Your videos pulled me out of a very bad rut back in early 2020. I'm not overstating it, only your videos managed to knock me back down to reality. I remember the sequence of events quite vividly. I've returned to pay back a tiny portion of what you gave to me. Thank-you.
WOW Amazing! :) i bet he will be extremely grateful. I love his videos as it gives me hopes and dreams and to get more confident trying to travel about without having panic attacks
Ben - I do not know if you lay there in your Soviet style hotel room reading through comments posted to your videos but if you do I want you know know this… You fill many upon many viewers with great happiness when a new video is released. I can only speak for myself but I bet many others would agree to this, we hope you do not stop making these videos. Your way of storytelling is pure & unique plus it’s simply the best. Please stick with it even if it is every once & awhile. Cheers to you Ben
I once got a bald reply on one of the cuba videos and I was high from it for days. Star struck in a way haha. Your comment was really wonderful and I'm glad he was able to read it! His videos really do make my day when they drop and I hope he knows that. 🥰
It's content like this that really shows how amazing UA-cam is. Just a guy with a camera travelling by himself making better videos than 99% of the crap that cost millions. Thanks!
Romania has bad reputation in Europe because of the ethnic "g - word" living in Romania (youtube will censor this comment if I even spell the word), although most of them now left Romania. Mix that with the Dracula story, past communism, poverty, and 90% of tourists are scared away. The only tourists left that really want to visit Romania are the risk taking, adrenaline junkies looking for an exotic dangerous place to visit. But those too get disappointed because instead of an exotic dangerous place, they find a "normal" eastern block place not really different from, say, Poland. In the North-Western half of Romania, even people look a lot like those from Poland, or even from East-Germany. The irony is that Romania really has quite special touristic attributes. But given the circumstances, Romania's unique touristic flavor will continue to be appreciated only by the few expert connoisseur tourists.
It is so rare that my UA-cam recommendations provide me with anything worth watching. But, thankfully, your channel appeared a few days ago and now I have many hours of your wonderful videos to watch!
Finally. As a Romanian, I was waiting for a video with my country for so much time haha! Glad to see you had fun! You're always welcome in our country! 🇷🇴
Romanian born but living in US for the past 32 yrs. I remember as a 14 year old the Revolution in 1989 like it was yesterday. I appreciate you B&B for going over the details and the last days of Ceausescu’s communist regime.
What was it like when you moved to America? Did you experience any culture shock? I'm always curious to hear what people think when they first come to America.
Thanks for making such great videos. I might never get to visit any of these places but you make it feel like we’re right there beside you. Buy some locals a beer for me
@@drako.ddrako $50 isn’t gonna hurt me and make me unable to travel to these places lol. I have many other things in life stopping me at the moment. Sorry that doing what I want with my money upsets you lol
Bald you have made the past couple months awesome. I’m a college student and whenever I have free time I watch your videos and they are amazing. The way you joke always cracks me up. I’ve traveled to 45 countries and you inspire me. I’m going to tromso Norway in December and you should come with:)
I went to Romania last year for the second time of my life. Its such a facinating place and some of the most beautiful scenery. I would highly recomend going to romania.
I took this exact train to Arad a few weeks ago, and after seeing this soviet mosaic - I was wondering when you’d stumble across it. Shame we didn’t cross paths - enjoy Romania mate 🇷🇴
It's not a "soviet" mosaic. Obviously the style originated in the SU but they were all over the Eastern Block. As Ceausescu wasn't exaclty on the best terms with Moscow showing too much affection for or speaking too highly of the Soviet Union could get you in trouble.
Hi, you must go to Mangalia, a small town on the Black Sea shore! There is the hugest mosaic I've ever seen in my whole life! (a comunist era mosaic, of course...), it has more than 300 m2! Check it on web and if you think it's worth the effort, go there! It is placed on the "House of the Culture" wall.
i just got back from 2.5months on my first solo trip/first europe trip to hungary, romania, bulgaria, north macedonia, kosovo, albania, montenegro, croatia and your vids were a big reason i felt inspired, safe and confident enough to do it. thanks Ben, all love from Canada :)
Little explanation about The Astra Building in Arad across the Train Station: that building is the office building from the biggest train carriage producer in Romania _ ASTRA RAILS ( former Astra Vagoane Arad) - a company established in 1891. Wish you a nice experience traveling trough Romania ( my country) and I highly appreciate all your work! Welcome in Romania
Also Greenbrier Astra Rail was the building with the soviet mosaic that the security guard kicked him out from. What a coincidence. Started with the modern astra rail building and ended with the original Astra rail building were Ceausescus were executed . I only kew cause i was curious why security guard kicked him out of a normal looking parking lot. Then as the video went on i seen the sign at the front of building so i googled it.
@@bum9075 That might actually be a real joke in places like UK or Paris. But the pickpocketers belong almost exclusively to a certain ethnic minority in Romania where you rarely see them now days, they all went to Paris and Rome. We don't miss them here, but unfortunately they give a bad reputation to all Romanians. Oh well. People always find reason to talk shit, if not they'll just make something up.
As a romanian leaving outside Romania you can't even comprehend how many emotions were going through my body in those 50 minutes. Fortunately, I was born after 89' but still know most of the stories about Ceaușescu from my parents. You described everything very well. Chapeau!
Please never retire! You are what most documentary presenters dream of. Keen interest in what you look for, appreciate the journey, unafraid of adventuring into unknown and off-the-beaten track places, love for the history in every place you visit, attempt to speak the local lingo and sense of humour! One of maybe 2 UA-camrs I will drop everything for and watch! In fact, you've inspired me to travel more and to places off the beaten track like small towns, especially the journey to and from!
Thank you Ben for the video and the piece of history! After Johnny FD last video of Bucharest in the club in the old town, I was very pissed about the image he was projecting of Romania, which was totally wrong. I live in Bucharest and follow your videos since the early beginning in India, your videos are more fair with the region you’re visiting. One thing you got it wrong is the Revolution square in Bucharest. The one you’ve filmed near the People’s Palace it is called Constitution Square and Ceausescu was not there in 89 but in the more central location of Revolution Square. But that is a confusion my wife also had until recently, and she is living in the city :-).
e cel mai nasol vlog care la facut , sa bagat in seama cu tigani anumit , primele 15 minute inca era in Ungaria , sa plans de mancare de aiurea plus alte detalii
Too bad Bald has some inaccuracies. And the reason Ceaușescu got where he got was not talked through (you don't end up being the only country where communism falls with a Revolution for nothing while the others peacefully transition, ok?)
It is worth adding that the demolition of the center of Bucharest and the construction in the communist style had an important reason. during the earthquake in 1977 it was found that the center had survived, so that's where Ceausescu built his headquarters.
Really stoked to see you in Romania. When I was in college I had the incredible opportunity to go to an archaeological field school program in Romania. We took the train from Budapest into central Romania where I stayed with a Romanian family for a month in the tiny provincial town of Rapoltu Mare. While there we ate, drank, and excavated Dacian remains/artifacts with the locals. Most spoke almost no English, and I almost no Romanian, but we absolutely formed a bond. Hearing the opinions the older locals have on Ceausescu was very interesting and surprising, we were told by our American professors that he was an inherently evil presence on the country and people - I appreciate you taking the time to listen to the locals. Can't wait to see where your Romanian travels take you next. I hope you check out the decommissioned salt mines that are now repurposed into underground amusement parks. And if you find yourself in Rapoltu Mare, you have to climb Magura Uroilui - it's a landscape feature that has been well documented during the Roman Empire. Be safe Bald.
@@jakobdieckmann Yes. To me the difference is that I actually got to see videos of what happened that day. I know about the cosmonauts and what not but It was always left to the imagination. It was fascinating to see in modern times and with a good camera the place where they judged and shot him. They didn't even go far away, they just exited the building and bam, right there and there. The Soviet Spaceship one is probably my second favorite though.
I went to Romania in May and I had an amazing experience. The people were so hospitable and one lady I met on the local market invited me to her house for a traditional lunch. It was honestly so amazing, something like that would never happen where I'm from (the Netherlands). So yeah, I really love Romania and I hope you had a nice time too!
It is due to the backward mindset of the race chavunist people still prevailing throughout the world,it is a pathetic condition of the humanity while we evolve along the technology still human mind not scientifically evolve to understand the equality of the humanity.
Romania is a beautiful country. I even married a Romanian and we live in Australia, but Romania also captured my heart. It will always be a special place for me
Another amazing video! I am Dutch myself (living in Sofia, Bulgaria). You should really visit Bulgaria sometimes there is a lot of old Soviet murals, buildings, statues and so on. Some very nice hidden ones that you won't find online.
