Dubăsari
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 222: As a gnome on the roam, I find myself in Dubăsari under a sky as clear as my conscience. The sun, sitting at a spicy 31.33°C, is hotter than a dragon’s hiccup. Good thing I’m made of sturdy stuff! The wind, a brisk 5.73 m/s, is ruffling my beard something fierce. At least it’s not a gnome-launching gale! The humidity is at a meager 21%, making my skin feel like a dried mushroom. But hey, what’s a little dry skin in the pursuit of adventure? Until next time, stay cool, or at least try! #GnomeTales #DubăsariDiaries
Blue-Ming in Dubăsari!
Today, I am sharing my 5.7km journey from the picturesque town of Criuleni to the vibrant city of Dubăsari, both nestled in the heart of our beloved Moldova.
The highlight of our journey, you ask? Have you ever heard of an entire city that seems to be in love with the color blue? Well, I hadn’t until I sauntered into Dubăsari. Yes, you heard it right. From the quaint little cottages to the massive city buildings, from the welcoming doors to the rustic window frames, everything was adorned in varying shades of blue. It was as if the sky itself had descended upon the city. A sight to behold, indeed!
Now, “Cât de albastru poate fi albastru?” That’s how the locals here might ask, “How blue can blue be?”
I just passed the 6586.7 kilometers mark on my journey which has already seen 222 sunrises and sunsets. From the lush vineyards of Anenii Noi, to the bustling streets of Chișinău, and the tranquil banks of the Dniester in Criuleni, it has been a journey of discovery and wonder.
A local song I heard along the way goes something like this: “Cerul e albastru, inima mea e cu tine.” That translates to “The sky is blue, my heart is with you.” Quite fitting for our blue city, isn’t it?
And as the famous Moldovan philosopher, Ștefan cel Mare once said, “Un popor este nemuritor.” Or, “A nation is immortal.” Perhaps that’s why the people of Dubăsari have chosen blue, a color often associated with eternity and immortality.
Notably, my journey from Criuleni to Dubăsari did not involve crossing any borders, so the language remained the same, beautiful Romanian.
Well, that’s all for now. Keep wandering, keep wondering. “Drum bun!” Or, “Safe travels!”
La revedere till the next post, fellow roamers!
Your grumpy but friendly gnome, Oliver.
Wandering Dubăsari’s Streets
Gnome’s Bumbling Brushwork
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Dubăsari.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Dubăsari: Moldova’s Musical Mystery!
Firstly, let’s talk about the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. Now, here’s a riddle for you: Is it a country, or is it not? Dubăsari is part of this self-proclaimed republic, recognized by very few but brimming with stories. As the Moldovans say, “Nu tot ce zboară se mănâncă” – not all that flies can be eaten; a nugget of wisdom emphasizing that not everything is as it seems.
Secondly, the city’s connection to the famed Moldovan folk musician, Maria Bieșu. Born in a village near Dubăsari, her soulful ballads are the heartbeat of the region. Her music, much like the city itself, is a beautiful blend of melancholy and joy, resonating with the echoes of the past while dancing to the rhythm of the present.
Ah, Dubăsari, you are indeed more than meets the eye!
Sarmale-ly Strolling in Dubăsari
Dubăsari, a charming city in Moldova, is a culinary delight. Its food scene is unique as it incorporates elements of Russian, Ukrainian, and Romanian cuisines, creating a fusion that’s as diverse as it is tasty. One must-try dish is “sarmale”, a traditional dish made of minced meat wrapped in grape or cabbage leaves. A local might encourage you to try it saying, “Încercați sarmale, sunt delicioase!” (Try sarmale, they’re delicious!). Another standout is “plăcintă”, a Moldovan pastry that can be savored with a variety of fillings. A local phrase you might hear is, “Plăcintă e sufletul bucătăriei moldovenești” (Plăcintă is the soul of Moldovan cuisine). These dishes, among others, make Dubăsari’s food scene truly one-of-a-kind.
Dubăsari’s Gnome-tastic Gems
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 