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Meeting a Pen Pal in Chisinau (part2) October 3rd 2002, Then we were off, another car (I think this was the 129) to pick up Sandu at school. When we arrived at school it was time for lunch which Sandu ate like each mouthful was medicine. It must have been his taste because Julia ate her lunch like it was her favorite meal. After lunch it was a walk up the hill from Sandu's school to catch the "Trolley Bus" to Cezara's work.The bus was very crowded and hot, but in a short time we made it to her work where we were greeted my Tamara and Lilea. Cezara's work is something that inspires her and she is very passionate when she speaks of it. I am in awe of her knowledge of music. I am quite ignorant of composers and music having never learned the finer things in life. There are over 20,000 records in their collection and enough sheet music to fill a large room. There are also uncountable books about all types of music, history of music, types of music, etc... As she walked us around her eyes were bright as sapphires. She is very happy in this element. After the tour of her work we went for something to eat (again : - ). Cezara and I then went by car to pick up my document which was ready when we arrived. Then back by car to her work where Tamara, Lilea, and Sandu were waiting. We were then informed that Tamara's cousin was having a birthday party for her one year old. We left her work and walked to the party which was not far but by this time Sandu's legs were tired so I carried him for a while. The party was wonderful! I can honestly say that I have never experienced such a party. When we arrived we were greeted by our host Sacha. What a great man! He was very accommodating, and outgoing. After the pleasantries of introductions he invited me (Tamara came to translate) to the "underground" which is a cellar in which food is stored. In the cellar he gave me a taste of his homemade wine and salted tomatoes (both red and green). We also had some of his homemade cognac and he taught me to say a phrase which came in handy the rest of my trip. The phrase is "hai naroc" and it is the equivalent of "cheers". After some laughter (mostly because I think they liked to hear me say "hai naroc" we returned to the party. The house although modest was very comfortable and it was easy to feel at home. We were sent to a room which had two long tables with chairs and they began to lay out the food. There were three rounds of food presented, the first was explained to me as being the cold food. Things like sliced meat, cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc... filled the table. When this course was ended then came the warm foods. Many different types of food were offered and I can not remember all of their names, but it was all excellent. During the whole meal there were many toasts to health and good fortune. Cezara and Tamara made sure that the men did not get me drunk, although they tried all night to do so. Now the final course of food was spread out and this was all sorts of deserts and coffee. Just when I thought it was over the cake was brought out and a birthday song was sung. What a party! We left the party and made our way back to the apartment where I had my "Moldavian Shower". The hot water had yet to be turned on in the apartment. Although maybe not as easy as taking a regular shower it still has the same effect, I come out clean and refreshed. Before going to bed I did get up and do one thing that I have wanted to do since I arrived. I gave Cezara a kiss, just a short, quick kiss on the lips. I found her lips to be very soft, like the feeling of a rose petal being softly brushed against your skin. With my heart pounding I went to sleep, a very full and enjoyable day. |
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