Dedeman Grand Chisinau Hotel

... English. The less one speaks of a borrowed language, the more they exaggerate to compensate. I learned that in Thailand. I find out later that a couple of the lodgers might be long-term, maybe even Peace Corps, so that might explain it, dogs ******* their turf and all that. Or maybe they’re just avoiding me because I got a private room, like I’m breaking ranks or something. I just want to get some work done, and ...

... for the German Embassy and asking for help, but I didn´t find the entrance. Then I went to the Department of Foreign Affairs, they couldn´t help me and sent me to the Immigration Office, they sent me to another office and so on. Some offices later I got my stamp. UFF!!! What a day. The remaining hours I explored Chisinau (strange city, every second building is an exchange office), sent some postcards and then went back by bus VIA PALANCA, not through Transnistria.

... combination, gas cooking, all rest electrical, all kitchen and cooking utensils, black marble table 80x80cm, nice black tiles floor <br> Dining area: glass dining table 140x80cm with chairs, nice black tiles floor <br> Sitting area : sofa combination 3 + 1, low table and TV with DVD-video combination, carpet, some ...

... numerous international medals Milestii Mici has won in various competitions. The winery's reputation is so good, she said, England's Queen Elizabeth and the royal family consume its red wine. Winemaking is not only a cornerstone of the Moldovan economy, but an integral part of its culture. Many Moldovans make their own wine at home and in some rural villages, a person's reputation is tied to the quality of their wine. Our day followed ...

... her boss who was thanked for his kindness in allowing Elena to join us and assist with translation and lend further beauty to the group.. We then walked to a different university building and firstly visited the Museum of Anatomy - which had an amazing collection of preserved body parts, fascinating but disturbing to those of us not familiar with this intimacy of our internal workings. This was the first time on the trip that Marco turned white, more later. We ...

... we enjoyed has provided the landscape experience I had hoped for when we did the Trans-Mongolian railway trip to Moscow a few years ago. Then it was summer, and Siberia was as lush and welcoming as Terrey Hills. I wanted frosty wastes... and on this journey we were to have them in spades. Frosty wastes were not limited to the journey, they extended through to the destination. We reached a station and a scene that I hope to remember for a long while ...

... but one of them is not being stuck on the side of the road in Transdinistria! I was so disgusted by the entire affair i decided to skip the day trip to Transdinistr I had planned to take with Ryan. Made it out alive, finally ended up in Odessa, met up with Ryan at a cafe and we were led to our apartment, which is extremely nice and well-located, complete with a computer with internet access and all mod cons like a Bosh washer and great plumbing! better than my shower in London....

... means I'm left with the Baltics, the Russian embassies of which I have just contacted for application details. Why all the unnecessary extra work for a bloody stamp in a passport is beyond me, but I suppose the Russians still dislike the notion of foreigners running around their country hurdle-free. In due time I should hopefully have something arranged though. In any case, I'm moving on to Ukraine on Sunday, which means I have the rest of this week to find out if Moldova pushes my buttons at all.

... before being dropped off and enjoying a fantastic underground meal and wine tasting. I wish I could explain how wonderful it was, but I really can't. I know that if a place like that existed in the states, there's no way I could ever afford it. And when I say ever, I mean EVER. Oh, did I mentioned we got serenaded by a violinist and accordian player. Oh, and we each got two bottles of wine along with the three bottles we drank for "tasting." Phenomenal ...

... the proverbial squat toilet which is located outside. You would think that having to brave the elements would have trained these Europeans but I will tell you one of their favourite jokes -'What do you need to go to the toilet in Siberia?' answer 'Two sticks - one to hold onto as you squat and one to chase the prowling wolves away and woe and betide if there's a bloody Gail force wind just stay inside and hold!' - I ask you. A bit of African pragmatism would ...