the funk

so, i've got the post-two month funk. it's not bad, but i just conquered my first sickness and am in that permanent state of friedness. aforementioned state emerges when you are forced to do the same thing over and over again, with less than stellar results.

Alcohol

Moldovans pride themselves on their wine, which is excellent, especially the 'vin de casa' ... you when you are (literally) forced to drink almost every other day it takes its toll on you. And when there is nothing to do you inevitably turn to drink, since it's a good way to kill a boring situation.

Now, in relative terms my intake is much less than any binge drinker of American campuses, but let's face it: i ain't getting any younger, and drinking was always one of my least favorite activities.

Boredom

After two months Chisinau is a bit boring. Which is a good thing ... since it forces me out into the "real" Moldova, ie the village and the PMR. I have two more trips, one to Transylvania (Cluj) and a few days in Tiraspol. Should be fun, if i make it alive (hah! i put that one in for you, mom. NB: yes my mom and pop read this)...

Love of America

Now, anyone who knows me personally knows that i lust to talk trash on America and what it stands for.

But there are some things i miss...

...i relish the day when i can use the bathroom and there is a 99% chance that the toilet will have a seat and/or toilet paper nearby.

...i relish the day when the dry dust of chisinau leaves the sloppy confines of my nostrils, eyes, and feet

...i relish the day when i can find a decent burger and/or fried chicken. that's the chicago speaking...

...eating non-fried food

...nightlife that doesn't involve discos

...life music. period.

That said, here's a list of the things i'll miss...

...tomatos. they are just amazing here

...all fresh fruit. apricots, peaches, apples, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, etc. prviklasnaya

...the people. amazing hosts, amazing wine, etc.

...the trolleybuses. you gotta see them to believe it...

...marshutkas/maxi-taxis ... nothing like staring death in the face while pressed up against a demographic slice of the city. if there's less than 15 in one, you're not living

...terraces - simple great, but tomato sauce is not ketchup

...mayonnaise. may be better than butter.... will have to get back on you when i check my cholesterol

but the funk has set it, hopefully it shall disappear like the specter of the soviet union. oh, wait ... i forgot...