Hey Ben, regarding the AC, as soon as you went into the wagons bound for Romania. It's a widespread belief in Romania that a draft can kill you (mostly old people believe this), the symptoms range from muscle aches, swollen eyes/ears and tooth aches😅. In almost all public transport (trains included) you can see people shutting the windows and cranking up the AC as to avoid the draft of death. Love the videos and hopefully you'll visit soon. All the best!
Don't forget Bald may travel for as much as 24hrs and all we see is a few minutes highlighting the journey. Once at the destination the adventurous episodes seem so immediate but he may be at a city 2 days to make a short video.
Those talks you have with locals like that taxi driver have always been my favorite part about this channel. You can read a history book or watch the news, but it still won't be nearly as informative about what life was/is like if you have those conversations with the locals that actually live there.
However, I think you should have not showed that taxi driver. You should take into consideration that he might face repercussions for stating his opinion of the current government. Perhaps he'll be ok, but why take a chance with his safety?
@@AutomaticSelector Romania is a free country and has free speech. There is no repercussion whatsoever unless you defame someone. Politicians go to prison like everyone else. However, that taxi driver was talking crap (conspiracies etc.).
Your videos have always made me want to get out and just see places like this for myself. No luxury no tourist destinations just seeing other parts of the world that are similar to ones we call home. Look forward to the next adventure
"Nobody puts baldy in the corner." God bless you bald, you take me on amazing adventures, nothing will ever make me want to visit Eastern Europe more than your channel.
That was a most interesting historical tour of Romania, keep up the great work showing us all different countries and cultures from the people's perspective👍👍👍
At 8:40 when you said "One sör" it translates to Hungarian " Is there any beer" - The answer was "Van (pronounced like one)" - which is "There is". Was a funny conversation. Fagylalt means Ice cream though. 10:40: You bought almost the cheapest beer, which exists in Hungary, the cashier asked back: "Are you sure? " By the way, on Szolnok there is a huge military air base. It might clear things up, why the railway station is so huge. In addition, there is the largest workshop of the Hungarian railway company for repairing railway cars.
Thank you for the translation! I would love to know what the conversation was like when he was at the doorway to the bar, especially the part where she thought he was Russian. She seemed to have an interesting reaction to that information!
@@icanwatchthevideos The old lady barely understood anything. When Bald said "rusky" she was suprised or maybe shocked. She got curious (or maybe suspicious). At the end when Bald said "London" she understood he is english. It was a weird conversation.
Thank you for continuing to produce these videos. Not only are they entertaining but also informative. Romania has such a rich history, and I'm glad a large channel is giving it the spotlight it so deserves. Keep up the great work. I look forward to your next adventure.
Thank you for this video Ben! I was born a year after the revolution and adopted from the orphanage to here in New Zealand and as I grow older I can appreciate just how monumental of a time this was for Romania and have come to realise how this event affected not only so many lives there but also my own. I wonder often how my life would have been if the regime lasted even one year more than it did.
Hey mate, I'm a Kiwi too and the places Ben goes almost seem like a different world, I can't imagine what it must be like knowing you were born there. I would love to go and visit someday but it just seems so far away! Of course it is great being here in our safe little country but we are quite isolated from the rest of the world which can be annoying at times. Have you been back at all?
@@electrain Of course the story is told from Ben's perspective because it's his channel. Everyone has their biases. I don't think Ben is intentionally lying or deceiving, he's just telling it how he sees it. I think he's being sincere and you can of course have your own opinion.
bald just wanna say that your way of storytelling is so refreshing and fun to watch. every upload feels like a new episode to your adventures, and you show us the real world with real people! massive thank you and i hope you keep uploading!
Best travel logs on the stupid tube today. This man is an ambassador of good spirit and fair play. His ability to communicate, navigate and make gestures of kindness with faulted grace... He is such a fount of knowledge and awareness of the Soviet condition. His love for the people and culture of the eastern European/Asian culture of the former Union is heartfelt and genuine. I wish I could have a week of travel with him to feel the sense of unknown hope and the abuse he takes for all of us to see what he goes through to share his experiences. Good on you and the best sport and absolutely lovely side kick, Elainchechk. ( I probably murdered the spelling) much love for you.
It's about the people, you are to glory minded, he is sharing the true life of the regions. Your problem is he doesn't promote anything other than true experiences. The world is not the way you want it. Thank God...
@@dyawr yes, that's right, I wrote also a comment. I'm so ashamed of what he showed in this videos. A taxi guy with 0 IQ , who doesn't know that are the president attributions in a semi-parlamentary VS. socialism and he said that EU is a bulls... . A couple of gipsies trying to rip him off and he said "friendly romanians", instead of "friendly gipsies".
Absolutely stunning. One of his best yet. This could easily run on PBS and be considered one of it's best programs of the year. A very fast near hour because every scene was fascinating, ending with the chalk marked Ceaușescu s in front of the bullet marked wall Wow!!. I always figured Romania to be dicey and it sure is. And so sad to hear the old woman say that it's gone even further downhill. But the guy from Kazakhstan , "Hey Buld an' Bankruptcy!" LOLOL!!!
It's really not that dicey, he was just pretty selective with what he showed. Old people always think it's getting worse because the only thing old people can think about is how terrible it is that the government hasn't increased retirement funds. Statistically, the quality of life in general has gone way up since the 2000s and especially the 90s.
love you bald!! You take me away from the pain and strife in my life...every time I see a new vid you put out I am overjoyed with anticipation! Thank you sir! Thank you so much!!
I was in Targoviste two years ago on a business trip. I feel ashamed I totally missed the historical aspect of that town. I usually study every place I stay. In a way, your video now completed my trip two years ago, giving it a greater value. Thank you!
I'm curious as to how so many people do these business trips. Like, I don't understand how people travel so much for business. Is it a job that requires meeting with people? Maybe you can explain better? Thanks
Mr. Ben, if I knew you would come to Timisoara I would have taken you to meet my grandfather aged 95. Ex military officer under Ceausescu's regime. You would have loved him and his house, everything there is related to the 70s and 80s. Safe travels and thank you for the wonderful content.
I especially like how you are telling the Caucescu history by building it up partially in different places, as we progress toward in the video. I sadly learned today that you are about to quit making videos. This feels like losing a good friend to me. You are true inspiration man, greetings from North-Eastern Hungary. God bless you
@@brothel_exe The balkans go through a bit of Italy also just like Romania, why isn't Italy considered balkan too? Not that I care but it just doesn't make any sense. We are not at war anymore to divide europe like that. Romania has its own mountain range and it's called the Carphatians since 65% of the Charpatians are in Romania, yet we are Balkan? Only 4.6% of the Balkan mountains are in Northern Dobruja. Explain that logic to me. Then if you want to split Romania by influence then you must consider that Romania is formed of 3 principalities and all 3 have distinguished cultures only the southern part being relatively closer to Bulgaria but that's all. So nah, we aren't Balkan, we are Charpatian people. Romania's entire history developed around the Charpatians not Balkans and while we have similarities we are also slightly different people to Bulgarians, Hungarians or any of our neibours as well.
@@celestindimitriu3675 Yeah it isn't but we do share very similar customs and Romanian culture is closer to the Balkans rather than central and Eastern Europe
As a romanian ,it is the first time seeing Ceausescu's last trip, in images. I've read thousands wrote stories, but ,your story is the first, with images .?! It looks like, we,the Romanians, still have to learn how to explain our history.Good job mate !
There are literally hundreds of hours of film footage of all these events (Timisoara, CC, Targoviste, all). You are just lazy or poorly informed. A simple Google search would've drowned you in footage, documentaries, video investigations and anything you can imagine. The Romanian Revolution was the first one to be televised (as in filmed, photographed & documented in such detail). Saying we don't see or know of footage of it is just plain ignorant.
I've watched all of your videos Ben and each one has been as entertaining as the last. It's been amazing following you on your journeys the past 3-4 years. Love your work mate. Much love from an Englishman living in Poland.
I hope you do more videos from Romania. This one was great! My mother's side of the family are all Romanian. My grandfather jumped ship in Cyprus in the early 1950s (I think it was around then?) to get away from the communism. We have a newspaper article calling him an "illegal immigrant". When he immigrated to Canada he had to have a paper signed stating that he wasn't a communist. My grandmother told me that they drove to Romania from Hungary for my Aunt's wedding in the 1970s and my grandfather was so scared about getting arrested at the border crossing that he nearly pissed himself. Luckily my uncle happened to be from the same town as the border guard and they had no issues.
