My Time in Romania

Dracula, castles, communism, mountains and bears are all linked to Romania – the topic of the U3A Helderberg meeting to be held at the Dutch Reformed Church, 82 Firmount Road, Monte Sereno, Somerset West, at 10.00 on 1 October, 2025.

Anne Taylor, a lecturer in hospitality management, spent over three years in Romania, the culmination of a 45-year career in the hospitality industry. From her teaching base, she became a lecturer in the hospitality industry, focusing on management. Ultimately she obtained a full-time appointment at a Romanian academy in 2016, landing in Bucharest in mid-winter at minus 30 o C!

According to Ann, Romania and South Africa share a similar political trajectory: both gained their democratic status quite recently – 1991and 1994 respectively. Both have had to deal with changes in political, financial and business structures, as well as integration into the wider international business and tourism communities. For both it has been a steep learning curve having to deal with international demands, and those of the discerning globetrotting tourist.

During her tenure, she learnt of snow and cold, mountains and valleys, disturbing newer and older history, local customs and people, bears and birds, religion as old as time itself, but even more relevant, she learnt a lot about herself, her beliefs and challenges to her values, experiences she feels changed her for the better.

She finally retired at almost 67, and now lives peacefully in Somerset West, still dabbling moderately in tourism management, but devotes much of her retirement to perfecting the art of wine and wit, and avoiding early mornings!

This promises to be a very interesting address with a decidedly personal flavour!

Entrance for members is free of charge; visitors pay R20 at the door.

Enquiries: Denise Fourie 072 211 1173