The Documentary Podcast The Romanians choosing life in the hills
Jul 12, 2025
Anca Badea, a seasoned Romanian journalist at BBC Monitoring, dives into the trend of Romanians moving to the countryside, seeking a slower, sustainable lifestyle despite various challenges. André Biernath, a BBC Brasil journalist, shares the inspiring story of a man who transformed a São Paulo wasteland into a thriving park. The discussion also touches on food safety, particularly regarding sprouted potatoes, and reflects on the struggles of the Kenyan flower industry, blending personal stories with broader environmental themes.
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Pandemic Spurs Countryside Return
- The pandemic accelerated a move from cities to countryside in Romania, a shift still strong unlike in other places.
- People seek slower, intentional lifestyles, smaller environmental impact, and connection to nature.
Country Homes as Status Symbol
- Owning a countryside home in Romania has become a new status symbol among celebrities and politicians.
- Even the former prime minister, trained in agriculture, lives or owns a weekend retreat there.
Varied Choices for Settlement
- People move to home villages, hills, or suburbs for nostalgia, cooler climate, and better access to schools or jobs.
- Romania's varied landscape offers many options from mountains to Danube river areas for countryside living.