Moldovan government and the main square in Chisinau. A new liberal coalition was just forming when we got there, just after the second round of elections where the communists (in name only) lost.

The main church of Moldova, right vis-a-vis the government. The great majority of the country is Christian orthodox and on weekends, this square is full of newlyweds.

Selling cheese at the truly vibrant market of Chisinau.

Plenty of vegetables at the market as well, people from all around come to sell.

You can get a really nice quick lunch for a Euro or two.

Main boulevard, nice and clean, with electric buses which have been here for decades.

Mixing old with the new. Post office in front.

The boards and Lonely Planet were promising a lake full of swimmers, rowers...

...what you get is not quite as advertised. The lake was polluted and emptied a few years ago.

That lead to a certain level of frustration. Let's hope they fill it up again soon. Are you listening, new government?

Exploring the city, while using some quirky optical illusion. Or is that supposed to be a national symbol? ;)

Partying at night with friends from Moldova. Clubs are pretty awesome, relaxed and always with something going on.

The gobnik/čefur cultural elements seem to be amazingly internationalised.

Our hotel room, pretty good for 18€/night. And that's only half of it, there's another bed and a large fridge on the other side.

Moldova has wine of incredible quality at laughable prices. Of course that warranted a visit to Milesti Mici, a famous winery with 170 km of underground tunnels. Wine tasting & debate with a friendly Russian with dubious stories is mandatory.

World War II memorial with honorary guard scorching in the sun. Every 15 minutes another guard comes to wipe the sweat from their foreheads as they stand still.

Memorial to the soldiers who died in the war Afghanistan. The previous one, back when the USA were sponsoring the Taliban and Soviets fighting (occupying) them. Oh my, how the tables have turned.

A Soviet-era jet. They didn't leave the keys in, I checked.

Yes, iPhone is available in Moldavia while we in Slovenia still wait. In fact Orange has their most modern 3G mobile network there.

Orhei Vechi, monasteries carved in stone next to a river meander.

The dwellings of an orthodox monk.

The dwellings of goats.

If you ever wondered, cows indeed are fond of bananas.

Spectacular views.

Fishing old school, like with phishing, they also use the nets. :)

Wandering off on the green fields.

The friendliness of our Moldovan friends really cannot be overstated.