for three years. She is young, soph histicated but also balanced and self-confident as a professional who knows her own value. She talks fast and well, with a quick way of thinking, about the hotel industry which you can tell right away she has at her fingertips. Her name is Costina G~ndac and we had an interesting conversation at he er office in the Golden Tulip Times hotel, her presence radiating joy and serenity.

She has gained a valuable professional experience in Washington DC in a US hotel management program. It was a period of academic education, but she also worked there for the Intercontinental Hotel Group, the practical part being the most important: as a future manager, she spent two years dealing with different aspects related to all hotel departments, starting with the front office, food and beverage, housekeeping, sales, management, so that she should gain as much information as possible on the way a hotel is managed. She started with F&B and the General Manager told her that was an essential experience. After six months she realized it is indeed the most difficult department of a hotel and if you manage to control and run it successfully, then you will certainly be able to pursue a career in the hotel industry. She took a lot of time working in the room division, front office, housekeeping, reservations, then she switched to operations and decided to go back to Romania to continue this work or even take up general management. The US experience was very useful and she thinks that the two years spent there were worth five years in other markets. I asked her what differentiates the US hotel industry from the European one or even

Bucuresti what, where, when

from the Asian countries holding top positions in the hotel business. In her opinion, the US market is extremely competitive, oriented towards financial results, people think about money all the time, so that the entire US management style is somehow tailored and designed to bring money in; however, the human resource sector has also gained importance lately. They are more efficiency and productivity-oriented, while Europeans have a more humane side, which does not always allow managers to be highly efficient. Costina Gândac proudly admits she was very much influenced by the American management style, open, participative, money and long term oriented. Asia is renowned as an area providing high-quality service. Thailand, Singapore and even the Middle East have many employees, sometimes even three per room, while in the USA and Europe even one employee per room is a big deal. Asians also benefit from their environment, the type of vegetation, from the nice temperature all year round. Thailand offers extraordinary delicacies, it has the necessary raw material and a real culture of tourist service. The smile of the Asian hotel employee is more sincere than the one affected by the American, where everything is a little bit fake, everyone presumes to “have a great day”, let's smile and pretend to be happy even if I’m not happy, but they are so good at doing this, that you come to believe it’s true. “I kind of missed this attitude in other areas where I could not find it,” says Costina Gândac. Europeans are a little bit more distant, Americans are friendlier, perhaps not always sincere, but they know how to make you feel good. When she decided to come back to Romania, Costina Gândac made a bet on herself. After two years in the USA, it would have been easy for her to remain and work there. She had the passion and the necessary knowledge, she was familiar with the style, but she realized she needed something more challenging: to come back here and do things the American way. When she became GM at the Golden Tulip Times she knew it would not be easy. She took over the hotel with certain performance indicators, a certain team and she wanted to see how far she could get in two years. “You have a business model you know very well, you know it works and you want to implement it here, after two months

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you realize it does not have the expected results and you feel frustrated and start asking yourself: why did I come back? Then you say OK, I must do things differently, in line with the local market. Some things can be adjusted and applied to the market, some cannot be adjusted at all, but you must not get nostalgic, you must not compare. Markets are different, hotel managers are different, guests are very different. In the USA 80% of the clients were Americans, they had their own life style, here there are many Europeans, with a different culture. The Golden Tulip Times is mainly business-oriented, clients are not relaxed, their life is very alert and the hotel must adapt to their pace. The hotel I worked at in Washington had a different mix of clientele ( 70% leisure, 30% business), people had a different behavior and expectations. I managed to apply some 50-60% of my US experience by adjusting it to the Romanian market. The knowledge I gained with Marshal Tourism (Outgoing Department) prior to leaving for the USA was very helpful. I have extensively traveled for 7 years and got to know many markets, therefore I can easily recognize the behavioral patterns of various categories of clients coming from different countries and that helped me adapt the sales policy of this hotel to the market. When I became General Manager I realized that after 12 years of experience in hospitality industry, irrespective of its nature, whether tour operator or the hotel business, this is in fact a job that allows me to use everything I have ever learned, which was a great reward, as even the information I might have deemed useless helped turn me into a successful General Manager. It was the result of my entire 12-year activity in all the markets I used to work in, in the tourism industry”. In June she took part in a General Managers Program (GMP) held at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration class held at the Cornell Hotel School focused on doing things differently, and not better, as doing things only better does not mean you hold a long-term competitive advantage in the market. If you do things differently, it means you have some resources your colleagues lack and your advantage will be maintained, you will always be one step ahead of the competitors. Doing things better can be easily copied. This is a new management vision she started

the summer with: “Better is not enough, different is the way to go”. Everybody must reconsider the operation they are in charge of and now there is a lot of brainstorming ongoing within the management team, to develop a way to do things differently. The hotel has many clients from Italy, Greece, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands, as it is a Dutch chain, the team is always trying to adapt to the various customers’ needs. A breakfast served for English guests will include milk and cereals, while the one for Americans will have bacon and eggs, otherwise it would not be a breakfast to them. Spanish tourists also have some specific preferences. When it comes to coffee, all Italians drink espresso, not just only latte or black coffees like the Americans do. Japanese don’t like rooms that have only a shower, they want a bathtub, they do not share the same bed, and they prefer rooms with separate beds. Clients enjoying a long stay of a minimum of 7 days need more spacious rooms. The rate for this type of room includes a room with a larger space, wider range of quality amenities and with the working desk twice bigger in these rooms than in the standard ones. Most guests bring their laptops with them when traveling and they get free wireless Internet connection here. They can also use a broadband connection, if they want to organize video-conferences. “The feedback we receive from our clients is very important, we read comment cards, we check out the Internet, the guest reviews, to see what they would have wanted and failed to find here,” Costina Gândac says. I dared to have a look into the work lab of Costina Gândac and found out she never enforces her opinions through the authority coming with the position. She explains things to the team, letting them reach the final decision. In high seasons, when there are many events going on and it is very difficult to work, pressure grows higher and her team must not be affected by it. In those periods she becomes a sort of buffer attenuating this pressure, so that they should have the necessary peace of mind to work, to deal with the operational issues. She lets them make the decisions related to their department, she increases their authority. They are almost independent, as she has granted them her trust, and there are few things depending on her. If you have a team you can count on, the company functions smoothly without you as well. While she was away in June, she received only two phone calls and two e-mails from the management team. There are management theories saying a team’s performance is measured up by the way it works when the boss is not around. The three-week test when she was away has been successfully passed.

She strongly believes in training, they all read, acquire information, talk, and take part in conferences, keep in touch with the latest trends in the industry. “And the members of the team have somehow reached a point of similar management visions; we all feel we are heading in the same direction. I mainly point things in a certain direction, I do not control every detail. This would mean I am limiting their authority and questioning their professional abilities. I am not in favor of micromanagement, I was doing that for years before leaving for the USA, but it does not work. Instead, my vision relates to strategy, leadership, rather than being operational on a day-to-day basis. I am rather running things from behind the scene; it is a very open, yet participative management. I opt for specialization; I could not imagine myself doing management in an area I know nothing about. There have been debates on transferable skills: if you are a good leader and organizer, have communication skills and analytical vision you can be a successful GM in any other field. I don’t believe this. As long as you do not have inside information in that area, I don’t think you can have great performance. If you don’t know every detail of a field, you can make a bad decision.” Every time she enters a hotel room as a tourist, she instinctively inspects the room according to the housekeeping check list she has kept in her mind for years. She tells me laughing that she tries not to be a nightmare to the employees of the hotel at which she is staying, but she always discovers small faults. And when she gets back, she would ask her colleagues: what would you do if a guest told you this? Is it possible at our hotel that the guest runs out of shower cream, with the tube half empty? But for her the idea of a hotel is not similar to holiday anymore, which is a bit frustrating: „I should go to the areas where this image of a large business hotel does not exist, I need something like a bungalow on the beach, over the water, something different that will not make me think like a hotelier anymore. This is because of my profession. I inspect the room everywhere I go. If I notice something is not right, I must first be sure this does not happen at my hotel, in order to be able to point any fingers.” There are some check lists of international standards a hotel must observe, and the way such standards are complied with is checked by the Golden Tulip chain via the annual Quality Insurance Program. They send a “mystery shopper”, a person who has an entire list of criteria he/she verifies while staying at the hotel. While this person arrives incognito and has a normal reservation, you soon start to have a clue about his real identity; he is the type of client who tries all the services: room service, the

bar, conferences, the Internet service is not working properly when in fact this is not true, he can't find the remote control for the air conditioning, though it is under the TV set etc. It is at the end of the visit that the person unveils their identity as mystery shopper and demands to speak with someone from the management. The hotel receives the final score within one month after the site inspection. Last year Golden Tulip Times scored 98.9 out of 100, against the set target of 96. We talked about the problems the Golden Tulip Times is facing amid the economic crisis, about the solutions she found and what the future may bring. Predictions are very hard to make even for a period of six months. The problems are those all hotel managers must deal with: the drop in the occupancy rate and revenues cannot be avoided given the current situation. Even during this time of crisis, hotels, like all businesses, must maintain reasonable profit and loss margins in the market. Some choose to cut tariffs steeply, by 20-30%. This could be a short-time solution, but in the medium and long term it is a disaster. The final quality offered to the guests is damaged. „I will not cut back tariffs that much, I have made a slight reduction, but we are not targeting a profit right now, we just want not to report any losses”. The hotel management is planning to provide additional services for the same money which clients paid prior to the crisis. They can get rooms of 55-65 sm at a price of a standard room, or basic services business people need: transportation airport-hotel-airport has been included in the room rate, they made week end package deals "pay 2, stay 3", so that the clients receive more for the same cost. According to Costina Gândac, the first signs of market rebound will be seen next fall and she hopes the hotel will not post any losses by that time. The new slogan is “the flat is the new up”, they must keep the current level, not go any lower, and if they manage to do that, it would be very good. “The figures reported over 2006-2008 are now a sweet memory we are proud of, but 2009 becomes a reference year, everything that relates to budget indicators over over the next year or even the next two or three years will refer to 2009. The hotel industry is extremely volatile, everything we built over two or three years we lost in several months in terms of trend. It is not an industry able to support itself from its previous capital reserves. If there is a fall in the occupancy rate, there is a total downturn. 2009 is the reference year based on which we draft the 2010 and 2011 predictions, hoping the 2009 figures will be reached next year, with 2008 being deemed as the best year in the hotel industry. At least for the Golden Tulip Times.” Once you cut prices and the market perception is that you are a 30 euros a night hotel, despite a lower quality level, it is almost impossible to restore the 75-euro tariff, people will not look at you anymore as the 75-europer-night hotel you have once been,” she explaines. “The resumption of the original tariffs and standards is almost impossible or possible after a massive investment in remodelling or renovating the property . The standard you must comply with when you belong to a hotel chain does not allow you to reduce prices that much, as you have a lot of expenses to be covered. There is a feeling of despair at the moment. We are all going through hard times, we are all facing problems, but not all of us are willing to go so far in terms of price flexibility. 30 euros a night is a bad joke!”

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Bucuresti what, where, when

ESSENTIAL INFO • HOTELS • MUSEUMS • SHOW BIZ CULTURAL INSTITUTES • CITY MAP Rely on these pages for guidance on where to go and what to do during your visit. All telephone numbers are in area code 021, unless noted, and the letter/number combinations at the end of listings are coordinates for the map (page 22). For subway map see also page 22. ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Police - Like all cities, Bucharest too has dangerous spots; however, it is considered a safe city in European terms. The city center is usually safe, but at night be careful in parks and peripheral areas. Emergency Police number: 955;

General Emergency number: 112 for Police, Ambulance & Fire Department Health Services - Dial 9611 for the ambulance public non-stop service. There are also private ambulance services: dial for Puls 9737 or 021-2431333, for Doris 978 or 021-335-5065, for SOS Medical and Ambulance Services 9761 or 0722-333-000, for Village Medical Clinic Ambulance 0723-343-219.

TELEPHONES The payphones in the city are phone card operated. When calling into Romania, you need to dial the international access code (00), country’s code (40), the city code (without the initial 0 - 021 for Bucharest), then the subscriber’s number. When dialling a mobile number from abroad, the initial 0 is also dropped. Romanian city codes (selected): Brasov (0268), Constanta (0241), Bucharest (021), Cluj (0264), Sibiu (0269), Sinaia (0244), Timisoara (0256). International country codes (selected): Australia (61), Austria (43), Belgium (32), Canada/US (1), Danmark (45), France (33), Germany (49), Greece

(30), Hungary (36), Irealand (353), Israel (972), Italy (39), Japan (81), Moldova (373), Netherlands (31), Poland (48), Romania (40), Russia (7), Spain (34),

TRANSLATORS Translingua: 306, Calea Mosilor, Bl. 56A, Ap. 11 Ph.: 021-211-70-46, 0722-250-908; Fax: 021-211-70-46. www.translingua.ro Prosper - ASE Language Centre: 2, Calea Grivitei St., 2nd floor, room 4211; Ph./Fax: 021-211-78-00. www.prosper.ro

Diamondo Interpreters & Translators: Ph.: 021-230-95-17; Fax: 021-231-99-20. www.diamondo.ro Central European Translation: 19, Unirii Blvd., Bl. 4B, 1st Entr., 4th floor, Ap.13; Ph.: 021-336-28-25; Fax: 021-336-27-24. www.cet.ro Serious Business: 3, Corneliu Coposu Blvd.Bl. 101, 1st floor, Apt. 17. Ph.: 021-321-46-41; Fax: 021-320-33-13. www.serious.ro

POST OFFICES The Central Post Office is at 10, Matei Millo St. (near the Phone Company building on Calea Victoriei). www.posta-romana.ro Open: 7:30-20:00. Closed Sunday.

MONEY Money can be exchanged at banks, hotels and private offices (Casa de schimb valutar). There can be

major differences in rates, especially between the banks and the private exchange offices. Changing money in the street is illegal and inadvisable. Bank notes are in the following denominations: LEI 1,00; 5,00; 10,00; 50,00; 100,00 and 500;00. Coins: Bani 1; 5; 10; 50. Banks are open weekdays from 8:30 to noon and from 14:00 to 16:00.

VISAS EU and American citizens with a valid passport can visit for 90 days with no visa requirement. All other visitors will need a visa. Visas should be obtained prior to the arrival, from Romanian Diplomatic Missions’ Offices in your country. A list of the nations for which a Romanian visa is required can be found at www.mae.ro. Three day transit visa: US$ 15/25. One entry visa: US$ 25, multiple entry visa US$ 60. For a few exceptional situations a 10-day special visa can be obtained at customs, entering Romania. For visa extensions and other information go to the passport office at 29, Nicolae Iorga St., near Piata Romana.

PRIVATE CLINICS & EMERGENCY HOSPITALS Biomedica International: 42 Eminescu St., Ph. 021-230-8001

Emergency Clinic Hospital: 8, Calea Floreasca, Ph. 021-317-0171; 021-317-0121

Medico Clinique: 9, Visarion St., Ph. 021-650-7060, 021-315-5426 /27 www.medico.ro

Medicover Medical: Centre96, Calea Plevnei, Ph. 021-310-4410

Ophthalmology Emergency Clinic Hospital: 1, Piata Lahovari, Ph. 021-319-2753

Unirea Medical Center: • 57, Unirii Blvd, Ph. 021-327-1188 ; • 2, Staicovici St, Opera Center. Ph 021-412-0110 • 12, G Enescu St, Ph. 021-316-5876/77/78

NON-STOP PHARMACIES There is no problem with finding a pharmacy in your neighborhood, no matter where you are in Bucharest. Here are some pharmacies with nonstop service: Farmacia Verde: 15, Calea Dorobantilor, Ph. 021-230-1451 Sensiblu: 65, Calea Dorobantlor, Ph. 021-211-1127, Farmadex: 19, N Titulescu Blvd, Ph. 0744-650-078 MedFARM: 34, I.C. Bratianu Blvd, Ph. 021-315-2309

DENTISTS Alpha Dent Company: 300, Calea Calarasilor St., Ph. 021-321-3099

Dent Elysee: 51, J.L. Calderon St., Ph. 021-312-3300; 0723-380-498

Dent Estet: 15, Aviatorilor Blvd. Ph. 021-222-1108 7, G. Alexandrescu St, Ph. 0723-602-020

The National Bank of Romania

Bucuresti what, where, when

www.bucurestiwww.ro

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Relatively safe and efficient, Bucharest’s public transport system covers the entire city with buses, tramways, trolleys and metro (subway) services, operating from 5 a.m. to midnight. Tickets and magnetic cards can be bought at RATB kiosks, located on the main thoroughfares in the city, for ground transportation, and in every Metro station for the underground network. Bus, Tram, Trolleys – LEI 1,30 per ticket, LEI 8,00 for one-day pass, LEI 50,00 for a monthly pass. EXPRESS buses use a magnetic card. Metro – LEI 2,20 for two-fare pass, LEI 8,00 for tenfare pass, LEI 4,00 for one-day pass, LEI 23,00 - for a monthly passcard.

