Yesterday people around the world celebrated the International Day of Peace. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1991, the International Day of Peace is observed annually on September 21 and is devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both among and within peoples and nations. In 2001 the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the day as a day of ceasefire and non-violence.
Peace Day is an opportunity for people everywhere to come together in action and spirit to further the goals and ideals of peace. Observed in large and small ways, private and public, people in cities, towns and villages across the globe hopefully stop for a least a moment to consider the principles and promise of peace.
For me on this journey of peace, it was a day to share the meaning and words of peace with my English students. We talked about the history and importance of the day, and then developed a vocabulary of peace. The words we proposed and they learned in English included love, hope, trust, equality, friendship, harmony, cooperation, freedom, forgiveness, respect and justice. Then they did some fun activities. Both the younger and older students colored a peace drawing, and the older students also did a peace word search.
By combining learning with activities all the youth seemed to enjoy, perhaps the message of peace and friendship at the center of the day and the core of Peace Corps was advanced just a little and will be remembered in the days ahead.
A week ago Friday, my M30 group of COD volunteers gathered to celebrate our assistant program manager. It was not 'goodbye' although Ana is no longer working directly with us, but rather 'thank you' and we look forward to new possibilities for collaboration.
I first met Ana upon arrival in Moldova last June 2015. As COD program specialist, she was involved and an active participant and presence in our development and training as volunteers. From day one, she displayed an encouraging and energizing enthusiasm for our work in community and organizational development. Ana understood the challenges and difficulties we faced, and freely shared her considerable experience and wisdom. She facilitated discussions, led sessions and helped keep us interested and motivated through the long afternoon classes during PST.
Ana brings a powerful history and unique characteristics to her role. Her story touched me and to this day is a reminder of why we are here in Moldova. As a youth Ana experienced and was influenced by a PCV in her village. As a result of that example, interaction and mentoring, Ana developed the desire to not only learn English, but study in America and then return to Moldova to work to improve the quality of life of her neighbors and fellow citizens.
With her determination and intelligence, Ana studied two years in Colorado as a graduate student. However, rather than stay in America, she returned home and has spent the past two years working with PCVs to help us in turn assist the local public authorities, libraries, nongovernmental organizations, and youth of Moldova. Ana has the unique perspective of being Moldovan, but having lived in America so as to appreciate and learn our culture and lifestyle. She has offered us much insight into the culture and people of Moldova, especially with respect to life in the villages which is where we live and work.
And Ana not only speaks Romanian and Russian, but also fluent English! She has been an invaluable interpreter for us. There have been times where she has interceded for me and in so doing allowed me to really understand what I only partially intuited.
Ana's leaving is bittersweet. She has been a knowledgable resource and patient supporter of all our efforts. I have never hesitated to go to her for help or with questions. Ana has been very gracious and kind when I have been floundering. I have truly benefitted from her advice and guidance. Although she will not be working with our program, Ana is still available for us and looks forward to helping in a different capacity. Most importantly she will now be pursuing her dream of working with homeless and vulnerable youth. She has a passion for the young people of Moldova and will certainly connect with them and benefit their lives. Her smile is welcoming and infectious. Ana is one very special lady.
So on the tough days, I keep going and hoping (but probably will never know) that I may somehow or in some small way help Moldova to have another Ana.
Ana is in the third row from the bottom, second person on the left, in the black and white blouse.
The Nativity Cathedral in Chisinau, Moldova's Capitol CREDIT: AP
To mark 25 years since Moldova declared independence from the Soviet Union, here are a few things you probably didn't know about the country.
1. It’s the least visited country in Europe
If you do venture to Moldova for your holidays, you won’t be jostling for space with other tourists: only 94,000 foreigners are reported to have entered the country last year, making it the least visited in Europe. On a global scale only Bangladesh and Guinea are less popular destinations, according to Priceonomics.
2. It keeps a fine cellar
According to the venerable folk at Guinness World Records, the Mileștii Mici wine cellar in Moldova is the world’s largest with nearly two million bottles of plonk in its darkened vaults. In case you’re wondering, the most valuable tipples in its collection sell for a reported €480 each.
Mileștii Mici's fountain features massive wine glassesCREDIT: AP
3. Its wine is banned in Russia
Traditionally Moldova’s biggest export market was Russia, which consumed up to 90 per cent of its wine. However, a diplomatic dispute in 2006 resulted in a Russian ban on Moldovan and Georgian produce, which has been devastating for its economy. Nevertheless, it remains the 22nd largest wine-producing nation on Earth.
4. There are some magnificent monasteries
Moldova’s most important (and, arguably, most beautiful) historical site, Orheiul Vechi is a crumbling open-air monastic complex that dates back more than 2,000 years. The rambling ruins feature ancient fortifications, baths and monasteries, which you’ll have largely to yourself.
Orthodox church in Old OrheiCREDIT: AP
5. It went nearly three years without a president
In 2012, after nearly three years of political deadlock, Moldova elected the veteran judge, Nicolae Timofti, as president – for the first time in 917 days, the country had a leader. Timofti is still in power today.
6. Most Moldovans are bi- or tri-lingual
Moldovans speak either Romanian, which is the native language, Russian or Gagauz. Some speak all three.
7. It has a critically endangered language
However, Moldova’s second language, Gagauz, is in danger of dying out. Spoken in the Autonomous Region of Gagauz, the Turkic language is classed as critically endangered by Unesco.
