Preparing to return to Moldova

In 1993 I embarked on a trip to a little known country called Moldova which had not long gained Independence from the Soviet Union.
The primary purpose was to go and teach in the schools and on a summer school.
Below is a piece of art work an unsuspecting girl gave me as school finished ... I expect she would be amazed to know I have still got it.
The CCP stand for Socialist Democratic Republics I believe.





Quite surprising when one finds that the country is landlocked between Ukraine and Romania

I found myself living in Botannica, an estate of flats on the edge of the city.

Life was quite acceptable I enjoyed living with a Russian family in their apartment and slept in the living room. There daughter Marianna cooked me delightful dishes ... the only thing I misses after a while was cereals in the morning .. but on the food I was given was far more interesting!

Here is Volvo the man of the house preparing food in the small kitchen.

I was to work in School 61 and on the 1st September the new school year commenced it was a real celebration with the whole school assembling in front of the school. The oldest pupil carried the youngest member round on his shoulder as she rang a bell to signify the beginning of the school term. I have always remembered this ceremony and it is one of the reasons I choose to go back at this time of year.

School 61 was a Moldovan school while next door was a Russian School.

Teachers were addressed by their first name so I was known as Mr Clive, and I worked along side Mrs Virginia who was a very nice colleague and made exceptionally welcome in the school!

I met her family. As I prepare to return I am still hoping I may be able to trace her and the Russian family that I lived with. Of course it is 18 years ago.

A trip to the City Zoo with school children.

Enjoying one of Moldavia's best secrets its local wine, in this case made by the brother of Mrs Virginia.

Relaxing at the lake with Mariana and her friends over the weekend.

Shortly before I went out to Moldova there had been a civil war in the country, leading to the annexing of the Trienestia region of the country. Some 1500 people died during this civil war.

In 1993 there was a Russian Red Army peace keeping force keeping the peace between the two areas,

I made a day trip to the Trisapol the main city of the annexed region.

In the main square of Chisinau there was a hunger strike going on because things had not been settled satisfactorily after the hostilities.

A general scene in Botannica.

I believe this part of the Independence celebrations held at the end of August

When I came to leave to return to the Uk I had been totally immersed into the life of the people of Chisinau and it was with great sadness that I came to leave. Mrs Virginia and one of the classes I had been teaching came out to bid me farewell. At the time I made a promise to return ... a promise I now am fulfilling as I prepare to return in 2011.