DRIVING IN ROMANIA The legal speed limit is 50 km/hr in cities, 90 km/hr outside the city and 120 km/hr on highways. Driving above these limits will result in fines with the possibility of losing your license. Most international driving licenses are accepted in Romania, but check with the rental company to be sure. Some rental car companies also provide the service of hiring a car with a driver. A blood alcohol level of any kind is not tolerated, and talking on a cell phone while driving is also prohibited.

OPERA & CONCERTS

Atheneul Roman: 6 D 1, Franklin St. Ph.: 021-315-6875; 021-315-2567 National Opera: 7 D 70-72, Mihail Kogalniceanu Blvd. Ph.: 021-314-6980; 021-311-5254 Sala Radio (Romanian Radio Society):

60-64, G-ral Berthelot St. Ph.: 021-303-1153; 021-314-7770. Sala Palatului: 6 D 1, Cretulescu St. Ph.: 021-315-9710 / ext. 761; 021-315-7372

Teatrul National de Opereta “Ion Dacian”:

2, N. Balcescu Blvd. Ph.: 021-313-6348.

George Enescu Philharmonic: 6 D 1-3, Franklin St. Ph: 021-315-0024, Box Office: 021-315-6875

MUSEUMS Bucharest is a city of history and arts. It probably has more museums per capita than any other capital in the world. Below you’ll find a list of selected museums. Usually there is a nominal entrance fee. Multilingual guides are typically available on request at no charge. Most museums are closed on Mondays.

National Museum of Art of Romania:

49-53, Calea Victoriei. Ph: 021-314 81 19;

RENT A CAR Cars can be rented in a variety of places. Several offices are available in the Arrivals Hall at the Otopeni International Airport and most upscale hotels. Major cities in Romania are also covered for both pick-up and collection services. Active Rent a Car: Reservations: Ph.: 0727-644-644 www.active-rentacar.ro Avis: Reservations: Ph.: 021-210-4344, 021-210-4345; Fax: 021-210-6912. www.avis.ro; reservations@avis.ro Bavaria Rent a Car: Reservations: Ph.: 021-201-4534; 0730-333-705. www.bavariarent.ro

Head Office: Ph.: 021-312-9857; 0744-586-724; 0744-638-292. Fax: 021-312-9982. www.compact-rentacar.ro Compact Premium: Head Office: Ph.:021- 312-9857; 0744-586-724; 0744-638-292. Fax: 021-312-9982. www.compact-rentacar.ro

Reservations: Ph.: 021-335-7533; Fax:021-335-7532 reservations@hertz.com.ro; www.hertz.com.ro

SHOW BIZ Concerts usually start around 6 pm except for Opera and Musical Comedy matinees which start around 11 am. The Music University of Bucharest presents mostly classic recitals which are usually free of charge. The Opera has an extensive repertoire and enjoys international renown. The Athenaeum hosts concerts featuring the Romanian National and International Philharmonic Orchestras. The Romanian Radio Society organizes concerts in its two halls starting at 7 pm; Generally, individual tickets for opera shows and classic music concerts range between 5 - 15 RON. In Bucharest, cinemas change program every Friday. Movies are shown in their original language with Romanian subtitles. The majority of cinemas show American movies, but one can also find European movies at the French Institute Cinema or the Cinemateca. The row and set number is indicated on your ticket or separate stub. Ticket prices vary from Lei 5 - 35 RON

021-313 30 30. Visiting hours: Wednesday-Sunday 11.00 –19.00 (May-September); 10.00 – 18.00 (October-April); Closed: Monday, Tuesday, 1st January, Easter Sunday, 25th December. The National Museum of Art of Romania is housed in the former Royal Palace which is located on Victoriei Avenue, in an area of great architectural and historical value. The European Art Gallery includes painting, sculpture and decorative art. The most important schools of European art are well represented by works of Domenico Veneziano, Lucas Cranach the Elder, El Greco, Pieter Breughel the Younger, Rembrandt, Monet, Sisley, Rodin and other great names. The Gallery offers an overview of the most important artistic movements that marked art history from the early Renaissance till the first decades of the 20th century. The Medieval Romanian Art Gallery displays works from the 14th to the 19th century: frescoes, icons, embroideries, manuscripts, silver and gold objects and sculptures. The Romanian Modern Art Gallery illustrates the development of Romanian fine arts from the first decades of the 19th century till the second half of the 20th century. It includes works of Aman, Grigorescu, Andreescu, Luchian, Tonitza, Pallady, Petrascu, Brâncusi, Paciurea. The Village Museum: 5 C 28-30, Soseaua Kiseleff. Ph.: 021-224-2759. Open daily 9:00 – 17:00 Monday

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Bucuresti what, where, when

closed. One of the most valuable ethnographic museums in the world. A creation of sociologist Dimitrie Gusti in 1936, the outdoor museum covers 30 hectares with over 70 exhibits of houses, 99 auxiliary buildings, churches and traditional techniques and utensils (water and windmills, oil presses, etc) from all of the country’s provinces. Folkloric art collections and souvenirs. Art Collections Museum: 6 D 111, Calea Victoriei. Ph: 021- 211.17.49, 021- 212.96.41. Visiting hours:

closed Monday. Houses collections illustrating the history of music composition and documents from the life of eminent Romanian musician and composer George Enescu. 5 D 21, Lascar Catargiu Blvd. Ph.: 021-212-9644. It includes both a science fiction and an astronomic club. This small museum of Romanian history of astronomy is worth visiting.

The Observatory:

CINEMAS CinemaPro: 3, Ion Ghica St. Ph.: 031-824-1360 Cinemateca: • Sala Eforie. 2, Eforie St.

Saturday- Wednesday 11.00 –19.00 (May-September); 10.00 – 18.00 (October-April); Closed: Thursday, Friday, 1st January, Easter Sunday, 25th December. Founded in 1978, the museum houses previously private collections that have been donated to the state in the course of time. They mirror accurately the development of Romanian art in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries giving a fair view of the history of taste and of the economic power of native Romanian collectors. European as well as Oriental art works are also present

The Museum of Bucharest City:

Ph.: 021-313-0483 • Sala Union. 21, Ion Campineanu St. Ph.: 021-313-9289 Cityplex: 5, Regina Elisabeta Blvd. Ph.: 021-315-1334 Corso: City Mall, 3rd floor; 2, Soseaua Oltenitei. Ph.: 021-319-8226 Europa: 127, Calea Mosilor. Ph.: 021-314-2714 Festival: 34, Regina Elisabeta Blvd. Ph.: 021-315-6384 French Institute “Elvira Popescu”: 77, Dacia Blvd. Ph.: 021-316-9930 Glendale Studio: 9, Cotroceni Ave. Ph.: 021-316-3286 Hollywood Multiplex: Bucuresti Mall. 55-59, Calea Vitan; Ph.: 021-327-7020 / 22

2, I.C. Bratianu Blvd. Ph: 021-31025.62, 021-3156858. Open daily 10.00 -18.00, Closed: Monday and Tuesday. In the heart of the Capital, very close to the University Square, the outstanding building of Sutu Palace, a monument dating back to 1838, hosts this Museum of Bucharest City's History. You will find here collections of archaeology, numismatics, photography, maps, documents, paintings, drawings, funeral stones, coats of arms, furniture, uniforms, flags, costumes and many others. National Cotroceni Museum: 7 A 1, Geniului

Movieplex Cinema: Plaza Romania. 26, Timisoara Blvd.; Ph.: 021-407-8300

Patria: 12-14, Magheru Blvd. Ph.: 021-316-9266

Scala: 2-4, Magheru Blvd. Ph.: 021-316-6708

Studio: 29, Magheru Blvd. Ph.: 021-316-5526

CULTURAL INSTITUTES

Blvd. Ph. 021-430-4485. Open daily 9:30–17:30 ; closed Monday.Reconstructing the atmosphere of the Mediavale Cotroceni Church (17th Century) and the old Royal Residence of King Ferdinand, Cotroceni Museum is a valuable architectural and historic site. Works of art for sale. “George Enescu” Museum: 6 D 141, Calea Victoriei. Ph. 021-212-9649. Open daily 10:00–17:00;

Bucuresti what, where, when

www.bucurestiwww.ro

Learning French, English, Italian or German is what you wanted for so long but you never had the time to do it? The cultural institutes in Bucharest have language classes to suite your learning appetite. Many of them also have impotrant libraries and mediateques highlighting the culture they represent. Subscriptions to the cultural centres’ libraries can vary from 10 to 30 Euro. British Council 6 D : 14, Calea Dorobantilor, Ph. 021-307-9600. Fax: 021-307-9601/01 Open 09-19, Sat. 09-13, Sun closed. Goethe Institut (German Institute) 6 C : 22, Henri Coanda St. Ph. 021-311-97-62; 021-311-97-82. Fax: 021-312-05-85; Open Mon - Thu 10-18, Fri 10-15. Free lending library program. German language courses available. L'Institut Français (French Institute) 6 E : 77, Dacia Blvd. Ph. 021-316-38-36; 021-316-02-24. Fax: 021-316-02-25; Open 10-20.30, Fri 10-14. Sat, Sun Closed. Theatre & film hall Elvire Popesco. Exhibition hall. Huge books, magazines, CDs and videotapes libraries. Internet café. French bistro. Language courses available. Instituto Cervantes (Spanish Institute) 7 E : 12, Serghiescu St. Ph. 021-210-27-37; 021-210-47-27; 0921-210-6777; Fax: 021-210-77-67; Open Mon-Fri 09-19. Sat & Sun closed. Library & Spanish language courses available

HEALTH CLUBS & SPA

CONSTANTA COUNTY

BUCHAREST Crowne Plaza Hotel:1, Poligrafiei Blvd. Ph.: 021-224-0034; Open: daily 6:30 - 23:00 Massage: Mon-Fri 17:00 - 21:00

Diplomatilor Club: 1, Minovici Alley. Ph.: 021-222-8497; 0722-328-758. Open: daily 9:00 - 18:00 Eden Spa: 39, Primaverii Blvd., Ph.: 021-316-8148; 0721-321-294. Open: Mon - Fri 9:00 - 21:00 . Sat 9:00 - 18:00 Hilton Health Club: 1-3, Episcopiei St. Athénée Palace Bucharest Hilton; Ph.: 021-303-3777 ext.6808 Open: Mon-Fri 6:30 - 22:00. Sat-Sun 8:00 - 21:00 Intercontinental Hotel: 4, N. Balcescu Blvd. Ph.: 021-310-202; Open: Mon-Sat 6:00 - 20:00 Magnolia Spa: 20, Sperantei St. Ph.: 021-311-2779; Open: Tue - Fri 12:30 - 20:00 Sat: 10:30 - 18:00; Sun - Mon closed Ramada Plaza Hotel: 3-5, Poligrafiei Blvd. Ph.: 021-549-2000; Fax: 021-549-2330; Open: Tue-Sun 10:00 - 22:00 Sports Club 2000: 3-11, Gabriela Szabo St. Tennis, Swimming, Fitness Ph.: 021-434-3572; Kineto & Physiotherapy Ph.: 0723-573-028 Beauty Center Ph.: 021-434-1741 Open: Mon-Sun 08:00 - 22:00 World Class Health Academy: • 90, Calea 13 Septembrie - JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel Ph.: 021-403-0900/01; 0730-848-707 Open: weekdays 6:00 - 23:00, weekends 8:00 - 21:00 • 63-81, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-313-1104 • 103 bis, Erou Iancu Nicolae St. Ph.: 0723-691-544

13, Republicii St. - Hotel Europa (Eforie Nord) Ph.: 0241--702-840 / 841; Fax: 0241-741-720 Open: Mon - Sat: 09:00 - 18:00. Sun: 09:00 - 15:00 e-mail: sales@anaspa.ro; www.anahotels.ro

PRAHOVA COUNTY Pro Estetica Sana Bali Spa: 349, Stadionului St., Cornu; Ph./fax: 0244-367-053. Open: 8:00 - 22:00

AIRPORTS Henri Coanda International Airport: – for international and domestic flights. Ph.: Switchboard: (+4021) 204-1000 Customs: ext.: 1514 ; Lost luggage: ext. 1043 Airport Police: ext.: 1523 Aurel Vlaicu Airport (Baneasa): – for domestic and international flights. Ph.: (+4021) 9371, 021-232-0020 ext.: 131. Transportation to/from Henri Coanda Airport: RATB: City Bus #783 Connecting Otopeni to the City center. Important stops: Pullman Hotel, Piata Victoriei, Piata Romana, Piata Unirii.

TAXI SERVICES Airport taxis are available at the arrivals hall but they may charge you 3 to 10 times as much as a Bucharest regular taxi. Euro Fly Taxi is the official airport taxi, and they are queued outside Henri Coanda Airrivals terminal. If not, call 9440. The average price from Haenri Coanda Airport to Bucharest: 15 Euros.

CITY TAXI SERVICES You can olso call a city taxi by phoning one of these numbers: 9427, 9439, 9451, 9425, 9435, 9444, 9422. Prices vary from one taxi company to another.

HOTELS See our list featuring a growing number of hotels in Bucharest, from top-of-the-line, five-star international hotels to local Bed & Breakfasts. All telephone numbers are in area code 021 (+4021 if calling from abroad). See map (page 22) for the letter/number coordinates.

AMBASADOR ★★★ 6 D : 8-10, Magheru Blvd. ph: +40-21-315-9080; fax:+40-21-312-3595

ANGELO AIRPORTHOTEL BUCHAREST ★★★★: 283, Calea Bucurestilor, Otopeni. ph: +40-21-203-6500; fax: +40-21-203-6530

ARMONIA ★★★★ 7 E : 112, Calea Mosilor, ph: +40-21-312-0477; fax: +40-21-312-0406. ATHENÉE PALACE HILTON BUCHAREST ★★★★★ 6 D : 1-3, Episcopiei St. ph: +40-21-303-3777; fax: +40-21-315-2121. 7 E : 5, Piata Rosetti ph: +40-21-312-5784; fax: +40-21-312-6547.

BANAT ★★

2 A : 3-5 Poligrafiei Blvd. ph: +40-21-549-2000; fax: +40-21-549-2330

RAMADA - PARC ★★★★

7 D : 29, Calea Victoriei ph: +40-21-313-9440; fax: +40-21-312-4169

CAPITOL ★★★

9 D : 23-25, Aleea Suter , ph: +40-21-336-3377; fax: +40-21-336-3736

CAROL PARC HOTEL ★★★★★

2 E : 164A, Barbu Vacarescu St. ph: +40-21-208-6100; fax: +40-21-208-6101;

CARO ★★★

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Bucuresti what, where, when

CASA CAPSA ★★★★★

: 36, Calea Victoriei

ph: +40-21-313-4038

CASA VICTOR ★★★★ 4 C : 44, Emanoil Porumbaru St. ph: +40-21-222-5723, +40-21-222-9626 fax: +40-21-222-9436 CENTRE VILLE APARTHOTEL ★★★★

6D:

ERBAS ★★★ 1 + 2 D : 27, Av. Alex Serbanescu St., ph: +40-21-232-6856, +40-21-232-6857. fax: +40-21-232-6527. GOLDEN TULIP BUCHAREST ★★★★

166, Calea Victoriei. ph: +40-21-212-5558; fax: +40-21-212-5121 7 G : 19, Decebal Blvd. ph: +40-21-316 6516; fax: +40-21-316-6517

George Enescu St. and Luterana St. crossing ph: +40-21-305-3666; fax: +40-21-312-0927

GOLDEN TULIP TIMES ★★★★

CENTRAL ★★★

7 D : 13, Brezoianu St, ph/fax: +40-21-315-5636/37.

GRAFFITI ★★★

1 B : 30A, Gârlei St. ph: +40-21-233-2814; fax: +40-21-233-2886

GRAND HOTEL CONTINENTAL ★★★★

CONFORT OTOPENI ★★★: 255A, Calea Bucuresti

HOWARD JOHNSON GRAND PLAZA HOTEL ★★★★★ 6 D 5-7, Calea Dorobantilor,

5 D : 25 Albac St., ph./fax: +40-21-231-6006.

CLASS ★★★★

ph: +40-21-350-4110 - 16 ; fax: +40-21-350-4117 - 18. : 55, Traian St. ph.: +40-21-308-3153/4; fax: +40-21-308-3155.

DALIN ★★★

HELLO HOTELS ★★

6 B : 143, Calea Grivitei,

ph: +40-372-121-800; fax: +40-372-121-801 reservation: +40-372-716-464

1, Poligrafiei St. ph.: +40-21-224-0034; fax: +40-21-318-1302

HERASTRAU ★★★

9 D : 70-72, Marasesti Blvd.

IBIS Gara de Nord ★★★

: 33A, Soseaua Stefan cel

Mare. ph.: +40-21-211-0070 6 D : 33, Dacia Blvd, ph: +40-21-317-4186/87/88; fax: +40-21-317-4189.

