When I began to tell friends and family about our tentative race route I realized I was getting a similar response from most… “Oh that’s really cool, wait, where’s Moldova?” I knew that it was in Eastern Europe, but I’ll admit that was as far as my knowledge went. So I began researching the country, trying to find out any little tidbit of information that would give me some idea what the country was like. I didn’t want the typical touristy info like stay at such and such hotel or visit such and such restaurant. I wanted to know what made Moldaova stand out, what made it special. I found an article that gave me exactly what I was looking for. Below are some snippets that popped out at me the most….
This small country is in fact three different countries in one. The southern half is the Republic of Gagauzia, where Christianized Turks had settled years ago. They are recognized by the Moldovan government and seem to be at peace with them. Then there is the self-proclaimed Republic of Transdniestria, perhaps the most surreal place on earth. On my visit there (in which my friend and I were rescued in a special mission from the US Embassy – this is another story) we saw what could only be described as a living museum to the Soviet Union. Statues of Lenin were being put up before our eyes, bread lines were long, and we were ticketed for looking the wrong way when crossing the street.
Moldova has no coastline. Moldova has no mountains. Moldova does not possess a year-round pleasant climate. Moldova requires a $60 minimum visa for entry and can’t seem to set up a stable government. Yet, with all of this taken into consideration, I just can’t stop returning to this place! I consider it one of the best kept secrets on earth, in fact. And, I am not alone.
The reason is actually profoundly simple – the wonderfully genuine and sincere nature of the Moldovan people. Anywhere on earth you will find good people and bad people. That is a given. Moldova, however, seems to have a disproportionate number of good people. I mean really good. Not goody-two-shoe-good but genuine, salt of the earth good. Reliable, trustworthy, friends for life. It’s been said if you can count your true friends on the five fingers of your hands, you are rich. If that’s true, then Moldova stands to make you a very rich person.
The people there are less affected by the declining value placed on friendship in the West. When I asked several hundred young Moldovans what are the five most important things in your life the most common replies were “My faith, my family, my friends, love, making a difference in Moldova and the world.” A similar poll in America yielded much more materialistic results from it’s participants. This difference in perspectives affects not only the individual adherents but the society-at-large in profound ways.
After reading this article and browsing numerous photographs of this breathtaking little country, Moldova has worked it’s way up to number three on my list of the countries I’m most excited about, right behind Thailand and South Africa. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us here!!
Being a very visual person myself, I’ve also included some photos for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!
photos found on www.trekearth.com
