Everyone must know by now how proud we really are of each member of our amazing team of Bucharest tour guides and local experts. If the first “meet our guides” article was about Lala (here’s the link in case you’ve missed it – https://interestingtimes.ro/meet-lala-local-guide-bucharest/ ), the spotlight in on Elena today.
Where are you from and what led you to Bucharest?
“Oh, Severin, Severin” goes the song, but for me has a double meaning: The Velvet Underground is still such a badass band and it makes me think of my beautiful, quiet home town Drobeta – Turnu SEVERIN. Thank you, Lou, as I always say!
One does not know what leads him to Bucharest, but one follows blindly, courageously, happily because one cannot fully imagine the marvels of Bucharest…long story short I wanted to “get lost in the big city”.
How did you end up becoming a tour guide?
First and foremost you should know I AM NOT A GUIDE although I walk the walk and talk the talk. It just happened one night to see this ad and thinking that I already do all of those things and, why not, have an audience while doing them. Seriously now, I have two kids, being a guide is like a holiday for me and people really listen to what I am saying, not like my kids. It’s a very fulfilling feeling.
What about Bucharest makes you proud?
I don’t feel proud. Never. Not about Bucharest. Not about anything. But I feel happy in Bucharest and I don’t think it’s got anything to do with the town. It got loads to do with how people park their car, with the playgrounds, with the parks, with the dog poop, with people being very hurried with the heat and the smell.
Do you have any favorite local traditions?
The best local tradition is the chant of the gypsy people that wander the streets looking for used iron.
What’s one thing people need to know about Bucharest before they visit?
Before visiting Bucharest remember that is a very SAFE place.
What’s your favorite spot in Bucharest? What’s your favorite neighborhood in Bucharest?
Carol Park’s surroundings.
What’s your favorite thing to eat and drink in Bucharest?
Eat: SAVARINA
Drink: Braga, no, I am kidding (is disgusting!); Avocado+Pineapple+Orange smoothie from Frudisiac.