DUKE HHH

EURO HOTELS INTERNATIONAL ★★★

4, Ghe. Polizu St. ph: +40-21-316-88-39; fax: +40-21-316-8360

EURO HOTELS INT’L TRIUMF ★★★ 32-34, Maresal Averescu Blvd. ph: +40-21-224-5496; fax: +40-21-224-5554

2 C : 7-9, Soseaua Nordului,

ph: +40-21-232-9666; fax: +40-21-203-9923. 6 B : 143, Calea Grivitei, ph: +40-21-300-9100; fax: +40-21-300-9098. reservation: +40-21-401-1011

ph.: +40-21-335-6306 ; fax: +40-21-336-6284

DALIN CENTER ★★★

ph: +40-21-201-5000; fax: +40-21-201-1888. 7F

CONFORT TRAIAN ★★★ Crowne Plaza ★★★★★

56, Calea Victoriei ph.: +40-372-010-300; fax: +40-372-010 301.

4B:

8 C : 82-84, Izvor St., ph: +40-21-401-1000; fax: +40-21-402-2898. One IBIS reservation: +40-21-401-1011

IBIS Palatul Parlamentului ★★★

INTER-CONTINENTAL ★★★★★

7D:

4, Nicolae Balcescu Blvd., ph: +40-21-310-2020; fax: +40-21-312-0486.

JW MARRIOTT BUCHAREST GRAND HOTEL ★★★★★ 8 B : 90, Calea 13 Septembrie, ph: +40-21-403-1012; fax: +40-21-403-1001. 6 C : 25, Occidentului St., ph: +40-21-210-1274; fax: +40-21-319-0910.

LEV OR ★★★

MARSHAL ★★★★ 7 E : 2, Dr. Emanoil Bacaloglu St. ph: +40-21-314-0880; fax: +40-21-314-0888 5 C : 2-4, Gh. Manu St., ph: +40-21-311-1555; fax: +40-21-312-3963

MINERVA ★★★★

6 E : 30, Corbeni St., ph: +40-21-211-0979; fax: +40-21-211-0980

MONTE NELLY ★★★★

NOVOTEL BUCAREST CITY CENTRE ★★★★

37B, Calea Victoriei, ph: +40-21-308-8500; fax: +40-21-308-8501 8 E : 21, Mircea Voda Blvd., ph: +40-21-300-0545; fax: +40-21-317-9154

NH BUCHAREST ★★★★

OPERA ★★★ 7 D : 37, Brezoianu St., ph: +40-21-312-4857; fax: +40-21-312-4858. PARLIAMENT ★★★★ 8 C : 106, Izvor St., ph: +40-21-411-9990; fax: +40-21-411-9991 2C: 27, Virgil Madgearu St., ph: +40-21-232-1116 / 233-5020; fax: +40-21-232-11115

PERSEPOLIS ★★★★★

2 B : 10, Piata Montreal, ph: +40-21-318-3000; fax +40-21-316-2550

PULLMAN ★★★★

RADISSON SAS ★★★★★ 6 D : 63-81, Calea Victoriei, ph: +40-21-311-9000; fax: +40-21-313-9000 2C: 44A, Daniel Danielopolu St., ph: +40-21-233-5000; fax: +40-21-233-5001;

RAMADA BUCHAREST NORTH ★★★★

RAMADA MAJESTIC BUCHAREST ★★★★ 7 D : 38-40, Calea Victoriei, ph: +40-21-310-2715, +40-21-312-1967; fax: +40-21-310-2799

Bucuresti what, where, when

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RAMADA PLAZA BUCHAREST ★★★★★ 2 B : 3-5, Poligrafiei Blvd., ph: +40-21-549-3000; fax: +40-21-549-3001 7F : 159, Calea Calarasilor, ph: +40-21-320-0173 / 83; fax: +40-21-322-0811

RAZVAN ★★★

REMBRANDT ★★★ 7 D : 11 Smardan St., ph/fax: +40-21-313-9315, +40-21-313-9316. RESIDENCE ★★★ 4 B : 19, Clucerului St., ph: +40-21-223-1978; fax: +40-21-222-9046 RIN OTOPENI ★★★★ : 255A, Calea Bucuresti, ph: +40-21-350-4110/16; fax: +40-21-350-4117/18

RIN GRAND ★★★★ : 7D, Soseaua Vitan-Barzesti ph: +40-31-106-1111; 0731-111-000 3 A : 319C, Ion Mihalache Blvd., ph: +40-21-224-0282/83; fax: +40-21-224-0284

SAMAA ★★★

SIQUA ★★★ 7C : 59A, Calea Plevnei, ph: +40-21-319-5160; 319-5161; fax: +40-21-319-5162 STARLIGHT SUITE HOTELS ★★★★

5 D : 89-97,

Grigore Alexandrescu St., ph/fax: +40-21-211-3413 / 14 7E : 19, Armand Calinescu St., ph: +40-21-310-1216; fax: +40-21-310-1241

TEMPO ★★★

TRIANON ★★★ 9, Grigore Cobalcescu St., ph: +40-21-311-4927; fax: +40-21-316-2281 TULIP INN Bucharest City ★★★★

: 3A, Nerva

Traian St. ph: +40-21-200-6270; fax: +40-21-200-6273 7 C : 2, Pompiliu Eliade St., ph: +40-21-310-6878; fax: +40-21-310-6873

VENEZIA ★★★★

VICTORIA ★★ : 16, St. Gabriela Szabo St., ph: +40-21-434-3075.

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Bucuresti what, where, when

Must See in Bucharest Here is a selection of the most representative landmarks of Bucharest which are a must to see during your stay in the city. You will see these and much more on one of our regularly scheduled or customized tours while benefitting from the expertise and knowledge of our experienced licensed guides. For more information please see the ads inside the magazine.

140 Years of Philharmonics, 120 Years of Athenaeum

www.fge.org.ro

The Romanian Athenaeum: is a concert hall The Parliament Palace: is the second largest administrative building in the world (after the Pentagon) in terms of all-out surface: 330,000 m2. It was built between 1984 and 1989 by a team of architects led by Anca Petrescu. and was destined for the members of the Communist Party; Besides offices, Ceausescu planned to make personal living places, so the Palace's surface would have been bigger. The building currently houses Romania's Parliament. Visiting hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday (By appointment only)

The Village Museum: nestled on the shore of the Herastrau Lake, the museum displays 85 peasant homes, barns, churches and mills relocated there from all over Romania. Tall-roofed Transylvanian houses with beautifully crafted shingles sit alongside rustic wooden churches to form a unique neighborhood. The overall impression is that Romanian peasants take great pride in their work and homes. Everyday accessories: tools, butter-churns, hay forks, beer kegs and clothes are displayed inside the house. This museum can take a whole day to explore and, in fine weather, families settle down for picnics in the scenic grounds. Visiting hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., every day, except Monday

in the center of Bucharest and a landmark of the Romanian capital city. Opened in 1888, the ornate, domed, circular building is the city's main concert hall and home of the "George Enescu" Philarmonic and of the George Enescu annual international music festival. It has the aspect of a Greek temple with Ionic columns at the entrance. The wonderful interior with round frescoes depicts important events in Romania's history. Extensive reconstruction and restoration work has been conducted in 1992 by a Romanian construction company and restoration painter Silviu Petrescu, saving the building from collapse. Visiting hours: every day, unless concerts or rehearsals are held.

The Old Royal Court: during the early Middle

The Cotroceni Palace: is a part of the Cotroceni National Museum. The Cotroceni Palace, church and monastery reflect a three-century old history that interweaves political, military, diplomatic, religious and cultural aspects, with the general evolution of Romanian society. The palace was built in the 17th century by the Prince Serban Cantacuzino. The Cotroceni National Museum exhibits a rich range of objects of art, illustrative of the Romanian decorative art. The Cantacuzino space is most suitable for organizing presentations of old art objects that can only outline the exceptional artistic accomplishments of a distant epoch. Visiting hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday (By appointment only)

Bucuresti what, where, when

The National Museum of Art: is hosted by the former Royal Palace and is the most representative art gallery in Romania. The Royal Palace was the official residence of the Romanian kings. Its current facade was given the finishing touches in 1937 when Carol II was King of Romania. The National Art Museum Palace is located in downtown Bucharest (in the so-called Revolution Square). The Palace displays an extensive collection of European and Romanian fine art. The European Art Gallery offers an overview of teh most important artistic movements that marked art history from the early Rennaissance till the first decades of teh 20th century. The Romanian Modern Art Gallery illustrates the development of Romanian fine arts from the first decades of the 19th century till the second half of the 20th century. Visiting hours: Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. (May - September) 10 a.m - 6 p.m. (October - April) Closed: Monday, Tuesday

www.bucurestiwww.ro

Ages, Bucharest became a commercial center; important enough to enable the XIV century princes to build the Princely Court â&#x20AC;&#x201C; nowadays known as "The Old Court" - which formed the development core of the medieval town. The first written mention of the name of "Bucharest" dates back to September 20, 1459: it appears on a document issued from the chancellery of the famous Prince Vlad Tepes (the Impaler). By the year 1599, a new Princely Court was built. Matei Basarab (1632-1654) renovated the Old Court. By 1640, because the prince's relations with the Turks worsened, Matei Basarab moved his Capital back to the town of Targoviste. Bucharest still remained a princely residence. In May 1654, Prince Constantin Serban Basarab (1654-1658), Matei Basarab's successor, left for Targoviste after a rebellion of his mercenary troops, and he ordered the Old Court to be set of fire. The Old Royal Court is an outdoor site that can be visited any time.

www.bucharesttours.ro

real estate

Something Old, Something New Evelina Necula, Marketing Manager, DTZ Echinox

The duality between old and new is a universal criterion which simply cannot be ignored, and can be applied in order to make a judgment in a variety of fields. When dealing with exclusive properties, as well as with other luxury goods, old means rare, traditional, noble while new is the equivalent of the modern spirit, of an avant-garde design and stateof-the-art technology, yet both of them serving as comfort for an aspirational lifestyle. The elite of the Bucharest residential real estate segment has undergone a rapid evolution in the last ten years, as well as a series of transformations. Two great differences are included here: the restoration and capitalization of patrimony buildings, on the one hand, and the rise of new premium buildings, with modern functions and a contemporary look, on the other hand. “Location, location, location...”, the real estate business’ golden dictum, is translated through a bi-polar orientation for luxury homes: to traditional villa neighborhoods in the city center and to modern complexes, in newly established areas. Classic villas have been the Capital’s Cinderellas for a long time since the revolution, but they have undergone a spectacular revival after the retrocession crusade. Thus, areas such as Dorobanti, Primaverii, Kiseleff have improved their appearance, revealing their true real-estate potential. The same process was noticed in the case of apartments in ultra-central areas such as Victoriei, Romana, Amzei, Polona. The value of a villa with a central location, and especially its evolution in the last couple of years are very controversial and subjective topics. Taking into consideration the fact that these buildings’ main attribute is rarity and sometimes even uniqueness, their value has been transformed from simple to double in the short term and on an average term and faced a spectacular increase within a couple of years, after several transactions by various investors. However, real profits will go to people who are waiting and who are possibly investing in improvements to the property. Portofolio investments like these can be sold at a price that is ten times higher than the purchase cost. That was the case of a DTZ Echinox client who bought a villa in an ultra-central location for less than 400,000 dollars and then resold it, five years later, for 4,000,000 Euro. The increases have been less spectacular in the new housing segment where, especially because of the high construction costs, the value at which they were put up for sale was high from the very beginning. Thus, in the following years, they only underwent annual increases of 20-25%, occasionally of only 15%.

Bucuresti what, where, when

The most eloquent example of new luxury urban development is the Nordului Heastrau area, a built-up area of residential complexes and individual buildings which has undergone major development, centered around the French Village, the first luxury minineighborhood offering an Occidental look in Bucharest, which was built more than 10-12 years ago. The area’s first years of development were marked by horizontal expansion, through the construction of villas and villa complexes. As the land price increased, land became gradually harder to find, and developers started building vertically, with apartments on several floors, thus increasing the land use coefficient (LUC) and, obtaining improved investment efficiency. The latter trend marks the current aspect of the Nordului Highway and the adjacent streets. A very current subject within the crisis

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context is the real estate’s stability to the devaluation which affected the entire residential field. The current discussion deals with the limit within which such properties still represent an investment and still have a real efficiency. The discussion is as complex as it is subjective. When it comes to luxury properties, especially classic ones, the stake is rarely strictly monetary. Most property owners or most of the people who are interested in buying them display an attachment to this type of investments, being interested in emotional benefits, at least as much as in the financial aspects. Furthermore, the high liquidity level and their limited dependence on credit make participants to the transaction less vulnerable to the crisis’s pressures. This is the explanation for the fact that many of the deals that are concluded in the luxury residential segment have not seen any price reductions. The house is a replica of the spirit of its residents, a collection of choices and a combination of styles offering a unique, unmistakable aspect. Opting for old or new is an emotional decision, which is influenced by your taste, by the cultural matrix and, not lastly, by the future property owners’ personality. To conclude on a more personal note, I would like to add that real values are those that are established with time, like the rich and flavored texture of a collector brandy. The history and tradition of a classic villa can compete with the glamorous and trendy look of the latest rage penthouse any time. The story of the prior generations who lived there, and the patent time has left on it, contribute to such a building’s noble atmosphere. Naturally, it may look slightly unpolished here and there, and sometimes even downright uncomfortable, but its picturesque charm overcomes these small shortcomings.

• INT’L. ORGANIZATIONS • LOCAL INSTITUTIONS • BUSINESS CONNECTIONS • AIRLINES • TRAINS • EMBASSIES • BANKS

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS United Nations Information Centre: UN House, 48A, Primaverii Blvd. Ph.: 021-201-78-77; Fax: 021-201-78-80. www.un.ro UNICEF: 48A, Primaverii Blvd. Ph.: 021-201-78-72; Fax: 021-231-52-55. www.unicef.ro World Bank: 2-4, Armand Calinescu St. Ph.: 021-201-03-11 International Monetary Fund: 7, Halelor St., 2nd floor (Unirii Sq.) Ph.: 021-311-58-33; 031-805-70-40 Fax: 021-318-14-10. www.fmi.ro European Bank for Reconstruction EBRD: 8, Orlando St. Ph.: 021-202-71-00; Fax: 021-202-71-10. www.ebrd.com Delegation of the European Union: 18, Jules Michelet St. Ph.: 021-203-54-00; Fax: 021-212-88-08. www.infoeuropa.ro

Ministry of Public Health: 1-3, Cristian Popis-

In Romania: 16, Splaiul Unirii. Ph.: 021-312-68-43;

teanu Entr. Ph.: 021-307-25-00; 021-307-26-75. www.ms.ro

The Prefect's Office of Bucharest: 47, Regina

Ministry of Development, Public Works & Housing: 17, Apolodor St. Ph.: 037-211-14-09. www.mie.ro

Ministry of Environment & Sustainable Development: 12, Libertatii Blvd. Ph.: 021-316-02-15; 021-316-38-74. www.mmediu.ro

Ministry of Culture & Cults: 30, Kiseleff Ave. Ph./Fax: 021-224-2510. www.cultura.ro

ANAT -National Association of Travel Agencies

021-312-08-02. Fax: 021-312-19-08. www.anat.ro Elisabeta Blvd. Ph.: 021-312-65-25; 9866 www. prefecturabucuresti.ro Bucharest City Hall: 24, Regina Elisabeta Blvd. Ph.: 021-305-55-00. www.pmb.ro Sector 1: 7-9, Banu Manta Blvd. Ph.: 021-319-10-13 to 17. Fax: 021-319-10-06; www.primariasector1.ro Sector 2: 11-13, Chiristigilor St. Ph.: 021-209-6000. Fax: 021-209-62-82. www.ps2.ro Sector 3: 2-4, Parfumului St. Ph.: 021-318-03-23 to

LOCAL INSTITUTIONS Presidency of Romania: 1-3, Geniului St., Palatul Cotroceni; Ph.: 021-410-05-81; Fax: 021-410-38-58 . www.presidency.ro Chamber of Deputies: Palace of Parliament, 2-4, Izvor St; Ph.: 021-316-03-00; Fax: 021-316-03-34 021-414-11-11. www.cdep.ro Senate of Romania: Palace of Parliament, 1-3, Calea 13 Septembrie; Ph.: 021-402-11-11; Fax: 021-316-03-34; www.senat.ro Government of Romania: 1, Victoriei Sq. Ph.: 021-314-34-00; 021-313-15-64. www.gov.ro

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development: 24, Carol I Blvd. Ph.: 021-307-85-00. www.mapam.ro

Ministry of Communication and Information Technology: 14, Libertatii Blvd. Ph./Fax: 021-311-41-21; www.mcti.ro