Romania is one of the countries I really love, so I have been there a lot. Bucharest, Cluj, Brasov, Iasi, Timisoara etc. but much to see still. Usually I travel solo, and haven't had any big troubles there personally, on the contrary the Romanians have been very helpful and friendly.
Their villages are beautiful too, I'd highly recommend visiting Rimetea, Viscri, Biertan, and Prejmer. The medieval towns, its villages with fortified churches, and its pristine nature make Transylvania the last truly medieval landscape in Europe.
Ben, thank you. You're a par excellence historian, delightful reconteur, fascinating and multi faceted personality. With each of your videos that I have watched since following you for the last 3 years I'm so much well informed of the countries that I'm not ever going to visit in my life time. I'm seventy years old. Thanks to you I've learned to appreciate the culture, traditions,food etc of the people living in different countries and continents. How different we can be in terms of looks, colours of our skins yet under all these, the hearts that beats are the same. Kind and good people everywhere you go. There are many more good people than the bad one's. I'm from India the tiny state of Manipur which you have visited. I wish you and Alina will stick together forever. 'All the world love a lover.' I'm rooting for both of you.
Hey Ben, well I’m Incredibly happy your following your one true path. I wish you the very best of luck mate what ever your next big adventure entails. It’s been an absolute pleasure watching you grow with your channel over the years and making real honest content without the jargon. I hope it’s not the end but another chapter. Xx
About the trams in Arad. You were lucky to catch an old one. There have been modern trams recently introduced which although being much more comfortable, really don’t have the special feeling the old ones gave. And also about the meal, restaurants here are normally under the supervision of the ANPC which supervises the quality of food and services throughout the country. So chances of getting food poisoning are low, but not 0.
For me as a tourist was a marvellous experience riding that old tram in Bucharest... I'm not very old I'm 35 but the feeling I had was like travelling in time... The are very loud but that was even more fun 😂 probably if I had to ride them everyday I wouldn't be so found to them 😂
I'm not Romanian but I lived there for 4 years during my teenage years and now I miss it sooooo much man. Loved the vid, will visit Romania in the future for sure!
the life is different in the big cities now because of the economical growth. there are lots of luxury places / restaurants / services and so on at a good price. Bucharest s GDP is bigger than Croatia / Bulgaria / Slovakia s GDP now.
You must never stop making your videos, they are amazing, we all love them. You’ll soon get bored not doing your travel adventures, you know it, I know it, everyone on here knows it.
I loved this video! I went on a two week performance tour of Romania back in 2011 when I was in college with our jazz ensemble. We stayed in the same Hotel Central that you stayed in while in Timisoara. My friend and I ate in the square with the church and drank unfiltered Timisoreana beer, which was the freshest beer I have ever had. We also stayed close to the palace in Bucharest and played at the national radio hall. This brought back a ton of memories for me. I really enjoyed how you followed the history of the revolution. Great videos, keep them coming!
I am a Hungarian born and raised in the middle of Romania. I've been following you since you were walking around Russia. I laughed a lot in this episode because of the way you mixed Hungarian and Romanian words. I liked to see through your eyes how we here are seen.Timișoara is my favorite city in Romania, but I'm in Sighisoara. If you pass by, give me a sign and I'll be your guide... good luck!
I wish I could visit Timisoara and Western Romania cities. I hope they're better than those in the east and south of Romania. And Szekelyes aren't Hungarian bruh, even though you associate them
Hello Ben! Huge fan and I'm glad to see you in my Country, Romania. The comunist party was such a big part of us that after the "coup d'état" when the party was abolished, the removal of it left such a big scar on our people that no one knew how to heal. As such it got infected and rotted away. Would love for you to show more of Romania, specially the old traditional villages as that is a huge part of us as well. Thank you, and have a great trip!
I just wish he never stops doing this!! Romania is on my bucket list for a long time. Amazing culture and amazing history, and geography maybe the best part of it. Really hope to visit soon as possible.
man benjamin you’re living a dream… i’ve always wanted to go explore different countries in different continents and getting an insight on how the locals of different towns and cities live and the stories they can tell. love the videos! it always feels like we’re exploring with you
Watching him is much more comfortable than actually doing it.. Keep in mind we see only the interesting 5% of a day and not much of the tedious travelling, living on instant noodles and warm soda drinks / mineral water
@@Blackadder75 yeah you got a point there, it is a little tedious at times like crossing the kazakh desert while it’s like 29-34° out and eating junk food but i feel like if you look past that you won’t really mind the struggles because the sightseeing is all worth it in the end :D maybe that’s just me
Fascinating, Amazing & stunning video Ben showing us a piece of major world history & the events in Romania in 1989. Have been to Romania & loved every second of it as it's people are warm, genuine & have an awesome sense of humour even in Bucharest but the hospitality in the towns is something else. These days, Romanian politicians usually quickly change their tunes when Romanians are upset at situations & start protesting in Piata Revolutiei. The radio shown at 37:43 looks so much like the Romanian produced Carmen set which was restored by David Tipton on his YT channel. FYI, quick & dirty but rough pronunciation guide for Romanian (FYI, "Learn Romanian with Nico" is a fantastic YT resource for learners). Vowels ie a/e/i/o/u are roughly pronounced "arr", "ehh", "eee", "ohhh", "ouuu". Ce/Ci is pronounced "tche"/"tchi" but anything else following "C" other than e/i is pronounced "k" ie Ca = ka, Cu = ku. â is pronounced as in România "ouu" ie Romunia & has a far deeper gutteral sound than ă. ă is a less guttural sound than â & similar to "er". ș as in București is pronounced "sh" ie Boukoureshti but usually said Bucureștiul ie The Bucharest. ț as in Constanța/Țuica is pronounced "ts" ie Konstantsa/Tsuika. Romanian female names usually end in a vowel but male names usually end in a consonant. Mulțumesc ie Thank You is pronounced Moultsoumesk. Please is Vă rog (Informal & far more common) or Dumneavoastra/dvs (Formal or mark of respect ie when meeting a girls "outlaws"). Many of the Pimsleur audio lessons use a lot of formal Romanian but well worth a shot if you're trying to learn. Compared with Hungarian, Romanian is 100x easier to learn as it's similar to Italian, French, Portuguese being a romance language. Fun fact #1: Prior to latinisation of the alphabet, Romanian was written using cyrillic characters. Fun fact #2: If you visit Romania, try their dessert Papanași (Papanashi) & you'll thank me later. Fun fact #3: Old Romanian text used virgulas also on the "i" ie Î but it's not used as much in modern Romanian. For great Romanian songs to help you in your learning process check out "Copacul" by Aurelian Andreescu, "Sub Pielea Mea" by Carlas Dreams, "Lacrimi de inger" by DJ Project, "Aseară Ți-am luat basma" by Uddi, "Piesa mea preferata" by Vescan, "Baga Mare" by Connect-R feat Shift & "Lume, Lume" by Maria Tanase. Hope it helps!.
I moved to krakow, Poland in 2021 after living in USA for 36 years. My mother immigrated from Poland to USA during communism. I hope you will follow your soul and revisit your roots
@@killpill23 well i think nowadays some states of us are more communist than Romania for example lol. dunno if Poland was ever a true communist country
@@tlNCG i lived all of my 30 years of life in romania, birn in 92 , i haven't really experienced true communism but i heard many stories from my uncle, he worked in the security which he ain't proud. Tbh the only place in US I'd want to live is Montana , nowhere else, i know east and west coast are ghetto af, south as well
I can watch Bald's videos first thing in the morning, middle of the day, during a meal, or right before bed. They are some of my favorite videos on this site and I love the adventurous spirit, the many things I learn, and the style in which you go about travel and life. Thank you legend for making our days!
Bald is an absolute LEGEND! I hope he inspires a lot more people to get to places that aren't on any "top 10 places you MUST visit" lists because the entire world is beautiful and full of incredibly kind people, not just the places on some arbitrary lists.
Ever since I found this channel when he went to Moldova bald has made me eager to travel to all these places in Eastern Europe and Asia. He is truly an amazing creator and an inspiring traveller.
Seeing you had posted just brought me the most excitement I’ve felt in months. As a single low income mother of 4 I’ve never left the state I live in.. watching your videos makes me feel like I’m traveling with you for sticking with it even if your content is sporadic please don’t stop creating.
I can not begin to express my gratitude for every video you make....you alway’s have my glued to my tv watching closely and listening to every word you say....i wish that i had a teacher like you when i was in school i would have enjoyed history then....i simply can not get enough of your video's i truly learn so much from you....thank you from the bottom of my heart gor all you do for us ....love from New Hampshire USA
@@joebloggers1504 That's false, in fact Bulgarians were speaking an old version of Romanian until they switched to Russian, which they still speak nowadays.
