It's all about the climbbbbbbb (into the Romanian Mountains)

Tonight we head to the Romanian mountains for a little less than a week, so that means no wifi WOOO. So if I don't respond there's a 40% chance I actually wouldn't have responded anyways 60% I just don't have internet connection.

I am beyond excited that the Burlescus invited Mikayla and I on their holiday to Lacul Rosu (Red Lake). I have been so lucky to be adopted by a family that has provided endless opportunities to see Moldova and beyond. I was not entirely sure how much of Europe I would be able to see outside of Moldova, especially on a budget. Seeing three and a half countries (Transnistria is only recognized by Russia) has been really amazing.

Moldova, Italy, {Transnistria}, and now fleeing to the mountains of Romania! That's a pretty bad ass list if you ask me. From what I understand about our Romania trip, we will be doing a ton of hiking and swimming, which I am all about. Apparently the weather in the mountains is a little spontaneous, so hopefully we don't get too much rain! Also the mornings are suppose to be pretty chilly (damn the climate change with altitude), but I think otherwise the weather will be really nice!

So if you're one of the few who read daily (looking at you mom), I'll probably post again next Wednesday! La revedere! (killing it with the Romanian, I know you're all so impressed)

Since I am lacking pictures for today, I'll leave you all with some (not so excellent) pictures that I took while driving home that will completely juxtapose the Romanian mountain landscapes.

JUST SO HYPE OVER THESE RUGS

Gotta love that post soviet look!  

It's really strange because there are some buildings that are brand new next to buildings that are completely rubble.

Europe or South America?

I probably wouldn't have guessed Europe..

Our district, Botanica, is mostly apartment buildings. 

Lots of apartments and trees! Apparently the greenest capital in Europe.

A Very Teary Tuesday

One time this past year, I was helping my brother Henry (age 12?) with his homework where he had to write a daily journal entry. I actually cracked up when he read me the first few and I noticed the all started the same exact way: "Today I woke up". I was like, well no kidding Henry, you sort of have to wake up for there to be any plot at all.
But after keeping a daily blog for close to two months, I can sort of relate to Henry.. it's always hard to find a place to begin.. and waking up just seems so reasonable. Henry, this is my formal apology for teasing you about your daily journal, I now have a new appreciation for your chronological organization.

SO
Today I woke up. I didn't run (oops). I tip toed around the house (the girls don't wake up until like 10...their work schedules are more flexible). I ate a yogurt as I made myself eggs and coffee, all good things. Got dressed and took the questionable elevator down from the sixth floor. Walked a block to the trolly bus station, picked up the next bus, and arrived at Hospice right at nine (always before everyone in my office, except sometimes Ana who runs early too). I finished my blog for yesterday because from what I understand most of you Americans read it in the morning anyway, so it doesn't matter if I post it at night.

I then went with a social social worker, Diana to visit patients because it's important to see why we do what we do here at Hospice Angelus. Diana, who knows some English, did a really good job explaining, both with words and hand gestures what her job entailed as we traveled about forty minutes to an apartment in the Botanica district. At this point, I am much better at understanding Romanian... I can often recognize words and understand the overall message, though I cannot speak myself. We arrived at an apartment and were greeted by the patient's parents and 16 year old sister. The patient, maxim is nine years old, and completely paralyzed. It was extremely hard to see, the entire time I was choked up.  I was almost grateful no one knew english because if someone would have spoken to me, I would surely have broken into tears. Diana explained that Maxim was receiving palliative care, and that he had started at Hospice in 2013. What is heart breaking about Maxim is that he had become paralyzed after diving into a pool. Diana explained how, both the parents argue whose responsibility it was to have been watching Maxim at this time, so tensions are high in the home. She also explained that the extended family considers Maxin an embarrassment because he is disabled and no longer able to function as a normal little boy. I don't know how Diana, and all the nurses and doctors do what they do everyday, after just one visit I was devastated that there was nothing I could do. Of course I felt infinitely blessed, but at the same time so upset for all those who aren't as lucky as me.

After returning to Hospice Angelus and getting lunch with Anna (not red haired Ana) and Christina, Diana asked if she could show me pictures of her other patients. Though I was able to hold the tears in during my visit, here not so much. Some of these children were so distorted, missing half their heads, contorted, missing eyes, I was just so upset for them. What got me though was this picture of these four-year-old, bright-eyed, boy-girl twins. "They look so happy!" I said to Diana, who responded that no, the little girl is very sick with cancer. The boy had his little arm around his sister and I just completely lost it when Diana said she would die. This past year, a friend of mine's little sister died of leukaemia who was also a twin. It was the most terrible thing. I can't imagine losing a sibling, or a twin. I think it's just the most saddest thing.

