When Nostalgia Comes To Life

I spent the entire train ride from Blaj to Cluj with my head out the window, marveling at the scenery.

I had a very spacious disabled person's compartment to myself (I didn't even know that CFR had disabled compartments). I could've laid down and napped across the three seats, read an ebook, or done about three hundred push ups (I wish!). But I couldn't tear myself from the window, the wind, and the sun.

If I had to explain it right then, why I love Romania, all I had to do was point out that window. The rolling hills, all painted in different hues of green and gold. The dark, earthy canvas of arable land yet to yield its fruit. Flocks of sheep and their shepherds - both of the human and canine variety. Bright yellow fields of canola. And of course, orchards in full bloom. The entire trip was a portrait, or maybe an ode, to Spring in all its splendor. I couldn't get enough.

When I lived in Toronto, all nostalgic thoughts of Romania culminated with an image very similar to the one outside that open window. Images that were non-existent in the raw wilderness of Ontario. Seeing it now, come to life from my mind's eye, it was almost as if it belonged to me. A bit strange to say, but in retrospect, I was looking at a part of me.

The whole thing gave me the perfect perspective into who I am now, and what my bipolar nationality really means. Canada is forever in my heart. Growing up in Toronto molded me into a pretty decent citizen of the world. But Romania is my soul.

Comments

AnonymousMay 14, 2013
That train ride would have been better if you had your girlfriend with you.
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novacJune 16, 2013
hey, that kind of nostalgia is probably felt by most of the Romanians, who live abroad at the moment (even by those who say negative things about Romania all the time). but it s kind of good to see this stuff written now and than, it makes some people remember to come home. so, keep writing :)
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CristinaJune 25, 2013
Hi Matt, I've been living in Canada for 4 years, but I miss so much Romania. I hope my boys (10 and 8 years old, born in Romania) will keep Romania in their heart and someday they will come back there. As for me, I would go back tomorrow.
I wish you all the best.
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MattJuly 01, 2013
Hi Cristina,

You echo the sentinment of many other Romanians in the diaspora. I hope your boys do come back and put all the skills they learned in Canada to good use.
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