Well Chris, the country itself is more than beautiful, and I'm pretty sure we have amongst the highest density of beautiful women in the world.
Beafore I got into the IT world [professionally], I was an athlete [swimmer actually] and I got to see most of the world.
It's true: the history in the US doesn't even compare to that of Europe or Asia [no offence]. I mean it's great to see all those landmarks, all the traces of ancient civilisation and such.
But the real problem is with the people. If you come here, you'll find romanians to be open and warm, but that's mostly the surface. When you get to see the mentality behind the appereances, you'll be mortified. It's just plain wrong. And that implicates most of the aspects of a civilised society.
Let me tell you, I was on a world championship tour and got to see a big part of Asia. It's simply amazing; the people, the culture, the traditions. I have a few friends in the Orient that showed me the real life they have. But then... I had to come back home; it was a shock.
We have pretty much all the landscapes possible, from mountains and ice caves, to the seaside; we have everything in between. If you're a tourist, I'll bet you anything that you'll find this country to be simply amazing; just don't try to live and work here. My only real joy about living here is my car, 'cause it takes me around the country to find new things each time.
I currently work for a multinational company that you're all too familiarized with [you'll just have to guess, of course IT related]. Do you know how much I make as a sysadmin working on unix systems? About 15% of what I would get paid in the US for the same job. And gas has the same price as in the US.
Now that I scroll up... Damn, what a rant :D
There are lost of things to be said and you're right: there are ups and downs about this place, but I mostly face the downside...