Ministry of Economy & Finance: 152, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-202-51-06; Fax: 021-202-5108. www.mfinante.ro Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 31, Aleea Alexandru Ph.: 021-319-21-08; 021-319-21-25; Fax: 021-319-68-62. www.mae.ro Ministry of Public Finance: 17, Apolodor St. Ph.: 021-202-52-34; Fax: 021-202-52-39. www.minind.ro Ministry of Justice: 17, Apolodor St. Ph.: 021-314-44-00. www.just.ro

Ministry of Labor, Family and Equal Opportunities: 2-4, Dem I. Dobrescu St. Ph.: 021-313-62-67; www.mmuncii.ro

Ministry of Defense: 3-5, Izvor St. Ph.: 021-40234-00; Fax: 021-319-56-98. www.mapn.ro

Ministry of Transport: 38, Dinicu Golescu Blvd. Ph.: 021-319-61-24; Fax: 021-313-88-69. www.mt.ro

Ministry of Interior Affairs and Administrative Reform: 1A, Revolutiei Sq. Ph.: 021-303-7080; 021-314-10-50. www.mira.gov.ro

Ministry of Education, Research and Youth: 28-30, G-ral Berthelot St. Ph.: 021-405-6200. ww.w.edu.ro

Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Companies, Trade, Tourism & Liberal Professions: 11, Poterasi St. Ph.: 021-336-1451; Fax: 021-336-18-43. www.mimmc.ro www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

AIRLINES

TRAINS Romanian railroad is very reliable. We suggest you always travel first class. Tickets can be bought at the station or from an agency (10, Domnita Anastasia, ph: 021-313-2644 [7D]). For information call 01860-0952; for reservation call special # 9522. www.cfr.ro

Dacia R366 Bucharest - Budapest - Vienna 16:10 05:32 09:00

Karpathy R388 Bucharest - Krakow - Warsaw 19:35 05:30 22:54

Muntenia R372 Bucharest - Budapest - Zagreb - Venice 00:20 14:12 23:55 09:18

Intercities Bucharest - Brasov 09:30 12:26 (IC 537) 20:30 22:58 (IC 539) Bucharest - Constanta 07:14 09:40 (IC 581) 13:20 17:16 (IC 583) Bucharest - Timisoara 05:47 13:20 (IC 591) 15:45 23:06 (IC 593) Bucharest - Cluj 13:30 20:52 (IC 531) Bucharest - Iasi 06: 00 12:29 (IC 561) 18:00 23:43 (IC 563)

Bucuresti what, where, when

EUROJET AVIATION: 5 C 24, Sev-

port. Ph: 021-204-19-68; 021-201-45-50 AEROFLOT: 5C 5, Gheorghe Manu St. Ph: 021-315-03-14; Fax: 021-312-51-52 AIR FRANCE: 6 C 85, Calea Buzesti, 2nd floor. Ph: 021-206-92-00; Fax: 021-206-92-11. AIR MALTA (GSA): 1 B Baneasa Int’l Airport, 14-22, Soseaua Bucuresti-Ploiesti. call centre: Ph: 021-201-18-52/2, Fax: 021-201-18-53 AIR MOLDOVA: 7 E 3, Toma Caragiu St. Ph: 021-312-08-22 ALITALIA: 1, Louis Blanc St. Ph: 021-318-76-65; 021-318-76-61. AUSTRIAN AIRLINES: 6 D 9A, Aleea Alexandru. Ph: 021-204-45-60; Fax: 021-204-84-28 BALKAN AIR (GSA): 6 D 5-7, Eugen Carada St. Ph: 021-314-39-45; Fax:021-314-39-49 BRITISH AIRWAYS: 6 D 15, Calea Victoriei. Ph: 021-303-22-22; Fax: 021-303-22-11. CSA: 7 D 27, Uruguai St., 1st floor. Ph: 021-223-32-05; Fax: 021-223-08-84. DELTA AIRLINES (GSA): 5 C America House 1st floor. 4-8, Sos. N. Titulescu; Ph: 021-313-35-82; EL AL: 1, Dimitrie Cantemir Blvd. Ph: 021-317-88-60/61 Fax: 021-317-88-62 EMIRATES (GSA): 5C 57, Dr. Iacob Felix St, 1st floor; Ph: 031-403-5030

astopol St; Ph: 0745-003-604; Fax: 021-314-0893 ION TIRIAC AIR: 2 B Sos BucurestiPloiesti, Km 16,5; Ph: 021-230-6081, Fax: 021-204-2224

SAS Scandinavian Airlines (GSA): 5C 57, Dr. Iacob Felix St, 1st floor; Ph: 031-403-5040; Fax: 031-403-5049 KLM: 85, Buzesti St., 2nd floor, Ph: 021-206-9222; 0800-070377; Fax: 021-206-9211. LUFTHANSA: 6 D 9A, Aleea Alexandru, Ph: 021-204-84-10. Fax: 021-204-84-24. LOT: 6 D 41, Gh. Magheru Blvd., Ph: 021-314-1096; 021-317-4228 MALEV: 9 G PGV Tower - 6-6A, Calea Vitan, Ph: 021-326-8072/73; Fax: 021-326-8074. OLYMPIC AIRLINES: 6 D 6, Anastase Simu St., 1st floor, ap. 18; Ph.: 021-316-6360; Fax: 021-316-6365.

REGIONAL AIR SERVICES - AIR TAXI: Ph.: 0745-058-654; 0742-055-095

SN BRUSSELS AIRLINES (GSA): 1 B Baneasa Int’l Airport; Call centre: 021-201-1851/2; Fax: 021-201-1853.

SWISS INT’L AIR LINES:

All the above trains leave from Gara de Nord.

PRIVATE FLIGHTS

AEGEAN: Henri Coanda Int’l Air-

Ph: 021-312-0238; Fax: 021-212-5774 TAROM: 7 C 17, Splaiul Independentei. Ph: 021-303-4400; Fax: 021-316-44-44. TURKISH AIRLINES: 6 D 35A, Balcescu Blvd., Ph: 021-311-3210, Fax: 021-311-2920.

www.bucurestiwww.ro

BANKS ALPHA BANK: Neocity Tower. 237 B, Calea Dorobantilor, 3rd-9th floors; Ph: 021-209-2100; Fax: 021-231-6570; BANK OF CYPRUS: 187 B, Calea Dorobantilor, Ph: 021-409-9100

BANCA COMERCIALA ROMANA: 5, Regina Elisabeta Blvd. Ph. 0801-0801-22; Fax: 021-407-4200

BANCA ITALO ROMENA GRUPPO VENETO BANCA: 1, Dimitrie Cantemir Blvd. Ph. 021-317-1311; 021-317-1314; Fax: 021-317-1316 BANC POST: 6 - 6A, Calea Vitan. Ph. 0800-110-200 Banca Romaneasca: Member of the NBG; 35, Unirii Blvd. Ph.: 021-305-9300; Fax: 021-305-9191

BANCA C.R. FIRENZE ROMANIA: 55, Unirii Blvd. Ph. 021-201-1930; Fax: 021-201-1931

BRD - GROUPE SOCIETE GENERALE: 1-7, Ion Mihalache Blvd. Ph. 0800-803-803; 021-301-6100 Fax: 021-301-6636 CEC BANK: 11-13, Calea Victoriei. Ph: 021-311-1119; 0800.800.8488; Fax: 021-312-5425 CITIBANK ROMANIA: 8, Iancu de Hunedoara Blvd. Ph: 021-203-5550; Fax: 021-203-5565 CREDIT EUROPE BANK: 26Z, Timisoara Blvd. Ph: 021-406-4000; Fax: 021-317-2066 EMPORIKI BANK: 19, Berzei St. Ph. 021-310-3955; Fax: 021-310-3991 GARANTI BANK INT’L: Floreasca II Business Center, 40-44, Banu Antonache St. Ph: 021-230-8430; 021208-9260 Fax. 021-318-5690 ING BANK: 11-13, Kiseleff Blvd.Ph: 021-209-1798; Fax: 021-222-1401 LIBRA BANK: 11, Grigore Mora St. Ph. 021-208-8000; Fax: 021-230-6565 MARFIN BANK ROMANIA: 90-92, Emanoil Porumbaru St. Ph. 021-2064230; Fax: 021-206-4280 OTP BANK ROMANIA: 66-69, Buzesti St. Ph.: 021-307-5700; Fax: 021-307-5730 PIRAEUS BANK ROMANIA: 34-36, Carol I Blvd., ground floor & 3rd floor. Ph.: 021-303-6969; Fax: 021-303-6909 RAIFFEISEN BANK: 15, Charles de Gaulle Sq. Ph. 021-306-1000; Fax: 021-230-0700 ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND: 10, Montreal Sq., World Trade Center 2nd floor. Ph.: 021-202-0400 Call center: 0801-022-622 UNICREDIT TIRIAC BANK: 23-35, Ghetarilor St. Ph: 021-200-2000

VOLKSBANK ROMANIA: 171, Soseaua Mihai Bravu. Ph. 021-209-4400

EMBASSIES Albania: 021-211-98-29 Algeria: 021-211-51-50 Argentina: 021-312-17-39 Armenia: 021-319-76-04 Australia: 021-320-98-02 Austria: 021-210-43-54 Azerbaidjan:021-233-24-84 Belarus: 021-223-17-76 Belgium: 021-210-29-69 Brazil: 021-230-78-25 Bulgaria: 021-230-21-59 Canada: 021-307-50-00 Chile: 021-312-73-11 China: 021-232-88-58 Congo: 0740-808-009 Croatia: 021-313-03-69 Cuba: 021-211-87-95 Czech Republic: 021-303-92-30 Denmark: 021-300-08-00 Egypt: 021-211-09-38 Finland: 021-230-75-45 France: 021-303-10-00 Germany: 021-202-98-30 Great Britain: 021-201-72-00 Greece: 021-209-41-70 Hungary: 021-311-00-62 India: 021-211-54-51 Indonesia: 021-312-07-42 Irak: 021-233-90-08 Iran: 021-312-04-93 Israel: 021-318-94-15 Italy: 021-305-21-00 Japan: 021-319-18-90 Jordan: 021-210-47-05 Korea/N: 021-232-96-65 Korea/S: 021-230-71-98 Lebanon: 021-230-03-02 Macedonia: 021-210-08-80 Malaysia: 021-211-38-01 Mexic: 021-210-45-77 Moldova: 021-230-04-74 Morocco: 021-317-41-24 Netherlands: 021-208-60-30 Norway: 021-210-02-74 Nigeria: 021-312-86-85 Pakistan: 021-318-78-73 Palestina: 021-310-74-22 Peru: 021-223-12-53 Philippines: 021-224-80-70 Poland: 021-308-22-00 Portugal: 021-230-41-17 Quatar: 021-233-90-53 Russia: 021-222-31-70 Serbia & Muntenegru: 021-211-98-72 Slovakia: 021-300-61-00 Slovenia: 021-300-27-80 Spain: 021-233-91-90 Sweden: 021-406-71-00 Switzerland: 021-206-16-00 Syria: 021-319-24-67 S Africa: 021-313-37-25 Thailand: 021-311-00-31 Turkey: 021-210-04-07 Ukraine: 021-211-69-86 Uruguay: 021-222-58-74 USA: 021-200-33-00 Vatican: 021-313-94-90 Venezuela: 021-222-58-74 Vietnam: 021-311-16-04

29. www.sector3primarie.ro Sector 4: 6-16, George Cosbuc Blvd. Ph.: 021-335-9230. www.ps4.ro Sector 5: 29-31, Regina Elisabeta Blvd. Ph.: 021-314-46-80; Fax: 021-311-04-65 Sector 6: 147-149, Calea Plevnei; Ph.: 021-318-0148. Fax: 021-318-01-52. www.primarie6.ro

Kinstellar: 8, Nicolae Iorga St. Ph.: 021-307-15-00; Fax: 021-307-15-55.

MOVING COMPANIES

Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen:

AGS Bucharest: 9, Pipera St., entr. 2, 2E Building, 3rd floor, apt. 11. Ph.: 021-201-17-91; Fax: 021-232-52-89; www.ags-worldwide-movers.com Allied Pickfords: 29,Topraisar St. Ph.: 021-221-95-46; Fax: 021-221-94-42. www.alliedintl.com Corstjens Bucharest: 7-9, Intrarea Gherghitei Ph.: 021-240-37-02; Fax: 021-240-37-03. www.corstjens.com De Groot IRS: 20, Parangului St. Ph.: 021-224-25-63; Fax: 021-668-64-25. www. degroot.ro Orbit Worldwide Movers: T98, T370 Bucuresti Urziceni, Afumati, Ilfov; Ph.: 021-350-15-00; Fax: 021-350-15-01. www.beinoglou.gr

FOREIGN TRADE CHAMBERS The American Chamber of Commerce: Union International Center; 11, Ion Campineanu St. Ph.: 021-312-48-34; Fax: 021-312-48-51. www.amcham.ro Deutsch - Rum채nische Industrie und Handelskammer Bukarest: 35, Clucerului St., 2rd floor Ph.: 021-223-15-31; Fax: 021-223-15-38. www.ahkrumaenien.ro

Japan External Trade Organization: IBC Modern - 34-36, Carol Blvd. 5th floor; Ph.:021-310-68-01/02. www.jetro.go.jp Foreign Investors Council: 11-13, Kiseleff Ave., ING Building, Ph.: 021-222-19-31; Fax:021-222-19-32. www.fic.ro French T.I.C.C. in Romania: 4, Vasile Conta St. Ph.: 021-311-09-13; Fax: 031-8161-580. www.ccifer.ro Romania Russia T.I.C.C.: 27-29, George Enescu St. Ph/Fax: 021-311-09-13 Romania Turkey T.I.C.C.: 1, Libertatii Blvd, Ph.: 021-336-97-22 Romania China T.I.C.C.: 28, Ion Cimpineanu St. Ph.: 021-313-51-14; 0744-518-344; Fax: 021-312-13-71. Source: Bilateral Chambers of Commerce and Industry Union

NATIONAL AGENCIES T.I.C.C. of Romania: 2, Octavian Goga Blvd., Ph.: 021-319-01-14 / 18. www.ccir.ro

National Trade Registery Office: 74A, Unirii Blvd. Ph.: 021-316-08-04; Fax: 021-316-08-03. www.onrc.ro

Bucharest Office of Trade Registery: 1, Sectorului Entr. Ph.: 021-316-08-20; 021-316-08-24. www.onrc.ro Romanian Foreign Trade Center: 17, Appolodor St. Ph.: 021-318-50-50; Fax: 021-311-14-91. www.traderom.ro

Romanian Agency for Foreign Investments: 22, Primaverii Blvd. Ph.: 021-233-9103.

International School of Bucharest: 428, Mihai Bravu St. Ph. 021-327-54-32.

LAWYERS Mazars - Duncea, Stefanescu & Asociatii SCA: 31B, Economu Cezarescu St. Ph.: 031-229-26-00; Fax: 031-229-26-01. www.mazars.ro Bucharest Business Park, Entr.A, 4th floor1A, Soseaua Bucuresti-Ploiesti. Ph.: 021-201-1200; Fax: 021-201-1210. www.nndkp.com Pachiu & Associates: 4-10, Muntii Tatra St., 5th floor. Ph: 021-312-10-08; Fax: 021-312-10-09. www.pachiu.com

Rubin Meyer Doru & Trandafir affiliated with Herzfeld&Rubin, P.C.: 7, Putu cu Plopi St. Ph.: 021-311-14-60; Fax: 021-311-14-65. www.hr.ro Salans-Moore, Vartires & Associates SCA: 28-C, General C. Budisteanu St. Ph.: 021-312-49-50; Fax: 021-312-49-51. www.salans.com

MAIL SERVICES Cargus: 1, Calea Bucurestilor, Otopeni. Ph.: 9330; Fax: 021-351-02-00. DHL International Romania: 85-87, Emanoil Porumbaru St. Ph.: 021-222-17-77; Fax: 021-222-17-66. Federal Express Romania: 13, Fermei St., Otopeni Ph.: 021-201-48-22; Fax: 021-201-48-27. Pegasus/Airborne Express: 13, Soseaua Iancului. Ph.: 021-250-93-60; Fax: 021-256-95-04. Posta Rapida/Express Mail: 140, Dacia Blvd. Ph.: 021-200-75-00. TNT Express Worldwide: 1A, Soseaua Bucuresti Ploiesti, BBP, Corp C; Ph.: 021-303-45-67; Fax: 021-303-45-43. UPS - United Parcel Service: 81-83, Calea 13 Septembrie, Bl. 77 AB; Ph.: 021-410-06-04; Fax: 021-410-99-10.

