What is moldova like?

Question

i maybe going on a gap experience thing to moldova for 2 weeks in 2010. what is it like there? (poverty, food) i have never been to eastern europe so i wouldn't know.

what sort of animals are there, there? is there poisonous spiders, snakes or any other creatures i should be aware of?

i will be working in an orphanage if i do go and looking after children with disabilities etc.

thanks

Answer 1

You shouldn't worry about the "creatures" unless you'll be living in the forest, where you might meet the occasional wolf or bear. But I suppose you'll be living *inside* a building of some sort, so you're going to be safe :)...

Mosquitoes are a pain in the ***, they don't carry malaria or other diseases but they can be horribly annoying if you go in summer.

Do avoid walking alone at night carrying large amounts of money. But that's a rule everywhere. Keep your passport in a safe place. Avoid exchanging currency elsewhere than banks and exchange offices. Be on the lookout for conmen trying to fool foreigners. These things are rare, but you're better off safe than sorry.

Most of Eastern Europe is now very civilized, but Moldova's evolution has been a lot slower. So people there are quite poor - on the plus side, as a foreigner you'll find food, alcohol, tobacco & stuff dirt cheap.

If you have any Romanian friends, they could give you the bigger picture, since Moldova's culture is practically identical to Romania's. That is, unless you're going to a town or village where the majority is Russian.

Hint: Moldova makes some of the best wines in all of Europe.

Answer 2

you should see rabbits, ground squirrels, ermines, wolves, field mice, foxes, deer, martens, squirrels, wild cats, woodpeckers, blackbirds, titmouses, ect.

i don't know about poisonous spiders or snakes but i think you should be aware of the mosquitos =))

oh and the roads are horrible, also be careful what and where from you eat :)). if you'll travel by car, you'll see woods or green things on both sides of the road, most of the time.

the economy of moldova isn't very evolved and a lot of people live at country side. i think...