Moldova is not a well-known country, but one would regret not to explore this country with its culture, cuisine, people and places. Just ask the young people from seven European countries who participated in the Summer Course “Smile – Don’t worry, be happy” of AEGEE-Chişinău, which can be summarised with: cultural exchange, unique places, surprises, adventure, fun and smiling people!
First impression
The first thought after arriving somewhere in Chişinău was: “Where am I?” – a feeling like being lost in an totally foreign place – but just for the first moment. Nice girls waiting for the arriving participants welcomed us warmly with a big smile. During the whole discovery and adventures in Moldova, we were accompanied both by smiling faces a lot of nice volunteers (in addition to the organisers) who stayed with us and assisted us whenever we needed help.
Chişinău, the capital itself, is special, not only because it is so green (parks, avenues), but also due to the special public transportation which offers regular buses where you can have sauna parties when it is warm outside, and even hotter inside. In addition to this, playing in a small river on the street after a short and heavy rainstorm completed our sightseeing tour at the beginning.
Experiencing different cultures – traditional evenings and European night
Already on the second evening the organisers arranged a special Moldovan evening in a room which is traditionally used to welcome guests – an evening with typical food, Moldovan live music and traditional dances.
Also the European Night was a real cultural night. Participants gathered together to cook traditional dishes from their home country, sharing music, food and drinks – of course including the local food from Moldova.
Couples and the first wedding – Moldovan wedding in Loz Vegas
Couples in AEGEE events are normal, but what was special in this Summer Course? At least one couple got maried: We experienced a traditional Moldovan wedding in Loz Vegas close to Lozova village which was followed by traditional food and dances till late at night.
Trip to the countryside and Caruta racing with horses
One of the craziest adventures was the Caruta racing with horses: Beautiful landscape, wind and sand in ones face, partly being scared of falling off, excited screaming people, holding each other and coming closer to each other – we did it together. Finally, at the end of the long ride, all of us were smiling.
Apart from a coffee tasting, exploring the production and taste of different kinds of beer in the local beer factory, there was another trip to Mieştii Mici, the biggest underground wine city in the world where we became nearly experts in different kinds of wine. What a pity that one participant who became very funny after beer tasting, did not join the trip – it would have been a lot of fun after wine tasting.
Transnistria – feeling like back in Sovjet times 
Another highlight was Transnistria, located in the eastern part of Moldova at the Ukrainian border. It is independent from Moldovan government but internationally not an accepted state. During discussions with a local expert, interested participants got to know a lot about history of Moldova and the evolution of Transnistrian conflict. Finally, we travelled to Tirasopl, Transnistria’s capital. To make light of some nervousness, a participant shouted “we are gonna die” – but when staying together in the group with organisers and not taking pictures at some places, our stay and passport controls at the “border” were no problem. Soviet tank monuments, a Lenin statue in front of Transnistria’s Parliament building, war memorials, Heroes’ Cemetery, soviet-style imagery and their own currency (Transnistrian rubels with hammer and sickle) were a reminder of Soviet times. A unique place which we would not have visited without members from AEGEE-Chişinău.
To sum up: We visited unique places, which we normally would not have visited. Besides dancing, music was a big part, not only in karaoke bars, but also the trolleybus party where each country presented some songs. We shared language, dances, cuisine and more, made new friends and even had already one wedding – in traditional Moldovan way, of course.
In total, it was a unforgettable summer experience for the participants who learned a lot about Moldova – much more than just the answer to the question „Where is Moldova?“. Without organisers and volunteers it would not have been possible. I am happy and still smiling!
Mulţumesc mult!
Written by Alexander Bärschmann, AEGEE-München