Although I have been coming to Bucharest for many years, since 1993 to be exact, and have been here in all kinds of weather, this week ( january 18-23) has been my first experience with a lot of snow. I have been impressed how the City has continued to function normally, while facing what seems to me to be at least 10-12" of snow. Public transportation, schools, offices are all operating normally. We even had a tour of Bucharest yesterday, with an undaunted visitor.

The City is divided into 6 Sectors, and while I have heard that not all Primars (sector mayors) have been equally efficient, I have been amazed by how effective the snow plowing and street salting has been, in the areas I have driven through. Of course, traffic moves more slowly, but the snow contributes somehow to a quieter ambiance. Drivers are more patient with each other, I have hardly heard a car horn in the last fews days!

Another interesting aspect seems to be air pollution. When I am in Bucharest, especially during the summer months, I can see confirmation of the air pollution in the collar of my shirt, as I undress in the evening, notwithstanding daily showers. In many cities my friends say "I love the snow on the first day, but then it turns black with the pollution". Here, as I walked today, a couple of days after the last snow flake fell to the ground, the snow was still white and clean, and the air is fresh, if a bit cold.

From our perspective, the economy has not yet turned around, nor maybe even reached bottom. The media business is suffering badly. We hear daily of yet new lay-offs by printers, publishers and ad agencies, and of course our own company has seen a major drop in revenues. The public sector too is suffering, with severe budget cuts leading to a 4 day week in some offices. We all hope that with spring will come not only the fresh green shots of awakening plants and trees, but also some early signs of turn in the economy.

We remain optimistic and are planning for the future. Growing our Internet presence is a major priority, but we are also developing new tours, and even exploring a couple of new publications. My personal philosophy is that if stand still, you will die; we must always move forward, have goals and try to grow, however foolish it might look today.

I hope that, as you read this magazine, you too will be encouraged by the spirit and potential of the Romanian people, and will think about making an investment and doing business in this promising market. Let us know if we can do anything to help.

Have a successful stay.

Ludwig Gelobter, Publisher

lgelobter[at]bucurestiwww.ro