One of the things I love most about European cities is that they almost always have a great city square or center which feels like the heartbeat of the city. Chisinau is no different. We stood on the exact center of the city, walked around and saw the statue of Stefan cel Mare, one of Moldova's greatest heroes. We stopped by the post office and the organ hall and exchanged some money.
Once our friends arrived, we met them at the hotel and gave everyone some time to regroup before we headed back out for a visit to the Archaeology Museum and the Organ Hall. We also met up with a couple of our Moldovan counterparts for our first authentic Moldovan dinner!
When we arrived at the Archaeology Museum, we were greeted by Professor Ion Tentiuc, who led us on an excellent tour of Moldova's history, from very early times through the days of Communism and the Soviet Union to today. I found the Soviet propaganda to be the most interesting part of the tour, mostly because I think that is one of the most interesting periods in European history, and a lot of the items in the museum were the types of things that just aren't seen in America.
Afterwards, we ate dinner and were joined by Vlad and Teo, Dr. McLauchlan's students during her Fullbright at ULIM, and current students of Larisa's in our joint course. They are great, and seem really excited to have us here and for all of us to be working together! Dinner was delicious, a sort of cafeteria-style line full of traditional, authentic Moldovan food. I got a little bit of everything, and loved all of it.
Once we finished dinner, we went to a performance at the Organ Hall, which was less organs and more stringed instruments, but it was very nice. We had great seats, just a couple of rows back, and were able to see everyone in the orchestra very well. After they were done, a little girl ran up with flowers for one of the ladies playing - it was like something out of a movie!
We went back to the hotel to relax and get settled in, and a few of us ended up going to grab a snack and a drink with Teo, Vlad, and some of the other students we were going to be working with during our stay. We went to a great restaurant called La Placinte, where we ordered some Moldovan red wine and, of course, Placinte, which is some kind of stuffed pastry, usually filled with cheese, spinach, or cabbage. Whatever is in it, it's delicious!
In all, I'd say it was a successful first day in Moldova!
The Center of Chisinau
Our group in front of Stefan Cel Mare.
Chisinau Post Office
Relaxing with some Moldovan wine from Milestii Mici
Our first trolley ride, this one was from the Soviet days!
Judge Gross, Kendel, Royale, me, and Jared on our first trolley ride in Chisinau.
Pottery at the Archaeology Museum
Me at the Archaeology Museum
Our group in front of the Archaeology Museum
Archaeology Museum
Jared, Sebastian, and Erica checking out the Archaeology Museum
Artifacts
A Soviet Military Jacket
Propaganda
Jared also loved this part!
Archaeology Museum
Archaeology Museum
Jared and Sebastian with the Moldovan Constitution
Diorama in the Archaeology Museum
In front of the battle diorama.
My first Moldovan meal! Yummmm!
Royale and Me, eating dinner.
Me and Royale at dinner. Cheers!
Outside the Archaeology Museum
Archaeology Museum
Organ Hall, pre-performance.
Me and Patricia at the Organ Hall.
Our group at the Organ Hall
Sebastian and me having wine with our new Moldovan friends
Cheers, Moldova!
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