Hînceşti
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 218: I’ve landed in Hînceşti, where the temperature is a scorching 32.79°C, feels more like a simmering stew in a gnome-sized pot. The skies have opened up, but it’s only a moderate rain, hardly enough to cool my red, button-like nose. Humidity’s at 36%, but for a gnome, it feels like bathing in a biscuit tin. And the wind speed? 8.53 m/s – makes my hat flap like a distressed pigeon! But fear not, a gnome’s life is nothing if not resilient! Stay grumpy, my friends. #GnomeLife #HînceştiHeatWave
Moldova March Madness
As I crossed the border, the language changed from Romanian to Moldovan, although the two are quite similar, with Moldovan being a variant of Romanian. Don’t worry, I’ve brought you some local phrases too! In Moldova, they say “Cine nu munceşte, nu mănâncă” which translates to “He who doesn’t work, doesn’t eat”.
Now, let’s get to the meat of the matter – my interesting observation. Do you know what struck me most about this journey? It was the people. There’s something about the warmth in their eyes that tells you – home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling.
Anyway, let’s not forget that this journey was a part of my bigger quest. So far, I’ve been on the road for 218 days and traversed 6468.1 km. My recent stops include the towns of Berești, Leova, Lunca Banului, Hînceşti, and Anenii Noi.
Now, allow me to leave you with a popular Moldovan song verse: “Unde dragoste e multă, acolo e și viața lungă.” This heart-warming line translates to “Where there is much love, there is also a long life.”
Remember, life isn’t about the destination, but the journey. So, wherever you are in the world, I hope you’re enjoying your own journey. Until next time, La revedere!
Wandering Hînceşti’s Streets
Petite Palette Fumbles
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Hînceşti.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Hînceşti: Mansion Maestro Melodies!
My second glorious encounter was with the music of the city. The melodies of Ștefan Neaga, a revered composer hailing from Hînceşti, still echo through the streets. I was humbled to stand in the very city that produced such a musical genius. A local told me, “Muzica sa ne inspiră pe toți“, which translates to ‘His music inspires us all.’
Ah, Hînceşti, you are a symphony of history and culture that sings to the heart!
Plăcintă, Piața, and Porridge: Hînceş
Hînceşti, a city teeming with history and culture in Moldova. Daily life is a blend of old and new. Mornings begin with a hearty “Bună dimineața” (Good morning). The air fills with the aroma of freshly baked “Plăcintă” (traditional pastry). People go about their business, some to the famous Manuc Bei Estate, others to the bustling Piața Centrală (central market). A common phrase heard is “Ce mai faci?” (How are you?). Evenings bring families together for dinner, often featuring “Mămăligă” (cornmeal porridge). The day ends with a heartfelt “Noapte bună” (Goodnight). A day in Hînceşti is a delightful symphony of tradition and modernity.
Gnome’s Guide: Hînceşti Highlights
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 