Projects Abroad, Newsletters from Moldova

Our trip to Moldova was one of many surprises, we learnt that not everyone speaks English, just because you’re sat at a table doesn't mean people will serve you and if the heat doesn't get you the trolley-buses will...

I first chose to come to Moldova out of sheer curiosity. I had never heard of this country before, let alone thought to visit it. So, when looking through the Projects Abroad website, I ignorantly clicked through the various options, just looking to find an adventure. I clicked on Moldova, and was surprised to see it was an ex-Soviet country; it was this fact that I found the most interesting. I decided to do a medical placement here because it is the career I hope to go into in the future.

Philatelist are celebrating the anniversary of the first stamp this year.The first postage stamp of Basarabia's post was issued 150 years ago.In present the public enterprise "Posta Moldovei" is making happy the stamp collectors and just those who like to communicate by means of letters and cards by different kinds of stamps.

At the Women and Children’s Hospital, I spent time on the respiratory, gastroenterology, infant neurology and neonatal intensive care wards. I would be on the wards for 8.30am and again, time was spent doing ward rounds and also talking to the children about why they were in hospital. I was given plenty of opportunities to ask questions and give my opinions about patient conditions.

1st of April is acknowledged in USA, Great Britain, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Germany and France. The French call April 1 “Poisson d'Avril” or "April Fish" French children sometimes tape a picture of a fish on the back of their schoolmates, crying "Poisson d'Avril" when the prank is discovered. Here, in Moldova, this day is named “Ziua umorului”. In this day everyone is trying to make jokes on another. In the center of Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, young people are giving to the passers-by small cards with smiles on them. This gives to everyone a smile on their faces.

I live in a house that is situated in Durlesti, on the outskirts of Chisinau. My room, in Durlesti, is larger than my room back in Britain. I live with my host family: Victor, Sofia, Iulia and Maxim. We also have a dog, Demi, a rabbit and a cat (that just wants food), appears now and again! Tia is a peace corp volunteer living in the house and she has been a great help. The best thing about my house is that we always have running water and electricity!

Moldovan people are sure: you are a true housewife if you’ve learned to bake placinta. Otherwise nobody would call you a good housewife even be you a Solomon and even if you cook all delicacies of the world. But fortunately every cook even the beginner is able to make good placinta. He just has to really want it. Also he has to remember a couple of simple secrets. Each placinta has its secret: the most delicious filling is hidden inside this thoroughly baked dough with a special taste. Maybe it is a slightly melted brynza or fine curds with greens, or a delicious potato with fried onion...

The year of 2007 was a successful year for Projects Abroad Moldova and for me personally. I am very proud of the volunteers who visited us this year and I’m thanking them very much. They were exceptional people. Together with them and the staff from Great Britain we initiated 2 new projects in Moldova: Medicine Project and Sport Project. Also we have helped many lyceums and charity organizations that Projects Abroad hadn’t collaborated with earlier. I will begin my analysis with the Teaching Program, which is the oldest program in Moldova.

Saharna Monastery – a unique place due to its waterfalls pouring their waters near the ancient heart of this Christian sanctuary, this monastery was founded in 1459. It is situated amid three beautiful narrow valleys of the Nistru River and is surrounded with rocky and steep hills that have an astonishing and picturesque view. While going up and down the rocks near Saharna monastery one gains an impression that there is no possibility for such an overwhelming combination of natural beauties in one place.