The Eastern European countries, particularly Romania and Bulgaria, do not get much attention in the west so this visit to Romania was an eye opener. It has typically European cities, but not crowds, and beautiful countrysides, particularly in the north; the south not so. much as it is much flatter. The infrastructure is good, the country is clean, the people are warm and friendly and food is both fresh and excellent. We spent several hours with gypsy families and they were wonderful - quite different from the image they have in the west. The country's cost of living, even for tourists, is quite reasonable - a great place for an enjoyable, inexpensive vacation.