Destination Unknown

The first 20 years of my life I lived in Communist Romania. For me it all started here. This is my story Ruled by force, intimidation, control and dictatorship; oppressed citizens were forced to succumb to implementation of rules and a communist ideology. Using images and facts from the 1970s and 1980s, I will recount what life was like living in Communist Romania. My story is one of dreams, hopes, desires and a willingness to break free from the political, religious and economical struggle taking place. l will present facts about the desperate situation in Romania in 1988, my escape and the forthcoming revolution of December 25, 1989. It has been proven during mankind’s existence when civilizations, systems and societies are ruled by dictators, kings, queens, ideologies, capitalism, socialism, communism, or any form of oppression, people reach a point where life is no more than an existence. When people feel they have nothing to lose revolution becomes an imminent and inevitable fact. Situations like these become a matter of when, not if. This was the situation in Romania in 1988. Over the past 2000 years, a rich historic value has marked the land of Romania. From Emperor Trajan conquering Dacia by instructing architect Apollodorus of Damascus to build the famous Trajan bridge over The Danube River, to cross and defeat the barbarians; to the constant struggle for unification of the Romanian people. From Mircea the Great, in the 14th century to Vlad the Impeller (Dracula), and Michael the Brave who through a series of battles and alliances lived and achieved unity for the Romanian people in the 16th century. Reflect on the ambition, dedication, commitment; desire and driving force needed to make the [dramatic] decision to leave my country and everything I have known, to immigrate to a new world, a better life and a better future. I would like my book to be simple in understanding so people from all age groups and social classes will be motivated by my personal story. It is my hope they will be inspired to overcome difficulties and apply the changes needed to live a more successful life. Life is the desire to fulfill our dreams and achieve our goals. Both for ourselves and for future generations, so they will have a better life and a better understanding of our world. Are the unique principles which exist in our human DNA what makes us desire the exploration for a new frontier? If so let’s make the most of our existence.