Lori says part two:

Lori didn't think my previous post was that funny. But it worked, cause she wrote a post on Moldova. It's entertaining, so I deigned to put it up. Read on:

In response to your not so nice posting about the likelihood of getting a posting about Moldova out of me, here's some of the things that the Ministry of Tourism of Moldova site neglected to include about things you want to know before your next trip to the wine capital of eastern Europe:

1. Drink slowly - the wine in Moldova has of a much higher percentage of alcohol in it than does the wine made my lightweights in France or Italy

2. Develop a love for Mayo, or don't eat the pizza - Moldovan pizza more often than not is topped with a layer of Mayonaisse under the cheese. If you're really lucky, they'll also use Ketchup instead of tomatoes sauce - but only if you're really lucky. Expect all other foods to include mayo as well - don't resist.

3. Embrace the smell - "Marshutka's" or white marshmallow vans as we called them are the best and not the least dangerous way to get around the country. For 2 lei (less than 20 cents) you too can roast in a 17 person van - no prior showering required. Oh, and don't bother asking about that window - Moldovans believe that open windows let in evil breezes that make you sick. So, no worries - despite that person coughing next to you, as long as the window is shut, you'll be fine. PS - on occasion old women will transport dead fish or chickens by marshutka - you've been warned...

4. Passports at the ready - Ah, Transnistria - the seperatist Eastern region of Moldova - if you want to go remember this simple equation: Fake country + fake border + real guns = stop and let them look at your passport. Once you're across, you'll wonder what all the fuss is about, that side looks just like the other.

That's it for this installment of a tourist's guide to Moldova - book now or miss out - of course the country has an airport - more to come...