Bucharest subway

A reader remarked that in November ’07 the Bucharest subway was “filthy but worked” (Nov. ’08, pg. 14). Things have changed. Both lines I rode on in October ’08 were served by beautiful new articulated trains open from one end to the other, and the whole system was clean.

The historic quarter was in the midst of massive street work, as if they were determined to have the entire area redone at once.

By the way, a remarkable thing about the Romanian leu is that the notes do not wear out. Like notes from some other countries, they are made of plastic but work like paper. The US Treasury, in its attempt to cut down on the number of dollar bills needing to be printed, should take a look.

CARL BOYER

Santa Clarita, CA