Nadia-ville, Not A Perfect 10

As they say in the old country, “April showers bring May flowers.” And then there were more showers. The last week of May brought much discouragement and longing for folk back home – being an outsider was no longer enjoyable.

Prior to the ending of my honeymoon phase, I was able to go to Onesti, the hometown of ole Nadia. There was a Viva Moldova gathering as well, so I had a great time seeing people from my group and meeting other volunteers, who have been here for a while. It was fun to have friends again for the weekend and be able to speak in fluid English sentences, although I’m afraid that really is no longer in my repertoire. Any who, back to Nadia. FACT: Her father still works at the piata selling pickled cabbage. Unfortunately, we went to the wrong market to buy our ever so sweet cherries and strawberries and thus did not get to discuss the great legend. I did get to see the gymnasium where Nadia first trained and her namesake school. The statue was a bit of a let down, as it was not of her but of two random gymnasts, as exhibited in this photo. Nevertheless, I felt the Nadia vibes and was inspired to limber up to demonstrate some moves of my own. Before the glory could begin and I was able to recall the tragic ankle rolling at the Around the World party prior to my departure, we were stoned. One of the 12 million PC safety videos we watched during our staging in Philadelphia portrayed a young man’s experience of riding his bike with the required PC helmet through his particular location. He complained of being mocked (which I admit, I still do) and having rocks thrown at him. However, this guy didn’t give up; he used this as an opportunity for a cultural exchange and teaching the children about bike safety. Well my friends, we did not have our helmets on and simply found this to be an opportune time for a pauza from cultural integration. However, Hops performed a perfectly placed “Serios?” (only my favorite Romanian phrase) and the two of us gave the ultimate stare down. Great success, we scared off the 12 year old boys. Afterwards, I found out that back in the day two other volunteers in the area had been hog-tied by children with jump ropes. Perhaps I’m a terrible person but I felt better knowing that at least we had not been reduced to being captured like sows.

On a more positive note, June has started with a new exciting bang. Although I’m experiencing more free time than one is accustomed to, and find myself sewing amongst other new exhilarating solo activities, I do find it humorous that I’m becoming my own best friend. On one hand, this is a far healthier state I have ever found myself to be in but on the other hand, when do you draw the line? I mean, is it strange to have inside jokes with yourself? Well, in the meantime, I’ll enjoy entertaining myself and finding new strange hobbies.

As one might be able to conclude, I do not have much work to do quite yet. In the meantime, I am making it my job to continue my cultural integration. After my “woe is me” week, I have started back up saying “Buna Ziua” to all those I meet on the street and independently running errands, such as going to the post office, buying a toothbrush, etc. I finally found a tutor and will begin honing my Romanian skills once again next week, which will be greatly beneficial. Maybe one day I can stop talking to myself and begin expressing to others more than what I ate yesterday. Additionally, until work picks up, I have been using my time to further explore my village and the natural surrounding beauties. Once I found my way through several farms and snuck through the pasture of terrifying cows, I made it to the top of the mountain I have been staring at every day for the past month. Needless to say, I was ecstatic (and then I joked with myself about the time I fell).

The following day I returned to Vatra Dornei, where I met three other volunteers and we hiked in the Caliman Mountains up to the 12 Apostles. It was absolutely breathtaking and almost incomprehensible that such natural beauty exists (although they do not do any justice, please check out the pictures at the link to the right). After an exhausting 5 hour trek, we waited for our bus only to discover that there would not be another bus. Only in Romania; we grabbed some 2 Liters of only the best brew and begin the 25km walk back to town at 9pm. Our new aspiration quickly became unrealistic, and we stuck our thumbs out (actually the Romanian equivalent, an awkward downward hand wave.) An hour and two friendly drivers later, the four of us made it back into town.

Next on tap; floating down my local river, Moldova. Today I bought myself a present of a cheap 2 person blow-up raft and I can’t quite tell you how excited I am to try this little ditty out. Guarantee that with all the crap in the river that my little raft won’t make it too far but I’m so excited that I just can’t hide it. Until next time, Noroc.