Moldova in May!

In May, I went to Moldova for a few days with my brother and sister-in-law!
View from the top of the hill at the "Candle of Gratitude Monument" in Soroca, Moldova.
This is the Dniester river separating Ukraine and Moldova.

I took a small bus from Odessa, Ukraine to Chisinau, Moldova.
I stayed in this Airbnb with my brother and sister-in-law, Alina 

The next morning, we walked around Chisinau. Above is pictured the Nativity Cathedral.

We then drove a few hours to Alina's small hometown - Drochia.

We stayed with her family for a few days in the house she grew up in. 

Her village is so neat and beautiful. It's like going back in time.

Some of the delicious food her family made for us. It was great getting to meet and speak Russian with them as well! I was a little out of practice, but they were very kind :)

They butchered their pig while we were there, which is a yearly tradition.
It provides meat for them year-round. Definitely an interesting process to watch.

A beautiful Moldovan cathedral

We went into town for a few drinks :)

We drove to Soroca and toured the Soroca Fort which was built in 1499! So cool to see this historic fortress and learn about all that happened here such a long time ago! 

Exploring the fortress with Seth and Alina! 

A view of Moldova from one of the fort's windows :)

Such a beautiful spring day to see these cool sites!

We walked up A LOT of stairs to this monument known as the "Thanksgiving Candle"
There is a small Cathedral in there as well, but we weren't allowed to take pictures inside.

Alina poses in between the pillars. You can see the start of the stairs behind her.

A selfie together at the bottom of the hill

The drive back to Drochia was beautiful!
We passed all these flowers and had to stop for pictures :)

So happy I got the opportunity to visit Moldova and experience life with Alina and her family!
I hope to go back again someday :)