Well done again, Ben. Nice clip although I know the places, history and Romania well. I live here in Bucuresti since 8 years and have visited for +20 years, been a bit everywhere It is an amazing country, diverse, from the mountains, the Danube delta, the black sea, the north, the west and the soft hills in Transylvania. Quarters in Iași reminds of Paris. Sighisoara is magic and many other places too. I am also fascinated by the diversity of people here who have been here centuries: hungarians, germans, serbians etc. A truly interesting country. I also have many Roma friends, mainly musicians. Romania today is modern, a very good place to live. Many things work much better here than in Sweden where I come from originally. About communist nostalgia: yeah, I do hear it now and then from neighbours and others. One guy, who is now dead, told me that during communist days he had a nice uniform and a salary, never had to work, just smoked and drank an played cards with his friends. Then this bloody revolution cam along. The bastards gave me a shovel and said dig! It was hell, he said. I recommend a few movies from RO that should be on Netflix and alike: Silent Wedding and Tales from the Golden Age.
I love that Bald always hops into some random local bars/restaurants without taking a second to check it out upfront, leave alone looking for reviews. There's always a nice element of surprise and most of them have some weird, empty, surreal style, that almost feels like a kind of art.
I didn't discover your UA-cam channel from the beginning of it, but when I did, I watched all of your videos, the only person that I watch who makes me feel like I'm actually there in the places you visit, and now visiting my hometown Arad(which I left 12 years ago) made my day, keep being you, absolutely great human.
Importantly, Ceaucescu argued at the trial, "you are the same as us" since the quick trial was aimed at ensuring that the Romanian people would be convinced that new politicians would be in charge, whereas in reality, the existing political powerbase essentially replaced Ceaucescu..... There is a popular analysis of this in Yuval Harari's book "Sapiens". .....anyway, interesting video as always! Having been a frequent visitor in Romania for two decades with my in-laws, it is a problematic story, but despite the infinite mess, only very few people are truly nostalgic of the past....
yep, the closing remark instead of "how fast empires could be toppled if we unite as people" should be "how fast people are satisfied with blood spilled and no other particular change"
Your videos pulled me out of a very bad rut back in early 2020. I'm not overstating it, only your videos managed to knock me back down to reality. I remember the sequence of events quite vividly. I've returned to pay back a tiny portion of what you gave to me. Thank-you.
Legend
Legend
Brilliant ❤️
WOW Amazing! :) i bet he will be extremely grateful. I love his videos as it gives me hopes and dreams and to get more confident trying to travel about without having panic attacks
legend.
Ben - I do not know if you lay there in your Soviet style hotel room reading through comments posted to your videos but if you do I want you know know this…
You fill many upon many viewers with great happiness when a new video is released. I can only speak for myself but I bet many others would agree to this, we hope you do not stop making these videos. Your way of storytelling is pure & unique plus it’s simply the best. Please stick with it even if it is every once & awhile. Cheers to you Ben
Wow… what a privilege! The only comment to get the Bald & Bankrupt Seal of Approval. I will never wash my apple iPhone screen again!!!
Wonderful comment!
I once got a bald reply on one of the cuba videos and I was high from it for days. Star struck in a way haha. Your comment was really wonderful and I'm glad he was able to read it! His videos really do make my day when they drop and I hope he knows that. 🥰
Well said
wholeheartedly agree!
It's content like this that really shows how amazing UA-cam is. Just a guy with a camera travelling by himself making better videos than 99% of the crap that cost millions. Thanks!
That is because you are easily entertained. It takes a big budget to entertain upper echelon folk like myself
@@luke6645 No you're just too picky.
@@aristonia1991 funny you say that, my mother called me picky growing up ❤️❤️❤️
@@luke6645 I geuss all moms are the same haha.
Romania has bad reputation in Europe because of the ethnic "g - word" living in Romania (youtube will censor this comment if I even spell the word), although most of them now left Romania. Mix that with the Dracula story, past communism, poverty, and 90% of tourists are scared away. The only tourists left that really want to visit Romania are the risk taking, adrenaline junkies looking for an exotic dangerous place to visit. But those too get disappointed because instead of an exotic dangerous place, they find a "normal" eastern block place not really different from, say, Poland. In the North-Western half of Romania, even people look a lot like those from Poland, or even from East-Germany.
The irony is that Romania really has quite special touristic attributes. But given the circumstances, Romania's unique touristic flavor will continue to be appreciated only by the few expert connoisseur tourists.
It is so rare that my UA-cam recommendations provide me with anything worth watching. But, thankfully, your channel appeared a few days ago and now I have many hours of your wonderful videos to watch!
Finally. As a Romanian, I was waiting for a video with my country for so much time haha! Glad to see you had fun! You're always welcome in our country! 🇷🇴
Same finally haha!
@@spanqueluv9er who tf said he needs?
Bai frate , nu mai venea odata in Romania . Incepeam sa cred ca are ceva cu noi 🤣🤣🤣🤣
subscriu :)
Ba da imi era rusine cand auzeam copcilu' ala din timisoara
Romanian born but living in US for the past 32 yrs. I remember as a 14 year old the Revolution in 1989 like it was yesterday.
I appreciate you B&B for going over the details and the last days of Ceausescu’s communist regime.
♥️
What was it like when you moved to America? Did you experience any culture shock? I'm always curious to hear what people think when they first come to America.
I only want to tell you - Very Good decision you make to go to the US... you know the reasons! Regards from Bulgaria, neighbor!
Probably around 2 million Poles in Chicago welcomed you when you had got to US
Either a lot has been done and a lot has to be done. That’s how I would describe it
Thanks for making such great videos. I might never get to visit any of these places but you make it feel like we’re right there beside you. Buy some locals a beer for me
Thank you so much Craig. That is extremely generous of you! Much appreciated brother.
Simp lol
I MIGHT never get to visit any of these places...I love your optimism Craig, I KNOW I'll never got to any of these places, lol.
@@drako.ddrako $50 isn’t gonna hurt me and make me unable to travel to these places lol. I have many other things in life stopping me at the moment. Sorry that doing what I want with my money upsets you lol
@@drako.ddrako 😡
It’s good to see Bald still going strong after all these years. One of the only travel vloggers who isn’t boring and insufferable on the platform.
Lol what timing. He just announced he just finished filming his last video :(
Insanely bad timing... ouch
@@socracle2774 Eh, I don’t care. He deserves a break anyway he’s been going at it for years. Good for him
@@socracle2774 i saw that...why did he take that comment down...i saved it!
Thanks for sharing all your adventures with us. I hope you keep making videos, they're irreplaceable!
👍👍
Donating to a millionaire sexpat lol
Much appreciated Marlena!
Sachin gutte India
Marlena please send me name Sachin gutte india
I love Balds style. I live vicariously through him, being disabled and having no hope of ever visiting these countries.
I genuinely wish you the best, and hope that one day you might get to travel somewhere.
I'd definitely would watch a video of you traveling if possible
same i would watch it if you uploaded! It doesn't have to be anything big but maybe if you went on a run/hike, get well!:)
@@jonasvloggar5880 bro
@@jonasvloggar5880 mount everest bro
Hey German here, that sign at 32:58 says "This is where the revolution began, which ended the dictatorship." For anyone wondering.
Thanks for your amazing channel Bald, can’t wait to see what else you have in store for all of us.
Dang no likes or comments after 5 days. I'm sorry bro I'll give you your first like. 👍
Well, he just decided to retire from youtube. You have your answer on what did Bald have in store for us XD
Amazing how one man with a camera, alone, is producing some of the best content available. Respect mate!!!
That Aerodome video is something else entirely. Can’t wait to see this one
Take your tongue out his ass Javier
THE BEST
Love how the train conductor just casually started talk in german to you.
yes lol
Yeah ppl there speak german hungarian and even serbian
Not unusual... the older generations might rather know German instead of English.
@@nt2734 correct in the old Austria-Hungary most people learned German
@@nt2734 but none of them know the true communist language which is ruski
One of my favorite things about your videos, is the lack of an "intro sequence". No montage, no song, straight at it. Stay safe out there.
Intros are a complete waste of time😘
@@johanswede8200 I enjoy the Life Of Boris intro, but that is pretty much it.
So true, spent the day looking for UA-cam help for my car, 30% of the videos are intro’s.
@@bordersw1239 Personality and content is all...I don't care about beautiful editing...Actually I hate it😁
And most important no please like and subscribe!
Bald you have made the past couple months awesome. I’m a college student and whenever I have free time I watch your videos and they are amazing. The way you joke always cracks me up. I’ve traveled to 45 countries and you inspire me. I’m going to tromso Norway in December and you should come with:)
I went to Romania last year for the second time of my life. Its such a facinating place and some of the most beautiful scenery. I would highly recomend going to romania.
