From Chişinău, we drove east

We wereon my Dad’s summer holiday. It was his first time on the other side of the PrutRiver; he was eager to discover. Each year, I ask him where he wishes to spendhis summer holiday and he chooses.

 

Ourfirst stop was Selemet, where we spent an enchanting evening with our friendsand an equally happy morning.

 

Iwanted my Dad to see a bit of Chişinău on top of our usual visits to buy candyand cosmetics.

EcoLocalreuniting local producers on Saturday mornings (and a bit after lunch) was theperfect opportunity. I knew some of themand their products from iProsop. As I filled our bags with handmade pasta,various flours, oils, nuts, and fruits, I understood that summer hadn’t endedyet. The exquisite strawberry-flavoured gelato convinced me of that.

 

Ournext stop was Etcetera Winery. It is bizarre and funny at the same time that westarted back in the day with the large wineries to the east of the Prut River –and got to the family-owned ones only recently. To the west of the Prut River,we started from the family-owned and got to the large wineries only recently.

 

I lovedEtcetera from the start – the vast parking, the chicness of the restaurant, theprofessionalism and kindness of our tasting’s host. We decided on a four-winetasting. It’s been a while since I loved all the wines in my glass! P.S. Thepie was delicious. P.S. 2) The tour of the winery, led by its founder, was aninteresting and fun way to learn about the stages in the creation of Etcetera.P.S. 3) Carmenere lingered on my mind; we purchased wines from the winery’sshop.

 

Gettingto Palanca Village had been a dream for its slow pace and river life heritage.Once there, however, my mood changed a bit and, with a few exceptions, so didthe remainder of the trip.

 

We wentto see the Dniester River that morning in Tudora (two ladies helped us withdirections). I had planned to swim there (and it looked inviting). However, Iwasn’t feeling too well, so I left my swim for another time. So did my Dad andMarcel.

 

InJune, I learned from a guide turned friend that every district centre reunitesall the important stores in Moldova. When Marcel suddenly changed the last partof our itinerary, we made good use of our stop in Căuşeni to buy fruits, morecosmetics, and some new PJs (for me).

Themain reason for our stop was the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, with itsold walls and paintings – all of an unknown date. The Tatars had allegedly onlyallowed the construction of the church as high as a soldier riding a horse (notto rival the existing minarets). We had a wonderful tour; the place is full ofpeace and extraordinary energy.

 

This ishow I left Moldova!