Vasile Deleanu Attorneys at Law Member of Warwick Legal Network: 2, Maresal Josef Pilsudski Entrance. Ph.: 021-201-66-84; Fax: 021-201-66-85. www.deleanu.ro Wood Oltenasu & Associates SCPA: 11-13, Kiseleff Ave. Ph: 021-222-88-88; Fax: 021-223-44-44

COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES Cosmote: 9-9A, Dimitrie Pompei Blvd., Building 19, Southern Wing, 1st floor; Ph.: 021-404-12-34; 0766-12-12-34; Fax: 021-413-75-30. www.cosmote.ro Orange Romania S.A.: 51-53, Lascar Catargiu Blvd., Europe House. Ph.: 021-203-30-30; 021-203-33-33; Fax: 2021-03-35-99. www.orange.ro RCS &RDS: 73-75, Dr. N. Staicovici St. Ph.: 031-400-44-40; Fax: 031-400-44-41. 031-400-60-60 for outside Bucharest Romtelecom: 1B, Garlei St. Ph.: 930; Fax: 925. www.romtelecom.ro Telemobil (Zapp): 11-15, Tipografilor St., Building B3-B4, 5th floor; Ph.: 021-402-44-44; Fax: 021-402-32-56. www.zapp.ro UPC Romania: 62D, Soseaua Nordului; Ph.: 9399; 031-100-04-00. www.upc.ro Vodafone Romania: 4A, Vasile Milea Blvd. Ph.: 021-302-22-22; Fax: 021-302-14-13. www.vodafone.ro

SCHOOLS The following English-speaking schools are located in Bucharest: International British School: 21-23, Agricultori St. Ph. 021-252-37-04, International Nursery School: 119, Sos. Nordului. Ph. 021-232-69-03, Mark Twain International School: 25B, Erou Iancu Nicolae St. Ph.0724-000-900; 021-267-89-12, Lauder Reut Kindergartden: 15, Barsch Iuliu St. American International School: 196, Soseaua Pipera-Tunari. Ph.: 021-204-43-00

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Bucuresti what, where, when

SEPTEMBER 2009

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When the Sun Goes Down Adriana RADUCU •

As soon as the sun sinks below the horizon, the night atmosphere in Bucharest becomes animated and the bars, night clubs, discos and casinos come to life (though casinos are open 24/7). A cosmopolitan lifestyle, a multi-cultural manner of thinking, clubs inspired by all eras and cultures are entwined in new and exclusive ideas - this is how one could sum up, in a few words, Bucharest’s night life. So, if you want to get down on the dance floors, you can opt for a disco or a club. The non-conformists can go to the Control Club, which has three rooms, one for dancing and another for conversation. If you are indie and alternative fans, this club, located on Academiei Street, is the perfect place to spend an evening with music to your liking. A poll on the metropotam.ro website indicated that the club holds the first place in clients’ preferences when it comes to atmosphere. Recently, Vlad Lomnasan’s "Strange and seductive” photograph exhibit took place here, an erotic-grotesque collage, using chiaroscuro’s seductive aesthetics. The photography by Vlad Lomnasan aims to be a collage that does not propose something refined and explicit in its symbolism, but simply wants to send a message on woman’s existence in this world through her body expressions. Clubbers who are a bit more “down to earth”, who want to listen to live covers, usually choose between Alive, Coyote or Becker Brau. This is where you will listen and dance to international covers and enjoy fresh brewed beer to the Becker Brass Orchestra’s rhythms. Becker Brau is a special place, a micro brewery, where beer is brewed on their own premises. If you feel like having a fresh filtered or non-filtered beer in a genuinely German atmosphere, this is where you will definitely find it. The decor is unusual, but delightful, there are guitars hanging from the ceiling or framed on the club’s walls, next to which, after a few beers, you can even eat. Another club where you can enjoy a meal, in a more unusual way, however, is Ota. This is one of a kind, as it only serves soup and does so only after a certain hour of the morning, when you want to get rid of your hang-over. The bar, where you would only order your drink, now offers you something to eat, bagels being the house specialty. Ota also has a legend. It is known as the «Secret Club», because the club is in the basement of a house next to the Romanian Opera, where no one could ever think to find a club. This is why, in this club, the idea of “urbanity” continuously acquires more and more new meanings. If up to yesterday you were certain that you had experienced all that is urban then guess what - you were dead wrong! Go to Ota and get to see all that has still been hidden from your sight. People who prefer more peaceful locations and are jazz lovers will have a great time at the Green Hours and Art Jazz. You will find

both clubs downtown, easily accessible even for tourists who are not very familiar with the city. Each is spectacular in its own way. Green Hours, where theater plays and jazz concerts are held in the open air, also has a gorgeous terrace aside from the club itself, as well as a... bookstore, while Art Jazz is special not only through its jazz concerts with renowned artists, locals such as Maria Raducanu, as well as from abroad, but also for the exhibitions of less known artists. Collectors take note: the paintings are actually for sale! Some Bucharesters, as well as many visitors, hang out with their friends in a pub where they can sit and chat and watch the shows. «La scena» is a renovated club in a mansion from the last century, with Hollywood glamour furniture, in some rooms, or new, Orientally inspired pillows, in others. Here, young people put on theater plays, they exhibit plastic arts, photography, they perform stand page IV

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Bucuresti what, where, when

Massage Everyone needs to relax, to escape from the turmoil of everyday life. Although often ignored or viewed as merely recreation, the art of massage is just that, and art as well as a science, and has been growing in popularity and acceptance in our community. Massage involves systematic stroking, rubbing and kneading of the soft tissues of the body in an effort to induce a state of total relaxation. Despite some misconceptions, massage has become more accepted as a means to relieve minor physical problems. Although massage has sometimes been discredited, by advocates of modern medicine, it has recently been growing in acceptance. Massage has been shown to help maintain stability and enhance performance in nearly all of the body's major systems. The muscular, skeletal, circulatory, nervous and respiratory systems can be positively affected by massage. The theory behind massage is the relief of muscle tension, and that relaxation of the body will allow for a faster healing process. Massage can increase and improve circulation to damaged tissue areas. People who play sports know that it is important to stretch and relax muscles for peak

Bucuresti what, where, when

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Therapy performance, and the same idea underlies the massage process. Perhaps the greatest benefit of massage, as any amateur can confirm, is the relaxing effect it can have on tense muscles. The smooth stroking motions and the kneading of muscles relieves tension, loosens joints and improves circulation, all of which are beneficial for good health. Of course it is recommended that people not replace necessary medical treatment with a massage. Sometimes medical conditions that could easily be cured by a simple medical treatment are identified as a simple tight muscle or something similar. Although massage does have positive medical benefits, in most cases it is not a replacement for modern medicine. The history of massage dates back almost as far as recorded history. For thousands of years some form of massage or the â&#x20AC;&#x153;laying on of handsâ&#x20AC;? has been used to helpl the sick. For the ancient Greeks and Romans, massage was one of the principal methods of healing and relieving pain. Generally, if you are in good health and just feeling a little tense, a massage may be a good way to go.. www.bucurestiwww.ro

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III

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up comedy. What I thought was innovative as well as avant-garde was the attic which was transformed into a theater, with a stage, where independent productions are presented. And this type of theater’s advertising slogan is as interesting as the place itself: «If not closer to God, then at least closer to flying. ARCA theater - A place where ideas float and exist in abundance». A place of creativity, a space where you feel free. The kitchen is not to be sneezed at either and the chef’s specialty is fish and Italian pasta. You can also visit the Motoare Terrace, found in the National Theater of Bucharest, on the top floor. Here, high above most of Bucharest, you can enjoy a

Bucuresti what, where, when

very special evening. As you enter, you are greeted by cartoons, a colored and lively miniature city. The large space, the (relatively) cheap draft beer, French fries, maybe a Bacardi, a coffee or plain water. I think Motoare is best defined by colors. People are colorfully dressed, the walls are no

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longer gray, movies are projected onto the large screen in front of the bar, even if the sound is far from perfect. Motoare has become a typical space for a certain group of people, which is described as “urban”. You have alternative theater here, you can see Film students’ graduation works, artists sometimes come here to draw or to perform, events are organized here. From Converse sneakers to string sandals, from pink belts and emo hair-cuts to rock band tshirts, from baseball caps and loose pants to flower skirts, from dresses down to the knee, possibly worn over jeans, to African jewelry, in the Motoare club, people come in all shapes and sizes.

On the following pages, boutiques, major department stores and specialty shops and markets are grouped by the type of product they sell. Most establishments are open Monday to Saturday from 10 or 11 am to 6 or 8 pm closing time. Malls and other boutiques are also open during the weekend, though some may close earlier on Sundays.

SHOPPING CENTERS

UNIREA SHOPPING CENTER:

One can easily find ready-to-wear clothes, shoes, accessories, jewelry, watches, sportswear, lingerie, perfumes and gifts. Food courts can often be found on or near the premises. These shopping centers might be similar in many ways with those that you are already familiar with. BANEASA SHOPPING CITY: 42D, Sos. Bucuresti-Ploiesti BUCURESTI MALL: 55-59, Calea Vitan 8 F CARREFOUR GALLERY: Autostrada Buc-Pitesti, km 11/12 CITY MALL: 2, Sos.Oltenitei.

COMMERCIAL CENTER FEERIA: 44A, Sos. Bucuresti Ploiesti

ESPLANADA SHOPPING CENTER: 20, Sos. Vergului.

GRAND ARENA MALL: 12 Metalurgiei Blvd..

GRAND AVENUE SHOPPING GALLERY: 90, Calea 13 Septembrie JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel 8 B JOLIE VILLE GALLERIA: 103 Bis, Erou Iancu Nicolae St. LIBERTY CENTER: 151-171, Progresului St. 9 C

MARIO PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER: 172, Calea Dorobantilor

MILITARI SHOPPING: 546-560 Iuliu Maniu Blvd.

ORHIDEEA SHOPPING CENTER: 6A

210 - 210 B, Spl. Independentei PLAZA ROMANIA: 26, Timisoara Blvd.

RIN GRAND HOTEL SHOPPING GALLERY: 7D , Calea Vitan.

1, Unirii Square

WORLD TRADE PLAZA: 10, Montreal Sq.

CASH & CARRY METRO: • Militari • Baneasa • Berceni • Voluntari SELGROS: • Pantelimon, 90, Biruintei Blvd; • Baneasa, 55-65, BucurestiPloiesti • Berceni, 92-108, Turnu Magurele St.

HIPERMARKETS AUCHAN: 33A, 1 Decembrie 1918 Blvd. CARREFOUR: • Militari, Autostrada Buc-Pitesti, km11/12. • Colentina, Soseaua Colentina 426 - 426A; • Orhideea, 210, Splaiul Independentei, • Baneasa - Feeria, 44A, Soseaua Bucuresti Ploiesti • Unirii, 2, Corneliu Coposu Blvd. CORA: • Lujerului, 19, Iuliu Maniu Blvd. • Pantelimon, 20, Sos. Vergului BILLA: • 102-104, Barbu Vacarescu St. • 23, Brasov St. • 24, Postavaru St. IKEA: 42A, Soseaua Bucuresti Ploiesti XXL: 38-40, Soseaua Fundeni

DEPARTMENT STORES Old department stores in Bucharest are in a transition period. Besides specialized departments, it is not unusual to find a large number of small private “Turkish-bazaar” type stands inside. Crowded but convenient because of their diversity, the Bucharest department stores offer low- to mid- (sometimes even high-) quality products. GALERIILE VICTORIA: 17, Calea Victoriei 7 D BUCUR OBOR: 2, Soseaua Colentina 5F

SUPERMARKETS There are stores in each section of town that present a complete range of products, from European to American, Arabian and Asian. Many world-wide brands are available. Prices may differ slightly because of the location of the store (downtown – periphery) or the availability of products. GIMA: Bucuresti Mall 8 F MEGA IMAGE: Every neighborhood has one!

COSMETICS & BEAUTY BEAUTY SHOP: • Bucuresti Mall

• 27-33, Magheru Blvd. 6 D • 26, Timisoara Blvd. - Plaza Romania SEPHORA: Orhideea Shopping Center CLINIQUE: 100, Calea Victoriei 6 D ESTEE LAUDER: 100, Calea Victoriei

Bucuresti what, where, when

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INA CENTER: • Unirea Shopping Cen-

ter (ground floor) 8 E • 27, I Campineanu St. 7 D • 14-16, CA Rosetti St. 6 D • WTC Galleries 3 B • Orhideea Shopping Center 6 A • Esplanada Shopping Center • 103, Erou Iancu Nicolae St. Jolie Ville • Cora Lujerului. PRIVILEGE: • 172, Calea Dorobantilor • Mario Plaza Shopping Center 4 D • Unirea Shopping Center 8 E • Carrefour Militari Gallery, • Carrefour Colentina Gallery, • Selgros Baneasa • Selgros Berceni, • Selgros Pantelimon

63-81, Calea Victoriei 6 D GANT: • 52, Calea Victoriei 7 D • Bucuresti Mall • Baneasa Shopping City GRIFFES: Feraud, Missoni, Giorgio Armani - leg & bodywear, D & G, Roberto Cavalli Class, Roberta Scarpa, Moncler, Calvin Klein Jeans, Vicini, Giuseppe Zanotti Design, Dolce & Gabbana cravatte. 170, Calea Dorobantilor 4 D GUESS: 87-89, Calea Victoriei 6 D J. KRISTENSEN: Luxury women’s fashion & accessories from: Blumarine, Brioni, Emanuel Ungaro, Strenesse, Vicini; 63-81, Calea Victoriei 6 D KENVELO: Bucuresti Mall 8 F LANCEL: • Feeria Shopping Center; La Perla: 122, Calea Victoriei 6 D L’ARMOIRE - Concept Store: Special evening & office clothing, limited series or even uniques created by Romanian designers such as: Lena Criveanu, Wilhelmina Arz, Elena Perseil, Irina Marinescu, Dorin Negrau, Sepala by Mihaela Glavan, Kinga Varga, Ludmila Corlateanu, Zasha.

FASHION BLISS: Valentino, Louis Feraud, Calvin Klein, Lorenzini; 23, Calea Victoriei 7 D BERSHKA: Baneasa Shopping City

BRAY SUITE ANTHOLOGY: Bucuresti Mall C & A: Fashion for Men and Women. Militari Shopping CACHAREL: Fashion for Men. Baneasa Shopping City CASA FRUMOASA: Luxury men’s wear, handmade shoes and exquisite accessories from: Scabal, Brioni, Loro Piana, Santoni, Lorenzini. • 40, Lascar Catargiu Blvd. 5 C • Grand Avenue Shopping Gallery 8 B DISTINTO: Canali • 196, Calea Dorobantilor 4 D ELEGANCE - PARIS: Clasic ladies’ look, warm textures. • 90,Calea 13 Septembrie (Grand Avenue Shopping Gallery) 8 B •118, Calea Victoriei 6 D

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA - Flagshipstore: Ermenegildo Zegna, Z Zegna, Zegna Sport

1, Intrarea Noptii with 18, Ion Mihalache Blvd. 5 C LOUIS VUITTON: 90,Calea 13 Septembrie (Grand Avenue Shopping Gallery) 8 B

Specialized men’s apparel • 118, Calea Victoriei 6 D MANGO: • Bucuresti Mall • Plaza Romania

MARELLA: 21-23,Calea Victoriei 7 D MARIELLA BURANI: • 21-23, Calea

DAVID SANDU JEWELRY: 30, Smar-

Victoriei

FOLLI FOLLIE: Jewellery, Watches &

MARKS & SPENCER: • Bucuresti Mall 8F

• Orhideea Shopping Center MAXMARA: 122 A, Calea Victoriei 6 D MENGOTTI: Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Etro, Prada, Alessandro dell’Aqua, Cesare Paciotti, Balli, Loro Piana. 4-50, Calea Victoriei 7 D MODA & STYLE: Red Valentino, Valentino, Byblos Blu, Byblos, Roccobarocco, Gianfranco Ferre, Moschino Cheap & Chic, Moschino Jeans, Mochino, Cerruti, Lanvin, Love Sex Money, Versus, Versace, D&G, Just Cavalli, GF Ferre, Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani, Diesel, Vicini, Ungaro, Krizia, See by Chloe, Emilio Pucci. JOLIE VILLE GALLERIA - 103 bis Erou Iancu Nicolae St., first floor. C.C. Accepted. Tax Free. MOTIVI: • Baneasa Shopping City • Bucuresti Mall 8F • Plaza Romania NAUTICA: Latest collection. • 35, N. Balcescu Blvd. 6 D • City Mall, 1st floor 2, Soseaua Oltenitei • Bucuresti Mall, 1st floor -55-59, Calea Vitan • Baneasa Shopping City - 42D, Soseaua Bucuresti-Ploiesti • “No 36” Shops PAL ZILERI: 63-81, Calea Victoriei 6 D PEEK & CLOPPENBURG: Armani Collezioni, Hugo Boss, Vogue, Burberry, Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein Jeans, DKNY Jeans • Baneasa Shopping City PULL & BEAR: • Baneasa Shopping City RIVER WOODS: • Orhideea Shopping Center 6 A • Mario Plaza Shopping Center. 4 D

SEROUSSI, PIERRE CARDIN, BRUNO SAINT HILAIRE: • Bucuresti Mall. 8 F • Plaza Romania • America House - 4-8, N. Titulescu Ave. 5 C • 241, Calea Mosilor (Outlet)

