Columnist Eleonore af Schaumburg-Lippe writes in her weekly column about life as an expat in Romania. This week she writes about all the cultural events it is possible to participate in as an expat.

The other evening I was in a club in Lipscani, and I ended up talking with a British man who told me that he was tired of Romania and would soon go back home to England. I can’t recall how long he had been in Bucharest, but out of curiosity, I asked him why he was tired of Romania. He answered: Among other things, but mainly the lack of cultural events in Romania. I was quite surprised by his answer, I have heard many different answers about life in Romania, but lack of cultural events? That was for sure the first time I'd heard that one.

So as it is now getting to the end of the year 2012, I have looked back at events, which I would call cultural events, that I have come across, and there has definitely been quite a lot, almost too many. Here are just a fraction of the cultural adventures you can have as an expat in Romania.

Music concerts and movie nights:

I have attended some truly magical concerts at the Athenaeum, the National Opera, Sala Palatului and Sala Radio. Besides those there are often concerts at the National Arena and in the Piata in front of the People's Palace, if you want to listen to more modern artists. Another great possibility is to see what is being organized by the different cultural institutes; it can be music or movie evenings organized by the Czech, British or Irish embassies, among many others from around the world. These events might not give much of an insight into Romanian culture, but on the other hand, it can give you knowledge about other cultures, and you can indeed have a  great evening.

Street parties or fairs are also something you should experience.

Often if you walk around in Bucharest, you can stumble into some sort of street fair; it can be the antique market on the weekend near the Muzeul Taranului. Or maybe the “Street delivery”party that is held once a year. The whole street next to Magheru is closed off and filled with small booths, where you can buy everything from handmade jewelry, t-shirts, dolls and lovely homemade food. It is of course a great possibility to see and support the young entrepreneurs of Romania, but it's also well worth going there to experience the vibrant atmosphere.

Getting out of Bucharest and experience the festivals:

Festivals are also something I can recommend, it has always brought me so many wonderful experiences that I cherish deeply. Festivals in Romania are really something special, the whole town celebrates and the atmosphere defies description. Definitely among  the best were the Mountain Festival and the Sighisoara Jazz festival, other highlights this year were the B'Est Fest and the Sinaia Forever festival.

Normally at these festivals the whole town or area is closed off and besides the music and the people, there will always be an amazing atmosphere. A lot of different people to see and a lot of little stalls, where Romanians from all over the country sell their handcrafts and once again you will be impressed by the range and quality of Romanian arts and crafts. You will find everything from handmade sculptures carved in wood and delicate jewelry carved in bone, to paintings and copper pans and pots,

And there will usually be food stalls or huge barbeques, where you can buy freshly grilled chicken, sausages, steak, all you want. Don't forget to stop and enjoy the music, whether it is an open air concert with different artists, traditional dancers or just one person playing a flute.

Local markets during the weekend:

Sala Dalles on Bulevardul Balcescu will often  have different events like Contemporary design, Book sales, Vintage sales or Xmas decoration markets on weekends. Another place for weekend markets in front of Muzeul Taranului. Maybe not a cultural event on the level of going to the Met and seeing an Opera, but still in my mind Culture doesn't have to be with a capital 'C' - it is not only going to the must see places around the world to see an Opera. Culture is about finding the spirit, the spirituality, the soul of Romania, and that, for sure is out there.

Embrace Romania and go out and discover, you will be amazed what you can experience here, go for a walk in a park and end up dancing at a local music festival. Just break the routine of going to Lipscani and having a pint with the expats, Romania has for sure much much more to offer. For sure, an evening out clubbing can be a lot of fun, but staying in Romania without noticing the culture is, in my opinion a mistake, and sad loss if you haven’t noticed it.

By Eleonore af Schaumburg-Lippe, columnist

Eleonore is Danish, she holds a BA in Organization and Management and specializes in Corporate Communication & Strategic Development. She is also a Market Economist and a Multimedia Designer. She is currently working in Bucharest as the Executive Director of UAPR the Romanian Advertising Association. As a Danish Viking in Romania, with a great passion for ’covrigi’, she has a burning desire to find out more about Romania especially Bucharest, and enlighten the small differences in the culture between Denmark and Romania.. Her weekly columns will give you insights into an expats life in Bucharest written with humor and a big Danish smile.