Host Family 101

Can I just say how much I love my host family! I realize now that I have not really described them for you. So let me paint a mental picture for you.

Vladimir, my father, is the cutest little man. He’s about 5’3”, and he is always a shade of pink from working outside. He use to be the mayor of Cojusna (from 1999 to 2007). He has a little potbelly, and reminds me of a short Santa Claus without the beard. He speaks Romanian, but also knows Russian and I think German. He is of little help with translations into English, because whenever Diana and Daniel are searching for an English word, he gives the Russian or German translation. I really appreciate his sense of humor; it’s simple and cross-cultural. Today at dinner, he was focused on eating. Immediately upon finishing, he sat back, rubbed his stomach, and let out a big sign. I also love how much he smiles. It’s funny how far a smile goes.

Tatiana, my mother, is wonderful. She’s about 5’5”, and has short hair dyed a honey-brown color. She’s very tan, and she is always smiling when I see her. During my first week, she barely spoke to me. And whenever I had a question, she would barely let me get a word out before for she hollered (yes, hollered) for Diana. But now, she is determined to teach me Romanian. So she speaks to me more (I, of course, usually have no idea what’s going on), and she fusses at Diana whenever she talks to me in English.

Daniel, the brother, is 32 years old, and he speaks English well. I believe he works full time because I see him around the house less. He watches a lot of tv, and even though he and I interact less, he is very inviting. For example, he invited me to watch “Twilight” the other night (which I didn't really want to see, but I’m up for anything when it comes to spending time with the family). He also made it a priority to get me internet, which was thoughtful.

Diana, the sister, is 26 years old, and she currently works as my translator. She is very hard on herself about her English, but I have yet to have a conversation with her that I could not follow. She often has to search for the English word, and states “how you say” while thinking. And if Daniel is home, she will holler (unless he’s in the same room) for his help with translating the word. I love how she shouts his name, Dah-nul (which she has spoke 6 times while I write this).

I can see now that I have a lot to say about my family, and yet I have a lot more. And I understand how hard it might be to understand from my description why I appreciate my family so much. But it’s their personalities that make me smile. I will enjoy my next 9 weeks with them.