In Moldova by camper

 spring, 2009

Moldova - an European country between Romania and Ukraine. Area - 33,7 sq.km.

Population - about 4 mil.people.

No visa required for citizens of EU.

The camper group entered from Romania to Moldova via Giurgiulesti border, and exited country via Sculeni border. Traveled in Moldova about 750 km. The trip lasted 6 days.

The trip was organized to show most important tourist attraction of Moldova – wines, Chisinau, monasteries, castle, Transnistria. Unfortunately we had no time for Gagauz region.  

We visited Purcari winery, underground cellars of Bracesti and Milestii Mici. Three, nice, but very different wineries. To read our experience at Brancesti winery go at 

http://virginiacojocaru-eng.blogspot.com/2010/12/58-kilometers-of-underground-wine.html



Purcari winery





Branesti winery



Milestii Mici winery



Few nights we overnight at Orheiul Vechi monastery complex. From there made bus excursion to Chisinau and Tiraspol.

Orheiul Vechi museum

In Chisinau  we did a bus sighting tour, visited the National museum, had some free time. Also, I arrange a meeting with Dutch consular in Moldova - Robert de Groof.

Tiraspol

In Tiraspol we made a walk, visited Sheriff stadium, and of course bought some Kvint cognac.



Gypsies from Soroca



One night we overnight in Soroca. There we had a nice excursion around the town, went to gypsy quarter and cemetery, and had a tasty lunch in the traditional Moldovan restaurant. Also visited Cosauti monastery with healing water.



Healing water



Stalin spa

Georgia, Tskaltubo, fall 2010

Tskaltubo is a small resort town, 10 km from Kutaisi. It is famous for its springs. Today, Abkhazians refugees are living in some of sanatoria buildings. Still there are functional cure facilities.

Spa # 6, is known as Stalin Spa. He really was here and underwent some procedures.

The Stalin Spa is situated in a nice, big park so we decided to overnight there.

Specially for us, fountain was on. We were flattered.

Sanatoria’s building is in a classical soviet style. Beautiful high hall, still impresses with its grandeur. 

Our Georgian guide, Marika and sanatorium director organized a tour for us.

One of swimming pool of sanatorium. Used for water gymnastics.

Composition of water spring #6. Water is nicely warm and has no smell.

Stalin pool. Nobody swim here for long time.

For its time, I think, this changing room was a stylish one. For me, excursion at sanatorium was a excursion back in soviet time. The entire building breath it. Personally I like this style.

We decided to go for a underwater massage. An half hour of peace and pleasure.