Author Archives: James

Is Bosch on the way out?

Posted on April 28, 2026 by James

This article is aimed at four groups of people.  1) University lecturers (especially in engineering) or other trainers of engineers, 2) those who run businesses that create appliances and other machines (including cars) and 3) anyone who cares about not … Continue reading →

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Book fair in the main square (and other events this weekend)

Posted on April 24, 2026 by James

The Gaudemaus (our dyslexic reporter told us “Gaumant”) book fair is in the main square (Cluj’s piata unirii) again.  This is an annual event.  22-26 April, 2026. Most books, naturally, are in Romanian, but there are a variety of books … Continue reading →

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Deceptive pricing at Mega Image

Posted on April 17, 2026 by James

When it comes to pricing, no supermarket (in Cluj) is perfect.  At Auchan, we’ve seen old labels with old prices left up. I remember working at a DIY shop in Britain, where my boss told me the importance of pricing … Continue reading →

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Mărțișor market open in central Cluj

Posted on February 21, 2026 by James

The market of Mărțișor is open in central Cluj. Among the market stalls is one where you can buy wooden recorders and other musical instruments.  (Many of these seem to be suitable for young children.)  The seller speaks some English, … Continue reading →

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Henna tattoos in Cluj and study in India

Posted on February 20, 2026 by James

On 21st of February, 2024, Ana’s Work will be doing Hena tattoos in Cluj.  The photos of the tattoos look good, and it is tagged by the Cluj Centre for Indian studies at UBB. https://www.facebook.com/Anahennawork  We find it difficult to … Continue reading →

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Are toilets and houses overpriced in Cluj?

Posted on February 11, 2026 by James

Here we are in 2026.  According to Monitorul (perhaps our favorite newspaper at the moment), the average resident of Cluj spends over half his salary on rent. Average advertised rent prices for a flat in the most expensive parts of … Continue reading →

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Clear roads remain a priority in Cluj

Posted on January 26, 2026 by James

Last week, you might have heard what sounded like a train going through residential and central parts of Cluj at night. If you looked out of the window on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday night, you might have seen a snow … Continue reading →

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Expats or immigrants?

Posted on January 19, 2026 by James

Why do English speakers call themselves Expats instead of immigrants? The use of the term expat goes back in two directions.  In American English, it was often used to refer to those who came to America from other countries as … Continue reading →

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ice hazard warning for walking, biking, driving in Cluj

Posted on January 17, 2026 by James

This January has been much snowier than the previous five years.  While frost could easily be found in 2023-2024, and below freezing temperatures have been common, this year seems to have more condensation on the ground. Expats have broken bones … Continue reading →

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12 angry men – review of Romanian theatre in Cluj

Posted on January 10, 2026 by James

The Romanian Theatre in Cluj, now called Lucian Blaga, is such a beautiful building, it is worth going to a play just to see the internal architecture.  According to a guided tour, the building was controversial from its inception. The … Continue reading →

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