STEILMANN: • 1-5, Magheru Blvd 6 D • Plaza Romania • Bucuresti Mall

TERZOATTO: Italian Fashion. 172, Calea Dorobantilor

TIMBERLAND: Latest collection. • 35,

dan St

Accessories. • Baneasa Shopping City • City Mall - groundfloor GMT Everytime: Men & women watches: Omega, Mont Blanc, Longines, Revue Thomen, Tissot, Tag Heuer, Rado, Sector, Calvin Klein 172, Calea Dorobantilor 4 D (Mario Plaza Shopping Center) HELVETANSA: Swiss watches: Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Movado, Longines, Piaget, Tissot, Rado, Vacheron Constantin. 88, Calea Victoriei 6 D ZEN DIAMOND: Baneasa Shopping City

OPTICIANS OPTICA MALAGA: Large selection of top designer’s frames. 26, C.A. Rosetti St. 6 D

OPTIPLAZA: Top designer’s frames, sunglasses, accessories. • Bucuresti Mall 8 F • Orhideea Shopping Center 6 A • Plaza Romania SOVER: • 102-110, Calea Dorobantilor 5 D • Unirea Shopping Center, Central wing ground floor. 8 D • 18, Vergului St. Cora - Esplanada Shopping Center Granitul • Galeriile Victoria 17, Calea Victoriei 7 D • Sover Medlife 365, Calea Grivitei • Cora - Lujerului • Sover Bucur Obor, 2, Soseaua Colentina

FOOTWEAR CESARE PACIOTTI: •101, Calea Victoriei

• 118, Calea Victoriei

DEICHMANN: • Militari Shopping • Grand Arena Mall GEOX: • Plaza Romania • Bucuresti Mall 8 F HUMANIC: • Baneasa Shopping City • Militari Shopping MIHAI ALBU: Selling his own creations of leathergoods and Deluxe footwear. Grand Avenue Shopping Gallery 8 B OTTER: • Plaza Romania • Bucuresti Mall 8 F • Unirea Shopping Center 8 D • Commercial Center Feeria • Orhideea Shopping Center 6 A • Militari Shopping • Grand Arena Mall

N. Balcescu Blvd. 6 D • Baneasa Shopping City • Plaza Romania • City Mall, 2, Soseaua Oltenitei • Bucuresti Mall, 1st floor - 55-59, Calea Vitan

BOOK STORES

ZARA: • Baneasa Shopping City • Plaza

Blaine, Mariella Burani, Phard, Primigi, Tru Trussardi. Commercial Center Feeria Z: Kids fashion. • 112, Calea Victoriei 6 D • Bucuresti Mall, 1st floor 8 E • Orhideea Shopping Center 6 A • Unirea Shopping Center 8 D

Massive silver objects, Romanian Handicraft, glass objects, home life collection. • Carrefour Colentina. 8 D • 31, Soseaua Kiseleff. 4 C • Unirea Shopping Center. CASA MIA: • Mario Plaza Shopping Center. INNOVA: Crystal, design home accessories, home textiles, Christmas decorations, Limoges porcelaine. • 4, Patriei St. 7 D

JEWELRY

SPORTS EQUIPMENT & TRAVEL

Gold jewelry with precious and semiprecious stones, silver jewelry, watches, purses and other similar goods from famous designers. CELLINI: Italian art in jewelry • 1-3, Magheru Blvd. 6 D • 16, N. Balcescu Blvd. 7 D

ADIDAS: • 28-30, Magheru Blvd.

Romania

FASHION FOR KIDS KID SELECTIONS: Geox, Harmont &

NOI: 18, N. Balcescu Blvd.

INTERIOR DESIGN & DECORATION ANATOLIAN CARPET BOUTIQUE:

• Bucuresti Mall. 8 E • 116-122, Calea Dorobantilor 5 D DECATHLON: Militari Shopping DIADORA: Auchan GBS - WORLD OF BRANDS: Samsonite, Lacoste - accessories, Showwww.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

PUMA: Unirea Shopping Center. 8 E SERGIO TACCHINI: Carrefour - Autostrada Buc.-Pitesti km. 11-12 UMBRO: City Mall

ART GALLERIES

ROMARTIZANA: 18-20, Calea Victo-

CAMINUL ARTEI: 16, Biserica Enei St. GALLERY OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART OF ROMANIA: 49-53,

SARRA BLU’: • Unirea Shopping Cen-

Calea Victoriei

ANTIQUES

HANUL CU TEI - ANTIQUES, ART GALLERY & AUCTION HOUSE: 63-65, Lipscani St., 1st floor. HILTON GOLD ART: 1-3 Episcopiei St. Athénée Palace Hilton. ORIZONT: 23A, Nicolae Balcescu Blvd. SIMEZA: 20, Magheru Blvd.

riei

ter • Mario Plaza Shopping Center 4 D • Bucuresti Mall 8 F TOTEM: Handicrafts & decorations from South-East Asia, India, Africa, South America; Aromatherapy items; Jewelery & fashion accessories; Personalized gifts. • Bucuresti Mall 8 F • 1, Unirii Square 8 D

ROMANIAN HANDICRAFTS

GIFTS

ART GLASS: 9-11, Selari St. 7 D “CRAII DE CURTEA-VECHE”: Furni-

room: • 71, Soseaua Panduri. 8 B (JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel) • World Trade Plaza (Sofitel Hotel) 10, Montreal Sq. 3 B • Henri Coanda Int’l Airport HERVIS SPORTS: • Liberty Center. 9 C • Militari Shopping INTERSPORT: 39, I.C. Bratianu Blvd. 8D

KAPPA: City Mall LACOSTE: • Baneasa Shopping City

• Bucuresti Mall. 8 F

LOTTO: • 225, Calea Mosilor

• Auchan - 33A, 1 Decembrie 1918 Blvd. • City Mall NIKE: • 25, Magheru Blvd. 6 D • Bucuresti Mall. 8 F • 95, Stirbei Voda St.

Make sure you get a signed receipt when buying antiques in Romania. Ask about an export permit as well. GALERIA NUMISMATICA: Coins, medals, banknotes-expertise & sale. 35-37, Academiei St. 7 D

ture, artifacts, photography, art deco, documents from the last period of the 19th century. 14, Covaci St.

INSIDE-forever gifts by INNOVA: 4, Patriei St.

HANUL CU TEI - ANTIQUES, ART GALLERY & AUCTION HOUSE: 7 D Antiques, furniture, porcelain, art glass, jewelery, paintings, decorative art, Oriental carpets, old coins, medals, clocks, ikones & collectibles. The knowledgeable staff graciously assists beginnin collectors, corporate interests & seasoned connoisseurs. C.C. accepted. 63-65, Lipscani St., 1st floor.

MARKETS IN BUCHAREST

One of the unique and more pleasurable forms of food shopping in Bucharest are the outdoor markets. Due to transportation difficulties, supplies are often copious at one market and non-existent at another. Of the markets listed here, Amzei market has the best selection and prices. It is advisable to bring your own shopping bags when shopping at the outdoor markets.

OBART: Vases, glassware and contemporary icons. 20, Magheru Blvd.

STICEROM: Authentic glass artifacts made on the spot at Curtea Sticlarilor, a courtyartd dating back to 1857. 9-11, Selari St.

TOBACCO SHOPS

5 F A huge covered market located behind the Bucur Obor Department Store at the intersection of Calea Mosilor and Calea Stefan cel Mare. Although the selection of goods is big, the market is crowded and appears dirty. Watch your pockets and bags. If you’re looking for a truly Romanian market experience, this is your spot. Pets, including aquarium supplies, are available, as are fishing needs (including live worms, poles, lures). Wooden and woolen goods, ceramics, clothing, as well as plants cut and growing, are available. A large pedigree dog and cat market at least once a month on the street nearest Mosilor is a fun experience.

• PIATA OBOR:

• PIATA AMZEI:

Located between Calea Victoriei and Blvd. Magheru near Piata Romana. The selection is somewhat better than other markets. There is a large and lovely flower section in a separate building at the edge of the outdoor section. Small buildings selling meats and imported items surround the outdoor market. Many kitchen utensils and housewares as well as personal care items can be found here. Recently the Market has started opening all night.

5 C Located near La Fourmi on Ion Mihalache Blvd. It is a small market but has a good selection of fruit, vegetables and flowers. As with all the above markets, clothing, shoes, and household items for cleaning and cooking may also be found. Honey and other bee byproducts are a national pride of Romania and are found at all of these outdoor markets.

• PIATA 1 MAI:

4 D Located indoors on Calea Dorobantilor north of Calea Stefan cel Mare. It offers produce and flowers. The quality is better than Amzei, but the prices are olso higher. Out of season exotic fruits and vegetables can be found here. There are several other stores in this area. The meat market inside is particularly good.

• PIATA DOROBANTILOR:

Bucuresti what, where, when

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LA CASA DEL HABANO: Large selection of original Cuban cigars; accessories. 1-3, Episcopiei St. (Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest) 6 D

LIQUOR SHOPS VINLUX: Large selection of special Romania & Imported wines, cognacs, champagnes, whiskies, etc. 8, Libertatii Blvd., Bl. 115, ground floor 8 C

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Bucuresti what, where, when

To make your choice a bit easier, we have selected a number of places for you. The following restaurants currently advertise in B3W Magazine or are otherwise worthy of note. Each listing has a code corresponding to the gridded area on our visitor’s map. Hours, prices and entertainment are subject to change.

ASIAN CUISINE

BELGIAN CUISINE

Benihana Teppanyaki Restaurant & Sushi Bar:

6 D Flavors of Japan & world class Asian Chefs, preparing the food right in front of your eyes, tantalize all your senses in Bucharest’s Premier Teppanyaki Restaurant & Sushi Bar. 5-7, Calea Dorobantilor. Ph.: 021-201-5030. Open: 12:00-15:00, 19:00-23:00 last order. Cafe' Shangrila: Thai, Filipino, Chinese and Japanese food prepared by world class and versatile Asian chefs. Also serves choices of continental breakfast, salads, selection of wines and beverages. A place to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and have a taste of the scrumptious cake selections. Take out food service available. 172, Calea Dorobantilor (Mario Plaza Shopping Center) Ph.: 021-230-47-69 Open: 10:00 - 21:00 Maiko: 2 C One of the most fashionable Restaurant, Sake Bar & Lounge. The ethos behind Maiko is that the true aims of cooking are to give pleasure and satisfaction to guests, to communicate trough each individual ingredient emotion, personality and culture; to create a special event with every dish, to produce a series of little surprises that invariably introduce a new flavour. The restaurant is always delighted to host your Business Lunches, daily between 12:00 and 15:00, and to offer you the perfect 25 Euro meal for such an occasion ( Includes Salad, Rice, Miso Soup, Meat or Fish Dishes). 27-29, Grigore GafencuSt. Ph.: 021-233-2633, 031-805-3985, 0751-262-465, 0730562-456; Open: daily 12:00 - 24:00 Mandarin: 6 D Explore the exotic flavor of the Asian with Mandarin cuisine. Come join us and taste! C.C. Accepted. Guarded parking. JOLIE VILLE GALLERIA - 103 bis, Erou Iancu Nicolae St., first floor. Ph.: 021-206-8066. Open: 12:00 - 23:00 (10:30 pm - last order).

La Belle Epoque: 4 D The largest selection of Belgian beers in town. Belgian and international cuisine. Air conditioning. C.C. accepted. 6, Aviator Radu Beller St. Ph.: 021-230-0770; Open: 11:30 - 24:00. Waterloo: 7 F Original Belgian recipes with Belgian Beer. C.C. accepted. Guarded parking. 188, Traian St. Open daily from 12:00 - until the last guest leaves (24:00 last order)

BULGARIAN CUISINE Balcic: Wide range of Bulgarian appetizers and meals. Try spitted mutton & rabbit specialties! Nice decorated location. Smokers & non-smokers areas. C.C. accepted. 1, Stefan cel Mare Ave. (Perla block), Ph.: 021-230-55-35. Open: 11:00 – till the last guest

FRENCH CUISINE

Casa Vernescu: 6 D Exquisite restaurant in a historical building, hosting Casino Palace. Luxurious interior. Also Romanian cuisine. C.C accepted. 133, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-311-9744; Fax: 021-311-1645. Open: 18:30-01:00. L’Estaminet: 6 B French restaurant, within the new Ibis Continental Nord Hotel. CC accepted. 143, Calea Grivitei. Open: 7:00-22:30. Heritage: 6 D The house located on 19, Polona street was built in 1920, serving as residence to the Tatarascu family. Gheorghe Tatarascu was Romania ’s prime minister throughout two periods, also acting as foreign minister and Romania’s ambassador to Paris. The Heritage Restaurant is aiming for going on top of the most sought-after restaurants in Bucharest in terms of exquisite gastronomy. The menu at L’Heritage is a contemporary French one with a Mediterranean touch. Products are carefully chosen by the chef him-

self as proof of their freshness and quality while the bread is home-made. Epicerie Fine boutique, Wine Cellar, Summer Terrace and Gourmet Events Club. CC accepted. Guarded parking lot. Ph.: 021 210.88.50; Open: Mon - Fri : 12.30-24.00 (22.30 last food order) Sat: 19.00 - 24.00 (22.30 last food order) Sun Closed. Hilton Brasserie: 6 D The brasserie of the Hilton Hotel. Specialized in French cuisine. C.C. accepted. 1-3, Episcopiei St. Ph.: 021-303-3777. Fax: 021-315-2121; Open: 12:00-24.00. La Bastille: 5 D Down the Caderea Bastiliei St. c’est la France qui vous acceueille... French specialties mastered by the Chef Philippe Faynot, served in refined atmosphere accompanied by a perfectly balanced choice of execelente french and romania wines. Special business menu (12:00 - 16:00). C.C. accepted. Air conditioning. Ph.: 021-310-7359; Fax: 021-310-7360. Open: 12:00-24:00.

FUSION/CONTEMPORARY CUISINE

Avalon: 6 D Attentive waiters, a fine dining atmosphere, gourmet fusion cuisine that tackles your senses, make dining at Avalon an unforgetable experience. Howard Johnson Grand Plaza Hotel. 5-7, Calea Dorobantilor. Ph.: 021-201-5030. Open for rich breakfast and a la carte lunch & dinner, between 7:00-22:00 till last order.

GERMAN CUISINE

5 D Traditional German cuisine, drinks and atmosphere. C. C. accepted. 9, Stockholm St. Ph.: 021-233-9462, 021-230-1120 0722-284560. Open: Mon.-Sat 15:00 - 23:00. Sunday closed.

Die Deutsche Kneipe:

INDIAN CUISINE

Agra Palace: From the City of Agra, once capital of the famous Mogul Empire, where the white marble of Taj Mahal guards the banks of river Yamuna, among the Hibiscus flowers and majestic archways, chef Arun Kumar has brought the essential: the mysterious taste of India. C.C. accepted; Free Wi fi internet access; Guarded parking lot. Open: 12:00 .- 24:00 Sos. Pipera-Tunari nr. 47. Ph: 021-350.31.14 Karishma: 6 F Traditional & contemporary Indian cuisine; finest Indian ingredients; Indian Chef native of New Delhi; Young, friendly well trained staff. Large selection of fine wines and cocktails. C.C. accepted. Parking lot. 36, Iancu Capitanu St. Ph.: 021-252-5157. Open: 12:00 - last guest (Mon. Sat.) 15:00 - until the last guest (Sun.) Taj: 8 B Indian cuisine. Genuine Northern Indian menu creared by Indian chef. Special brunch offer. Indian live show, Fri & Sat. Indian decoration, soft music, pleasant atmosphere, separate smoking area. Air conditioned; terrace. C.C. accepted. Parking lot. 127-131, Calea 13 Septembrie. Ph.: 021-410-1820. Open: 12:00 - 02:00.

