Four previous blogs reported on the Intensive Program on Traditional Foods in Romania which took place during the first weeks of February. Students who participated were asked to reflect on their experiences.

Written by Rineke Boonen.

Saturday the 28th of January the time was come. Four students from Wageningen University replaced Wageneningen for two weeks Cluj-Napoca in Romania. We went to the cold Romania (-20C!) to take part at the Intensive Programme (IP) with the subject:”Microbes and traditional Foods: Competitors or allies”.

Cluj-Napoca brought us two weeks of colleges, excursions, Ursus and a lot of Romania food. A time to remember and a real recommendation for anyone. I had a fantastic time in Romania. I met a lot of new people from a lot of different countries and new friendships were made. We couldn’t stop talking about the differences between our cultures and habits. It was also quit fun to learn the other students the Dutch language.Also the complaining about the Romania food from the university cafeteria made us feel like a real group. Because together we have enjoyed our daily portion of cabbage, potatoes and pork. The Romania wisdoms: ‘The best fish is meat’ and ‘pig is the best vegetable’ weren’t misplaced.

In the evening we also knew where to find the students pubs with the East-European prices. I have a lot of unforgettable memories about these nights. And when we didn’t feel that well the next day we toke an Holinka, because ‘Holinka cures everything’!Romania thank you for your hospitality!