I took this exact train to Arad a few weeks ago, and after seeing this soviet mosaic - I was wondering when you’d stumble across it. Shame we didn’t cross paths - enjoy Romania mate 🇷🇴
Didn't expect to see you here
Same so when does your video come out
@@60nascar It's already out - part of my London - Istanbul video live a few weeks back :)
It's not a "soviet" mosaic. Obviously the style originated in the SU but they were all over the Eastern Block. As Ceausescu wasn't exaclty on the best terms with Moscow showing too much affection for or speaking too highly of the Soviet Union could get you in trouble.
Hi, you must go to Mangalia, a small town on the Black Sea shore! There is the hugest mosaic I've ever seen in my whole life! (a comunist era mosaic, of course...), it has more than 300 m2! Check it on web and if you think it's worth the effort, go there! It is placed on the "House of the Culture" wall.
My wife was literaly screaming from the other room that there's a Bald episode from Romania. It finally happened!
He’s just Andrew tate in disguise
@@John-zv2zb um…. NO
Imagine having a wife
ur wife is pretty hot
He was already in Romania in other videos. When he visited Transnistria or when he visited Moldova.
This is one of my absolute favorite episodes. The planning, the history, all fascinating. Romania and Ukraine are my favorite of all Bald’s travels.
i just got back from 2.5months on my first solo trip/first europe trip to hungary, romania, bulgaria, north macedonia, kosovo, albania, montenegro, croatia and your vids were a big reason i felt inspired, safe and confident enough to do it. thanks Ben, all love from Canada :)
Would you mind saying how much roughly the trip cost you? Thank you.
Have you for real not visited Serbia?
Wow!
@@pianissimopiano based
As a European myself, I would be afraid to visit these countries unfortunately
Little explanation about The Astra Building in Arad across the Train Station: that building is the office building from the biggest train carriage producer in Romania _ ASTRA RAILS ( former Astra Vagoane Arad) - a company established in 1891. Wish you a nice experience traveling trough Romania ( my country) and I highly appreciate all your work! Welcome in Romania
Also Greenbrier Astra Rail was the building with the soviet mosaic that the security guard kicked him out from. What a coincidence. Started with the modern astra rail building and ended with the original Astra rail building were Ceausescus were executed . I only kew cause i was curious why security guard kicked him out of a normal looking parking lot. Then as the video went on i seen the sign at the front of building so i googled it.
how do you know when a Romanian is really cold? He has his hands in his own pockets.
@@bum9075 uncalled for
To Romania. Someone had to😂😂
@@bum9075 That might actually be a real joke in places like UK or Paris. But the pickpocketers belong almost exclusively to a certain ethnic minority in Romania where you rarely see them now days, they all went to Paris and Rome. We don't miss them here, but unfortunately they give a bad reputation to all Romanians. Oh well. People always find reason to talk shit, if not they'll just make something up.
The timing and delivery of that “Based” when you got out that taxi had me in stitches. You got a natural sense of comedic direction.
No sane romanian would defend communism. It ruined our country.
it's funny cos I was just thinking that in my head and then bald said it, amazing!
As a romanian leaving outside Romania you can't even comprehend how many emotions were going through my body in those 50 minutes. Fortunately, I was born after 89' but still know most of the stories about Ceaușescu from my parents. You described everything very well. Chapeau!
This man just simply never fails to deliver with amazingly great content. Thank you so much Benjamin and much appreciation for all you do!!!
Here here.
@@eatsinabeat *Hear Hear 🤣🤣🤣
@@chrissi.enbyYT What did you say ?
Wow build for him a worship statue.
Please never retire! You are what most documentary presenters dream of. Keen interest in what you look for, appreciate the journey, unafraid of adventuring into unknown and off-the-beaten track places, love for the history in every place you visit, attempt to speak the local lingo and sense of humour! One of maybe 2 UA-camrs I will drop everything for and watch! In fact, you've inspired me to travel more and to places off the beaten track like small towns, especially the journey to and from!
Thank you Ben for the video and the piece of history! After Johnny FD last video of Bucharest in the club in the old town, I was very pissed about the image he was projecting of Romania, which was totally wrong. I live in Bucharest and follow your videos since the early beginning in India, your videos are more fair with the region you’re visiting. One thing you got it wrong is the Revolution square in Bucharest. The one you’ve filmed near the People’s Palace it is called Constitution Square and Ceausescu was not there in 89 but in the more central location of Revolution Square. But that is a confusion my wife also had until recently, and she is living in the city :-).
e cel mai nasol vlog care la facut , sa bagat in seama cu tigani anumit , primele 15 minute inca era in Ungaria , sa plans de mancare de aiurea plus alte detalii
Plz give more money 🤑
esti mandru ca stai in mizeria aia de oras cu cei mai mizeri romani
You can keep your $2.04usd serf!!
Thanks! Very good video
Salut and greetings to Romanian latin people form Polonia 😁 🇵🇱 ❤🇷🇴 frumos country 👌Mulţumesc!
This is spectacular, no one ever covered Ceaucesc's last day like this before.
Exactly so in-depth he is a great story teller.
No one ever covered that Romania had zero external debt when it got rid of Caucesku , and Romania External Debt reached 147.3 USD bn in May 2022
Too bad Bald has some inaccuracies. And the reason Ceaușescu got where he got was not talked through (you don't end up being the only country where communism falls with a Revolution for nothing while the others peacefully transition, ok?)
It is worth adding that the demolition of the center of Bucharest and the construction in the communist style had an important reason. during the earthquake in 1977 it was found that the center had survived, so that's where Ceausescu built his headquarters.
There is... Search & you will find 😁
This is classic Bald. Amazing historic journey. Loved it. Please don't ever leave us Benjamin
I love Romania. Been so many times and even married a Romanian. Amazing culture and what beautiful countryside....
I pity you
@@dean9330 get help
Really stoked to see you in Romania. When I was in college I had the incredible opportunity to go to an archaeological field school program in Romania. We took the train from Budapest into central Romania where I stayed with a Romanian family for a month in the tiny provincial town of Rapoltu Mare. While there we ate, drank, and excavated Dacian remains/artifacts with the locals. Most spoke almost no English, and I almost no Romanian, but we absolutely formed a bond. Hearing the opinions the older locals have on Ceausescu was very interesting and surprising, we were told by our American professors that he was an inherently evil presence on the country and people - I appreciate you taking the time to listen to the locals. Can't wait to see where your Romanian travels take you next. I hope you check out the decommissioned salt mines that are now repurposed into underground amusement parks. And if you find yourself in Rapoltu Mare, you have to climb Magura Uroilui - it's a landscape feature that has been well documented during the Roman Empire. Be safe Bald.
Perhaps we will see Romanian students doing some archeology in the States
My favorite episode so far. The Romanian Revolution of 1989 has always fascinated me....and to see those places again....goosebumps
Romanian *COLOUR* revolution you mean to say. This whole "Revolution" was orchestrated by CIA and Mossad.
Better than Soviet spaceship?!? :-)
@@jakobdieckmann Yes. To me the difference is that I actually got to see videos of what happened that day. I know about the cosmonauts and what not but It was always left to the imagination. It was fascinating to see in modern times and with a good camera the place where they judged and shot him. They didn't even go far away, they just exited the building and bam, right there and there.
The Soviet Spaceship one is probably my second favorite though.
I went to Romania in May and I had an amazing experience. The people were so hospitable and one lady I met on the local market invited me to her house for a traditional lunch. It was honestly so amazing, something like that would never happen where I'm from (the Netherlands). So yeah, I really love Romania and I hope you had a nice time too!
Yeah, we're like that. Feel free to come back here, you're always welcomed.
I loved my time there but sadly I visited during a semi-lockdown and as such only ever really met shop keepers and train attendants. I want to return.
I'm happy for you. it's a pity that in your country we Romanians are treated like garbage :)
It is due to the backward mindset of the race chavunist people still prevailing throughout the world,it is a pathetic condition of the humanity while we evolve along the technology still human mind not scientifically evolve to understand the equality of the humanity.
every place with low amount of foreigners is hospitable. people are still curious about you.
Romania is a beautiful country.
I even married a Romanian and we live in Australia, but Romania also captured my heart. It will always be a special place for me
☝️Tell Max I referred you to him for a business investment that will change your financial life...
This is top tier storytelling. Thank you for sharing the world with us once again, bald.
