Why We Left the US for Romania: American Expats on Escaping Toxic Work Culture

Ever wonder what it's like to trade the bustling pace of American life for a slower, more community-driven existence in Eastern Europe? Join me as I welcome Antoni and Sam, a captivating American couple who made the extraordinary leap from the U.S. to Sibiu, Romania. This isn't just a story about moving abroad; it's a profound journey of identity, belonging, and rediscovering what truly matters.
Antoni, was adopted from Romania at just 12 days old in 1991. Growing up in the U.S. with an open adoption story, he held a unique connection to a past he couldn't remember. It was Sam, his partner, who initiated the heart-wrenching and ultimately beautiful quest to find Antoni's biological family. Through the "Never Forgotten Romanian Children" network, they located his family in a small village near Sighișoara in a mere three days. Hear the surreal account of Antoni's first phone call with his biological mother and the emotional first meeting in 2019, where the street lined with people witnessed a reunion 28 years in the making.
Their story delves deep into the complex ethics of international adoption, revealing the harrowing circumstances of extreme poverty and the "trolley problem" faced by Antoni's Roma biological family post-communism. Antoni shares his powerful perspective on empathy, healing, and accepting his past, moving beyond a narrative often framed by "savior complexes."
The decision to move to Romania was a gradual accumulation of moments, punctuated by Sam's eye-opening panic attack after a return to the demanding work culture of New York City. The couple embarked on a challenging 1.5-year journey to secure Antoni's Romanian citizenship and Sam's residency, navigating bureaucratic hurdles and local skepticism. From the unexpected discovery of Antoni’s retained Romanian citizenship and multiple name changes to their search for a cat-friendly apartment in Sibiu, every step was a testament to their unwavering determination.
Now settled in Sibiu, Antoni and Sam share the joys and challenges of their new life. They've embraced Romanian hospitality, resourcefulness (like their growing jar collection!), and the country's diverse cultural tapestry. They candidly discuss what they miss (American Chinese food, bagels, "red 40" junk food!) and what they’ve gained: a vibrant community, more time for personal passions like creating original music (including a new album and live shows!), and a profound appreciation for Romanian resilience and directness. We even sparks a lively debate about the best papanasi in Romania!
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in expat life, adoption stories, cultural immersion, or simply an inspiring tale of two individuals forging a unique path. Antoni and Sam’s journey from New York to Romania offers a fresh, authentic perspective on finding "home" in the most unexpected places.
Don't miss this incredible conversation! Tune in to hear their inspiring journey, and don't forget to subscribe to Whereabouts Tales for more enlightening stories from around the world!

#AmericanInRomania #ExpatLife #Romania #AdoptionStory #CulturalExchange #Sibiu #WereaboutTales #LifeAbroad #WorkLifeBalance #RomanianCulture #IdentityJourney #EasternEurope #CommunityLiving #TravelToRomania #podcast

You can find Antoni and Sam under https://www.thisrromericanlife.com
The written version of the episode is here: https://www.whereaboutstales.com/epis...

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context
01:49 Cultural Differences: Romania vs. the US
04:55 Nostalgia for American Community and Lifestyle
07:50 Life in the US: Opportunities and Challenges
10:56 The Journey of Adoption and Family Reunion
13:46 Experiencing Romania: First Impressions and Family Connections
16:53 The Emotional Impact of Reuniting with Family
19:57 Reflections on Family Dynamics and Cultural Heritage
22:53 Conclusion: Love, Family, and Cultural Identity
36:48 The Complexities of Adoption and Family Dynamics
43:17 Understanding the Ethics of Adoption
48:01 Navigating Life Changes and Career Decisions
55:55 The Journey of Moving to Romania
01:00:10 Cultural Adjustments and New Experiences
01:13:41 Culinary Nostalgia and Cultural Fusion
01:16:34 The Role of Food in Cultural Understanding
01:21:29 Embracing Romanian Hospitality
01:23:21 Challenging Preconceptions About Romania
01:26:27 Resilience and Resourcefulness in Romanian Culture
01:28:57 Respecting Romanian Identity and Progress
01:30:06 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights
01:41:06 OUTRO.mp4