INTERNATIONAL CUISINE Allegro: Enjoy the flavors of International - Mediterranean refined cuisine superbly executed and served with professionalism. Cosmopolitan and casual atmosphere at breakfast & lunch and more elegant overtoues in the evening. CC accepted. 44A, Daniel Danielopolu St. - Ramada Bucharest North Hotel. Ph.: 021-233-5000. Open: breakfast 07:00-10:00; lunch 12:00-15:30. dinner 18:30-23:00. American Beer House: 7 G American-style decorations, first - class service. Also Romanian cuisine. CC accepted. 92, Drumul Taberei St. Ph.: 021-444-1777. Open: 11:00 - midnight Arcade - Atmosphere & Gourmet: 4 C Finest culinary experience in a charming setting surrounded by

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paintings from a well-known art gallery. Refined atmosphere, excellent service. Two private rooms, nonsmoking area, Guarded parking lot, CC accepted. 8, Prof. Ion Cantacuzino St. Ph.:021-260-2960; 0753-999-333; Open: 12:00-24:00. Cafe Theatro Restaurant: 7 D Enjoy a simple and generous cuisine in our restaurant. Summer Terrace. C.C. accepted. Secure paying parking lot. 37B, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-312-5114. Open week days: 06:30 10:30; 12:30 - 16:00; 18:00 - 23:30 (last order). Open week-ends: 6:30 - 11:00; 12:30 - 16:00; 18:00 23:30 (last order) Caredy * Casa Ardeleneasca: 4 C Transylvanian & International cuisine restaurant, placed in an esquisite villa. Large offer and special selection of wines. C.C. ccepted.Guarded parking lot. 1, Sofia St. Ph.: 021-2302769. Open: 11:00 - until the last guest leaves. Casa Capsa: 7 D Established in 1852, Casa Capsa is the symbol of the Romanian high-life society. The founder, Grigore Capsa (1841-1902) introduced from the very beginning the occidental standards of quality and refinement. He made Capsa's name a well known commercial brand all over the continent. Having a very good position, this old and famous restaurant is placed right in the focal point of the Bucharest historical center. CC accepted. 36, Calea Victoriei. Ph: 021-313 40 38 Open: 12:00-24:00 Casa Doina: 5 C Large villa dating from the 19th century transformed into a very nice restaurant. Wine cellar. Terrace. C.C. accepted. 4, Soseaua Kiseleff. Ph.: 021-222-3179. Open: 12:00 - 01:00. Casa Doina La Parc: 5 C Within Ramada Plaza Convention Center Compound in a green island, Casa Doina is offering a luxury location, fully air-conditioned and a brand which is providing a special evening. With a adjoining playground for kids and terrace. C.C. accepted. 3-5, Poligrafiei Blvd. Ph.: 021-549-2541. Open: 12:00 - 23:30. Chez Marie: 6 D Try the wide selection of international cuisine and special wines in this recently opened restaurant located in the heart of the city. 48, Dionisie Lupu St. Ph.: 031-107-2033; 0721-376-118. Open: 12:00 - until the last guest leaves. Corso Brasserie: Take your business downtown and treat yourself and your partners to a special mix of international and Romanian cuisine, buffet or à la carte in the Corso Brasserie. The spectacular view onto Bucharest’s busiest boulevard is complimentary! 85 seats Air conditioned. Free parking. InterContinental Hotel, 4, Nicolae Balcescu Blvd. Ph.: 021-310-2020; Open daily: 06:30 - 23:00; Business Lunch Buffet: Monday-Friday, from 12:00 to 16:00 hrs. Every Sunday, from 12:00 to 16:00 hrs. we offer a top quality “Brunch on the Boulevard”. Kids’room with entertainment. Crowne Plaza “Brasserie”: 2 A The “Brasserie”will entice you with its casual ambiance, great homemade specialties, numerous theme buffets and entertaining atmosphere. C. C. accepted. 1, Poligrafiei Blvd. Ph.: 021-224-0034; Open: 18:00-23:30. Cupola: 8B At the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, Cupola is an all-day International dining restaurant. Great American breakfast buffet, modern classics evening menu and mouth-watering Sunday brunch. CC accepted. Calea 13 Sept. 90. Ph.: 021-403-1903; Open: 06:30-23:00 Dacia Felix: 6 D Group restaurant within Radisson SAS Hotel for 224 persons. Terracce available. 63-81, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-311-9000; Super Breakfast Buffet: Mon.-Fri. 6:30 - 10:30, Sat. & Sun. 7:00 - 11:00, Sunday Brunch 12:00 - 16:00. Hotel Marshal Restaurant: 7 E From the glassy salon, the open kitchen and the charming covered terrace, Marshal Restaurant is waiting for you with delicious dishes carefully selected and prepared in front of you. Our secret: the charcoal grill. Fresh imported Argentinean beef and New Zealand lamb. C.C accepted. Air conditioned. Guarded parking. 2, Dr. Emanoil Bacaloglu St.; Ph.: 021-314-0880; Open: 07:00-01:00 Jadoo: 7 E Mediterranean & International cuisine restaurant. Special lunch offer - 20% discount (food only). Wood oven baked pizzas. Catering services available in neighborhood (12:00 - 15:00) Smoking and non-smoking areas. Parking lot available. C.C accepted. 3, Nicolae Racota St. - entrance from Clucerului St.; Ph.: 021-222-0502; 0724-365-583. Open: 12:00-until the last guest leaves (23:30 - last order)

La Boema: Enjoy the European cuisine, the selected French dishes in the "La Boema" Restaurant. The relaxing atmosphere and the delicious dishes will make you realize why it is called "La Boema"... And if you have not understood yet, we bring especially for you an entire collection of refined wines. C.C. Accepted. Air Conditioning, parking. Calea Vitan Barzesti 7 D ; Ph.: 031-106-1111 ext. 345 Open: 11 am - until the last guest leaves. Madrigal Restaurant: We offer a full à la carte menu with our famous, suculent prime Argentinian beef cuts as our signature dishes. International cuisine at its best! 65 seats. Air conditioned. Free parking. InterContinental Hotel. 4, Nicolae Balcescu Blvd. Ph.: 021-3102020; Open: Monday - Saturday,18:00 -23:00 . Majestic: 7 D Classic, luxurious restaurant with an intimate atmosphere, café-concert music. Snack bar and catering services. Major C.C. accepted. 11 Academiei St. Ph.: 021-310-2720; Open: 12:00 - 23:00. Poem: 9 D Modern European Cuisine. Indulge in the intimate and classic atmosphere, enjoy a refined menu and quality service. Offering breakfast, lunch & dinner, business lunch. Special wine collection and drinks at the Tower Bar or the Piano Club. C.C. accepted. Guarded parking lot. 23-25, Suter Entr. (Carol Parc Hotel) Ph : 021-336-3377; Open 07:00 – 1:00 Prime Steaks & Seafood: 6 D Grill Steak & Seafood restaurant within Radisson SAS Hotel for 44 persons. Red glass for show kitchen, walk in wine cellar set-up in a hot, relaxed and upscale mood. 63-81, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-311-9000; Lunch: Monday to Friday 12:30 - 15:00; Dinner: Monday to Sunday 18:30 - 23:00. Sangria: 5 D International menu, few Spanish dishes, nice atmosphere. Open/covered terrace! C.C. accepted. 78, Caderea Bastiliei St. Ph.: 021-211-2276; Open: 12 pm - 12 am. Times Restaurant: 7 G Panoramic view restaurant with great Romanian and International cuisine at Golden Tulip Times Hotel. C.C. accepted. 19, Decebal Blvd. Ph.: 021-316-6516. Open: 12:30-23:00. The Harbour: 6 D You’ve come a long way... you need to relax... dock to The Harbour where you will find a buffer zone, the taste of the finest international cuisine and maybe an acquaintance just to make you feel you belong... Terrace and parking. C.C. accepted. 10-22, Piata Amzei; Ph.: 0724-388-686; Open: 11:30 until the last guest leaves. The Sunlight Restaurant: The culinary world of the angelo Airporthotel Bucharest is provided by this restaurant. A copious buffet breakfast, a gala dinner and a variety of Romanian and international dishes are at your disposal every day. The Sunlight Restaurant has a capacity of approx. 110 persons. For special events such as cocktail parties, anniversaries or dinner parties, the conference rooms can be turned into functional restaurant rooms. And the stylish live music may even put you in the mood for dancing. CC accepted. 283 Calea Bucurestilor, Otopeni. Ph: 021 20 36 500; Fax: 021 20 36 530; Open 24 hours a day. White Horse Business & Events: Situated in the Northern area of Bucharest, the new established business district of the city, the restaurant offers carefully prepared traditional and international specialties for daily lunch while being in the same time the perfect location for corporate & private events. 12 years of experience, professional services and equipment and the dedicated staff assigned complete the fine quality of the taste. C.C. accepted. Baneasa Business &Technology Park, Building B, wing B2, 42-44, Soseaua Bucuresti Ploiesti, Ph.: 031-620-8412; Open: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 18:00

ITALIAN CUISINE

6 D Northen Italian Menu restaurant within Radisson SAS Hotel for 126 persons. Enoteca, espresso bar, pizzeria, salumeria, gelateria, pasticceria in a fresh, natural, urban and contemporary mood. Terracce for 96 persons available. 63-68, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-601-3436.Open: 11:30 - 23:30. Caffe & Latte: 7 C Wine Restaurant. Our Italian chef will remind you the taste of the real Italian food from the north of Italy, accompanied by the best Italian wines. Rooftop with park view - Cismigiu - in spring/summer. C.C. accepted. 35, Schitu Magureanu Blvd. Ph.: 021-314-3800; 0744-333-100. Open: Mon. - Sat. 12:00 - 23:00. Cucina: 8B At the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel. Authentic Italian food served in rustic surroundings. Fine choice of wines. Calea 13 Septembrie 90. Ph. 021-403-1902. Open: 12:00 - 15:00; 19:30 – 23:30

Caffé Città:

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6 F Restaurant, Terrace & Pizzeria. A menu dedicated to only the most simple, appetizing and brilliantly executed Italian dishes, mainly with a Tuscan twinge. Happy Hours 11:30 - 16:00, From Mon. to Fri. 10% Off. Air conditioned. CC accepted. Parking lot. 10, Marcel Iancu St. Ph. 021-211-1449; 0744-520106. Open: 12:00 - 24:00 Roberto’s: 6 D The main restaurant of the Hilton Hotel. Specializes in Italian cuisine from various Italian regions, including Tuscany, Rome and Venice. With a genuine Italian Chef. C.C. accepted. 1-3, Episcopiei St. Ph.: 021-303-3777; Open: 06:30 - 24:00. Trattoria “Il Calcio”: 6 D Extensive menu of Italian dishes. Large selection of wines, beers and spirits. Nice interiors, relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff. 14, Mendeleev St. Ph.: 021-312-2430; 0722-134-299. Open: Sun - Thu: 12:00 - 24:00, Fri - Sat: 12:00 - 01:00. Zigolini: A taste of Italy in Zigolini ristorante! A deliciously intimate dining experience nestled in the most elegant Galleria of Bucharest! C.C. Accepted. Gurded parking lot. JOLIE VILLE GALLERIA - 103bis, Erou Iancu Nicolae St., first floor. Ph.: 021-206-8015. Open: 12:00 - 23:00 (22:30 - last order).

De Gustibus:

MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE Alfresco - Restaurant & Lounge: Famous dishes from Portugal, Italy, Spain, Marocco, Greece and France, such as : Skate Wing, Cataplana, Sea food risotto, Fillet of Turbot, Grilled Calamari with chorizo sausage, Surf & Turf, Tiramisu Savoiardi. Excellent service, great atmosphere! C.C. Accepted. Air conditioning, parking lot. 11, Uruguay St. Ph./Fax: 021-222-7700 / 01. Open: 12:00 - 24:00 Il Giardino: Exclusive atmosphere; exotic cuisine; exquisite ambient. C.C. Accepted. 19, Clucerului St. Ph.: 021-223-1978; 0723-671-657. Open: 12:00 - till the last guest. Les Oliviades: 2 B Stunning decoration recreating a typical Provençale home, for an experience of relaxation, with the delight of quality Mediterranean dishes. 10, Montreal Sq. Ph.: 021-318-3000. Open: 06:30 - 24:00. Valencia: The Spanish House. Spanish & Int’l cuisine, Paella and Sangria like matadores have it. A discrete and intimate place, ideal for passionat encounters. Air conditioning. C.C. accepted. 12, Dr. Leonte St. Ph.: 021312-81-96; 0722-204-884. Open: 11:00 – 24:00.

MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE

Golden Falcon: 7 E Best Turkish restaurant in town. Full range of kebab dishes, Turkish aperitifs and traditional sweets. Catering service available. 18-20, Hristo Botev St. (near C.A. Rossetti Square). Ph.: 021-314-2825; 313-2833. Open: 12:00 - 24:00.

ROMANIAN CUISINE

Burebista Vanatoresc: 6 E Traditional Romanian cuisine & Venison dishes. CC accepted. 14, Batistei St. Ph.: 021-211-8929. Open daily: 12:00 – 24:00. Caro: 4 E Caro Hotel’s Romanian restaurant. International cuisine. Wine cellar and terrace. C.C. accepted. Guaranteed parking. 164A, Barbu Vacarescu Blvd. Ph.: 021-208-6100. Open: (restaurant) 16:00 – 24:00. Sunday closed, (wine cellar) 12:00 - 14:30 Caru’ cu Bere: 7 D Historical restaurant (established 1879) in the old town district, behind the National History Museum. Original German style interior. Live music and dancing on weekends. CC accepted. 3-5, Stavropoleos St. Ph.: 021-313-7560; Open: 10:00 -

Bucuresti what, where, when

24:00.

Casa Romaneasca: Authentic Romanian culinary delight in the traditional setting of a Romanian mansion with a splendidly decorated terrace, rich wine-cellar, large selection of Romanian wines, traditional Romanian customs and hospitality. CC accepted. 285A, Calea Bucuresti. Ph.: 021-236-1510; Ph./Fax: 021-236-1511. Count Dracula Club: 7 D Unique theme restaurant, with a cozy atmosphere. Transylvanian and venison dishes. C.C. accepted. 8A, Splaiul Independentei. Ph.: 021-312-1353; 0788-312-878. Open: 16:00 - until the last guest leaves. Hanul Hangitei: 7 D Traditional Romanian cuisine. Daily special lunch offer. 16, Gabroveni St. Ph.: 021-314-7046. Open: 11:00 - until the last guest leaves. Locanta Jaristea: A genuine taste of Romania, both food and atmosphere, a real part of the city’s history. C.C. accepted. Reservation neccessary! 50-52, George Georgescu St. Ph.: 021-335-3338; 0744.240.126; Fax: 021-301.98.45. Open: 11:00 - 02:00. Vatra: 7 D Romanian cuisine. Air conditioning. 23-25, Brezoianu St. Ph.: 021-315-8375; 0721-200-800; Open: 12:00 - 24:00.

VEGETARIAN CUISINE

Vegetarian and Fish Cuisine. Organic Ingredients and Wines. 25, Banu Manta Blvd. Piata Victoriei area, near sector 1 Town-Hall; Ph.: 0788-788-111

SUMMER TERRACES

Corso Terrace: 7 D Unique location in the heart of Bucharest. Top quality menu and drink bar with an excelent out-door view of one of the biggest boulevards of the city, at Universitatii Sq. Intercontinental Hotel, N. Balcescu Blvd., corner with Batistei St. Ph.: 021-3102020. Open: daily 07:00 - last order. Orange Garden: 2C Mediterranean & International cuisine, fresh and relaxing atmesphere are waiting for you on the most exclusivist garden in the city. C.C. accepted. 44A, Daniel Danielopolu St. (Ramada Bucharest North). Ph.: 021-233-5000. Open: daily 12:00-24:00. Poolside Grill: 6 D Refresh, revive and rejoice in the garden setting of Poolside Grill, at the ground level of Radisson SAS. Located in Downtown Bucharest, the place offers BBQ Argentinean rib-eye steak, fresh lemonade, mineral water, draught beer, Slush Puppie, frozen margarita, as well as many other dishes and drinks. Smoking allowed. Dress code: Casual. Seating capacity: 110. Open: 12.30-23.00 seasonal; Sunday Brunch 12.30-16.30 seasonal, 63-81, Calea Victoriei, Ph: 021 311 90 00. The Cafe Theatro Summer Terrace: 6 D Enjoy the new a la carte and wine menus. Try as well the Novo Express promotion with a delicious ribeye steak grilled on the barbecue right in front of your eyes, coming up with a side dish, salad and a drink of your choice, for only 59 Lei/person. 37B, Calea Victoriei, Novotel Bucarest City Centre, Ph.: 021-308-8500. The Garden: 8B At the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel. The promise of a great summer – tasty food and attractive shade for a relaxed atmosphere. Calea 13

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Sept. 90. Ph.:021-403-1919; Open: 12:00 – 01:00 from May till October. Times Terrace: At the Golden Tulip Times Hotel. The perfect palce to have a great time relax & get into the mood with cold beer, refreshing cocktails, or summer tastes delights. Free wireless internet available. 19, Decebal Blvd. Ph.:021-316-6516; Open: 08:00 – 23:00.