 I was so embarrassed crying in the office, in front of all the nurse and doctors who see this and worse everyday. I couldn't fathom doing this work without becoming so overly emotional each day. I am in such awe of all these truly selfless doctors and nurses. I left to go cry outside, and of course the executive director of Hospice, Valerian and our office manager, Ludmilla  pull up in the car. I couldn't even find words to answer Ludmilla's questions "Why are you crying!". When I finally somewhat put words together and explained, they both gave me hugs and explained I am only human. They were really quite sweet. I am so glad that they understood and definitely made me feel a little less embarrassed.

After work I met up with Mikayla and Karina who asked about my day... so naturally I burst into tears again. It had really been a long one. But Mikayla and I went at seven to volunteer at FLEX and those kids are really great, so I felt much better after helping. I love helping with their presentation and English, and really hope they have a good high school experience in America. I had such an amazing and very unique high school experience, but for most I think high school is a really tough time. So I worry a little about Marina, but it turns out her school is super close to Lehigh, so if she even needed anything I gave her my number.

So the day ended on a good note at least, and tomorrow off to Romania!
Also I'm not putting any depressing pictures up.. so here are some sights walking through Chisinau on my way to meet up with Mikayla and Karina after work.

I'm very my fascinated by this building. It seems ancient and I can't get a good enough picture of it. It's also really cool because there's no roof on it right now and the inside is completely opened up.

A walk through Cathedral Park

We love Tucano.. it's probably the only establishment that feels very American.

@Even Wescott you would have loved this giant chess set as a kid. 

Other random things...

I know I've mentioned the Moldovan superstitions before, but they are just so entertaining. My three favorites being the wind, cold water, and horoscopes.

A lot of people I've met here have made comments about the wind. Just this week a coworker had come in the office to complain how we had left all the windows open and how bad that was because of "the wind" -- they act like it's some evil thing! I've also noticed that Inga is very particular in the car about having certain windows open because of the wind. David also told us how sometimes on the trollybus, even if it's a hundred degrees out, they won't open all the windows out of some strange fear of the wind. It really is quite funny. Francesca was always opening and closing windows and saying how the wind carries diseases and will make us all sick... I don't really buy it.

Speaking of things Moldovans believe will make them sick.. cold water! Iced water really isn't a thing here. Also at the FLEX camp orientation, the coordinator, Marina told the kids to be sure to add warm water to their cold water, saying "I understand it's hot, but you don't want to be getting sick, so stick to room temperature water". Marina also explained that she had finished medschool, but I guess she missed class on the day they explained cool water does't make you sick. Really some questionable science.

One last thing! Horoscopes! I mostly noticed this with Ana, but other people have made comments about horoscopes too. Usually Ana just makes observations about people, like when talking about our boss "Oh she is such and such sign, just like my boyfriends, so it makes sense they have similar personalities, etc, etc.." It's really entertaining, I've never been interested in it, but Ana knows a lot about them. I apparently am suppose to be spontaneous, which I'm not at all.

Where did all the time go

I feel as though after the 4th of July the summer just flies and it's August before you know it.
This morning I opened my notebook to plan out my last two weeks abroad and was shocked to find that I'm functionally in Chisinau for only a little for in a week because of our trip to the Romanian mountains that our fabulous host family is bringing us on. Including today, I only have five days left working at Hospice Angelus. I really can't believe it's almost over, but at the same time two weeks in a quarter of what I'm now realizing to be such a short eight week adventure. Leaving will definitely be bittersweet because of all the connections I've made here and places I've seen, but at the same time I am so looking forward to hugging my parents, sitting on my porch, and seeing my friends. This entire experience has definitely made me want to make the most of each day, even the bad ones.

