Newsletters from Moldova

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.