This guy makes josh gates look like a pre-school teacher
53 minutes?! You’re a gem Bald thank you 🙌🏼
Many years ago, I accidentally came by the Romanian national anthem, and was amazed by its beauty, hope to visit Romania some day! Love from China~
Another amazing video! I am Dutch myself (living in Sofia, Bulgaria). You should really visit Bulgaria sometimes there is a lot of old Soviet murals, buildings, statues and so on. Some very nice hidden ones that you won't find online.
Your videos… your style… your personality… your storytelling…. It’s just the best! Thanks Ben! Great video again!
Hey Ben, regarding the AC, as soon as you went into the wagons bound for Romania.
It's a widespread belief in Romania that a draft can kill you (mostly old people believe this), the symptoms range from muscle aches, swollen eyes/ears and tooth aches😅.
In almost all public transport (trains included) you can see people shutting the windows and cranking up the AC as to avoid the draft of death.
Love the videos and hopefully you'll visit soon. All the best!
Vine curent!!!! 😂
People in Japan believe this as well (especially the older population).
@@jeffpritchard1592 Pretty sure it's Korea.
This guy has more adventure in half and hour than I've had in my entire lifetime
Welcome to the club bro
@@nikoh6703 NIKO, COUSIN!
Yea I feel the same... he probably doesn't waist his time watching UA-cam and leaving useless comments like me and you...
join in the MI6
Don't forget Bald may travel for as much as 24hrs and all we see is a few minutes highlighting the journey. Once at the destination the adventurous episodes seem so immediate but he may be at a city 2 days to make a short video.
Thanks!
Those talks you have with locals like that taxi driver have always been my favorite part about this channel. You can read a history book or watch the news, but it still won't be nearly as informative about what life was/is like if you have those conversations with the locals that actually live there.
However, I think you should have not showed that taxi driver. You should take into consideration that he might face repercussions for stating his opinion of the current government. Perhaps he'll be ok, but why take a chance with his safety?
@@AutomaticSelector Romania is a free country and has free speech. There is no repercussion whatsoever unless you defame someone. Politicians go to prison like everyone else. However, that taxi driver was talking crap (conspiracies etc.).
Yeah but in Romania taxi drivers are very dumb, not a good source of information
@@miserotia said who?
@@thefool1086 he speaks like a facebook boomer that thinks everything was better back then
Your videos have always made me want to get out and just see places like this for myself. No luxury no tourist destinations just seeing other parts of the world that are similar to ones we call home. Look forward to the next adventure
"Nobody puts baldy in the corner." God bless you bald, you take me on amazing adventures, nothing will ever make me want to visit Eastern Europe more than your channel.
That was a most interesting historical tour of Romania, keep up the great work showing us all different countries and cultures from the people's perspective👍👍👍
Romanian is such a beautiful language! Love from Switzerland!
Too many jeepsys
I spent 4 weeks driving around Romania about 15 years ago. It's was my 1st eastern euro road trip and it got me hooked. Awesome country
At 8:40 when you said "One sör" it translates to Hungarian " Is there any beer" - The answer was "Van (pronounced like one)" - which is "There is". Was a funny conversation.
Fagylalt means Ice cream though.
10:40: You bought almost the cheapest beer, which exists in Hungary, the cashier asked back: "Are you sure? "
By the way, on Szolnok there is a huge military air base. It might clear things up, why the railway station is so huge. In addition, there is the largest workshop of the Hungarian railway company for repairing railway cars.
As a Hungarian it was very funny😂😂😂
-One sör
-van
hogy van sör? :D
Thank you for the translation! I would love to know what the conversation was like when he was at the doorway to the bar, especially the part where she thought he was Russian. She seemed to have an interesting reaction to that information!
@@icanwatchthevideos The old lady barely understood anything. When Bald said "rusky" she was suprised or maybe shocked. She got curious (or maybe suspicious). At the end when Bald said "London" she understood he is english. It was a weird conversation.
10:40 The cashier said "biztos", but it wasn't a question in my opinion, she just reacted that she didn't unterstand a word, like "yes of course".
Thank you for continuing to produce these videos. Not only are they entertaining but also informative. Romania has such a rich history, and I'm glad a large channel is giving it the spotlight it so deserves. Keep up the great work. I look forward to your next adventure.
We are being blessed with these long frequent uploads. Love it
I feel like I’m there on an adventure with you, the comfort you feel with being anywhere is beautiful ! It’s like anywhere is home, it’s magic
Very well said.
Following Ben around from place to place, to see him buy and drink beer :)
Thank you for this video Ben! I was born a year after the revolution and adopted from the orphanage to here in New Zealand and as I grow older I can appreciate just how monumental of a time this was for Romania and have come to realise how this event affected not only so many lives there but also my own. I wonder often how my life would have been if the regime lasted even one year more than it did.
Hey mate, I'm a Kiwi too and the places Ben goes almost seem like a different world, I can't imagine what it must be like knowing you were born there. I would love to go and visit someday but it just seems so far away! Of course it is great being here in our safe little country but we are quite isolated from the rest of the world which can be annoying at times. Have you been back at all?
@@TheTruthKiwi there is a loooooooooot of lies and manipulation in this „story”.
@@electrain In Stefan's comment?
@@TheTruthKiwi in the video
@@electrain Of course the story is told from Ben's perspective because it's his channel. Everyone has their biases. I don't think Ben is intentionally lying or deceiving, he's just telling it how he sees it. I think he's being sincere and you can of course have your own opinion.
bald just wanna say that your way of storytelling is so refreshing and fun to watch. every upload feels like a new episode to your adventures, and you show us the real world with real people!
massive thank you and i hope you keep uploading!
It's all about personality and Baldy has it. Very engaging man.
Best travel logs on the stupid tube today. This man is an ambassador of good spirit and fair play. His ability to communicate, navigate and make gestures of kindness with faulted grace... He is such a fount of knowledge and awareness of the Soviet condition. His love for the people and culture of the eastern European/Asian culture of the former Union is heartfelt and genuine. I wish I could have a week of travel with him to feel the sense of unknown hope and the abuse he takes for all of us to see what he goes through to share his experiences. Good on you and the best sport and absolutely lovely side kick, Elainchechk. ( I probably murdered the spelling) much love for you.
An excellent comment
@@dyawr he is allowed to show real Romania even if it offends your political sensibilities
It's about the people, you are to glory minded, he is sharing the true life of the regions. Your problem is he doesn't promote anything other than true experiences. The world is not the way you want it. Thank God...
@@dyawr yes, that's right, I wrote also a comment. I'm so ashamed of what he showed in this videos. A taxi guy with 0 IQ , who doesn't know that are the president attributions in a semi-parlamentary VS. socialism and he said that EU is a bulls... . A couple of gipsies trying to rip him off and he said "friendly romanians", instead of "friendly gipsies".
Absolutely stunning. One of his best yet. This could easily run on PBS and be considered one of it's best programs of the year. A very fast near hour because every scene was fascinating, ending with the chalk marked Ceaușescu s in front of the bullet marked wall Wow!!. I always figured Romania to be dicey and it sure is. And so sad to hear the old woman say that it's gone even further downhill. But the guy from Kazakhstan , "Hey Buld an' Bankruptcy!" LOLOL!!!
It's really not that dicey, he was just pretty selective with what he showed.
Old people always think it's getting worse because the only thing old people can think about is how terrible it is that the government hasn't increased retirement funds. Statistically, the quality of life in general has gone way up since the 2000s and especially the 90s.
love you bald!! You take me away from the pain and strife in my life...every time I see a new vid you put out I am overjoyed with anticipation! Thank you sir! Thank you so much!!
welcome to Romania! I have been waiting for this for a long time. You will have a great time here, please enjoy every minute of it! All the love❤
I was in Targoviste two years ago on a business trip. I feel ashamed I totally missed the historical aspect of that town. I usually study every place I stay. In a way, your video now completed my trip two years ago, giving it a greater value. Thank you!
Mika you have to go back now :D
I'm curious as to how so many people do these business trips. Like, I don't understand how people travel so much for business. Is it a job that requires meeting with people? Maybe you can explain better? Thanks
Srpski grad Trgovište
@@stefandrakche Serbia had no influence over Wallachia and Moldova like ... never. Bulgaria on the other hand did. So nah, nothing to do with Serbia.
@@stefandrakche "Targ" - means "market" in Romanian. 10% words have Slavonic origins.
Mr. Ben, if I knew you would come to Timisoara I would have taken you to meet my grandfather aged 95. Ex military officer under Ceausescu's regime. You would have loved him and his house, everything there is related to the 70s and 80s. Safe travels and thank you for the wonderful content.
