It was a cold night in Arad, Romania December 31, 2012. At least from my perspective, and undoubtedly the coldest night of this European winter 
holiday trip. Luckily, the Romanians know how to stay warm, and at these temperatures I am not hesitant to accept a little of the local cheer. I was nestled tightly within a crowd and for once not complaining about it. We sipped on some warm Glühwein, enjoyed the warmth of the crowd, live music and fireworks outside Arad’s capitol building. I had been prepped for the cold before going out with a few shots
of Țuică – a traditional (homemade) Romanian spirit sure to keep anyone warm, cure any ailment and numb any pain. (Note: Earlier in the day, independent performers dressed in costume marched the neighborhoods, playing instruments and carolling).
The Christmas market in the public capitol courtyard and side street was lined with food vendors and the fragrance of Cozonac, Kürtős being cooked on a spit over charcoal, Glühwein, and street foods sifted through the cold, crisp air. (Above link is to a recipe for walnut filled Cozonac. Click here for poppy seed cozonac. You have to try both!).
There is a saying in Romania that, in effect, states that whatever you are doing when the clock strikes the New Year, that is what your year will be filled with. From 12:00 to 12:01 am January 01, 2013, some were toasting and drinking, some were eating and some were dancing. I can say that in the first minute of the new year, there was however a lot of kissing going on- probably enough to rival the 525,599 minutes preceding it. In continuation of a positive initiation into 2013 we rounded out the first few hours in a warm kitchen with dear friends, nibbling (more food), sipping, and passing a guitar around to accommodate requests for Romanian, German, and American classics.
Later in the day after some much needed rest, we walked the nearly empty 
streets of Arad. The temperature was nice, with no need for a coat out in the sun. Few people were out and of course most stores were closed. We roamed around a bit and returned for the camera (and more pastries) and then set out again. January 1, 2013 was a beautiful day in Arad. We passed through the parks and plazas, walked along the river, and took the time for a closer look at
monuments and architecture. As the sun was setting, so was the temperature and we returned to the warmth of a home for dinner with family and packing. Miha had been called to work and we would have to leave Romania early. January 2 would be a 5:30 am train connecting through Budapest and taking us on a 16 hour journey to Leipzig, Germany.
A friend once said he thought it would be fun to spend New Year’s eve in a different country each year for the rest of his life. Seems an admirable ambition worth adopting. Where to next year?