This Monday started as another typical Monday, I woke up today still so full from everything I had eaten this weekend (so much food at our countryside barbecue, I thought I would never be hungry again). This morning there were also way less people on the Trolly bus than usual (I had room to not only move, but sit!) and it wasn't sweltering (I actually wore a sweater!), so that was a huge win for Moldova today.
Work was work. I'm making a bank of trivia questions for the next quiz night, you would not believe the amount of random fun facts I now know. I bet you don't know which country leads the world in per capita beer consumption?! (It's the Czech Republic, if you were curious). Today I will spend my day updating the questions, as well as the Twitter and LinkedIn, maybe proofread things in English if I'm lucky.
I meant to stick this in the other blog, but a lot of the internships here have us Lehigh kids look over different things that they publish. Karina had the most hilarious edit the other day that had data showing a certain percentage of the children in her program where "Headless", yep that sounds about right.

NAILED IT.

Most of my edits, aren't that big, just slight mis-spellings or awkward working.

After work, I took the trolly bus (One I hadn't taken before AND all by myself.. TWO POINTS FOR TEAM WESCOTT) to the lyceum to mentor again at the FLEX program. These kids are so impressive and so eager to share. We are helping them with their presentations on their home country, so now I know a little bit about Georgia and definitely adding it to places I need to visit. From what I understand Georgia has a pretty traditional culture, but they are making lots of strides to bring a sense of modernism to the country; Marina's slides shows a lot of traditional dress but also extremely modern building.

When we had finished volunteering Ana and Irka picked us up and we headed to Irka's house for dinner (which was amazing). We ate in the gorgeous garden that surrounds Irka's picturesque home, and Irka's mom had prepared homemade pasta, fish, chicken, and salad, and of course I ate too much of all of it. When in Moldova right?  I love hanging out with Ana and Irka though, they make me want to stay in Moldova longer and be friends with them forever. Really, they are so cool. I guess they like hanging out with us too because we've already planned another dinner and movie night.The two were also saying how their friends were getting jealous that they were hanging out with us Americans so much... so I guess we are pretty cool.

Also, Irka reads the blog now too and wanted to clarify that she is actually 29 and didn't get married off at the age of 15 ("We aren't that weird in Moldova"). Even though they're both a little older than Mikayla and I, it feels as though we are all much closer in age. So we chatted for hours in Irka's garden about literally everything... From Ana growing up in a million different houses about Chisinau (her parents were always moving because her dad worked in produce export and money comes and goes in the business. Also sidetone, but Ana was telling us how her all about her father studied history to be a teacher, but here in Moldova but teachers and doctors make minimum salaries, so many Moldovans often just start their own business, as Ana's father did. )... to Irka's French lessons (she's in a class with all high schoolers who think she's super fabulous. I can totally picture them all idolizing her). We were all so silly, I hadn't laughed that hard in so long... at one point Irka spat out her drink when I was telling her how I was silently freaking the fluff out when we had tried to drive to Transnistria because that was LITERALLY the ONLY place that my neighbor who does work in Moldova told me not to go or else they won't let me leave.

They were also cracking up about all my stories of the disaster that was living with Francesca, and how every time I spoke Romanian, my pronunciation was so wrong that I was saying insults rather than simply phrases... oops.  Irka and Ana also were amazed when we described Lehigh and sororities... Irka: "Wow it sound like your lives are out of a movie, up until now it was like we were all from the same world". We really do come from different worlds though, so vastly different in our childhoods and backgrounds, yet we still get along so well.

It was a very silly night, and we left Irkas very full, sleepy, happy, and bittersweet... how is it that we've made such good friends with only two weeks left abroad and functionally a week left in Chisinau?

Dinner? Irka's mom nailed it. 

Ana just being her fabulous self and carrying some plates no big deal.

This cat also had the most adorable kitten, but was too afraid of us so we didn't get to pet it.

pește. the fish here is so good. 

All these pictures where captured by Mikayla. Killing it with the photography. 

Irka, actually cracking up

Always ending on a sweet note.

Trunk game strong. 

 These are old.. but at hospice they are always just throwing me in the trunk! (Only joking, i volunteered) 

Fish Heads and Sun Baths

As I mentioned yesterday was one of the best days yet in Chisinau, spent with good food and better company. We finished out the day by going to the first event held my the program, FLEX, that we volunteered at. FLEX provides kids from all over world to study abroad in the U.S. to improve their weak English skills. Some of these kids have disabilities, some blind, in wheelchairs, or permanently using crutches.  We  really weren’t given much information when we agreed to help as English speaking American mentors, but I was immediately glad I had helped after last nights events.

