Chris Flowers

We’re not done yet!

Maybe if you follow us on social media or regularly catch up on our tumblr you have been seeing photos from our Close of Service (COS) conference.  That doesn’t mean we are finished with our time in Moldova.  Our official date when we complete our Peace Corps Service is August 30th, 2017.  We still have 4 more months from the time I write this to finish projects, enjoy the beautiful Moldovan summer, spend time with our Moldovan friends, and to say goodbye to this country and the people we have grown to love.  

Traditional Dancing

The Peace Corps official blog posted an article on the 4 foods you have to try in Moldova.  Three out of four are vegetarian so I can vouch for them as being very tasty.  Sarmalele is one of my favorite dishes I’ve had here and I eat placinta quite often.  Mamaliga is so popular here the kids in our village performed a dance about making it for “Moldovan’s Got Talent”.

You all need to come visit us and try these foods!

Moldovan Music Monday

Moldovan’s singing Queen’s “The Show Must Go On” to promote buying Molodovan fruit... why yes this is perfect for Moldovan Music Monday.

 A Field Trip to an NGO - Eco Village Moldova

As a COD volunteer, we can be placed with a library, a primaria (mayor’s office) or an NGO.  Today 6 of my group had the opportunity to visit a Moldovan NGO.  While the organization does educational work throughout Moldova, they are in the process of constructing an eco-vilage located in Rișcova.  Today we got to hear about the work they do and learn about the building under construction.

Much of the work of this organization involves getting youth and community members to come up with ideas for sustainable living.  Many of these groups continue to do the work after their projects are complete.  The eco village also tries to demonstrate these sustainable practices.  The building above is being constructed as communal housing for 2-3 families.  Even without the windows and doors, the construction method keeps the interior several degrees cooler than the outside temperature in the summer.  The house is positioned so that during the winter months, the lower angle of the sun reaches under the eves and heats the ceramic bricks that will pave the floor.

There are also organic gardens that include rainwater/grey-water irrigation and perma-culture arrangements.

And like just about everywhere I’ve vistited in Moldova this summer, there are ripe cherry trees.  These are vișini (sour cherries).

It was a long day.  On the ride out I had to justify us bringing our selfie stick by snapping a couple of photos.  The second is of our group back in the part of the bus that was being launched skyward regularly.

Above: COD volunteers + current 3rd year volunteer at eco-village Robyn

Below:  The rowdy row featuring smiling Chris & Tia plus Clary’s selfie-face.

If you want to learn more about this organization, their website (linked below) is in English, Romanian and Russian.