More insights on my ancestors?!

They loved necklaces...as I do!

Seder Plate

late 19th c. sewing machine

Astrologers?

Clues about my Family History

As an anthropologist I have been heavily exposd to data and theories about human origins...about the earliest hominids dating back 5-6 million years ago in Africa. And certainly being a human being, my roots are there as well. As for the lines of Homo sapiens who left Africa and populated the Near East and eventually spawned the Romans, I would imagine my roots originate there as well. In Chisinau I looked over the Museum of History and Archeology and found artifacts used by people who were likely to have been my ancestors. There was a pair of ancient scissors that especially fascinated me, especially since I know many of my ancestors were seamstresses!

Around Chisinau, Moldava

close up on the Arc of Triumph
Arc of Triumph--on the edge of a pretty park

Major Church..blessings, candles and no photos inside...

The Upper Crust Moldavians Have Lots of Money
Stylish Cafe

Much Need for Translators between Russian, Romanian and English

The Stylish and Pricey Amidst Free-Growing Bushes

The Stadium with a bit of late afternoon golden glow

Down the Rabbit Hole in Chisinau

Yup, that's its name:)

You never know how or with whom you'll land when you sign onto couch-surfing. Sometimes the host(s) become your closest friends and sometimes their worlds are pretty far flung from your own:) My current digs have the marks of mad-Russian artists and free thinkers who are oblivious to the thought of a nice bathroom. When I offered to take my host out to dinner he squinched and noted that the money I'd spend on dinner would better received if I took he and his son to the super market. We went to Hypermarket - a glossy mega market wherein they dodged the pricey pre-packaged foods and loaded up on rice, potatoes, onions, potatoe-filled pastries and a bit of milk. Three shopping bags and $12 later they seemed satisfied. The house is filled with Russian books, old computer parts, an upright piano and who knows what else. Looking forward to tomorrow night's hotel room in Odessa:)

Leaving Iasi...onto Moldova

While I could have basked in my Romanian fantasy homeland eternally, the truth is that I have to move on. I have a plane to catch in Kiev on August 24...and 8 more days of Eastern Europe to soak in. Last night I contacted Piui, a day-host coach surfer who is a grad student in statistics and IT at one of Iasi's universities. He was quirky and brilliant and lots of fun. We did a walking tour which included several churches, plazas, historical plaques and an amazing hall at the university. Using my American-visitor status as an excuse, he cajoled the night guard to give us a special tour of a rarely seen hall that hosts very special functions. The original Romanian ornateness was being restored with fun stories of how an original painting of a 19th century mayor of Iasi was preserved under a painting of Stalin during Soviet occupation. The most amazing piece (which I wasn't allowed to photograph) was an underground vault where the original constitution of Romania is stored.

This morning I basked in another delicious breakfast--soaking up the life of luxury in my cushy hotel. Every so often I'd shake myself sober, considering that I was truly in Iasi, the actual hometown of my maternal grandparents and no doubt many generations prior. After a walk around town to replenish supplies and snap a couple of more photos, I made my way down to the bus station. Fortunately I allowed myself lots of time in that I began (of course) walking in the wrong direction. I purchased a 30 lei ($10) ticket for the 3 1/2 hour ride to Chisinau, the capital of Moldava. Prior to WWII Moldava was part of Romania and I figured I take a look on my way to the Ukraine.

The border crossing involved several swiping of passports - leaving Romania and then a couple of yards away, entering Moldava. The bus (mini-van) driver was an old hand at the route and we got through completely unscathed. Fortunately I remembered to take Bonine, my motion sickness pill...and all went well. Just arrived at my couch surfer pad in Chisinau. It's like a grungy hippy artist pad...such contrasts! The guy who greeted me only speaks Russian and Romanian...my host Sergei came by a bit later and spoke to me in halting English. I figure I'll devote tomorrow to sight seeing and then get moving on into the Ukraine ... and my first stop Odessa, where I believe my father (as a baby) caught a boat with his mother and older siblings on their life-shifting voyage to America.

Used Book Kiosk in Iasi

Forget e-books and Kindle--Romanian books are avidly sold and resold

Site of a School my Great Grandparents might have attended