The region of Moldova was known in the past as Bessarabia. It has been part for a long time to the Romanian principality, belonging to the Ottoman Empire. It was ceded in 1812 to Russia for which, after the end of the Second World War, assumed the status of Socialist Republic of the USSR. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 gave chance to the Moldova to become independent, joining the United Nations the following year.
Due to its shaken history, the culture of Moldova has now a double face: the proximity with Roumania and the use of the official language gave it a more European influence, but at the same time its roots are still anchored to the big sphere of influence of Russia.
In Moldavia, especially in the Transnistria region, numerous people still call themselves 'Russians', keeping strong their identity, which makes that the Russian language is still is very much spread and understood by the majority of the population.
Moldavia doesn't belong to the European Union. However, its citizens has the allowance of asking for a double passport, getting in this way easy access to the European Union. However, the current politicians are pro-russian, so they favorize commerce and political actions meant to improve relations with the big Putin's power.
Chişinău
I visited Moldova with the objective of meeting my friend Diana, who I met during my University years in France. She was born in Moldova and lived there her life till the end of high school.
She was born and lived till end of High School in the city of Ungheni: in the North of the Country, at less than one hour from Iaşi, in Roumania and two hours-drive from the Capital of the country, Chişinău.
Chişinău is the capital of Moldova. It is not a very big city, though. It is characteristic of many nice restaurants with a very little amount of money you can get a very good meal. Chişinău is told to be the less visited place is Europe. It is for that, though, that it still keeps its authenticity.
Orehuil Viehi
The most touristic place of Moldova after Chishinau, the capital, is Orahiul Viehi. This is a monastery in the Eastern part of the country. It is situated up on the mountains and highly frequented by Russian touists and pelegrins.
We reached it with a private bus trough a narrow and steep road. Decorations inside the churches, however, are very beautiful, and the view over the landscape is espectacular. Plus, I could practice my Russian!
Are you interested in visit Moldova? Leave a comment or a like if this article taught you something new!
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