uşa does not equal USA well unfortunately there is a lot of anti-american sentiment in some countries (not completely unwarranted.) this does not seem to be the case here in romania (fortunately for me) however, when i first came to visit here in may 2005 i didn't know what to expect. thrilled to be exploring new territory, i travelled with my friend to the train station in a taxi. when i got into the taxi there was a sign in the taxi in BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS

nu trântiți uşa

well i assumed the worst thinking that maybe the driver did not want to transport americans - so i sat quietly in the back and didn't speak - later i asked my friend about this and laughter resounded and he asked me if that is why i was quiet :) i think this is the first word in romanian outside of basic greetings that i learned and one i will never forget.


a trânti (uşa) = to slam a door (esc verb)
SUA = USA  ¶ 10:41 a.m.