MOLDOVA – FORGOTTEN COUNTRY

During our round trip by camper through Eastern Europe this summer, we also decided to visit Moldova, which is, according to statistics, the least developed and poorest country in Europe. This visit was particularly exciting, as we could find hardly any information about the country, its roads, tourist attractions and accommodation possibilities. We only knew that Moldova – a former Soviet republic – declared itself as an independent state in 1991 and that its population is occupied mainly in food production and processing.

Coming from Romania, we passed the Danube by ferry in Galati and soon arrived at the border crossing. The border police appeared to be polite and serious. Our camper was checked in detail and so were our documents. Finally we had to pay 2,50 € „eco-tax“ and after one hour we were allowed to enter the country.

The road to the capital Chisinau was a narrow paved road, passing uphill-downhill through picturesque villages with colourful houses and huge sunflower and mais fields. Their was hardly any traffic (although the price of petrol is only one euro), and no tourists at all. Dilapidated buildings could be seen everywhere, obviously abandoned state farms and factories from the Soviet period.

On our way to Chisinau we passed through the autonomous territorial unit of  Gaugasia. Most Gaugasians descend from the Oghuz tribe of Turkey. Its population is 160,000 and the base of their economy is agriculture. Altogether, Gaugasia looks sad, poor and depressing.

On the contrary, the Moldovian capital Chisinau was a big suprise!  Many parks and green avenues, modern shopping malls and well-dressed people. It was quite a job to find the city center (no signposting at all!), but finally we found the Cathedral Park with many interesting places in the surroundings. With an excellent meal and a glass of Purcati wine in the „Green Hills“ restaurant, we enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. It was a pleasure to visit the Cathedral, to make a walk along the Boulevard Stefan cel Mare, and to visit the market.

However, accommodation appeared to be a problem. On the basis of internet data, we had to 25 km further to the tourist resort Vadul lui Voda on the bank of the Dnistr river to find a camping site. And so we did! But the camping turned out to be a youth camp (see picture) where we were not admitted with our camper! Finally we found a small apartment in a tourist settlement with swimming-pool, where we could park our camper and spend a few magnificent days in this green area. 

4 Replies to “MOLDOVA – FORGOTTEN COUNTRY”

  1. I am involved in a project to develop the tourism brand for Moldova and to spread the word about Moldova’s attractions. We have a facebook friend site at : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Moldova-Holiday/366018940138616 and we are developing a comprehensive web portal with detailed visitors information at: http://www.MoldovaHoliday.travel
    It is a beautiful country, people are incredibly friendly and helpful to visitors, the wine and underground wine cellars are also amazing. More people should visit!
    Jack Delf
    jack@montenegroholiday.com

    1. marianne says: Reply

      Hallo Jack,
      Thank you for your comment. I fully agree with you, Moldova is a beautiful country and the people are very friendly and nice!
      My next blog about Moldova will be published tomorrow. Paul Wennekes and me intend to publish the first Dutch travel guide about Moldova. It really is a country that should be visitied!
      Kind regards,
      Marianne

  2. I live in Moldova and I can assure you the roads are much better than that in the picture, in the summer there are lots of tourists and Moldova is not a FORGOTTEN COUNTRY!

    1. Marianne van Twillert says: Reply

      I visited Moldova in 2012 and I really love your wonderful country. I am sure that many things have changed in the meantime and that a lot of tourists have discovered the beauties of Moldova. pls also read my blogpost Moldova Highlights! By the way, we enjoyed driving on the road from the picture!

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