I am a Romanian born business travel manager and photographer. I believe there should be no border to split the former Principality of Moldova in two.
Yes, I am a bloody Romanian hoping for the reunion of Romania and Moldova. I am living in Chisinau, capital city of the Republic of Moldova. I just love every part of the beauty and oddity of this country and its people, at the same time.
In the same time, I believe in photography more than in words. This is because the word "Moldova" is equally valid for the East of Romania and for the Republic of Moldova. In the common language of our, for now separated, countries - the Romanian language - we only have one word: Moldova.
There is no Moldova vs. Moldavia. This is a fact.
There is just the beauty of this land, the greatness of its history, the kindness and hospitality of its people, the taste of our food, the wonder of our wines. On both sides of the border.
Still, besides personal creeds, there is one thing that matters: #travelknowsnoborders.
Come to Romania and Moldova in 2019. It will be our pleasure to show you the way.
More info: meetinmoldova.com
October mornings in Chisinau have been particulary beautiful in 2018. A photographer's heaven. This is the bell tower of the Nativity Cathedral, right in the heart of the capital of the Republic of Moldova.
Morning walks to the office look like this for me in the center of Chisinau.
September overlooking the Dniester River at Soroca. On the left side the town of Soroca, Republic of Moldova. On the right side, the Ukraine.
Hospitable cats in the village of Raciula, Moldova. Laid back atmosphere is part of the culture here and these cats at "Casa Mierii" (House of Honey) make sure that every guest visiting its owners receives a dose of purrfect relaxation before honey tastings.
Butuceni village, around 1 hour drive from Chisinau, the Capital City. A perfectly (on purpose) preserved village taking you back to the roots and to the simple, yet purposeful life your grandparents.
The founder of the "House of Honey" in Raciula, Republic of Moldova and his grandson. Maybe he will be the third in line showing the magic of beekeeping to tourists.
Dog lovers are very welcome to the Republic of Moldova. People here are friendlier with pets than in Romania. That is a plus, especially if they love bathing in fountains like my two heroes below. The Park of "Valea Morilor" is a popular hangout place for the locals of Chisianu. And for dog lovers as well.
And this park can be extremely colorful in November.
Moldova is the place where you can still look in the eyes of your dinner. Bio dinner.
A bit of pop-art for the city of Tiraspol. This breakaway region known as "Transnistria" is very safe to visit and you will have a taste of "what's in the press" vs. "reality". A pleasant taste.
Autumns in Tiraspol can be delightful for photographers.
And if you catch also the "hram", which is the celebration of the city, you may get some nice portraits, too. People are not camera shy at all.
Street photographers will not be disappointed, either. Those who speak Russian will enjoy the graphiti. :)
Kirov Park in Tiraspol is just spectacular in October.
Tiraspol has many secrets, but the worst kept is that of the quality of its "divin", which is a local name for what the French would call "cognac". This is a love declaration I did for my favorite brand "Kvint" in my favorite wine shop in Chisinau, "InVino".
The monastery of Chitcani is somehow in a "no man's land" de jure controlled by Chisinau, de facto by Tiraspol. A twilight zone in the twilight zone. You can climb up to the top of the bell tower free of charge and get a great view of the monastery and its surrounding landscape.
Radauti, in the North of Romania is placed in a sub-region of Moldova, historically known as Bukovina. With mountains nearby, it does have a special appeal for cameras in the morning.
"La Palma" - is a place in Bukovina, close to Radauti and the famouos painted monasteries you will have all the internet writing you about. Transylvania is just on the other side of the horizon.
No matter how you try not to, in when you visit Moldova you will end-up in at least one winery. This is Asconi, around 40km far from Chisinau. My friends and I call this room their "library".
Eminescu's Linden, named after the great poet Mihai Eminescu. The photo is taken in the historic capital of Moldova, the city of Iasi.
