From nostalgic moments with old photos and traditional dances in Cluj to culinary highlights like Langosch and “Baton de Ciocolată” — this day was a colorful blend of past and present. Emotional conversations with my sister, a magical evening with good food and wine, and a literary finale with Liviu Rebreanu’s masterpiece rounded it all off. A day that filled heart, head, and belly in equal measure.

 

The Early Roots of My Love of Reading

Sometimes old photos tell more about us than we ever could. At my father’s, I leafed through old pictures and found two special treasures: one shows me as a small child with my wonderful mom, who is sadly no longer with us. The other made me smile: I’m holding a magazine — even though I clearly couldn’t even walk yet!

It seems my passion for reading was already deep inside me back then. Books were part of my life from the very beginning — long before I knew how much they would shape me.

 

A Hungry Companion to Nostalgia

While I was reminiscing in a cozy Airbnb, I got a surprise visitor: the neighbor’s cat. For a brief moment I thought she was fascinated by my deep nostalgia and my presence. But the truth — as so often in life — was much closer to the breakfast table.

Her look clearly said: “Don’t move, human. I’m only here for the snacks.” And just like that, a reflective trip down memory lane turned into a very present negotiation over the leftovers of my breakfast.

Fresh Inspiration for New Workshops

After that nostalgic start to the day, I went straight into a coaching session with Judith Peters. As always, there were plenty of inspiring ideas that motivate me to keep expanding my Speed Reading and Knowledge Management workshop.

My goal? To help even more people take their business management to the next level — more efficient, more structured, and with more ease. Curious? Then sign up here and join in!

Cat Love Meets Cloud Art

The entrance to my Airbnb leaves no doubt: a true cat fan lives here! Cat décor everywhere — as if the furry residents wanted to make sure you never forget them.

And then there’s Cluj itself: a city of clouds. The light here changes the mood so often it could pass for a theater director. A new show every day — and I’m right in the middle of it. Yuhuuu.

Market Stories: Negotiating with Heart and Mind

One of the nicest things about my apartment in Cluj: it’s just a stone’s throw from the city’s most popular market. You can find everything a foodie could want there — fresh produce, regional specialties, and wonderfully pickled vegetables that taste like home.

My mother used to bargain here — with a determination that often made me want to sink into the ground as a child. But in hindsight, that’s exactly what inspired me: seeing how strong and assertive she was.

My tip for negotiating:
Negotiate where it makes sense — for example with big companies or in shops where it’s clear there’s room to negotiate. But at the market, where people often work hard for their livelihood, I consciously refrain from haggling. Instead, I sometimes even give a small tip — out of gratitude that they keep going despite all challenges and provide us with fresh food.

Where else can you negotiate?

• Electronics stores: Many offer discounts if you ask politely.
• Furniture stores: It’s especially worth a try with display items.
• Hotels: An upgrade or a better price is often possible, especially when booking directly.

Negotiation is an art — but also a matter of respect. Those who negotiate with heart and fairness often get more than just a good price.

Sisters’ Day: Heart & Chaos in Cluj

After 30 emails and workshop preparations, I met up with my sister in town and together we took Cluj by storm. What a joy to see this wonderful person again!

When she was 12 and I was 22, I left Romania — a moment that broke both our hearts. But that’s exactly what made our bond even stronger. She’s my greatest role model, my confidante, and a huge part of my heart.

Christmas Magic in Cluj: Tradition Meets Magic

The Christmas market in Cluj is always something special. This year it was a real highlight to see people in traditional Romanian dress keeping old customs alive.

Especially impressive: the bear dance performed by a group of men. It was fascinating to experience this powerful and symbolic dance — a blend of ritual, rhythm, and pure energy. In moments like these, the past becomes vividly alive, and I’m simply grateful to be part of this culture.

 

Christmas Bear vs. Child: A Very Special Exchange

At the Christmas market, the traditionally dressed “bear” tried to “chat” kindly with a small child. The plan went… let’s say, moderately well. The child, of course, immediately started crying — understandable when a two-meter-tall mound of fur with a fearsome mask suddenly attempts conversation.

I’m sure the bear just wanted to say “Merry Christmas” — but for the child it was more like “Welcome to the next spooky fairy tale.” Maybe next year the bear should show up with chocolate… that’s known to open hearts and mouths!

Baton de Ciocolată: More for Me!

There are things only Romanians truly understand — and Baton de Ciocolată is definitely one of them. This sweet specialty may not taste like “typical” chocolate, but to me it tastes like home.

Luckily my wife doesn’t like it — which is absolutely perfect! That means more for me. Without any guilt, I stuff a massive supply into my suitcase back to Germany and firmly tell myself that Baton de Ciocolată has zero calories. After all, it’s sweetened with memories — and those don’t count on the scale.

Langosch: Faster Than the Camera

Of course, Langosch couldn’t be missing on this trip — you probably expected it. The photo is unfortunately blurry, but there’s a good reason: it landed in my mouth so fast that I barely had the chance to take a proper picture.

You could say my camera simply had no chance against my appetite. But honestly: with fresh, fragrant Langosch, who stays professional for long?

An Evening Like a Good Glass of Wine

After all those treats, there was of course still room — for Italian food and good wine. But it was much more than culinary pleasure: long conversations, shared laughter and tears, and bringing old childhood memories back to life.

Literary Finale: “Pădurea Spânzuraților” by Liviu Rebreanu

My evening ended with a special book in my hand: “Pădurea Spânzuraților” by Liviu Rebreanu. It was once required school reading for me — but back then I lacked the historical understanding to grasp the depth of the story.

Rebreanu writes about the First World War, about identity, duty, and crises of conscience — themes that are timeless and universal. No less a figure than Mircea Eliade said Rebreanu deserved worldwide fame, yet outside Romania he is barely known.

Perhaps one day someone will translate this masterpiece into German or English — it would more than deserve it. For me, it was the perfect literary ending to a magical day — a reminder of how much we sometimes discover in books only later.