8. It’s poor
Moldova has the dubious distinction of being the poorest country in Europe with a per capita GDP of just $1,843 (£1,395), according to the World Bank. To put that into perspective, consider this: nearby Bulgaria, the poorest member of the European Union, has a GDP of $6,819 (£5,163).
9. It's home to Europe’s most unlikely tourist attraction
Despite being surrounded by poverty, rich residents in the town of Soroca have taken to flaunting their wealth by building flamboyant homes inspired by landmarks such as St Peter’s Basilica and the Bolshoi theatre. Consequently, the town, dubbed Gypsy Hill, has become something of an tourist attraction, with people coming to admire the madcap architecture.
Moldova's parliament buildingCREDIT: AP
10. The capital was destroyed in 1940
Having been invaded by the Red Army in June 1940, Chisinau suffered a deadly earthquake in October of that year which measured 7.3 on the Richter scale and destroyed much of the city. As if that wasn’t enough, the following year the Luftwaffe arrived and blew what was left of the city to smithereens.
11. It has a breakaway territory
The region known as Transnistria declared independence from Moldova in 1990, precipitating the War of Transnistria which secured a de facto independence for the territory. However, the region, which has its own currency and border controls, is not officially recognized by any member of the United Nations.
A church in TransnistriaCREDIT: AP
12. It’s the second booziest nation on Earth
According to the World Health Organization, only Belarus tucks away more alcohol than Moldova, with each inhabitant drinking an average of 16.8 liters of booze per year (excluding under 15s).
13. It’s landlocked
Well, technically. In a bid to gain access to the Black Sea, Moldova did in fact make a territorial exchange with Ukraine in 2005, giving the country access to a 600m stretch of the River Danube, which flows into the Black Sea.
14. There’s a beach
Despite having no access to the sea, Moldova does have a slither of sand to speak of on Chisinau Lake, which is located in the capital, Chisinau. Okay, so it’s a man-made beach and it’s in a city, but if you close your eyes you could almost be on the coast. Sort of.
The city gates of ChisinauCREDIT: AP
15. It’s great for twitchers
Moldova is home to an impressive array of birds, with roughly 300 different species calling it home. Some are year-round residents, some come to breed, some simply pass through en route to warmer climes, and others come to escape harsh winters further north. All of which is good news for birders.
16. The national animal is a big cow
Or an auroch, to be precise. These beefy bovines are now extinct, but have been immortalized on Moldova's flag, which features the head of an auroch mounted on a shield (probably why they’re extinct, if they kept mounting them on shields). Zimbru Stadium, the country's main football stadium, takes its name from the Romanian word for bison.
Moldova's bison-emblazoned
flagCREDIT: AP
17. It debuted at Eurovision in 2005
Which remains Moldova’s most successful year with Zdob și Zdub finishing sixth.
18. It's super cheap
A one-way ticket on Chișinău's tramway costs 2MDL – a mere 7 pence. A monthly pass will set you back £7 – that's for a whole 30 days of unlimited travel. Take note, TfL.
19. The national dish is porridge
Ubiquitous on Moldovan dinner tables, Mămăligă is a porridge made out of yellow maize flour and often considered the country’s national dish. It’s traditionally served as an accompaniment to stews and meat dishes, and is commonly garnished with cottage cheese, sour cream or pork rind.
Traditional Mămăligă
Credit: TripMoldova November 29, 2014
Mămăligă with pork, sour cream and cheese Credit: TripMoldova November 29, 2014
20. It has a whole day dedicated to wine
Actually, it's more of a two-day event. Wine producers open up their homes and vineyards to the masses on October 3-4 for National Wine Day, in a country-wide celebration of local hooch. Wine tastings are cheap, and there's even a free bus to shuttle you between wineries.
21. Its history stretches back for millennia
Ancient tools dating back 1.2 million years have been found in some of Moldova's key archeological sites. The flint relics were added to the national hoard of Paleolithic and Neolithic artifacts that includes jewelry, weapons and cooking utensils.
22. It likes to make a song and dance
As with its languages, Moldovan music is greatly influenced by Romania. Miorița, a traditional Romanian ballad about sheep, is a Moldovan favorite – so much so, that the first two verses are printed on its banknotes.
23. They're strong
Nicolae Birliba is a world champion weightlifter, nine times over. In 2011, aged 49, he raised a 16kg kettle bell 2,575 times. Here he is, in action.
24. You'll have to take your shoes off
When you're entering someone's home, it's considered impolite to leave your shoes on. Leave them at the door. The house rule applies in most formerly Soviet countries, for hygiene reasons. Guests are almost always provided with slippers.
25. It loves Christmas
Moldova celebrates Christmas from December 24 to 26, unlike its Russian-Orthodox neighbors (their main event is in January). Traditional preparations start in November, with the baking of cakes and the slaughtering of pigs, and culminate in three days of feasting, parties and gift-giving. The Russian Father Frost fairytale was banned after Moldova gained independence: these days, children's presents are delivered by Mos Craciun – who looks remarkably like our Santa Claus.
Saturday, August 27, 2016, Moldova marked 25 years of independence. On that day in 1991, the then Soviet Republic of Moldova declared its independence from the collapsing Soviet Union. Unfortunately, the past twenty five years have been marked by division and instability. Corruption, emigration and poverty are widespread and continue to impede progress. Moldova seems to be still searching for its identity, values and vision. The country and its people are beautiful, and there exist possibilities for a better future. However, it will probably require meaningful change and a few more generations.
The following video from Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty is insightful.
