German writer swaps Bavarian village for Transylvania, finds surprising blend of tradition and tech

Seeking a more tranquil and economical existence, writer Rita Klaus relocated her family from a Bavarian village to the picturesque region of Transylvania, Romania. Instead of the expected, her family encountered a remarkable blend of tradition and advanced technology that dismantled their preconceived notions.

While many Eastern Europeans aspire to move West, Klaus, her husband, and their four children chose the opposite path. They left their home in Bavaria for a new life in Romania, a region known for its scenic beauty and a noticeably slower pace. Klaus explained to Die Welt that the decision stemmed from a desire for a more relaxed rhythm and reduced living costs. Tired of the West's hustle and financial pressures, they sought refuge where days felt longer and family took precedence over material possessions.

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In Germany, just the juice for the children would cost 40 euros, while here, with the same money, we can pay for a meal for the whole family.

Adapting to their new daily life wasn't easy, especially for the children, who were initially reluctant to leave their friends and familiar surroundings in Germany. However, their perspective gradually shifted. "The children were unhappy with our decision at first, but now they see the advantages more and more. They can run around the village until late at night, which was unthinkable in Germany," Klaus said. They soon discovered other charms of their new life: their pocket money stretched significantly further, and the family purchased a large, affordable house, finally giving each child their own room.

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The children were unhappy with our decision at first, but now they see the advantages more and more. They can run around the village until late at night, which was unthinkable in Germany.

Despite the idyllic aspects, the family also encountered familiar problems that Romania struggles with, such as illegal waste dumping and stray dogs. Klaus admitted to having her own prejudices, but reality forced her to confront the complex picture of her new homeland. The financial benefits proved to be a major advantage. Klaus illustrated this with a simple yet powerful example: "In Germany, just the juice for the children would cost 40 euros, while here, with the same money, we can pay for a meal for the whole family," she emphasized, highlighting the vast difference in expenses.

This sense of relief brought a deeper change in their quality of life. The constant pressure vanished, replaced by a feeling of peace and tranquility that she couldn't find in Germany. "Romania forces you to slow down. Every time I cross the border, I feel like the day is an hour longer," the writer described her transformation. This newfound calmness and the ability to focus on family and writing without the constant worry of bills represent the fulfillment of the dream that inspired this life adventure. The biggest shock, however, was the astonishing combination of deeply traditional and highly modern life. In their village, despite the absence of a sewage system, residents have access to extremely fast and affordable internet.

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Romania forces you to slow down. Every time I cross the border, I feel like the day is an hour longer.