Curent Kills

I don’t mind that winter has already peeked its head through the doors; truth be told, I’m ecstatic, but the fact that the heat on the trains has already been cranked to the max does not excite me in the least. However, as I headed to Satu Mare last weekend my sweaty squirming brought a smile to my face. Luckily the older couple I was sitting with agreed that it was way too hot and we were able to have the window open but not the door because that of course would create Curent…

Where does one begin with the explanation of Curent? Basically, curent is created indoors when there is an open window, door or any other type of crevice that allows ventilation to enter. The change of temperature that this fresh air brings in can cause ear aches, sore throats and bad joints; essentially, any ailment that an individual might experience. Despite the temperature outside, it is not healthy to create curent. Even if it is 100 degrees Fahrenheit and you’re on an overcrowded Maxi Taxi without air conditioning and as a bonus there are raging body odors… you still CANNOT even crack a window open. Effects can be intensified by going outside with wet hair, sitting on or standing without shoes on cement, and eating too much ice cream. Preventative measures include putting cotton in your ears and keeping over-the-ears hats on young children year round. Resulting disorders can be cured by putting a garlic clove or lit cigarette in your ear and of course, by applying varza (cabbage) to the ailing area!

Meanwhile, back on the train; I was quite thankful for the sweet bliss the slightly cracked window brought to me but I still could not prevent myself from overheating. I slowly removed layers of clothing and lowered my socks over the next two hours. Even the old man complained of being too hot but his wife insisted that he was exaggerating. Seconds before I was about to go streaking, the man sensed my discomfort and said I could open the door. While I expressed my undying gratitude to him, his wife simply looked on, muttering a “Tisk, tisk, there will be curent,” under her breath. Before I knew it, out of the corner of my eye, I saw the already heavily dressed woman putzing around with the curtain. No, I thought…could she really be…yes…the curtain (the extremely dirty curtain, probably pre-Ceaușescu curtain) was now wrapped around her body and head, protecting her ears from the curent. I knew then, that the curent may lead to a slow death over the remaining 3 hours but at least I would die with a smile on my face!

Although the highlight of my trip occurred before I even reached my destination, I still had a grand time in Satu Mare. Christina, a fellow PCV, works with the street youth there, including those who huff and prostitute. I got the opportunity to go over to the center where her organization holds a day program and has room for 6 individuals to live for up to two years. We spent some time playing Rummy with a few who live there and I can’t explain how glad I am that we did. Even though the “kids” are in their early twenties, they were so appreciative and excited that we took the time to be with them. While living there, they learn a variety of Life Skills, one being cooking. The center just got a microwave and it was quite entertaining watching them learn how to use it; the genuine awe that one button would jet the door open and another would simply heat the food. I have to admit, after not using a microwave in almost two years I too was a bit mystified!