Last night was a welcome party for the kids, who have to stay at this school for thirty five days before heading over to the states. When we arrived, the program coordinator was setting the ground rules as well as sharing information about Moldova (most kids in the program aren’t from here, I only met two. The countries ranged from Kirgizstan, Iran, Jordan…the list of obscure countries goes on) I had been assigned to Mentor marina, a very confident and sweet sixteen year old from Georgia. She is actually going to a school in Pennsylvania, a really small one with only 50 per grade (Sounds just like Jenkintown!). She, as well as all the kids I talked to, spoke English moderately well, but had some trouble understanding my English. That was okay though because the majority of the event was about dancing, which Marina was really good at. We taught them American dances like the Electric slide and Moldovan dances like the hora, and they even played the most intense round of musical chairs I had ever seen… It actually came down to Marina vs. Mikayla’s mentee and one chair, when the music stopped, Mikayla’s mentee pulled out the chair before Marina could sit down. It was absolutely hilarious; the whole room was cracking up.

The kids were really great though, I was so touched by how genuinely excited and appreciative they were. They were all so eager to participate- something you do not see in the usual American teenager. I love how they all joined in the dancing and would cheer each other on. I really hope that they have good experiences, even though some are being sent to random states (Ohio? Really you're sending them to Ohio?) Some of them are going to Florida, California, and New York, which will be better locations. Though it sounds like they all will make the most of the experience, a mentor who went to Alaska last year said he really loved it, especially because it was unique.  

Mikayla and I also were able to talk to some of the other mentors. One of them, Matt, had been living in Chisinau for three years! He’s from New Jersey and had first come as a Peace Corp volunteer, but fell in love with the place and is here in search of a job. He even got a tattoo of Moldova as well as a his favorite bar on his leg (now that’s commitment.) Matt is also friends with Thomas (He called him Tomás) from work! Small world am I right?! Or maybe just small Moldova, according to  the world population review, there are 3,433,407 in the country with a net decrease of 1 person every 5 minutes (bye Felicia).

We also spoke with two girls who had graduated from the FLEX program last year. They were in California and Indiana and told us that their American host families were very clueless. They had to answer questions like, "Does Moldova have electricity?", "Do you live in houses?", "Do you know how to use phone". Leave it to the Americans to make complete fools out of themselves. Hopefully we were able to give them a better impression.

After the the welcome party, Inga picture us up so we could spend all of Sunday in Ialoveni. Waking up to roosters makes me smile.. it's just funny, I'm like "how the hell did I end up here, I could be anywhere in the world and I'm lucky enough to be here". Ialoveni is great, Inga and I made omlets (yum) with tomato, onion, and mushroom.
We then cleaned up and got ready for Mamachica's sister and her husband as well as Tante Luba to come over for a early lunch/dinner (we ate breakfast around 12). I helped Inga prepare fish, which was super exciting because these herring were as real as it gets. I got to split the thing in two, shop its head off, and rip all it's guts out. Pretty exciting stuff if you ask me.
Lunch/Dinner was so great, the food was spectacular as usual. Mikayla had even brought this special syracuse barbecue sauce that all the Moldovans really liked. Because today was the seventh anniversary of Papachica's father's death, we lit candles and stuck them in bread, which is a Moldovan tradition to commemorate the dead. On days celebrating the deceased, Inga told us there is no "cheers" or "noroke" before the meal begins. 

All the food and wine, put us into a food coma, so Mikayla, Inga, and I retreated to sun bath in the grass beside the house. Everyone here comments on how tan I am, but this is the palest I think I've been any summer of my life. It was definitely nice to try to make up some ground today.

Today was another great day in Moldova, I love that I am able to see life in the Moldovan countryside as well as in a Chisinau flat. Everything is so laid back in the countryside, no worries about getting places on time or getting lost. It is definitely the perfect way to begin our final stretch of two weeks in Moldova.

Also side note... you know that T.I. and Rihanna song from like 2008, Live Your Life? You would totally recognize the first ten seconds with the "Miaya here, miya ho, miya hu, miya ha ha" Well guess what... THEY FLIPPING STOLE THAT PART FROM MOLDOVA. So, all of you (haters) who at one point of your life may have possibly enjoyed/sang along to that super catching intro, you were also lucky enough to enjoy a little piece of Moldova. You're welcome for this new musical knowledge. If you want to listen to the real thing, it actually from the Moldovan band Ozone's song "Dragoste din tei" Small world right? 

