Who can possibly contradict me when I’d say what a great novel Orwell wrote, Nineteen Eighty-Four? Of course we all like it, reading such an amazing prevision, one big brother and lots of censorship, power and “sex gone sour” fanaticism.

Coloured badges...just an example

Well, I was born in 1984…in Romania. But never felt like this was taking much of my time, to be completely true. And I was five when my family was watching the death of our dictator Ceausescu on TV. And that is all. I was too little before, too little when revolution came. I was too little when we were inside; I was too little when the new beginning started… And that is all.

One particular morning I woke at 6:30 with a big smile on my face, for it was a big day, for we were going on a socialist trip. Had my daily cup of milk for which my dear grandfather had already queued since 5:30 and then headed towards school and one our later, there I was, with my mom holding my hand and other classmates also holding parent’s hands, waiting in front of the school bus.. Kissed the parents, got into the bus and then off we were to visit some of the traditional nice places our country has to share. We were all split into three series, according to the grades in school. Luckily, I had good grades at school, so I got in first series – crème de la crème,  speaking of equality… But we didn’t care much for this, all we cared was about a brilliant day to come, a change of routine. And what a great day it was…

All sprouts were part of certain organizations, according to their age. First flaw back takes me to my white and red uniform – somehow ridiculous, although worn with big pride by the fellow 10 years old children, who had no clue what that could mean, but who were taught that “it is good”.  We were all wearing the same uniforms, so that we all look alike, without any distinction. Like all kids, I was one of the members of the Pioneer organization, which included children up to 14 or 15 years old. And, let me tell you, that was THE sexiest thing to be, getting all the respect, applauds and lots of envy, all on your shoulders.

But the nicest moment was always Christmas, winter holidays in fact – pineapple, bananas, chocolate and patriotic songs! And all family would gather around watching the two greedy ones, my brother and I, getting their bellies stuffed with all those delights which were available only on very special occasions during the year! One can appreciate small things more, when having this image in mind.

Well, 20 years after things have changed, nowadays, movies from those times have been popping up like crazy, from which my favourite is one called Tales from the Golden Age.

And then, reflecting a bit, as people are growing older, they are becoming more and more melancholic and our thoughts fly much easier to the past. Maybe that is why my grandparents still look back and talk about those times. My parents are a real combination of past and present, with all implications and colourful diversity, but never told me much about it.

…Me, I am enjoying present.