Moldova Day 5

November 28, 2016

Awake, again 3 hours after strongly falling asleep. It was 2:30 and I didn't know what to do. I tired to get comfortable but just tossed and turned, Soon it was 3:45. At 4:15, I ate a snack as my stomach was growling. I was concerned about oversleeping so, anxiety had set in, to quiet my head, I turned the TV on low for the noise...didn't help. At 5:15, I finally gave up and got up, had the rest of breakfast, cleaned up, and finished packing.

The apartment had been very comfortable and Nikita had always been easily available for my questions. With space to spare, modern aesthetic, and a full kitchen and washer, it is easily rhe perfect apartment in the city,

It has been raining som I wanted to get an early start to the airport it know the traffic situation on a Monday morning in the big city.

I locked up, pit the key in the mailbox, and headed out. People were walking about, beginning their day.

In my haste to get going I backed into the car behind me. Luckily it was a no real speed. I got out and checked but there was no damage.

The ride to the airport was a straight shot and only 20 minutes,

There was no one at rental return and having to push someone at info to call for me, I learn that no one would come until 9:00am. As I would board at 9:05, this wouldn't work. I told the guy that I was taking pictures of the car and the GPS in the glove box. I out the key in a drop box that was hidden and I was yelled for going behind the desk...whatever. I'd already argued with the security about where I parked...just where I was told. He didn't like it...whatever,

Passport control was a stamp and a frown and I was at the gate.

I had a "special meal" on the plane (3 kinds of cheese, tomato, cucumber, bread, tzaziki, and fruit...yum.

As soon as the meal was over I slept. I couldn't help myself...head-bobbing sleep :-(.

In Istanbul I went to my favorite cafe "Greenport" and have the usual cheese omelet with fries, Today, I tried the revels cheesecake for desert...wow! It has layers of fruits, cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, and vanilla sauce. I did discover, as I was seated, that I had the rental car's "passport". Geez, will this ever end with the car, I'll have to email when I get back home and mail it to them. I hope they will accept that.

I reviewed the bazaar and bought my mother a 4 pack variety of Turkish delight.

I was selected, as I am, for random screening..fun, fun.

I could not sleep a wink on this 11 hour leg of my journey. I really needed it but couldn’t. I had two young girls ( giggly ) drinking hair plane wine and assorted duty free booze with two friends that kept coming up and joining them. I did watch 3 movies and did my best to make it through.

I ended my day after being up for 28 hours and feeling mixed about this journey. It had been fascinating in that it did show me that even as remote as it is, Moldova still has a flavor of Europe, it’s own special flavor. Transnistria gave me just what I expected feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. Journeys that leave me with these conflicting feelings always trouble me. I am always glad that I journey even when it is difficult. I always learn something.

* On Tuesday November 29th, I received a requested to be followed on Instagram by the Transnistria Officer that gave me such a difficult time…can you believe that. I was angered then decided that I will accept and show him what the world out there is like from my point of view. Maybe he will see something more than is in his head currently.