I especially like how you are telling the Caucescu history by building it up partially in different places, as we progress toward in the video. I sadly learned today that you are about to quit making videos. This feels like losing a good friend to me. You are true inspiration man, greetings from North-Eastern Hungary. God bless you
He is not going to quit. He just said that he'll visit some other places than ex-soviet countries
@@mauri1996fs I love the soviet series but yay
Ceausescu ,not 'Caucescu' ..it's like saying to John Smith , "Jihs Smot"
Literally the best content on UA-cam ever made.
@@SIGMA_BLYAT He had more Babushkas than you ever dreamed of
True!
Great to see you are getting closer to the Balkans, this part of Europe has alot to offer. I hope you do a video on Bulgaria as well.
Oh yeah, imagine Bald on Buzludzha.
Only Romania isn't a balkan country tho
@@celestindimitriu3675 We all eventually have to accept the reality that.. we are balkan.
@@brothel_exe The balkans go through a bit of Italy also just like Romania, why isn't Italy considered balkan too? Not that I care but it just doesn't make any sense. We are not at war anymore to divide europe like that. Romania has its own mountain range and it's called the Carphatians since 65% of the Charpatians are in Romania, yet we are Balkan? Only 4.6% of the Balkan mountains are in Northern Dobruja. Explain that logic to me.
Then if you want to split Romania by influence then you must consider that Romania is formed of 3 principalities and all 3 have distinguished cultures only the southern part being relatively closer to Bulgaria but that's all. So nah, we aren't Balkan, we are Charpatian people. Romania's entire history developed around the Charpatians not Balkans and while we have similarities we are also slightly different people to Bulgarians, Hungarians or any of our neibours as well.
@@celestindimitriu3675 Yeah it isn't but we do share very similar customs and Romanian culture is closer to the Balkans rather than central and Eastern Europe
As a romanian ,it is the first time seeing Ceausescu's last trip, in images. I've read thousands wrote stories, but ,your story is the first, with images .?! It looks like, we,the Romanians, still have to learn how to explain our history.Good job mate !
There are literally hundreds of hours of film footage of all these events (Timisoara, CC, Targoviste, all). You are just lazy or poorly informed. A simple Google search would've drowned you in footage, documentaries, video investigations and anything you can imagine.
The Romanian Revolution was the first one to be televised (as in filmed, photographed & documented in such detail).
Saying we don't see or know of footage of it is just plain ignorant.
@@Alexandru-Alexe Come on guys. Unite as one!! History shows Romanians are unstoppable when you unite.
Divided you starve.
🤣🤣🤣 How old are you.....15 ?
@@Alexandru-Alexe Well done Sherlock!!
Embarrassing
I've watched all of your videos Ben and each one has been as entertaining as the last. It's been amazing following you on your journeys the past 3-4 years.
Love your work mate.
Much love from an Englishman living in Poland.
I hope you do more videos from Romania. This one was great! My mother's side of the family are all Romanian. My grandfather jumped ship in Cyprus in the early 1950s (I think it was around then?) to get away from the communism. We have a newspaper article calling him an "illegal immigrant". When he immigrated to Canada he had to have a paper signed stating that he wasn't a communist. My grandmother told me that they drove to Romania from Hungary for my Aunt's wedding in the 1970s and my grandfather was so scared about getting arrested at the border crossing that he nearly pissed himself. Luckily my uncle happened to be from the same town as the border guard and they had no issues.
From which city is your father from? :D
@@dreamertom my grandfather was born in Barlad and my grandmother's parents were from around Suceava.
Must make you feel lucky they did the things they did so you could have freedom. Well done your grandfather, clearly a very brave man🙂👍🏻
Romania is one of the countries I really love, so I have been there a lot. Bucharest, Cluj, Brasov, Iasi, Timisoara etc. but much to see still. Usually I travel solo, and haven't had any big troubles there personally, on the contrary the Romanians have been very helpful and friendly.
Oradea no ??
Planning on spending two weeks there next year. Any tips or suggestions on what to see and what to avoid?
@@mariusdaf4411 Not yet, I've been wanting to see the Oradea citadel though. Maybe next trip will be like Sinaia, Sibiu, Alba Iulia and Oradea.
Their villages are beautiful too, I'd highly recommend visiting Rimetea, Viscri, Biertan, and Prejmer. The medieval towns, its villages with fortified churches, and its pristine nature make Transylvania the last truly medieval landscape in Europe.
@@joshpearson2970 all because is beautiful it's my city bro.
Ben, thank you. You're a par excellence historian, delightful reconteur, fascinating and multi faceted personality. With each of your videos that I have watched since following you for the last 3 years I'm so much well informed of the countries that I'm not ever going to visit in my life time. I'm seventy years old. Thanks to you I've learned to appreciate the culture, traditions,food etc of the people living in different countries and continents. How different we can be in terms of looks, colours of our skins yet under all these, the hearts that beats are the same. Kind and good people everywhere you go. There are many more good people than the bad one's. I'm from India the tiny state of Manipur which you have visited. I wish you and Alina will stick together forever. 'All the world love a lover.' I'm rooting for both of you.
I love Ben's vids but he is definitely not a historian tbf...
Hey Ben, well I’m Incredibly happy your following your one true path. I wish you the very best of luck mate what ever your next big adventure entails. It’s been an absolute pleasure watching you grow with your channel over the years and making real honest content without the jargon. I hope it’s not the end but another chapter. Xx
🇱🇷☝️Tell Max I referred you to him for a business investment that will change your financial life.
About the trams in Arad. You were lucky to catch an old one. There have been modern trams recently introduced which although being much more comfortable, really don’t have the special feeling the old ones gave.
And also about the meal, restaurants here are normally under the supervision of the ANPC which supervises the quality of food and services throughout the country. So chances of getting food poisoning are low, but not 0.
For me as a tourist was a marvellous experience riding that old tram in Bucharest... I'm not very old I'm 35 but the feeling I had was like travelling in time... The are very loud but that was even more fun 😂 probably if I had to ride them everyday I wouldn't be so found to them 😂
I'm not Romanian but I lived there for 4 years during my teenage years and now I miss it sooooo much man. Loved the vid, will visit Romania in the future for sure!
the life is different in the big cities now because of the economical growth. there are lots of luxury places / restaurants / services and so on at a good price. Bucharest s GDP is bigger than Croatia / Bulgaria / Slovakia s GDP now.
You've got to admire Ben's ability to communicate without resorting to google translate.
the guys navigating romania speaking Spanish lol
Absolutely! Watching from the Philippines.... How I wish I could be in one of these places that Ben featured someday....
@@lem0nb0mb than military so the military on campaigning for rent
@@lem0nb0mb the old man was speaking italian haha
You must never stop making your videos, they are amazing, we all love them. You’ll soon get bored not doing your travel adventures, you know it, I know it, everyone on here knows it.
I loved this video! I went on a two week performance tour of Romania back in 2011 when I was in college with our jazz ensemble. We stayed in the same Hotel Central that you stayed in while in Timisoara. My friend and I ate in the square with the church and drank unfiltered Timisoreana beer, which was the freshest beer I have ever had. We also stayed close to the palace in Bucharest and played at the national radio hall. This brought back a ton of memories for me. I really enjoyed how you followed the history of the revolution. Great videos, keep them coming!
Great comment
30 seconds into this video and I’m already crying! Thank you for passing by my beautiful country 🥺❤️
I am a Hungarian born and raised in the middle of Romania. I've been following you since you were walking around Russia. I laughed a lot in this episode because of the way you mixed Hungarian and Romanian words. I liked to see through your eyes how we here are seen.Timișoara is my favorite city in Romania, but I'm in Sighisoara. If you pass by, give me a sign and I'll be your guide... good luck!
Poti sa il duci la bagaboante la Glasu Padurii. 😂
You've been following him since russia..? 😱 Bald has a stalker.. you follow him everywhere he goes?
I love Timisoara!
@@bigbblock2470 :D
I wish I could visit Timisoara and Western Romania cities. I hope they're better than those in the east and south of Romania.
And Szekelyes aren't Hungarian bruh, even though you associate them
Hello Ben! Huge fan and I'm glad to see you in my Country, Romania. The comunist party was such a big part of us that after the "coup d'état" when the party was abolished, the removal of it left such a big scar on our people that no one knew how to heal. As such it got infected and rotted away. Would love for you to show more of Romania, specially the old traditional villages as that is a huge part of us as well. Thank you, and have a great trip!
I just wish he never stops doing this!!