The school where the welcome party took place. It reminded us a lot of a mall.

I think there are 26 kids total in the program. They are receiving the no-cellphones-in-class talk from the Marina who runs the program.

The roof of the school.. very mall like. Also extremely hot.. the place felt like a greenhouse. 

What schools look like in Chisinau. This one is a high school that specializes in science. It has a dormitory for the really smart kids who get in but come from villages outside Chisinau. 

This was fabulous. Mamachica made this zucchini with some sort of great sauce. 

Papachica is all about the spirits and fruit chasers.

Preparing breakfast

The most legit fish I've ever seen.

Inga shows me how it's done

She was a pro.

All the fish guts.

They were pretty cool fish.

Papachica shows me how to make the traditional Moldovan dish, Mamaliga. It is sort of a corn grain semi-solid porridge.

Master chief maddie.

Ta-da!

and then we ate!

The bread and candles to commemorate papachica's grandfather

Sunbathing with a view 

Inga pronouncing the blog title, "Basic Betches" Mikayla and I were cracking up when she asked what "betches" were

Neagra -- "Blackie" their dog that stays at the country home!

Moldovan rugs always for the win. Their colors are just always on fleek.

Wishing to make the most of these next two weeks.

Basic Betches and the BEST DAY EVER

I think Ana and Irka and the older sisters that I've always wanted. I found that being the oldest sister of eight, I subconsciously seek out older sister figures (shout out to Jen Fasy and Lacey Quinn for being the absolute best stands in) Here in Moldova, i've been so blessed to have someone as cool and fun as Ana take me under her wing not only at work, but also on the weekends. Her and her friend Irka are honestly so fun and silly, I want to pack them up in my suitcase and bring them to the U.S. (I'm not just saying that because they read my blog either--- I am seriously crazy about both of them.

Anyways Mikayla and I went to met the Ana and Irka for the free Engish-speaking Saturday morning Yoga sessions offered at the International Preschool. Ana gave me directions-- "and Look for the white building with the black gate, ring the door bell and an angry old Russian man will buzz you in. Sure enough after finding the building and ringing the bell, we waited to be let in. After a little while of waiting, we thought we might be in the wrong place. Literally as I was saying "There should be an angry Russian man..." the gate flung open and we were berated in harsh Russian. Yep, this is right! We found Ana who heard the guy scolding, and explained that he was saying "Stupid girls, don't even know how to ring the bell"... apparently we had rung the wrong one.
Ana then showed us the tiny bathroom which were so silly, see pictures below.
Yoga was really great, though I definitely struggled through it because it was "flow" and more fast moving than I was used to. It was much more enjoyable than the early morning six am yoga that is mandatory for Lehigh rowing. I think I prefer being awake when working out.. (ehemmm Coach Conely.. ehemm four am wakeups..)
I was surprised by the three men though joined in the middle of our yoga class, though one of them was literally cat calling Irka and I. Irka and I didn't even know what to make of it.. I honestly couldn't believe it, like seriously you came to yoga to pick up chicks. You're lame please leave, you're ruining our Zen.
After we got our Namaste, we went to eat at this adorable little french place, Creme de la Creme. The food was so amazing, as was the company. Irka and Ana are so funny together, they really crack me up. I still think it's wild how cross culturally, and even being such different ages and at different points in our lives we all click so well. Its amazing, I feel like I could have known the two of them forever. I just feel so blessed to have crossed paths with the two of them.
After lunch we met up with Inga to look around the market for traditional Moldovan goods. I love just walking around Chisinau and seeing everything. Then we returned home for some amazing home cooked cartofi (always the potatoes).
Tonight Mikayla and I are helping at an event for international students going to the U.S. in a few weeks. The event is held through American Councils, the group who help facilitate our Iacocca program, so it feels good to give back. Also I just would talk to really anyone in English at this point.
So a great day! One of the best days in Chisinau yet I think! I would elaborate more, but I'm in a rush!

The Tiny Tiny bathroom! 

And the TINY TINY TOILETS 

ALL THE DESSERTS

Just enjoying the best day ever. 

The dessert is on fire. 

Irka was bummed we didn't bring marshmallows to roast on it.

Ana models her burning dessert. 

All the fancy coffee.

Aren't they just the cutest? Like who wouldn't want them to be your stand in big sisters?

We try to match their cuteness

Yum.

I'll take everything.

Moldova just killing the game, per usual.