A British teacher recounts about his experiences in 1960s Cold War Romania

In 1967 a young British professor found himself in Bucharest, Romania, under the most intriguing circumstances.

Ron Mackay shares in the book “Surveillance and shortages: A British teacher in 1960s Cold War Romania” his fascinating experiences as he navigated life and teaching in a communist country. When he set foot on Romanian soil, he was met with challenges and intrigue. The stark realities of life under a communist regime painted a picture of a world vastly different from his own. Yet, amidst the restrictions, he found beauty in the Romanian culture, architecture, and the resilience of its people.

Despite the oppressive environment, his students were eager to learn and engage, offering him a glimpse into their lives and aspirations. The lack of resources and the ever-present surveillance added complexity to his teaching experience.

The episode also explores his adventures beyond the classroom, from navigating the bustling streets of Bucharest to travelling through the picturesque Romanian countryside, his encounters with locals, fellow expatriates, and even a mysterious British engineer.

Ron Mackay also recounts his experiences in Romania, a country teetering between Soviet influence and a desire for independence, offering a fascinating glimpse into a time of uncertainty and intrigue, in another book,”From Vulcan Bases to Communist Bucharest: A Tale of Cold War Intrigue”.

Among many stories, Ron visits an RAF base in the UK where his brother was a crew member of a Vulcan bomber, Britain’s nuclear deterrent at the time. The RAF quizzes Ron in detail about the locations he has visited in Romania.

Back in Romania Ron navigates the intricacies of its society and shares stories of friendships forged under the watchful eyes of the Securitate, Romania’s feared secret police.

Ron describes his interactions with various characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. From a duck shooting party at a Communist Party hunting lodge to a tense encounter with tanks near the Soviet border, Ron’s stories are filled with suspense and unexpected twists.

As Ron reflects on his time in Romania, he offers insights into the political and social dynamics of the era. The invasion of Czechoslovakia and Romania’s subsequent stance had profound effects on the country’s internal policies and its people’s psyche. Ron’s decision to return for a second year, driven by a fascination with the culture and a desire to deepen his understanding, underscores the allure of a place fraught with danger yet rich in human connection.

You can buy the books here .