Romania is on my bucket list for a long time. Amazing culture and amazing history, and geography maybe the best part of it. Really hope to visit soon as possible.
man benjamin you’re living a dream… i’ve always wanted to go explore different countries in different continents and getting an insight on how the locals of different towns and cities live and the stories they can tell. love the videos! it always feels like we’re exploring with you
Watching him is much more comfortable than actually doing it.. Keep in mind we see only the interesting 5% of a day and not much of the tedious travelling, living on instant noodles and warm soda drinks / mineral water
@@Blackadder75 yeah you got a point there, it is a little tedious at times like crossing the kazakh desert while it’s like 29-34° out and eating junk food but i feel like if you look past that you won’t really mind the struggles because the sightseeing is all worth it in the end :D maybe that’s just me
Fascinating, Amazing & stunning video Ben showing us a piece of major world history & the events in Romania in 1989.
Have been to Romania & loved every second of it as it's people are warm, genuine & have an awesome sense of humour even in Bucharest but the hospitality in the towns is something else.
These days, Romanian politicians usually quickly change their tunes when Romanians are upset at situations & start protesting in Piata Revolutiei.
The radio shown at 37:43 looks so much like the Romanian produced Carmen set which was restored by David Tipton on his YT channel.
FYI, quick & dirty but rough pronunciation guide for Romanian (FYI, "Learn Romanian with Nico" is a fantastic YT resource for learners).
Vowels ie a/e/i/o/u are roughly pronounced "arr", "ehh", "eee", "ohhh", "ouuu".
Ce/Ci is pronounced "tche"/"tchi" but anything else following "C" other than e/i is pronounced "k" ie Ca = ka, Cu = ku.
â is pronounced as in România "ouu" ie Romunia & has a far deeper gutteral sound than ă.
ă is a less guttural sound than â & similar to "er".
ș as in București is pronounced "sh" ie Boukoureshti but usually said Bucureștiul ie The Bucharest.
ț as in Constanța/Țuica is pronounced "ts" ie Konstantsa/Tsuika.
Romanian female names usually end in a vowel but male names usually end in a consonant.
Mulțumesc ie Thank You is pronounced Moultsoumesk.
Please is Vă rog (Informal & far more common) or Dumneavoastra/dvs (Formal or mark of respect ie when meeting a girls "outlaws").
Many of the Pimsleur audio lessons use a lot of formal Romanian but well worth a shot if you're trying to learn.
Compared with Hungarian, Romanian is 100x easier to learn as it's similar to Italian, French, Portuguese being a romance language.
Fun fact #1: Prior to latinisation of the alphabet, Romanian was written using cyrillic characters.
Fun fact #2: If you visit Romania, try their dessert Papanași (Papanashi) & you'll thank me later.
Fun fact #3: Old Romanian text used virgulas also on the "i" ie Î but it's not used as much in modern Romanian.
For great Romanian songs to help you in your learning process check out "Copacul" by Aurelian Andreescu, "Sub Pielea Mea" by Carlas Dreams, "Lacrimi de inger" by DJ Project, "Aseară Ți-am luat basma" by Uddi, "Piesa mea preferata" by Vescan, "Baga Mare" by Connect-R feat Shift & "Lume, Lume" by Maria Tanase.
Hope it helps!.
Supper cool to see this. I was born in Bucharest but have lived in NH USA for most of my life. I’d love to go back someday
Leave NH and explore! I left many years ago, and found it to be the best decision I ever made.
I moved to krakow, Poland in 2021 after living in USA for 36 years. My mother immigrated from Poland to USA during communism.
I hope you will follow your soul and revisit your roots
@@karolinabaker7637 lmao, the call of communism 😅
@@killpill23 well i think nowadays some states of us are more communist than Romania for example lol. dunno if Poland was ever a true communist country
@@tlNCG i lived all of my 30 years of life in romania, birn in 92 , i haven't really experienced true communism but i heard many stories from my uncle, he worked in the security which he ain't proud. Tbh the only place in US I'd want to live is Montana , nowhere else, i know east and west coast are ghetto af, south as well
I can watch Bald's videos first thing in the morning, middle of the day, during a meal, or right before bed. They are some of my favorite videos on this site and I love the adventurous spirit, the many things I learn, and the style in which you go about travel and life. Thank you legend for making our days!
Always wanna go to Romania, especially in Carpat mountains. Thank u for you’re travelling, Baldy. ❤️
Bald is an absolute LEGEND! I hope he inspires a lot more people to get to places that aren't on any "top 10 places you MUST visit" lists because the entire world is beautiful and full of incredibly kind people, not just the places on some arbitrary lists.
Ever since I found this channel when he went to Moldova bald has made me eager to travel to all these places in Eastern Europe and Asia. He is truly an amazing creator and an inspiring traveller.
Traveled to the north part of romania some years ago, such a beautiful country with friendly people all around.
A quite superb video about a country's social & political history, I remember the events very well. Thank you Bald.
Seeing you had posted just brought me the most excitement I’ve felt in months. As a single low income mother of 4 I’ve never left the state I live in.. watching your videos makes me feel like I’m traveling with you for sticking with it even if your content is sporadic please don’t stop creating.
Keep your head up! You're stronger than you give yourself credit for!
What state are you from Hillary?
@@andywands5661 Massachusetts
@@hillarymacrelli2781 Nice. I have family in Boston and So-Cal. They emigrated from Scotland.
Have you really never left Massachusetts?
It's great to see you continue even after the PEAK of seeing the Buran.
For me, the most enjoyable B&B video yet. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
I can not begin to express my gratitude for every video you make....you alway’s have my glued to my tv watching closely and listening to every word you say....i wish that i had a teacher like you when i was in school i would have enjoyed history then....i simply can not get enough of your video's i truly learn so much from you....thank you from the bottom of my heart gor all you do for us ....love from New Hampshire USA
"I've been ripped off by a toilet" had me cry-laughing. Thanks for that one :)
Love Romania 🇷🇴 would love to visit my Latin brothers someday in the future. Love from 🇪🇸
I read thar Romanians are cousins with latinos too
@@joebloggers1504 he is spanish, not romanian
@@joebloggers1504 That's false, in fact Bulgarians were speaking an old version of Romanian until they switched to Russian, which they still speak nowadays.
@@joebloggers1504 any other bullshit you would like to spread?
Well done again, Ben. Nice clip although I know the places, history and Romania well. I live here in Bucuresti since 8 years and have visited for +20 years, been a bit everywhere It is an amazing country, diverse, from the mountains, the Danube delta, the black sea, the north, the west and the soft hills in Transylvania. Quarters in Iași reminds of Paris. Sighisoara is magic and many other places too. I am also fascinated by the diversity of people here who have been here centuries: hungarians, germans, serbians etc. A truly interesting country. I also have many Roma friends, mainly musicians. Romania today is modern, a very good place to live. Many things work much better here than in Sweden where I come from originally. About communist nostalgia: yeah, I do hear it now and then from neighbours and others. One guy, who is now dead, told me that during communist days he had a nice uniform and a salary, never had to work, just smoked and drank an played cards with his friends. Then this bloody revolution cam along. The bastards gave me a shovel and said dig! It was hell, he said. I recommend a few movies from RO that should be on Netflix and alike: Silent Wedding and Tales from the Golden Age.
I love that Bald always hops into some random local bars/restaurants without taking a second to check it out upfront, leave alone looking for reviews. There's always a nice element of surprise and most of them have some weird, empty, surreal style, that almost feels like a kind of art.
I didn't discover your UA-cam channel from the beginning of it, but when I did, I watched all of your videos, the only person that I watch who makes me feel like I'm actually there in the places you visit, and now visiting my hometown Arad(which I left 12 years ago) made my day, keep being you, absolutely great human.
Exactly, bald is really one of the best creators on this platform :)
Importantly, Ceaucescu argued at the trial, "you are the same as us" since the quick trial was aimed at ensuring that the Romanian people would be convinced that new politicians would be in charge, whereas in reality, the existing political powerbase essentially replaced Ceaucescu..... There is a popular analysis of this in Yuval Harari's book "Sapiens". .....anyway, interesting video as always! Having been a frequent visitor in Romania for two decades with my in-laws, it is a problematic story, but despite the infinite mess, only very few people are truly nostalgic of the past....
"It's never so bad that it can't be worse." Robert Hienlien
yep, the closing remark instead of "how fast empires could be toppled if we unite as people" should be "how fast people are satisfied with blood spilled and no other particular change"
@@СимонВизенталь-ы7ь tnstaafl
Love it! Romania is such a great country - bald you should also check out the rural mountainous region of south-central Romania, the carpathians..
Visit Caransebeș
As a neutral tourist yes, but this channel is not about that.
@@adriancioroianu1704 he'd find more interesting things in the rural areas, or the moldavian zone of romania
Yeah lets go to borat country
to visit all the things in Romania you need a lot of time
thank you bald best content there ever will be please do this for as long as you can!