Bucharest's city hall spent some 700,000 euro to "green up" the city center, one newspaper reads on Tuesday. Nonetheless, Romanians can save some money if they opt for a new apartment rather than an old one, courtesy of the crisis. Elsewhere in the news, one newspaper blatantly talks about a taboo in our society: the gay community. Last but not least, Associated Press correspondent to Bucharest reveals her impressions about the city.

Gandul reads that Bucharest city hall spent 700,000 euro to plant grass in the city center in December last year. The newspaper reads that with this sum, authorities could have paved the streets with bamboos made floor.

When prompted for some explanations, Bucharest mayor Sorin Oprescu declared that he never said that money are not stolen. He further explained that if nobody steals, then people will fall, one by one.

The newspaper reads that company in charge started working in December 2008 and finished by February 2009, according to the contract. However, according to employees, the company did not work in December and January due to the fact that the soil was frozen.

Even though the area this spring looks just the same, authorities gave another contract to the company to continue their works and supplemented the initial contract by 1,78 million lei.

Nonetheless, Romanians themselves can save up some money if they decide to buy a new apartment than an old one, due to the economic crisis, Evenimentul Zilei reads. Most developers were pressured to drop prices by 20 to 25% to pay their credits and finish contruction works.

Even if older apartments can get 40% cheaper than their 2008 price level, the newspaper explains that on the long term, new apartments are the least expensive solution. The paper quotes several real estate experts saying that older apartments are harder to maintain and support than new ones.

Another argument put forward by local experts is that in 10 years time, a new apartment will maintain its market value, in the detriment of the old one.

Elsewhere in the news, Romania libera reads a taboo subject in Romania's society, namely about the gay community. The paper reads that this community has raised both curiosity and anger among the society in the last years.

Some accepted them as equals and treat them with respect while others, still a majority, consider that the gay community is all about the Gayfest manifestations and exhibitions. Because most Romanians have a conservative view in regards to gay rights, politicians avoid taking a stand on the issue or, if they do, they support the view of the majority.

For one week, the newspaper plans to bring this issue to the fore and invite people to debates by setting forward the various lives of members of this marginalized community.

Associated Press correspondent to Bucharest, Alison Mutler talks about her personal views on Bucharest, Cotidianul reads. She describes Bucharest as stressful, annoying but never boring. She calls Bucharest, a non stop city for its non stop services offered.

The newspaper quotes Alison saying that for those foreigners who visit, Bucharest is an exotic, energetic and interesting city which unfolds in front of them. However, she talks about the heavy traffic, lack of organization and stressed out people who forget how to smile and relax.