This is the 5th in a series of posts. See previous post HERE.
You’re going where? Where exactly is Moldava??
Well, the eastern part of Europe. Their largest border is with Romania (on the west side) and Ukraine on the north, east, and south where Odessa is located. It could be considered a suburb of Romania as that is the language most spoken. But Moldava has not progressed as well or as fast or grown as large as Romania. The country was doing well but then faced the double whammy of first Covid (like everywhere else), followed by the war in Ukraine. Just when the effects of Covid were subsiding … boom. Tourism simply died. They were likewise tremendously hurt by not having access to the port of Odessa, causing gas prices to rise steeply.
Alas, the Moldavians forged ahead. It’s true few Americans visit here regardless, according to our guide Victoria. English is widely spoken and is compulsory in elementary school. Mostly Europeans visit the country. We both found it to be very nice and safe with beautiful and abundant parks. Food is very inexpensive (always a plus).
Below, a contrast between the old and new
We were passing one of the innumerable pastry shops and I shared a tip from my beloved longtime Romanian manicurist in LA. “The pastry in Bucharest is better than in Vienna!” To which our guide replied, “The pastry here (in Chisinau) is better than Bucharest!” We’ll just have to see when we get to our next stop in Bucharest. The delicious taste test below.
Below, our wonderful guide Victoria who was referred to us by Romanian guide (to be) Daniel.
Below, in the center of Chisinau. Who knew that Sacramento is among Chisnau’s sister cities? Likewise, notice the QR code at the bottom. Every sign we saw on buildings and monuments has a QR code. I read that Moldava’s internet is among the fastest and least expensive in the world. And there are electrical outlets in their parks so one can always get a charge.
Moldava’s official residence of the President Maia Sandu
As for getting to Moldava, we flew from Belgrade via Tarom – Romania’s national airline. Let’s just say the flights were fine. They got us here. We had a brief plane change in Bucharest before continuing on. The planes are small. A great many of the passengers’ carry-on bags were taken once on board and put in a cargo hold at the front on the plane. When we deplaned, there were the bags waiting for us on the tarmac. A bit odd, but it worked.
Below, a pedestrian street with “piano keys” named after Eugene Doga, Moldava’s most famous and prolific composer. Makes one want to re-enact the famous scene from the movie Big.
Our time here is brief but adequate. We came, we saw, we spoke to folks, had a lovely guide, and saw the Jewish part of Chisinau. Supposedly there are 5,000 Jews in the country. We were welcomed into the Synagogue (unlike the challenge in Belgrade — see that story HERE). It was an emotional experience given the massive turmoil going on vis-a-vis anti-semitism and the Israel conflict.
Below, the rabbi puts tefillin on Bruce, an ancient custom employed before reciting morning prayers. For a full description: Tefillin
So that is the story of visiting Chisinau (pronounced KISH-a-now which I have finally mastered). So come to Moldava and see this lovely little country. Below, the park is decorated for the upcoming Orthodox Easter holiday.
Beautiful fountains in front of the Maria Biescu National Theater
And another in the city’s main park, a gorgeous and very large green space
Next stop, touring Romania.
