As with most Brits, the headlines that flash into Romesh’s mind when he thinks about Romania are those around communism, the 90s orphan crisis, maligned Roma and its greatest celebrity export, Count Dracula. But is this image justified? Or does Romania have more to offer? Landing in Bucharest, the only place in the country he’s heard of, Romesh meets political activist and media expert Angi Serban at the parliament palace, the astonishing architectural behemoth built on the command of the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. \n \nFailing to warn him about the miles they’re about to clock, she takes Rom out of the capital to explore many amazing things that are overlooked in this vast slice of eastern Europe. \n \nRomesh and Angi embark on a journey through the country’s seemingly endless and varied landscapes. Along the way, they sample Romania’s ghoulish side, seeing Transylvania and Vlad the Impaler’s castle and paying their respects in a 'merry' cemetery. They also witness cars rolling up hills, drive along the spectacular yet dangerous Transfagarasan Highway, dance to world-famous Roma music and take part in a spiritual ceremony in Romania’s traditional heartland.\n\nBut whilst Romesh realises the beauty of Romania, he also learns how the hangover of the communist regime remains, what challenges are still faced today and why more people visiting would help the country to continue to move forward.
Source: BBC 2
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Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the mind of Romesh, is a place inextricably linked with war. He had never even heard the word Bosnia until the war broke out and finds it hard to conj ...
30-07-2023
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A year ago, Romesh Ranganathan visited the Arctic to film a Christmas episode of the Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan. It was the hardest trip he has taken in his life &ndash ...
10-09-2023
BBC 2
Series 2: 1. Zimbabwe
For most of Romesh's adult life, the only news coming out of Zimbabwe has been bad news. Robert Mugabe, the eviction of the white farmers and a general aura of danger have combi ...
09-07-2023
BBC 2
Series 3: 1. Sierra Leone
When trying to place Sierra Leone, Romesh finds it impossible to think of anything other than the country’s dark history - a horrific civil war, child soldiers, blood diam ...
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