One the way in from the airport, I had asked the Romvision agent about crime, and things to watch out for. He said there was no problem.

We went out today, and were going to a fresh fruit market a couple of blocks away from the Hilton. As I was going through the parking lot across the street from the Hilton, I see a group of "Youts*" changing direction and zeroing in on us. I push my two family members in front of me and try to get them to walk fast in a direction away.

The Yout's*, about 6 or 7, circled us, and started asking for money aggressively. I start with a standard "No", and then escalated that quickly, to a much more emphatic version. One then started to get close and try to put his hands into my pockets. I forcefully pushed him away, and then a few were around my teenager. I turned around, got both family members in front of me again, and told everyone to protect their valuables.

I had all my valuables inside my coat jacket, but I would think that someone alone might get into trouble with these 12-14 year olds if they were alone.

I've dealt with similar stuff around the world, and wasn't seriously concerned, but I wouldn't recommend taking out much in the way of valuables if you're walking around the city.

We also got hit up by a lot of the "Lucky Sheep" people. I guess you rub a lamb's head for good luck next year, and donate some money to them. We were in a supermarket, and one came in the front door. My teenager donated some coins and rubbed the lamb. Then the little kid (with his mother just ahead), got persistent when we were 50 meters down the road, and kept asking for 1 Euro. No thanks!

The fruit/vegetable market was nice. It's on Piata Amzei. Apples, oranges, grapes and many other items were fairly reasonable . (4-6 Lei per kilo.) I think some things were brought in for Christmas and were super expensive. Nectarines 50 Lei per kilo. Cherries 150 Lei per kilo. (Thats almost $60 US per kilo!)

We ate at a small pizza/pasta restaurant nearby. Pizza Romea - Piata Amzei Nr 10-22 (317-0950) www.pizzaromea.ro Thin crust pizzas, small size for one person if not too hungry 6.9-14.7 Ron/Lei) large size for one hungry person or two if not so hungry (9.9-18.7 Ron/Lei).

Pasta, salad, desserts, and other goodies available as well. 3 or 4 tables only. Non smoking. Some staff speak english, very helpful. I thought it funny that a local 1/2 liter bottle of beer was cheaper than a bottle of Coca-Cola! (3.5 Lei vs 3.0 Lei). They deliver with a 20 Lei minimum. 10:00-22:00. I think they're closed on Sunday. (Brochure says Duminica Inchis)

(*Spoken as Joe Pesci)