Romanians given behavior lessons

BUCHAREST, Romania -- Big Mother is wagging her finger at Romanians, telling them to say please, not to litter and to say no to drugs when they visit Western Europe.

With the lifting of a visa requirement Jan. 1, it will be considerably easier for Romanians to travel to Western Europe.

In an effort to head off potential typecasting of the "ugly Romanian," the Interior Ministry has published a booklet of behavioral guidelines for travelers who may not be familiar with Western European mores.

Some of the guidelines come off as slightly nagging.

"Before asking for something, greet the person, smiling at him/her and then use the expression 'Please,'" the pamphlet advises.