Rîbniţa
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 226: The skies in Rîbniţa are weeping buckets today! 20.2°C, feels like 20.6°C – a perfect weather to rust my gnome parts, if I were made of iron that is! Humidity is 89% – I’m practically swimming through the air. Winds at a measly 2.39m/s, barely enough to ruffle my gnome-beard. Mother Nature is truly testing this gnome’s mettle! – Oliver, the almost amphibious gnome.
Gnome Among the Sunflowers
My miniature feet took me through an intriguing landscape of rolling hills, quaint villages, and vast sunflower fields. But the most fascinating part of my journey was a small, roadside shrine nestled amidst a copse of trees. It was adorned with icons of saints and smoky candles that locals lit as a symbol of prayer and hope. Moldovan people have a deep sense of spirituality and this shrine was a testament to their faith.
As I traveled, I sang a local song, “De-aş trăi ca bradu-n munte” (If I lived like the fir in the mountain), which resonated with the tranquil surroundings. I couldn’t help but muse philosophically on the lyrics – how beautiful it might be to stand tall and firm, like a fir tree, witnessing the world go by.
Now, for my fellow linguaphiles, here’s a handy phrase I picked up: “Mulțumesc pentru ospitalitate” which translates to “Thank you for your hospitality”. Moldovans sure know how to make a gnome feel welcome!
As I march on, I’ve crossed a total of 6685.5 kilometers in 226 days. My gnome-footprints mark the roads of Dubăsari, Dubăsari, Susleni, Rîbniţa, and Popova Hreblia.
Stay tuned for more tales from the road, and remember: “Călătoria este destinatia” – The journey is the destination.
La revedere (Goodbye) for now, folks!
Wandering Rîbniţa’s Streets
Gnome’s Humble Horizon
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Rîbniţa.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Rîbniţa: Cinemas, Statues & Moldovan Heart!
Secondly, the city’s love for the arts is palpable. It’s like walking into a painting by famed Moldovan artist Gheorghe Munteanu-Mardare. Did you know that Rîbniţa is home to an annual film festival? Festivalul de Film draws in cinephiles from all over, showcasing the cultural richness of this Moldovan city.
In the words of our beloved Moldovan poet Grigore Vieru, “În inima mea e Moldova întreagă” (The whole of Moldova is in my heart). Such is the allure of Rîbniţa!
Moldovan Mingle: Lost in Translation!
Hello from Moldova, land of rich culture and history! Here, we speak Moldovan, which is almost identical to Romanian.
Let’s learn a few phrases, shall we? “Bună ziua” (boo-nuh zee-wah) meaning “Good day”, a friendly greeting you can use anytime. “Mulțumesc” (mool-tzoo-mesk) means “Thank you”, a word that will win you many smiles. If you’re lost, ask “Unde este…?” (oon-deh yeste), meaning “Where is…?”
In Rîbniţa, a city with a significant Russian-speaking population, you might hear an intriguing mix of Moldovan and Russian.
Remember, language is more than words—it’s a gateway to understanding a culture. So, get out there and practice your Moldovan! Or as they say here, “exersează-ți moldoveneasca” (ex-er-sea-zah-tzi moldo-ven-eas-ca).
Stay curious, my friends. Until next time, “La revedere” (la re-veh-deh-reh)!
Gnome’s Gander in Rîbniţa
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 