“Bună ziua, prietenii mei!” (Hello, my friends!) from the charming town of Dubăsari, Moldova. It’s your favorite globe-trotting gnome, Oliver, reporting from the same spot as my last post. That’s right, I’ve traveled a grand total of 0.0km from my previous location. How’s that for a thrilling adventure?

“But Oliver,” I hear you say, “If you’ve not moved, what could you possibly have to recount?” Well, my friends, this is where it gets interesting. In my stationary state, I noticed a fascinating local tradition. Every evening, a group of elders gathers in the central park to play the Moldovan version of chess, called Șah. They play with such passion and intensity, it’s a sight to behold. And yes, I tried my hand at it, or should I say, gnome hat? Let’s just say, Moldovan chess is not my game.

“Mai bine un pic cu mintea decât mult fără mintea.” (Better a little with wisdom than much without wisdom.) Wise words from a Moldovan proverb, fitting my Șah experience perfectly.

My journey so far has spanned across 223 days, covering a distance of 6586.7 kilometers! From Chișinău to Criuleni, then to Dubăsari (twice!) and Susleni. Each place has added a unique color to my travel palette.

As I continue my journey, the sounds of local Moldovan songs echo in my ears, “Doar o fata are mama, / Și pe ea o iubește, / Cum o iubesc și eu pe mama, / Și pe tata la fel.” (Mother has only one girl, / And she loves her, / Just like I love my mother, / And my father just the same.)

Remember, my friends, “Cine se trezește de dimineața, departe ajunge.” (He who wakes up early, goes far.) Here’s to many more kilometers and early mornings!

La revedere for now (Goodbye for now), until the next chapter of our journey.

Always wandering, but never lost,
Oliver

In Dubăsari, I was struck by its rich culture and history. One fascinating aspect is the Transnistrian War Memorial, an imposing reminder of the city’s turbulent past. The locals say “Când vezi monumentul, nu uita că istoria noastră este plină de sacrificii” (When you see the monument, remember our history is full of sacrifices).

Secondly, the city is known for its production of Moldovan wine. I visited a local winery where I could hear the echoes of the famous Moldovan poet, Leonida Lari, who wrote, “Moldova mea, pământ binecuvântat de Dumnezeu, cu viile tale” (My Moldova, land blessed by God, with your vineyards).

Both experiences gave me a deeper understanding of this city’s resilience and the importance of arts in their culture. The memories of Dubăsari will stay with me, much like the taste of its delectable wine – a true embodiment of Moldova’s character.