Thanks, Jen. I leave next week. I did get maps and stickers. I also bought a few English books, but I was wondering if they would make my suitcase too heavy; I guess I'll just have to figure out a way to carry them!

Nancy, no, money it would be very inappropriate to give to a teacher in Romania, that would insulting. You can give money to Taxi drivers, restaurant workers, etc<BR>Unlike Thailand, Romania is a poor but civilized country, no tribes or cannibals there. Teachers are college educated and very proud people. A nice pen, some stationary with American logo on it, something that is specific of your area will be greatly appreciated. And they do not receive their salary in $$$, but in Lei, so any comparison with the USD is not really useful. <BR><BR>Barbara, they do not drink American style coffee, it's Turkish style, very strong.

Something with a professional team logo would be hot, like the Braves, NY Mets, etc. They like baseball caps and <BR>T shirts, stuff like that. Good luck!

Barbara,<BR>perhaps the best gifts you could make is to buy calendars and large format photos of America that could be shown in the class room and/or also displayed at home. For example indian artifacts would be a rarity in Romania. <BR>Do not give money. Some may find it insulting. <BR>Turkish coffee is drank in Romania as well as instant coffee. American coffee does not make good turkish coffee.<BR>Bon Voyage! <BR>John

In reference to your candy question: Is salt water taffy unique to America?

Good question! I don't remember seeing salt water taffy in Europe when I was there before, but I wasn't looking for it, either! I thought maybe Reese's peanut butter cups, Hersheys kisses, red licorice, or Skittles would be fairly unique to America. Thanks for the coffee advice; it was just what I needed to know!