Companies in Romania sometimes use “Rom” as a prefix to their name e.g. Rompetrol, Romarm, Romtech. Companies in Moldova sometimes use “Mold” as a prefix e.g. Moldsoft, Moldacom, Moldcell. As an English speaker, Mold-anything is disconcerting.
Sunday, July 7
The five+ hour bus ride from Reni to Chisinau was hot and progressively crowded. I wasn’t happy that it was 90 degrees inside the bus but I was happy to have my own seat even if I had multiple derrieres four inches away at eye level.
The evening walk through the park was pleasant. We found a couple hundred older adults doing folk dances while a guy sang karaoke. The creative, happy atmosphere was authentic and comforting. Notable park landmarks were an “arc de triumph,” orthodox church, and a statue of King Stephen.
Monday, July 8
Transnistria
Transnistria’s relationship with Russia, Romania, and Moldova can be summarized as “it’s complicated.” It’s a country that no one recognizes as a country except for themselves but has been claimed by everyone at some point.
We chartered the “Soviet Tour” and learned that history is rooted in the perspective it is being told from. I knew nothing of this region previous to the tour but I was dazed by how much has happened in the area with much change and turbulence within my lifetime. Americans don’t learn about this land.
Our guide pointed out a corner structure, called it the “building of happiness,” and asked us what type of building we thought it it was. DH2 offered “brothel” whereas i offered “library.” Our guide said it was a marriage office. I laughingly said it was Rorschach test and DH2 retorted that i was just being polite by not saying “bar.” Touche. He knows me well.
After our tour and lunch, we met with a previous student of DH2 at Cricova winery where we toured the kilometers of underground wine storage and enjoyed a wine tasting. Back in Chisinau, we ate and walked through town.
Tuesday, July 9
While breakfasting at a cafe around the corner of our hotel, a video of Australia was playing as background entertainment. It was strange that we were in Moldova watching images of places we’ve visited.
The National History Museum was a pleasant way to pass the morning. We visited the Memorial to Victims of Stalinist Repression and then to another winery. Sadly there were no tastings available (really???) so we settled for lunch and wine with our Moldovan host.
Check in went OK and we purchased a bottle of apricot brandy with the leftover lei (currency) that we were unable to exchange. A successful trip!
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