COFFEE SHOPS

7 C Italian Coffee Bar & Pastries Shop. One of the best cappuccino in town, just like in Italy. You may come and try it with our homemade pastry. 35, Schitu Magureanu Blvd. Ph.: 021-314-3834. Open: Mon. - Sun. 08:00 - 22:00. Cafe Klein: 7 D At Rembrandt Hotel mezzanine, Café Klein is an intimate and pleasant place for all guests who want to enjoy either a delicious breakfast or just a glass of wine. Open 12:00 – 19:00 also for those who are not the hotel's guests. The bar is for non-smokers. Free wi-fi internet inside the bar for all clients. 11, Smardan St. Ph/Fax: 021-313-9315; 021-313-9316 Grand Cafe Galleron: Large selection of drinks & coffes, quality simple food. Charming interiors, cozy atmosphere. Located in the heart of the city close to Atheneum in a superb old villa. C.C. accepted. Air conditioning. 18A, Nicolae Golescu St. Ph.: 021-312-4565. Open: 09:00 - 24:00. Hard Rock Cafe Bucharest: Over 1500 sqm building; one of the largest HRCs in Europe, the new Hard Rock Cafe Bucharest has inside seating for 300 guests plus an outside terrace with a view over the lake and additional seating for 150. 32, Kiseleff Avenue. Ph.: 021-206-6261. Open: 12:00 - 23:30 Hilton Le Bistrot: 6 D Cosy, friendly atmosphere, perfect for enjoying sastey snacks, drinks and the French - Style pasty counter. 1-3, Episcopiei St. Ph.: 021-303-3777. Open: 12:00 - 24:00 Jolie Cafe: Ideal venue for a coffee break or a business meeting. C.C. accepted. Guarded parking lot. JOLIE VILLE GALLERIA - 103 bis, Erou Iancu Nicolae St., groundfloor. Ph.: 021-206-8067. Open: daily 12:00 22:00. Geisha Cafe: High quality coffe in a very popular downtown location. 10, C.A. Rosetti St. Ph.: 021-315-7298. Open: 08:30 - 24:00. Kartell Cafe - Lounge: Nice cafe located downtown in historical part of the city. Friendly staff. Small summer terrace. St. Smardan 7. Ph.: 0749-057-770. Open: 10:00 - till last customer. Tekaffe: 6 B The ideal atmosphere for your portion of energy. Large selection of coffees, cocktails, sandwiches, salads and delicious desserts. Within Hello Hotels. 143, Calea Grivitei. Ph.: 0372-121 821; Open: week days 11 am- 2 pm; Sat-Sun 11 am- 22 pm Times Cafe: Large selection of coffee, cocktails and fancy drinks, sandwiches, salads and deserts. Summer terrace. Within the Golden Tulip Times Hotel. C.C. accepted. 19, Decebal Blvd. Ph.: 021-316-6516. Open: 09:00-23:00. Vienna Cafe: 8B At the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel. Chocolate, pastry and cake lovers, this is the place for you - known to be so good that ladies go there for a lunch of cakes only! Viennese and International desserts, freshly baked tarts, cakes and pastries. Wedding cakes on order. Calea 13 Sept. 90. Ph.: 021403-1901; Open: 09:00 - 23:00.

Caffe & Latte:

PUBS, COCKTAIL BARS & CLUBS

Bar “37”: 7 D A trendy and dynamic bar, with a young but elegant look, placed in the main hall of Novotel Bucarest City Centre Hotel. You can serve from foie gras to lobster club, from a mere caffe to a sophisticated drink. C.C. accepted. 37B, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-312-5114. Open: 07:00 - 02:00. Dark Bla Bar: 6 D Cognac & cigars bar within Radisson SAS Hotel for 34 persons. Single Malts, Cognacs & Cigars in an upscale & late night mood. 63-81, Calea Victorie. Ph.: 021-311-9000; Open: 17:00 - 02:00. Light Bla Terrace: 6 D Outdoor, atrium bar within Radisson SAS Hotel. Beverages, cocktails, cakes, pastries, snacks in a chill, cool stuff and contemporary mood. Terracce available. 63-81, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-311-9000; Open: 12:00 – 02:00. Bla Lounge Bar: 6 D Ice bar within Radisson SAS Hotel for 108 persons. Vodka, Cocktails, Beverages & Snacks in a hear, feel and taste mood. 63-81, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-311-9000; Open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 - 02:00; Sunday 09:00 till midnight. Champions: 8B At the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel. The American Sports Bar and Restaurant. A place for good food, good times and good sports. Live TV Sport coverage on 27 flat screen TV sets. Calea 13 Sept. 90. Ph.: 021-403-1917;Open: 17:00 - 01:00

(Closed for lunch during summer).

Crowne Plaza “Lobby Bar”:

Crowne Plaza Lobby Bar is the best place for an apperitif, a glass of wine or beer (every time with peanuts and snacks) and for a cocktal. The professional bartender is happy to fulfill your every wish, creating a special cocktail for you. 1, Poligrafiei Blvd. Ph.: 021-224-0034. Open: 06:00 - 24:00. Centro Bar & Lounge: 6 D In the throbbbing heart of Bucharest, be part of the city center action in Centro Bar & Lounge, while savoring your tailor made cocktails in the hospitality of our experienced bartenders. Howard Johnson Grand Plaza Hotel. 5-7, Calea Dorobantilor. Ph.: 021-201-5030; 021-224-3000; Open: 09:00-23:00 last order. 2nd Centro Bar & Lounge: 2 A It is a great inner city Bar & Lounge newly opened. It was made with the finest furniture and design, to look very trendy indeed. The greatest cocktails and coffees are made here. The food is just fantastic! The menu is filled with interesting dishes, crammed with fresh ingredients. At every lunchtime you can find also a menu of the day. The crowd is super cool; you can party late in the night weekends. Friday & Saturday DJ Y-lau is spinning tunes and setting the groove. 239, Calea Dorobantilor; Ph.: 021-331-5533; Open: 8:00-24:00. The Dubliner Irish Pub: 5 B Genuine Irish atmosphere. Draught beer. Air-conditioned. Very popular among the members of the English speaking community. 18, Titulescu Blvd. Ph.: 021-222-3737; 021-222-9473. Open: 12:00 - 02:00. Gaia Bar & Lounge: Perfect place for special parties. Interior design made by well known Romanian fashion designer C.C. accepted. 40-44 Banu Antonache St. Ph.: 0726-327-061. Open: Thu. - Sun. 22:00 - till morning, Green Hours 22 Jazz Café: 5 C Hip and unique. Enjoy exotic cocktails and coffee in a neon-lit, tubeshaped bar, with live, trippy jazz-rock on one end and cozy couches on the other-like spending an evening in a surreal submarine. Also a relaxing outdoor patio that's packed on weekend nights. Music most nights after 9 pm.. Morning coffee or nightly cocktails. 120, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 0722-234-356. Open: non-stop The Sky Gate Bar: This bar of the angelo Airport hotel Bucharest offers a pleasant and relaxing environment where you can enjoy a cup of coffee, an afternoon tea, a refined cocktail or simply a cigarette in

pleasant company. The hotel’s professional bartenders are always there just when you need them. Located right beside the lobby and restaurant, the bar offers its guests an intimate, private area. CC accepted. 283 Calea Bucurestilor, Otopeni. Ph: 021 20 36 500; Fax: 021 20 36 530; Open 24 hours a day. The Harp Irish Pub: 8 D Very popular Irish hangout with great selection of beer, a warming atmosphere downstairs complete with fireplaces candle-lit tables and extensive seating upstairs. Guaranteed to be packed with younger Romanians and expats alike any weekend evening. The second Irish hangout in Bucharest. Air-conditioning. C.C. accepted. 1, Piata Unirii. Ph.:021-335-6508. Open: 09:00 - until the last guest leaves. Hilton English Bar: 6 D Within the Hilton Hotel. C.C. accepted. St. Episcopiei 1-3. Ph.: 021-303-3777/ ext. 3962. Open: 11:00-02:00. Intermezzo Bar: After a meeting or before a concert relax and enjoy the live piano music. 50 seats. InterContinental Hotel. 4, Nicolae Balcescu Blvd. Ph.:021-310-2020 Open daily: 08:00 -01:00 Onx Pub: 6 A Lot of fun, karaoke, live concerts & special parties. 290, Splaiul Independentei, Regie P16 Open: 12:00 - until the last guest leaves. Orange Bar (lobby bar): If you are looking for a place to enjoy the highest standards, a perfect coffee, fresh sandwiches, sft drinks and the best cognac in town, you most go high, go North! C.C. accepted. 44A, Daniel Danielopolu. St. Ph.: 021-233-5000 Open: daily 10:00-24:00 White Horse: 4 D Pub & Restaurant. English & International cuisine. Wide selection of draught beers. CC accepted. 4A G. Calinescu St. Ph.: 021-231-2795. Open: 12:00 - until the last guest leaves. Trafalgar Pub: 5 D Beer, wines, spirits and snacks. Close to Turkish Embassy on Calea Dorobantilor. 4A, David Emanuel St. Ph.: 021-211-3151. Open: 11.00 till last gues. Twice: 8 E Your only vice. Cocktail bar & exquisite club. Two floors, two music levels, two art galleries. The ideal place to meet a friend or to see a celebrity. 4 St. Vineri St. Open: 09:00 - 05:00.

OTHERS

7 D Piano Bar on the 2nd floor of the Intercontinental Hotel. Quiet Club for pleasant cocktails. 4,

Madrigal:

We have compiled for you a list of the nicest places in Bucharest for nightlife relaxation to help you lose your daily stress. For more details please read our Bucuresti by Night supplement, in the middle of the magazine (where available). NIGHT CLUBS Bamboo: 39, Ramuri Tei St., www.bamboosportingclub.ro Ph.: 0722-132-283, 0788-296-776 Cuando Club: 35-37, Academiei St., www.cuando.ro; Ph.: 0722-505085 Disco Club Maxx: 290, Splaiul Independentei, www.clubmaxx.ro; Ph.: 021-223-00-39 Embryo: 3, Ion Otetelesanu St., www.embryo.ro Ph.: 0727-379-023 Fuchsia: 18, I. Brezoianu St., www.fuchsia.ro Ph.: 0727-315-713 Gossip: 9-11, Lanariei St., www.clubgossip.ro Ph.: 0721-GOSSIP Kristal Glam Club: 2, J.S. Bach St., ww.clubkristal.ro Ph.: 021-231-21-36, 0721-993-988 Music Club: 31, Baratiei St. Ph.: 021-314-61-97 The Office: 8, Tache Ionescu St., www.theoffice.ro Ph.: 021-211-67-48 Posh Club: 19, Orhideelor Ave., www.clubposh.ro Ph.: 0751-157-575

Session: 47-49, Elefterie St., www.session.ro Ph.: 0729-292-541, 0721-151-649 Studio Martin: 41, Iancu de Hunedoara Blvd., www.studiomartin.ro. Ph.: 0722-399-228 Temple: 25, Splaiul Independentei, www.clubtemple.ro; Ph.: 0748-881-086, 313-35-75, 0727-297-610

MASSAGE PARLOURS Illusion Massage: Luxury salon Erotic Massage. Phone: 0735-750-991; www.illusionmassage.ro

Ibiza Massage: Erotic, Double, Body and Relaxing Massage. Phone: 021-316-9929; 0727-239-744; www.ibizamassage.ro Karma Massage: Erotic body & relaxing massage. Hotel visits or free car to the downtown salon and back (in 20 min). Free minibar. Open non-stop. By appointment, Ph.: 0722-699-488; 021-327-3884; www.karmamassage.ro Perfect Massage: Erotic, Double, Body and Relaxing Massage. Phone: 0733 571 690 www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

THE LAST WORD • Volume 16 • Number 7 • • September 2009 • Published by Crystal Publishing Group srl. http://www.bucurestiwww.ro

Dear Reader,

Publisher: LUDWIG GELOBTER Editor-in-Chief: SORANA MAN Coordinating Editor: Gabriel Arsene

As the Fall Season starts, I want to revisit a couple of my pet issues and concerns. I don’t believe that any of the issues I mention are exclusive to Bucharest or Romania, but still, because we are a “developing nation” some of these trends are disturbing, while others are exciting. -A brand new super market opened around the corner from me. Not one of the huge “hyper-markets, just a couple of steps up from the local “magazin alimentar”. It is open non-stop, so given my irregular hours, I decided to check it out. Nice lighting, new fixtures, air-conditioned…and MORE THAN 50% of the shelf space is devoted to expensive junk food and alcohol. There is even a nicely designed cigarette and high priced alcohol counter, while there are exactly 6 small boxes of tired looking Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. -On every sidewalk, except in the very center of the City, cars have won! There are now even two rows of cars parked on my sidewalk! When I walk in the remaining space I need to look out for cars moving in and out of their “parking spaces”. I am lucky to have a wider sidewalk, narrower ones have been totally pre-empted by cars. -Thanks to the economic downturn, or the vacation season, traffic is a lot better these days. I did an informal survey while waiting for the tram the other day, some interesting numbers: -more than 25% of the drivers are speaking on the phone -About 50% are not wearing seat belts MAKE A LITTLE MONEY, HAVE A LOT OF FUN, BUT WORK HARD

CPG IS LOOKING FOR AN EDITOR Send CVs to: sorana.man@bucurestiwww.ro lgelobter@bucurestiwww.ro; office@bucurestiwww.ro

Web Site: Vlad Alexandrescu Editorial Dept. e-mail: office@bucurestiwww.ro Photos:

-More than 50% are alone in the car -More that 30% of drivers seem to be young women Then there are the encouraging changes as well. At the intersection of Blvd Chisinau and Blvd Basarab there are now three brand new PLASTIC RECYCLING BINS, while there is a pay toilet across the street. Though not yet in a network, there is a growing number of bicycle paths, and plans are being developed by the Mayoralty to place bicycle parking racks in strategic locations. We plan to support that effort, and will keep you informed of the progress. Bucharest residents are becoming more conscious of, and involved in, environmental organizations and concerns, as our editor notes elsewhere in this issue. The fact that stores are now charging for plastic shopping bags may seem minor by itself, but it serves as an environmental reminder, every time you pay that extra 20 Bani. Meanwhile my friend Traian Badulescu Pressperson of the Association of Romanian Tourist Agencies advises that the organization has launched a countrywide campaign urging the authorities to provide public sanitary facilities near major tourist attractions. Despite the dire predictions, Romania has survived the economic crisis, so far, and things are looking just a bit brighter for the fall. So do your part, go out, enjoy the fall weather, and spend some money! Have an enjoyable visit.

Ph./Fax: +4021-323-3829; +4021-323-7033

Ludwig Gelobter, Publisher lgelobter.bucurestiwww.ro

Crystal Publishing Group 253, Calea Calarasilor Bl 67 A, Suite 4 Bucharest, Romania Phone & Fax: (004021) 323-3829; (004021) 323-7033, (004021) 323-4706 Executive Director: Valeriu Stefanescu Oancea Financial Manager: Victoria Serban Marketing & Sales Department Senior Sales Executive: Sorin Patrascu Sales Representatives: Elena Marinescu, Onut Gheorghe e-mail: advertising@bucurestiwww.ro GRAPHIC & DTP BUREAU Art Director: Mihai-Cristian Rampelt DTP Designer: Aurel Preda To Advertise in Bucuresti What, Where, When call: Phone & Fax: (004021) 323-3829; (004021) 323-7033 (004021) 323-4706 or e-mail at: advertising@bucurestiwww.ro North America US International Office 1001 W. Pinhook Road, Suite 300, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA Ph: +1 337 704 0554 Annual subscription Romania 80,00 Lei Payable to Crystal Publishing Group Banca Comerciala Romana – filiala sector 4 Bucharest Account no.: RO08 RNCB 0075035221160001 (Lei). For all other countries Euro 36,00. Please send the order and a check or money order to Crystal Publishing Group 1001 W. Pinhook Road, Suite 300, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA Circulation up to 21,500 copies. Distributed on a complimentary basis in major hotels: Ambasador, angelo Airport Hotel, Armonia, Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest, Capitol, Caro, Carol Parc, Central, Centre Ville Aparthotel & Elite Apartments, Class, Confort Otopeni, Confort Traian, Crowne Plaza, Dalin, Dalin Center, Duke, Elizeu, Golden Tulip Times, Golden Tulip Bucharest, Hello Hotels, Herastrau, Howard Johnson Grand Plaza Hotel, Ibis Gara de Nord, Ibis Palatul Parlamentului, Inter-Continental, JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, Lev Or, Marshal, Minerva, NH Bucharest, Novotel Bucarest City Centre, Parliament, Persepolis, Pullman Bucharest, Radisson SAS Bucharest, Ramada Majestic Bucharest, Ramada Bucharest North, Ramada Parc, Ramada Plaza, Razvan, Rembrandt, Rin, Rin Grand, Starlight Suite Hotels, Tempo, Tulip Inn Bucharest City, Venetia; Airlines and airline offices: Air France, Air Malta, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, Balkan Air, British Airways, Carpatair, CSA, EL AL, Emirates, Eurojet Aviation KLM, LOT, Lufthansa, Malev, Olympic Airways, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, SN Brussels Airlines, Swiss Int’l. Air Lines, Turkish Airlines; rent a car agencies; government offices, business centers, important banks & consulting companies.

B3W is a Romania Audit Bureau of Circulation (BRAT) Audited Publication

© 2009 Crystal Publishing Group, srl. ISSN 1222-5703 All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Reproducerea articolelor fara acordul scris al editorului este interzisa.

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Bucuresti What Where When Magazine is printed on paper originated from sustainable managed forests. Printed by: Coprint

Bucuresti what, where, when