Bună ziua, my dear wandering souls! It’s your trusty garden gnome, Oliver reporting from the picturesque town of Criuleni, Moldova.

My most recent journey, a 32.3-kilometer trek from the bustling capital city of Chișinău to the charming town of Criuleni was nothing short of remarkable. I’ve been on the road for a staggering 221 days, and in that time, I’ve traversed a total of 6613.3 kilometers, with my recent stops including Hînceşti, Anenii Noi, and Dubăsari.

Now, let me share an interesting observation from this journey. As I ambled along the path, I noticed the transition from a bustling city to serene countryside – it was like watching an artist’s brush moving from a canvas filled with hues of grey to shades of green. This transition, my friends, is a mirror of life itself. As an old Moldovan saying goes, “Unde e multă verdeață, sufletul se împlinează” which translates to “Where there is much greenery, the soul is fulfilled.”

Speaking of greenery, the vineyards around Criuleni are a sight to behold. I was told that Moldova has the highest wine production per capita in the world. Now, isn’t that something to raise a glass to?

In the spirit of sharing local culture, let me share a popular folk song – “Cântă cucu-n Bucovina“, which means “The cuckoo sings in Bucovina”. It’s a beautiful melody that echoes through the vineyards, filling the air with a sense of nostalgia and pride.

I didn’t cross any borders this time, but I’ve been brushing up on my Moldovan, or should I say Romanian, as the two are virtually identical. For instance, my new favorite phrase is “Drum bun” which means “Safe travels”. I think it’s quite fitting, don’t you?

Remember, we are not just voyagers; we are storytellers, painting the world with our experiences. So, until next time, drum bun, my fellow wanderers!

La revedere! (Goodbye!)

In the heart of the picturesque Moldovan landscape sits the charming city of Criuleni. A place of rich culture and history, Criuleni’s most prominent landmark is the St. Nicholas Church, a remarkable example of Orthodox architecture. Known in Moldovan as “Biserica Sfântul Nicolae”, this majestic monument has stood as a beacon of faith and resilience for centuries.

Criuleni’s history is closely intertwined with that of Moldova’s revered poet Grigore Vieru. It was said Vieru would often say, “Fiecare om are dreptul la o stea” which translates to “Every person has the right to a star”. This embodies the spirit of the city as it shines brightly in Moldova’s cultural constellation.

While Criuleni might not be the largest city in Moldova, it certainly carries the heart and soul of this beautiful country. As the locals say, “Mărimea nu contează, contează inima” – “Size doesn’t matter, the heart does”.