The beauty that surrounds me

Today has been by far the best day in Moldova. The morning started with language class, per usual. For the afternoon we planned a picnic with the neighboring town, Cricova. We were going to a field between Cirescu and Cricova. I hadn't been before, but was told it was quite pretty. We walked along, being sung through the streets by angry dogs howling at us through their fences. When we reached the field it was amazing. Rogers and Hammerstine (yes, I spelt that wrong) would have happily filmed many a historical romance film in this very place. It overlooked all of Cirescu and the surrounding villages as well as the nearby limestone quarry. The field was idillic, with wild flowers growing everywhere, cows out to pasteur and butterflies fluttering among us. We picnicked on bread, meat and brinza (a local sheeps milk cheese), and enjoyed one anothers company.  When we decided it was time to head home, we started back stopping at enticing fruit trees whose branches drooped merely from the weight of the fruit that they bore.

When we came across a plum tree, we couldn't resist, and began to pick the dark maroon fruit. Across the street the neighbors saw we were enjoying the fruit and quickly summoned us into their garden, where a plum tree was simply bursting. They, like all Moldovans, were extremely hospitable and quickly fetched us bags to carry home plums for later. After we had filled our bags, and eaten a few plums whilst picking, we anticipated a much thanked farwell. Instead, we were invited to stay and eat. And so, the four of us, bewildered by the generousity of these strangers sat down and ate freshly made pulchenta (a delicious stuffed bread with cabbage, potato and brinza). Seconds after we sat down the wine basin was presented and house wine was poured. Their we sat, laughing and talking in our broken Romanian, soaking in the amazing culturally normal experience unfolding before us. A while later we bid our farewell and thanked them whole heartedly for the time we had just had. With a kiss on both cheecks, a bag of plums in my hand, and a belly full of pulchenta, I happily made the walk home. One outside shower later, and I can easily say, I am quickly falling in love with my new home.

Peace